Assessment of quality of work life (QWL) among healthcare staff of intensive care unit (ICU) and emergency unit during COVID-19 outbreak using WHOQoL-BREF.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to document the quality of work life (QWL) among healthcare staff of intensive care units (ICUs) and emergency units during COVID-19 outbreak using the WHOQoL-BREF. METHODS: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted for two months (May - June 2020) among healthcare staff working in intensive care units (ICUs) and emergency units of the hospitals under the National Guard Health Authority (NGHA) across five cities of Saudi Arabia. The study used the WHOQoL-BREF instrument to document the QWL through an electronic institutional survey. The data was analyzed through IBM SPSS version 23. The study was approved by an ethics committee. RESULTS: A total of 290 healthcare professionals responded to the survey. The mean overall quality of life score was 3.37 ± 0.97, general health = 3.66 ± 0.88, domains, i.e., physical = 11.67 ± 2.16, psychological = 13.08 ± 2.14, social = 13.22 ± 3.31 and environment = 12.38 ± 2.59. Respondents aged > 40 years, male gender, married status, being a physician and, having a work experience > 15 years and no extra working hours, had higher mean scores for several domains of Quality of life (QoL), overall QoL and general health (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The QWL among healthcare staff during COVID-19 pandemic was low. Demographic factors were mainly the determinants for a higher QWL while the variable of extra working hours was a determinant of lower QWL. Despite the pandemic, no COVID-19 related variables affected the work life of healthcare staff.

Concurrent validity of the Arabic version of General Medication Adherence Scale using two validated indirect adherences measures in Saudi patients with non-communicable diseases.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the concurrent validity of the Arabic version of the General Medication Adherence Scale (GMAS) using two validated scales namely Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale (ARMS) and Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS) in Saudi patients with non-communicable diseases. METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted for 2 months in out-patient departments at a tertiary care hospital in Khobar, Saudi Arabia. The study collected data from patients with chronic illnesses through convenience sampling. Pearson correlation (ρ) was conducted to report concurrent validity of GMAS. A correlation coefficient value ≥ 0.5 with p-value < 0.01 was considered threshold for establishing concurrent validity. The study was approved by an ethics committee (IRB-2019-05-002). RESULTS: A total of 406 patients responded to the study. The average age was 42.4 ± 5.94 years, and most patients were females (53.7%), married (70%), graduates (65.3%), employed (39.9%) and, had a monthly family income > SAR 10,000, i.e., USD 2666.2 (56.4%). The mean adherence scores obtained from MARS, ARMS and GMAS were 7.09, 19.9, and 27.4. The correlation (ρ) between GMAS and MARS scores was 0.65, and between GMAS and ARMS scores was -0.79, p < 0.01 for both comparisons. CONCLUSION: The concurrent validity of GMAS-AR was established in this study that would further substantiate psychometric properties of the scale in this population.

Determining the release kinetics of risperidone controlled release matrices to treat schizophrenia.

Risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic agent clinically used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar diseases, and autism. Usually, the frequency of doses is twice daily. In the present study, risperidone controlled release matrices formulated using hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymers. The tablets were prepared by direct compression. The pre-compression and post-compression properties were assessed, along with swelling studies. The morphology of particles observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The stability study on the drug was performed using thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). The optimized formulation was prepared with the help of hydrophilic polymer K100M (40% ratio). Furthermore, release kinetics had investigated. The release pattern of optimized formulation FT5 fitted best to zero-order kinetics and showed excellent release characteristics. The model-independent approach had been used, formulations FT6 and FT8 showed resemblance with FT5 in all three media, respectively. The once daily formulation of risperidone could be beneficial for schizophrenia patients and their caregivers and will improve patient compliance.

Development and validation of reverse phase HPLC method for determination of angiotensin receptor blocking agent irbesartan in plasma.

A sensitive, reproducible and modest analytical procedure was developed and validated for evaluation of irbesartan in human plasma. LLE (Liquid-Liquid extraction) of the drug was carried out with acetonitrile (1:1 v/v). Chromatographic separation of irbesartan was conducted by the help of 4.0mm × 25cm column having L1 packing from plasma and mobile phase utilizing HPLC. The mobile phase comprise of phosphate buffer and acetonitrile in a ratio of 67:33 v/v. The flow rate was set at 1ml/minute and the detector at a wavelength of 220 nm. The resolution of irbesartan was well performed from plasma components. This method was validated and demonstrated linearity with a concentration range of 0.1to 6µg/ml of irbesartan in plasma. Intra-day, inter-day accuracy was found 89.33% to 96.37% while intra-day, inter-day precision was found within the limit of 0.02 and 2.15 respectively. The mean recovery of irbesartan was 97.28%. The efficacy of extraction was proved by above-mentioned results. In plasma, the 0.05 and 0.1µg/ml dilutions were exhibited as the LOD and LOQ of irbesartan. Stability studies disclosed that irbesartan showed stability at -20°C storage.

