Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the Jordanian eating and nutritional habits.

Since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, variable measures have been implemented to control the invasion of SARS-CoV-19 worldwide. Some of these measures included lockdowns for several months in some countries. In Jordan, various protocols have been implemented to deal with the epidemic, such as border closures, closures and local protocols for open days until we reach the partial opening in mid-2021. These measures and protocols have affected all sectors in the country, including the education system and the economy. In addition, lifestyle is one of the measurement issues that have been affected by government regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the eating and nutrition habits of the Jordanian population. An online sectional survey was built using Google Forms from Google. Responses were collected from November 12, 2020, through November 24, 2020. Researchers submitted a total of 2,511 responses. The results showed that there was a significant decrease in sugar intake (P = <0.005) with no critical fat and oil intake (P = 0.12). There was a significant change in daily consumption of fruits, vegetables, garlic, onions, and ginger, and downloads of health-related applications and supplements (P < 0.005). In addition, there was an increase in appetite, weight and number of daily meals. These changes are attributed to the extra free time due to lockdown and studying or working from home has significant impacts. However, 31.4% of respondents reported that the limited economic availability of food products and the closure of restaurants and cafes lead to a healthier lifestyle. Only 26.2% have been influenced by family members, friends, doctors, or social media to change their eating habits during the pandemic.

Clinical outcomes of patients with mitral prosthetic valve obstructive thrombosis treated with streptokinase or tenecteplase.

Agent of choice for thrombolytic therapy (TT) in prosthetic valve thrombosis (PVT) is unknown. 84 mitral obstructive-PVT episodes treated with TT (43: Tenecteplase; 41: Streptokinase) were included in this prospective study. The incidence of primary end-point (CCS: complete clinical success, defined as complete or partial hemodynamic success with no complications or surgery) was 84.5% with recurrent PVT as a sole predictor. Bleeding and embolic manifestations were noted in 8.3% and 4.7% of episodes respectively. Tenecteplase use was associated with lower complication rate and a mitral EOA of <0.74 cm2 at presentation predicts the need for extended thrombolysis (accuracy, 78.6%).

Paraneoplastic syndromes in lung cancer and their management.

Paraneoplastic syndromes are most frequently associated with lung cancer. This review considers a variety of paraneoplastic syndromes associated with lung cancer and discusses their pathophysiology, clinical features and management options.

An audit on public awareness of depression symptoms in Jordan.

OBJECTIVES: Depression is a common mental health disorder. The aim of this study is to determine the level of public awareness regarding this illness, its symptoms, associated factors, available forms of treatment, and the attitude towards depressed people. METHODS: A self administered questionnaire was filled in by approximately 5000 individuals selected from various regions of Jordan. RESULTS: The majority of participants thought that depression is a treatable condition that can affect patient at any age, and may be controlled by the will power. Loss of interest in things and presence of negative feelings were the most commonly recognized symptoms of depression, while, unemployment and poverty were found to be the most recognized risk factors for depression. In addition, most participants considered support from family and friends (93.6%) as well as exercise (80.4%) to be the best available forms of depression treatment. Respondents found it acceptable to work, make friends with, or marry depressed individuals. The first choice persons for seeking help by most participants were family members and friends (49.8%). CONCLUSION: Collectively, the level of awareness of depression was acceptable. However, further efforts are necessary to establish public educational programs related to depression in order to raise awareness regarding the disease.

Self-medication with antibiotics in Jordanian population.

OBJECTIVES: A survey was conducted to estimate the prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics in Jordan and evaluate the factors associated with antibiotic misuse. METHODS: Validated questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample of 1943 households (9281 persons) selected from among different cities in Jordan. RESULTS: 842 (39.5%) of 2133 antibiotic users identified via the survey had used antibiotics without a prescription within a one-month study period. Self-medication with antibiotics was found to be significantly associated with age, income, and level of education. The main reason for self-medication as reported by the participants was their previous experience on the efficacy of treatment. The main sources of antibiotics were the previously prescribed pharmaceuticals stored in the household and those purchased in pharmacies. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics in Jordan is alarmingly high. Given the growing global resistance to antibiotics and the documented health problems related to their inappropriate use, our findings may have major public health policy implications in Jordan.