Bassam Abdul Rasool Hassan
@ruc.edu.iq
Pharmacy
Al-Rafidain University College
Bassam Abdul Rasool Hassan, obtained a Ph.D. in Clinical Pharmacy from the School of Pharmacy, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). He worked as a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya (UM) in 2014-2017, and at the Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Shah Alam, Malaysia, in 2017-2019. Dr. Hassan Currently workes as a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, AL-Rafidain University College, Baghdad, Iraq.
EDUCATION
Ph.D. (Clinical Pharmacy) (USM/ Malaysia)
Ms.C. (Clinical Pharmacy) (USM/ Malaysia)
Bs.C (Pharmacy) (Pharmacy/Baghdad/ Iraq)
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Clinical Pharmacy/ Oncology/ QoL/ Public Health
Scopus Publications
Scholar Citations
Scholar h-index
Scholar i10-index
Scopus Publications
Maram Abdaljaleel, Muna Barakat, Mariam Alsanafi, Nesreen A. Salim, Husam Abazid, Diana Malaeb, Ali Haider Mohammed, Bassam Abdul Rasool Hassan, Abdulrasool M. Wayyes, Sinan Subhi Farhan,et al.
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
AbstractArtificial intelligence models, like ChatGPT, have the potential to revolutionize higher education when implemented properly. This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing university students’ attitudes and usage of ChatGPT in Arab countries. The survey instrument “TAME-ChatGPT” was administered to 2240 participants from Iraq, Kuwait, Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan. Of those, 46.8% heard of ChatGPT, and 52.6% used it before the study. The results indicated that a positive attitude and usage of ChatGPT were determined by factors like ease of use, positive attitude towards technology, social influence, perceived usefulness, behavioral/cognitive influences, low perceived risks, and low anxiety. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated the adequacy of the “TAME-ChatGPT” constructs. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the attitude towards ChatGPT usage was significantly influenced by country of residence, age, university type, and recent academic performance. This study validated “TAME-ChatGPT” as a useful tool for assessing ChatGPT adoption among university students. The successful integration of ChatGPT in higher education relies on the perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, positive attitude towards technology, social influence, behavioral/cognitive elements, low anxiety, and minimal perceived risks. Policies for ChatGPT adoption in higher education should be tailored to individual contexts, considering the variations in student attitudes observed in this study.
Zulsairi Mohd Pauzi, Bassam Abdul Rasool Hassan, Chin Fen Neo, Ali Haider Mohammed, Ali Blebil, and Juman Dujaili
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Abstract Objectives The prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is rising globally as well as in Malaysia. AMR can lead to difficulty in the treatment of chronic infection if being neglected. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge and attitude about antibiotic usage and AMR. Methods A cross-sectional study design was carried out at the Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL), Malaysia, where participants were recruited by using the non-probability convenience sampling from the six orthopaedic and four surgical wards. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the required data which were then analysed by using SPSS. Key findings A total number of 390 adult Malaysians (286 from orthopaedic wards and 104 from surgical wards) were involved in the study. This study showed that the level of knowledge and attitude about antibiotics among the majority of respondents were moderate. However, their knowledge regarding AMR was very low (i.e. lack of knowledge). In contrast, the majority of them (69.8%) showed a positive attitude towards antibiotics. Statistical analysis of data revealed that the level of knowledge of AMR was significantly associated with gender, age, race, marital status, educational level and knowledge about antibiotic resistance terms (P < 0.05) while respondents’ attitude towards antibiotic usage was significantly associated with gender, race, marital status and education level (P < 0.05). Conclusions It was necessary to formulate and develop strategies to improve the knowledge and awareness about antibiotics and AMR among health professionals. These might help them to improve their skills in delivering health information to the patients through a proper counselling technique.
Rosamund Koo Wei Xin, Tan Wai Yee, Wong Zi Qin, Lau Kaiyee, Ali Haider Mohammed, Ali Blebil, Juman Dujaili, Bassam Abdulrasool Hassan, and Angelina Lim
Elsevier BV
Ali Haider Mohammed, Loh Hui Ying, Marcus Loh Boon Hong, Annabel Wong Sze Nee, Lo Siew Ying, Dinesh Sangarran Ramachandram, and Bassam Abdulrasool Hassan
Elsevier BV
Harjit Singh, Ali Haider Mohammed, Emily Stokes, Daniel Malone, Justin Turner, Bassam Abdul Rasool Hassan, and Angelina Lim
Elsevier BV
Bassam Abdul Rasool Hassan, Ali Haider Mohammed, Watheq Mohammed AL-Jewari, Ali Blebil, Juman Dujaili, Abdulrasool M Wayyes, Diana Malaeb, Mariam Dabbous, Gamil Othman, Abdelhaleem Mustafa Madani,et al.