Assesment of predictor variables and clinical consequences associated with surgical site infection in tertiary care setting, Karachi, Pakistan.

Among the well-known Health care-associated infections (HAIs), surgical site infections (SSIs) contribute to considerable high mortality and morbidity rate, substantial prolongation in hospitalization period and extra expenses in terms of treatment cost. This study was aimed to evaluate the predictive variables associated with surgical site infections, and their clinical consequences. This was a prospective, cross sectional study conducted in the surgical department of tertiary care setting in Karachi, Pakistan. Each patient was followed up from the time of admission until time of the discharge postoperatively for 30 days. A total of 554 surgical procedures were performed and 81 SSIs were identified. The predictor variable/risk factors significantly associated with the presence of SSI were age, gender, BMI, ASA score, co-morbid condition, surgical wound class, emergency surgeries, duration of surgery, type of anesthesia, prosthetic implant, pre operative length of stay and pre operative blood transfusion. Outcomes of such studies may be utilized in the design of a multi factorial practice to get better patient's safety and clinical outcomes.

Biowaiver studies of newly optimized meloxicam tablets.

In this research work biowaiver studies of newly developed and optimized Meloxicam 7.5mg and 15mg water dispersible formulations were carried out at different dissolution media i.e. 0.1N HCl, phosphate buffer pH 4.5, pH 6.8, and pH 7.5 at 50 rpm. For this purpose reference (MA9 and MB9) and tests (MA2, MA4, MA6, MA7 and MA8 (15 mg) and MB2, MB4, MB6, MB7and MB8 (7.5 mg) formulations were compared. In vitro patterns were analyzed by using model-independent and model-dependent methods. Results indicated that all formulation at pH 0.1N HCl and phosphate buffer pH 4.5 followed Weibull model, while at pH 6.8 and pH 7.5 all formulations followed Hixson-Crowell model. Similarly results of model independent methods demonstrated that all the reference formulations were found to be similar with the tests formulations. Results indicated that Biowaiver could be granted to all the optimized water dispersible meloxicam formulations of both batches, so waiver for bioequivalence study can be allowed.

Pharmaceutical and in vitro therapeutic equivalence studies of ketoprofen enteric coated 100 mg tablets.

The objective of this study was to assess the quality of six different brands of enteric coated Ketoprofen 100 mg tablets, KPB2 to KPB6 are available in commercial market of Karachi, Pakistan, while KPB1 was obtained from international source. We performed different physico-chemical assessments i.e. weight variation, diameter, hardness, friability, thickness, disintegration, content uniformity, assay and dissolution test. Results of all the investigations were found to be in adequate limits. Also pharmaceutical equivalence was determined by selecting different tests and assay assessment. Furthermore, in vitro therapeutic equivalence was also estimated at phosphate buffer pH 6.8 and 7.5. Results were evaluated by one way ANOVA, model independent and model dependent methods. ANOVA results showed that release behaviour were found to be similar as p values >0.05, also KPB 1 - KPB6 followed Weibull model at different dissolution media. Results indicated that innovator and brands not only passes the pharmaceutical equivalence assessment but also comply with the in vitro therapeutic equivalence.

Assessment of COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance and Reluctance Among Staff Working in Public Healthcare Settings of Saudi Arabia: A Multicenter Study.

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination acceptance and reluctance among staff working in Saudi healthcare facilities. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during April - May 2021, among healthcare workers in five public hospitals under the National Guards Health Association located in Alahsa, Dammam, Jeddah, Madinah, and Riyadh. The study used a questionnaire in English language, which was distributed through official email communication among healthcare staff currently working at study venues. The data was analyzed using IBM SPSS v23. An ethical approval was obtained. Results: A total of 1,031 responses were recorded. Most of the staff had both doses of COVID-19 vaccine (89%). The mean score for vaccine acceptance on a scale of 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree) was 3.55 ± 1.6. The mean score for vaccine reluctance on the same scale was 2.71 ± 1.05. Most participants mentioned safety (76.9%) and efficacy (56.3%) as vaccine concerns and believed that COVID-19 vaccine may not be effective because of changes in virus strain (55.5%). The variables of gender and nationality significantly affected vaccine acceptance, while age, gender, nationality, and profession significantly affected vaccine reluctance (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Most healthcare staff were vaccinated, and a high acceptance for COVID-19 vaccination was reported. Several demographic factors affected the vaccine acceptance and reluctance.

