Knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward epilepsy among schoolchildren in Jordan.

The purpose of this study was to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practice toward epilepsy among Jordanian schoolchildren. A cross-sectional design was used, utilizing a self-administered questionnaire to assess students' knowledge, attitudes, and practices in eight schools in a single province in Jordan. The results showed students' age ranged from 12 to 18 years (mean = 15.19, SD = 1.8). Students demonstrated inadequate knowledge and negative attitudes toward people with epilepsy. None of the participating students had received first aid or seizure management training in or out of school. The conclusion state that students demonstrated poor knowledge and negative attitudes toward people with epilepsy. They had no form of education or training regarding epilepsy management or first aid, indicating a need to launch education sessions as part of the school curriculum and to introduce straightforward activities in the school health education program.

Clinical Burdens of ß-Thalassemia Major in Affected Children.

BACKGROUND: ß-thalassemia major (BTM) is an inherited blood disorder leading to severe anemia. A better understanding of BTM complications can be considered an important factor in developing effective health care provision. METHOD: A descriptive exploratory design was used to identify the clinical burden of BTM from affected children's perspective. A convenience sample of 45 patients with BTM, accompanied by a family member, was recruited from a governmental hospital during April-May 2015. RESULTS: The most reported clinical burden was facial deformity 86.9%, followed by systematic infection (48.8%), growth delay (44.4%), and liver problems (39.9%). Patient age was significantly associated with clinical burdens such as bone pain and facial deformity. The number of blood transfusions received was associated with growth delay and bone pain. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the clinical burdens of thalassemia on affected children, in terms of physical appearance, growth delay and other burdens.

Postnatal women's perspectives on the feasibility of introducing postpartum home visits: a Jordanian study.

In Jordan, there is a deficiency in postnatal care provided to women and their newborns. This study investigated the feasibility of initiating postnatal home visits in Jordan. Thirty Jordanian mothers who had recently given birth were recruited from two governmental hospitals in the northern region of Jordan to participate in a qualitative study through face-to-face, voice-recorded interviews. The findings revealed that initiating postnatal home visits as part of postnatal care was well-received by the participants. Mothers' views and perceptions regarding postpartum home visits play an integral role in finding areas to improve postnatal services.

Epidemiology of Nonfatal Injuries Among Schoolchildren.

Nonfatal injuries are considered as one of the major public health hazards affecting schoolchildren, and the majority of these injuries occur at school or in the home. A cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of 3 months, March-May 2015. The participants were 4,355 Jordanian schoolchildren in Grades 7-12. The Pearson χ(2) test was computed, and the odds ratio was used to determine the magnitude of various risk factors for nonfatal injuries among schoolchildren. The overall incidence of nonfatal injury was 33.9%. The group most likely to sustain nonfatal injuries was boys, aged 12-15, in Grade 7, whose parents had a low level of education or a high family income. Injury prevention in schools and at homes is a cornerstone for protection or reducing the incidence of injuries. School nurses have a duty to follow up and examine the accident reports and evaluate whether safety policies are applied and are effective in different school settings. Furthermore, health and education authorities should develop a national program for preventing injuries.

A comparison of the preemptive effects of oral pregabalin and gabapentin on acute postoperative sedation and complications in patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery.

BACKGROUND: Gabapentinoids are often administered preoperatively, as they have been shown to reduce postoperative opioid consumption and pain scores however sedation has always been a concern because of sedative side effect. OBJECTIVE: This study was intended to compare oral gabapentin versus oral pregabalin sedative effects and complications in patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery under general anaesthesia. METHODS: This study was a true experimental randomised, placebo-controlled, prospective study, conducted at Rafedia Government Surgical Hospital in Nablus, Palestine. The sample consisted of 60 male and female patients undergoing elective lumbar spine surgeries in the department of neurology and aged from 18 to 70 years. The patients were divided into three groups (20 patients each): The pregabalin 150mg group, the gabapentin group and the placebo group. FINDINGS: Nearly 51.7% of the participants reported that they experienced a feeling of nausea or vomiting after the operation. There were statistically significant differences (p-value = 0.008) between the groups in how often complications happen after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Preemptive pregabalin (150mg) was established to have a more sedative effect and lowered complications than gabapentin (300mg).

Shared governance: a children's hospital journey to clinical nursing excellence.