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Abstract Objectives Antibiotic usage has evolved over the years among the Arab population, and it has also gone under misuse resulting in the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Therefore, the current study aimed to address this issue by evaluating the level of knowledge and attitude of Arab population towards antibiotic usage and AMR to develop a pathway to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out among Arab population, including 11 countries from the Middle East and North Africa. A validated and translated questionnaire, consisting of 34 questions, was adopted to achieve the study objectives. Two phases of data collection (online and offline) were performed, and SPSS was used for data analysis. Key findings Three thousand three hundred and nineteen participants were successfully recruited, and the mean age was 37.6 ± 11.73. Approximately 63% of participants wrongly answered they should stop antibiotics when they feel better, and 73.3% of them thought antibiotics could treat cold and flu. Nearly half of the respondents indicated that they were uncertain of how antibiotic resistance affects the body (48.1%), and they were unaware if it could affect them or their families (63.1%). While the majority of the respondents were prescribed antibiotics by a doctor, over half of them were not given any advice on how to take them. Our data showed a significant relationship between respondents’ demographic data (e.g. country, age and education) and their knowledge and attitude. Conclusions Participants had poor knowledge of antibiotics and AMR; thus, efforts are needed to conduct health campaigns in public places and create and implement programmes aiming to raise knowledge and awareness of people in the Arab regions. These could aid to curb the risk of antibiotic resistance and increase the chance of successful treatment for infectious diseases.
Bassam Abdul Rasool Hassan, Ali Haider Mohammed, Abdulrasool M. Wayyes, Sinan Subhi Farhan, Omar Abdulwahid Al-Ani, Ali Blebil, and Juman Dujaili
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
AbstractGovernments worldwide have imposed lockdowns in their countries to restrict unnecessary movement and curb the spread and transmission of the Covid-19 as a mitigation measure. The education sector has also implemented rapid changes, and this has transformed the operational procedures for both students and lecturers. As the pandemic has progressed, its emotional and psychological toll is equally bearing on students, leading to lockdown fatigue. This study aimed to investigate the level of lockdown-induced fatigue and its correlation with personal resilience and coping skills among university students in Iraq. This study used quantitative methods of research using a cross-sectional study design. A questionnaire survey was distributed electronically among 819 university students in Iraq. The study used three standardised scales: the lockdown fatigue scale, brief resilience scale, and coping behaviours questionnaire for data collection. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis were done using SPSS. Overall, students indicated a high level of lockdown fatigue with a mean score of 33.48out of 50. Fear of personal safety and the wellbeing of the family was the most fear expressed by the students. The ability to go through stressful times and unpleasant events was the most common worry among the students. Female, urbanised, and science field students were the most students who suffered from lockdown-induced fatigue. However, positive coping behaviours and personal resilience were significantly correlated with decreasing fatigue levels during the lockdown period. Level of lockdown fatigue accelerated in an alarming stage among university students in Iraq. Hence, students need to build their emotional resilience and learn how to navigate surviving hard times and bounce back after a loss. This could be facilitated by counselling services being availed to educational and social institutions to benefit university students.
Fares Muthanna, Bassam Hassan, Mahmathi Karuppannan, Hamza Ibrahim, Ali Haider Mohammed, and Egbal Abdulrahman
EpiSmart Science Vector Ltd
BACKGROUND
Fatigue is a typical consequence of cancer that can affect one's quality of life (QOL). The goal of this review is to provide comprehensive data on the impact of fatigue on QOL of cancer patients.
METHODS
An electronic data search in Web of Science, SCOPUS, and PubMed for relevant papers; those written in English; those reporting quantitative data; and those including more than one hundred patients who received just chemotherapy were included. Studies involving participants that received other kinds of anti-neoplastic therapies were excluded.