What Is the Current State of Awareness, Knowledge, and Attitudes Toward Breast Cancer? A Cross-Sectional Survey Among Health and Non-health College Students.

Objective: To document breast cancer (BC) knowledge, awareness, and attitudes among female undergraduate students studying at health and non-health colleges. Methods: A 3-month cross-sectional study was conducted among female undergraduate students studying at health and non-health subject colleges affiliated to a public university. Convenience sampling was employed, and a previously validated questionnaire available in English and Arabic languages was used. Multiple linear regression was used to report the predictors of BC knowledge. A two-tailed p-value of < 0.05 was considered significant. The study was approved by an ethics committee. Results: A total of 506 responses were analyzed. The mean knowledge score was 13.98 ± 4.1. The findings of the surveyed students suggested that more than 55% of the students had an acceptable level of knowledge. By education sector, approximately 70% and 40% of health and non-health college students, respectively, had an acceptable level of knowledge. The mean difference in knowledge scores between students of health and non-health colleges was significant (p < 0.001) as students at health colleges had a higher score. Age, college type and the presence of the disease in family/relatives were significant predictors of students' BC knowledge (p < 0.05). Conclusion: By comparing it with previous evidence, the knowledge of BC has improved. The role of awareness campaigns as an information medium for students from non-health backgrounds is greatly appreciated. Moreover, the internet and electronic media have emerged as new sources of information for non-health college students, and therefore, more efforts are needed to utilize this medium in empowering this student population in understanding of this disease.

Prevalence, reasons, and determinants of dietary supplements use among undergraduate female students of health and non-health colleges in a Saudi public university.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to gather data from female students studying in both health and non-health colleges at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University and report the prevalence, reasons, and determinants of dietary supplements use. METHODS: A month-long cross-sectional study was conducted in health and non-health colleges affiliated to Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. Convenient sampling was employed, and the data was gathered through an online survey using the English and Arabic versions of the Dietary Supplement Questionnaire (DSQ). The data was analyzed using SPSS version 23 and Medcalc. The study was approved by an ethics committee. RESULTS: Data from 545 participants was collected. The overall prevalence of dietary supplement use was 32.7% (95% CI: 29.06%- 36.51%). The prevalence was 29.77% (95% CI: 25.29%- 34.56%) among students at all health colleges combined and, it was 37.50% (95% CI: 31.36%- 43.96%) among students at all non-health colleges. Most students used a brand product, spent a monthly cost of SAR 286 (USD 76.3) on supplements and agreed that supplements were good for health (N = 392, 71.9%). Students from non-health- colleges agreed that dietary supplements are good for health in greater numbers as compared to non-health college students (p < 0.001). Students aged ≥ 20 years, studying in a non-health college and up to 3rd year of study, were more 2 times more likely to agree that dietary supplements are good for health. CONCLUSION: Supplements were commonly used among female students at this university however, it was quite low as compared to students from other local and regional universities. Prevalence was higher in non-health colleges as compared to health colleges and the most commonly used supplements were brand products and, multivitamins, used for general health and well-being. This highlights the inclination of students towards supplement use.

Validation of the General Medication Adherence Scale in Pakistani Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to validate the Urdu version of General Medication Adherence Scale (GMAS) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis disease. METHODS: A 2-month (March-April 2019) cross-sectional study was conducted in randomly selected out-patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The sample size was calculated using item-subject ratio of 1:20. The scale was evaluated for factorial, concrete, concurrent, and known group validities. Concrete validity was established by correlating scores of EQ-5D quality of life scale and GMAS adherence score. Concurrent validity was established by correlating the GMAS adherence score with pill count. Analyses for sensitivity were also conducted. Cut-off value was determined through receiver operator curve (ROC), and test-retest method was used to analyze internal consistency and reliability. Data were analyzed through IBM SPSS, IBM AMOS, and MedCalc software. The Urdu version of EQ-5D quality of life questionnaire was used with permission from developers (#ID20884). The study was approved by an ethics committee (#NOV:15). RESULTS: A total of 351 responses were analyzed. The response rate was 98%. Reliability was in acceptable range, i.e., Cronbach α = 0.797. Factorial validity was established by calculation of satisfactory fit indices. Correlation coefficients for concrete and concurrent validities were ρ = 0.687, p < 0.01 and ρ = 0.779, p < 0.01, respectively. Known group validity was established as significant association of adherence score with insurance and illness duration (p < 0.05) that were reported. Sensitivity of the scale was 94%. Most patients had high adherence (N = 159, 45.3%). CONCLUSION: The Urdu version of GMAS demonstrated adequate internal consistency and was validated. These results indicate that it is an appropriate tool to measure medication adherence in Pakistani patients with rheumatoid arthritis.