BACKGROUND: Shared governance is examined through a framework for developing independent decision making in professional nursing practice and improving patient care outcomes. AIMS: This study is designed to obtain a baseline measurement of the degree of shared governance in a selected children's hospital in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: The study was guided by the Donabedian model. The Professional Nursing Governance Index was used. A total of 400 questionnaires were distributed to nurses working at the hospital, with a response rate of 77% (n = 307). Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis. RESULTS: The results corresponded with those from nurses and managers in most subscales of the Index of Professional Nursing Governance (information, goals, resources, participation and practice). However, nurses working in the operating theatre and surgical unit have a perceived higher level of shared governance than those in critical care units and medical wards. CONCLUSIONS: The results could encourage shareholders and leaders in the nursing field to develop the perception of shared governance by adopting a shared governance model, which in turn might improve the quality of nursing care.

Effectiveness of antibiotics versus ibuprofen in relieving symptoms of nosocomial urinary tract infection: A comparative study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Antibiotic therapy has been the mainstay of treatment in the management of hospitalized patients with nosocomial urinary tract infection (UTI); however, its use is associated with an increase in resistance and high cost. Ibuprofen showed effectiveness in relieving symptoms of UTI, but its superiority is questionable. The goal of this study was to compare the effectiveness of antibiotics against ibuprofen in relieving symptoms of UTI and to identify factors that affect symptom relief. METHODS: This study was conducted in three public hospitals in Jordan. Patients with nosocomial UTI were assigned to either antibiotics or ibuprofen. Symptoms of UTI were assessed at the time of initiation of treatment and 5 days later. CONCLUSIONS: Antibiotics were more effective in relieving symptoms of UTI than Ibuprofen. Comorbidity and length of hospitalization affected symptom relief during the treatment of UTI. IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE: Nurse practitioners in the clinical settings can take an active role in helping patients with UTI to achieve relief of symptoms by supporting the use of antibiotics over ibuprofen in symptom resolution.

The relationship between physical activity and diet, and overweight and obesity, in young people.

BACKGROUND: Childhood obesity has a worldwide association with serious health problems and complications that increase the risk of illness and death. AIM: To identify and assess the factors contributing to overweight and obesity among school students in north Jordan. METHOD: A descriptive cross-sectional study involving 1,554 students was conducted between October 2014 and February 2015. RESULTS: More than two thirds (70%) of participants were normal weight (5th percentile-<85th percentile), while 12% were overweight and 13% were obese. The prevalence of obesity was high (20%) among those eating snacks three times per day. The prevalence of overweight was high (12%) among those who followed no regular physical activity programme. CONCLUSION: Collaboration is required between policymakers, healthcare professionals, business and community leaders, schools and local organisations to create suitable environments that support healthy lifestyles for children and young people.

Behavioural approaches to treating overweight and obesity in adolescents.

Being overweight and obese in adolescence are significant global public health issues which threaten the viability of basic healthcare delivery in many countries. The number of affected adolescents is growing at an alarming rate. Behavioural treatment, which refers to a set of principles and techniques designed to help people reverse maladaptive eating and activity habits, has become a crucial part of most programmes designed to address overweight and obesity. This article outlines three steps involved in the behavioural treatment of overweight and obesity in adolescents: antecedents, eating behaviour and the consequences of eating behaviour. Regular and consistent daily recording of food intake and the individual's activities are foundations of behavioural management, and should form part of the nursing care plan.

Assessment of Northern Jordanian adolescents' knowledge and attitudes towards asthma.

Background Asthma is a chronic illness of the airways that can cause a persistent cough. The illness affects a significant population of young people worldwide and can affect their ongoing quality of life. Aim To explore Jordanian adolescents' knowledge and attitudes to asthma. Method A cross-sectional research design was used with a convenience sample of 302 adolescents from six schools in northern Jordan, who completed a self-reported knowledge and attitude survey. Results Although the adolescents had an adequate knowledge level about asthma, several areas of knowledge deficit were identified and some negative attitudes were demonstrated. No significant association was found between adolescents' level of knowledge and their attitudes to adolescents with asthma. Conclusion Jordanian adolescents need more educational programmes about living with life-changing chronic illnesses such as asthma, and about how the knowledge and positive attitudes of peer groups can normalise the illness for the affected person, enhancing their quality of life.