RESULTS
A total of 35 papers published between January 2000 and December 2021 were retrieved from the search databases of which (11612 patients) met the inclusion criteria. Findings showed that fatigue negatively affected QOL with a pooled prevalence of 49% (95% CI; 25.00-74.00) and the significant heterogeneity between articles was (I²=98%, P <0.001). Further, breast cancer contributed to the majority of selected articles with about 55 % (95%CI; 9:00- 94:00), followed by cancer (unspecified) 44% (95%CI; 5:00 - 92:00). Most studies (71%) (95%CI; 4:00 - 99:00) used the brief fatigue inventory (BFI) tool to assess severity of fatigue and 39% (95%CI; 17:00 -68:00) employed the European Organisation for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire to evaluate QOL among cancer survivors.
CONCLUSION
The prevalence of fatigue in cancer patients is high and fatigue has a negative impact on QOL of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Directionality, fatigue needs to be addressed and treated properly for better improvement of health status and QOL in cancer patients.
Ali Haider Mohammed, Bassam Abdul Rasool Hassan, Abdulrasool M. Wayyes, Haydar F. Al‐Tukmagi, Ali Blebil, Juman Dujaili, Muhammed Hassan Nasr, Maguy Saffouh El Hajj, Diana Malaeb, Sara Abu Alhija,et al.
Wiley
BACKGROUND
The use of cosmetic products is growing in dominance in the Arab population, making it essential to measure its effects on users. The production of cosmetics has been largely driven by consumerism and a bid to keep abreast with the latest trends in the beauty industry with less attention on how the users' quality of life (QoL) is affected.
AIMS
This study aims to investigate the effect of cosmetic products on users' quality of life in eight Arab countries.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study was carried out using an online data collection approach. A validated and specialist instrument tool called BeautyQoL, which consists of five domains and a total of 52 questions, was distributed to a sample of 2219 cosmetic users. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was done using SPSS® version 26.0.
RESULTS
The mean age of participants was 34 ± 11.25 years, and more women were represented in the sample (71%) than men. The majority of respondents had oily skin type (39.6%) and tan skin tone (30.4%). QoL through cosmetic use is computed with a mean score of 51 out of 100. The users' mean score satisfaction from cosmetic use is centred on attractiveness (56.1), followed by self-confidence (51.8). Cosmetics have a statistically significant effect on participants who are young adults, women, single, and employed with high income. As the respondents' skin tone deepens from very fair to dark, the mean score for each domain significantly increases, whereas when skin type changes from very oily to dry, the mean score for each domain decreases.
CONCLUSION
The effect of cosmetics on the users' QoL is limited, contrary to the narrative commonly portrayed in cosmetics' advertisements. Therefore, the use of cosmetics among the Arab population should be from an informed perspective of their specific needs instead of conforming to the viral trends pedalled by influencers and bloggers on social media, which might be irrelevant for them.
Ali Qais Blebil, Pui San Saw, Juman Abdulelah Dujaili, K. C. Bhuvan, Ali Haider Mohammed, Ali Ahmed, Fatima Zohreine Houssenaly, Bassam Abdul Rasool Hassan, Anisha Kaur, and Rohullah Roien
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Abstract Background Previous qualitative studies exploring the experiences of community pharmacists (CP) in implementing weight management services (WMS) often lack a theoretical underpinning. This study applied the capability, opportunity, motivation, behaviour (COM-B) model to factors associated with WMS implementation among CPs to develop and recommend better intervention strategies. Methods A qualitative study design was used by conducting in-depth, semi-structured interviews with CPs. All the interviews were audio-recorded and duly transcribed. The thematic analysis approach was used to analyse the data, and the themes generated were mapped onto COM-B model components. Results The themes that emerged were (1) motivation of pharmacists and (2) knowledge and skills, which were identified as both barriers and facilitators, and (3) the barriers to implementation in aspects of social norms and resources. Factors were subsequently categorised into the subcomponents of the model: physical capability (e.g., training), psychological capability (e.g., lack of knowledge), physical opportunity (e.g., product range), social opportunity (e.g., stigma), automatic motivation (e.g., remuneration) and reflective motivation (e.g., CPs extended roles). Conclusions In conclusion, programs or training For Cps should develop their psychological capability to change their behaviour by being more proactive in promoting and providing weight management services, with a vital educational component. This behavioural change will improve the promotion of this service and will help many customers who were unaware of this service. Learning opportunities will leave CPs to feel more empowered and overcome barriers to implementing and maintaining WMS in primary care. The study findings provided essential insights into the factors that affect this provided service in Malaysia. The results will help to encourage the embedding of nutrition counselling in academic curricula.
Ali Haider Mohammed, Bassam Abdul Rasool Hassan, Abdulrasool M. Wayyes, Ansam Qassim Gadhban, Ali Blebil, Sara Abu Alhija, Rula M. Darwish, Ahmed Talib Al-Zaabi, Gamil Othman, Ammar Ali Saleh Jaber,et al.
Elsevier BV
Ali Haider Mohammed, Fares Mohammed Saeed Muthanna, Bassam Abdul Rasool Hassan, Mahmathi Karuppannan, and Abdulrasool M. Wayyes
College of Pharmacy University of Baghdad
Anaemia is a crucial issue among cancer patients and need to be treated properly. High incidence of anaemia in patients with cancer have been associated with several physiological manifestations, leading to decreased quality of life (QOL). The current study aimed to assess the severity of anaemia, evaluate the current treatment guideline of anaemia, and to determine the association between the level of anaemia and its treatment on quality of life of breast cancer patients in Malaysia. This prospective study conducted among breast cancer patients in multicancer centers in Malaysia including three follow ups after receiving their chemotherapy. Clinical data were collected from their medical records and at each follow up, they asked to fill up a functional assessment chronic therapy (FACT-An) questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis were done using SPSS. The mean age of participants was 52 ± 11 years old, and out of 120 participants, 32% received anti-anaemic treatments including 87% of them were prescribed with iron supplementation and only 13% received combination of blood transfusion and iron therapy. Surprisingly, none of the participants received erythropoietin stimulating agents (ESAs). Statistical tests also indicated a significant association between anti-anaemic treatments with haemoglobin level and QOL scores. However, this association was insufficient to significantly improve QOL or palliate anaemia severity among participants. This study showed a great evidence that, the current practice of anaemia treatment (iron therapy) among breast cancer patients in Malaysia’s healthcare setting, was not sufficient to palliate anaemia severity or to improve patients’ QOL. There is still a lot of gaps to improve in the management of anaemia among breast cancer patients to show a significant improvement in haemoglobin level. Therefore, respective organisations and oncologists are required to raise awareness about the optimal treatment of anaemia among breast cancer patients, as a result, improve their general wellbeing
Ali Blebil, Juman Abdulelah Dujaili, Ali Haider Mohammed, Ahmed Awaisu, Mohamed Azmi Ahmad Hassali, Bassam Abdul Rasool Hassan, and Abdulrasool M. Wayyes
College of Pharmacy University of Baghdad
The engagement of pharmacists in research activities is pivotal in the advancement of the pharmacy practice. The study aims to evaluate the confidence and competence of Malaysian hospital pharmacists in conducting clinical and practice-based research. A cross-sectional study was carried out between September 2019 and April 2020 using an online survey. Pharmacists from eight different hospitals in Malaysia were involved in the study. The survey link was sent to all pharmacists of the included hospitals via email. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25. A total of 226 pharmacists participated in this study, and their average age was 28 years old. About 82 % of the participants reported that they did not have any previous research experience, and around 62% of them indicated that the research training during their undergraduate study was inadequate. At least 60% of the participants reported inadequate competence and/or confidence in developing research protocols, critically appraising the literature, undertaking and applying appropriate statistical techniques, and interpreting research findings. There is an urgent need to reinforce undergraduate and postgraduate research training in the institutions among potential and current pharmacists to build competence in research techniques such as literature reviews and scholarly participation.
Bassam Hassan, Ali Haider Mohammed, Ahmed Zuhair Abdulhameed Alsammarraie, Musaab Kadhim Alabboodi, Abdulrasool M. Wayyes, Abeer Abdulhameed Ahmed, and Aisha Shanshal
EpiSmart Science Vector Ltd
BACKGROUND
Chemotherapy resistance is caused by a multiplicity of reasons; some of which can be avoided and others that are beyond the scope of current treatment methods. Since chemotherapy is administered under the supervision of health personnel, the role of oncologists cannot be undermined, and yet none is known about their knowledge and perspective. This research is the first-ever study aiming to develop a valid and reliable tool to determine oncologists' knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward chemotherapy resistance.
METHODS
Based on information gathered from literature searches, in-depth interviews with oncologists, and discussions with experts, an English-language questionnaire was developed. The questionnaire was tested for validity and reliability. A final version of the questionnaire (63 items) was piloted among 64 practicing oncologists and oncology trainees via convenient sampling. Data analysis was done using SPSS.
RESULTS
Correlation coefficients for each of the questionnaire's domains were more than 0.7 (P<0.001), which suggests that the questionnaire had strong test-retest reliability. The overall internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) for knowledge (0.728), attitude (0.722), and practice (0.716) were greater than 0.7 indicating good internal consistency. Participants demonstrated a low level of knowledge and a positive attitude toward chemotherapy resistance. A statistically significant difference was noted between the knowledge score and education level, years of experience in the medical and oncology field, and experiencing resistance cases.
CONCLUSION
The developed questionnaire was found to be valid and reliable and can be used as an assessment tool for assessing oncologists' knowledge, attitude, and practice toward chemotherapy resistance in future studies. This study also reported that the oncologists have low knowledge on chemotherapy resistance and a predominantly positive attitude towards fighting chemotherapy resistance. Thus, it is essential for current practices in chemotherapy to be optimized to reduce the risk of chemotherapy resistance.
Ali Haider Mohammed, Bassam Abdul Rasool Hassan, Azyyati Mohd Suhaimi, Ali Blebil, Juman Dujaili, and Abdulrasool M. Wayyes
College of Pharmacy University of Baghdad
There are obstacles to high levels of hypertension awareness that are embedded in gender, income and lifestyle habits which need to be addressed leading to high levels of undiagnosed and uncontrolled hypertension. This study aimed to explore the various factors which affect hypertension awareness among a hypertensive population in a tertiary care hospital. A quantitative study was conducted among hypertensive patients at a tertiary care hospital in Selangor, Malaysia. A validated and translated questionnaire was utilised as a data collection tool. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 25. A thousand participants (female n=621, male n= 379) were recruited, and their mean age is 48± 11.09 years old. Approximately half of respondents were not informed by their doctor that they have hypertension. More than half of respondents were unaware about the normal range of systolic and diastolic. Female gender, Chinese race, urban resident, older adults, and tertiary education level are the most significant factors that have a great influence on the level of awareness among hypertensive population. Hypertension awareness needs to be addressed from systemic point of view to solve the growing barriers to accessing correct information about the disease. Health care providers and authorities need to regulate the manner in which information on mortal diseases is presented to the public to reduce incidence of malpractice.
Ali Haider Mohammed, Ali Blebil, Amutha Selvaraj, Zoena Jia Xuan Ang, Cui Yee Chong, Veronica Rui Sim Chu, Yi Qi Ku, Bassam Abdul Rasool Hassan, Abdulrasool M. Wayyes, and Abdelhaleem Mustafa Madani
Hindawi Limited
Background. The frequent expansion of the energy drinks (EDs) market has caused an extensive increase in the consumption of EDs, especially among younger populations. However, the lack of knowledge on EDs and their perceived beneficial effects could lead to excessive EDs consumption, which is strongly associated with serious side effects. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and perceived beneficial effects of EDs consumers and determine the consumption patterns and side effects experienced by different EDs consumers among the Malaysian population. Methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Malaysia from February to April 2021. A structured and validated questionnaire, consisting of 5 sections with 46 items, was distributed online. Only 515 out of 591 invited participants agreed to participate in the study. Descriptive and inferential analysis were done using SPSS. Results. The median age of participants was 23 ± 7.3 years. The majority of participants (65%) were unaware of the active ingredients of EDs, and approximately 40% of them had no idea that EDs contain caffeine. The main reason for consuming EDs was to stay awake (43%), and Red Bull was the most preferred brand (57%). Lack of rest (57%), headache (53%), and nervousness (49%) were the most experienced side effects. A significant difference was observed between consumption patterns and knowledge and perceived beneficial effects ( p < 0.05 ). Our data showed a significant association between respondents’ demographic data (e.g., coffee intake, smoking, and alcohol status) and their consumption pattern. Conclusion. ED consumers in Malaysia were found to have limited knowledge on EDs. Therefore, attention should be drawn to the Ministry of Health regarding the significant side effects such as palpitation and nervousness experienced by ED consumers. Hence, awareness ought to be raised by adopting regulations or policies to regulate the sales and warning labels of EDs in Malaysia.
Ali Haider Mohammed, Bassam Abdul Rasool Hassan, Abdulrasool M Wayyes, Sinan Subhi Farhan, Omar Abdulwahid Al-Ani, Ali Blebil, Juman Dujaili, and Gamil Othman
Informa UK Limited
Background Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, the educational sector has undergone a series of changes which have affected both learners and students alike. As a result, the distortion of the students’ daily routine, isolation, social distancing and potential exposure to the COVID-19 virus changed almost all of the aspects of student life which has led to exhaustion of students, with both psychological and emotional challenges. Therefore, the main aim of this study is to determine the factors that have a significant impact on the level of lockdown fatigue among university students in the era of COVID-19. Methods A cross sectional was undertaken for this study. A questionnaire was designed and then shared electronically with the respondents of this study. The respondents were 819 students from tertiary institutions in Iraq. Some of the scales used in ranking the responses of the participants are the Lockdown Fatigue scale, Brief Resilience Scale and Coping Behaviours questionnaire. Data analysis was. Results Overall, the students had a high level of fatigue due to lockdown-measurement. Emptiness was one of the dominant feelings experienced by the students, along with concern for the safety and well-being of their own families. There was general agreement that students take a long time to return to normal routines after stressful events. The students also indicated that they cope with the lockdown through a variety of activities, ranging from making jokes about the situation to putting their faith in a higher power. Male student were less likely to suffer from lockdown-fatigue, however, studying in public university, being from urban areas, and studying in science field are the most significant factors that increase the level of lockdown. However, lower levels of lockdown fatigue were linked to significantly higher levels of personal resilience and coping abilities. Conclusion High level of lockdown fatigue among students is noticed, and several factors have been identified. Therefore, it is helpful for students to consistently work on reinforcing positive habits which would help them to build resilience when they are subjected to stressful conditions and scenarios.
Muhammed Hassan Nasr, Bassam Abdul Rasool Hassan, Noordin Othman, Mahmathi Karuppannan, Noorizan binti Abdulaziz, Ali Haider Mohammed, Mohammed Ahmed Alsarani, Mohammed Husain Eskembaji, Abdelmannan Mohamed Aman, and Gamil Othman
Informa UK Limited
Background The link between the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and vitamin D deficiency has perplexed the medical society due to the controversy in the data available. Saudi Arabia (SA) is a sunny region; however, ample amount of data reported the increased prevalence of vitamin D deficiency along with T2DM. Thus, this study aimed to compare vitamin D deficiency between healthy and T2DM patients in SA, alongside with the risk factors associated with that. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Medical Unit, Taibah University in Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah, SA, from November 2017 to May 2018. The involved participants were non-diabetics and T2DM men. Measuring vitamin D for T2DM and non-diabetics group was done by trained technicians. Data analysis was done via SPSS. Results Sixty-four participants (T2DM group = 32; non-diabetics group = 32) were recruited, and the mean age of T2DM patients was 48.6 ± 10.4, while that of the non-diabetics was 42.4 ± 6.5. The mean of vitamin D level was found higher in the non-diabetic participants than in diabetic patients. There was statistically significant association between vitamin D deficiency and T2DM (P = 0.001). Besides, duration of diabetes was the only factor, found to be positively correlated with vitamin D deficiency in T2DM patients. Conclusion Early screening for vitamin D serum-level is recommended for T2DM patients in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, early correction of vitamin D levels should be considered, and medical and scientific societies, along with other sectors such as the media, should highlight and increase the awareness of the importance of vitamin D and the seriousness of its deficiency.
Mathumalar Loganathan Fahrni, Siti Nor Afiqah Mohd Zubir, Kamaliah Md Saman, Nurul Fatin Laila Misran, Bassam Abdul Rasool Hassan, Ali Haider Mohammed, and Abdulrasool M Wayyes
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Abstract Objectives With a shift in global demographic trends favouring the older population, depression, which is increasingly common to older adults, is fast becoming a significant public health phenomenon that can result in rising healthcare costs, co-morbidities and fatalities. In particular, challenges to prescribing antidepressants to older people given their altered pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profiles is of major concern to healthcare providers. We aimed to review the challenges encountered by prescribers when diagnosing and selecting older patients suited to receive an antidepressant. Methods English articles published between 2011 and 2021 were searched from the three databases which were MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and EMBASE to identify studies related to challenges in prescribing antidepressants for older people with the combination of search keywords such as depression, antidepressants, elderly and challenges, but not limited to them. Studies were excluded if the age of the participant is below 65 years old. The relevancy of the studies to be included were examined initially based on their titles and abstracts. Additional articles were searched from the reference lists of relevant articles. Key findings Out of 2500 studies, 11 articles was included in this study. The challenges were classified into three themes: challenges associated with the ageing processes, difficulty in recognising depressive symptoms and challenges in distinguishing depression from cognitive impairment. Conclusions Antidepressant prescribing in the elderly is complicated, in which there is a lack of proof for beneficial approaches. The study highlighted pertinent challenges to prescribers when older patients seek drug therapy for depression. This could have easily led to many depression cases gone undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
Ali Haider Mohammed, Azyyati Mohd Suhaimi, and Bassam Abdul Rasool Hassan
Al-Rafidain University College
SARS-CoV-2 is the recent variation of the corona virus which is infecting people around the world and has affected more than 258 million people worldwide. Upon observation, the virus is similar to the coronavirus which spread from the horseshoe bat or wild animals to human beings. Up to date, there have been three major variants of the coronavirus which have been identified in UK, South Africa, and India which are spreading to other countries. Based on the current data, it is suggested that the incidents of repeated infection with SARS-CoV-2 is related to the level of neutralizing antibodies and the retained memory response which follows infection. Moreover, recently, a critical issue arises in relation to the association of black fungus and COVID-19, and urgent investigation is required. As a treatment method of COVID-19, FDA has recently approved the feasibility of Remdesivir to treat COVID-19 as emergency use authorization (EUA). There are also various possible antivirals which are still undergoing clinical trial. After widespread of the vaccine, the results showed that EUA vaccines have been effective in controlling COVID-19 in patients. However, these licensed vaccines ought to be reviewed to ensure they are also effective in combating the rising variants of SARS-CoV-2.
Ali Haider Mohammed, Ali Blebil, Juman Dujaili, and Bassam Abdul Rasool Hassan
Wiley
The use of cosmetics is growing among both male and female consumers due to the availability of different brands. While there is an increase in the usage of cosmetic products, it is concerning whether the consumers are aware of the safety of the products.
Fares Mohammed Saeed Muthanna, Mahmathi Karuppannan, Bassam Abdul Rasool Hassan, and Ali Haider Mohammed
Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency
Ali Haider Mohammed, Bassam Abdul Rasool Hassan, Azyyati Mohd Suhaimi, and Ahmad Habeeb Hattab Dala Ali
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Fares Mohammed Saeed Muthanna, Bassam Abdul Rasool Hassan, Mahmathi Karuppannan, and Ali Haider Mohammed
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of anaemia on the quality of life (QOL) among breast cancer patients. Methods A total of 120 anaemic (haemoglobin &lt; 12 g/dL) breast cancer patients were identified through chart review. Patients were followed-up for three cycles of chemotherapy filled in a QOL questionnaire Functional Assessment Chronic Therapy –Anaemia at each follow-up session. Data such as haemoglobin Hb levels and chemotherapy regimens were also recorded on each follow-up. Data were analysed using SPSS. Key findings The Hb level and QOL mean scores of all follow-ups were 10.34 ± 0.73 g/dL and 96.37 ± 16.15 g/dL, respectively. QOL was adversely affected by anaemia severity, and the curves declined significantly from the first follow-up to the third follow-up (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusion It is crucial to consider developing a guideline for the treatment of anaemia, which is not available currently, and improve the QOL for the wellbeing of cancer patients.
Ahmad Habeeb Hattab Dala Ali Alani, Bassam Abdul Rasool Hassan, Azyyati Mohd Suhaimi, and Ali Haider Mohammed
Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency
Objectives This study aimed to assess medication use in pregnant women in Malaysia by measuring use, knowledge, awareness, and beliefs about medications. Methods This was an observational, cross-sectional study involving a total of 447 pregnant women who attended the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic, Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL), Malaysia. A validated, self-administered questionnaire was used to collect participant data. Results Most of pregnant women had taken medication during pregnancy and more than half of them (52.8%) showed a poor level of knowledge about the medication use during pregnancy. Eighty-three percent had a poor level of awareness and 56.5% had negative beliefs. Age and education level were significantly associated with the level of knowledge regarding medication use during pregnancy. Multiparous pregnant women, and pregnant women from rural areas were observed to have a higher level of awareness compared with those who lived in urban areas. Use of medication during pregnancy was determined to be significantly associated with education level, and race. Conclusion Although there was prevalent use of medication among pregnant women, many had negative beliefs, and insufficient knowledge and awareness about the risks of taking medication during pregnancy. Several sociodemographic characteristics were significantly associated with the use (race and education level), level of knowledge (age and education level), awareness (parity and place of residence), and beliefs (race, education level, and occupation status) towards medication use during pregnancy.