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
Scopus Publications
Jia Jia Lee, Li Ling Yeap, Ali Haider Mohammed, Chuan Sheng Yap, Bassam Abdul Rasool Hassan, Juman Abdulelah Dujaili, Pui San Saw, and Ali Qais Blebil
Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Introduction Safe medication disposal is crucial for public health and environmental sustainability, yet public awareness remains limited. While educational campaigns exist, pharmacy students can serve as key advocates in promoting proper disposal practices. This study integrates experiential learning and peer-led education to enhance students’ advocacy skills. Methods A two-phase mixed-method approach was used. In Phase 1, 35 pharmacy student ambassadors underwent hands-on training at community pharmacies, actively participating in medication take-back programs. Their experiences were documented and analyzed thematically. In Phase 2, they conducted a peer-led workshop for 43 undergraduate pharmacy students. A pre- and post-test assessed knowledge improvement among workshop participants. Results The thematic analysis identified five key themes: increased awareness, recognition of environmental and health risks, sense of responsibility, motivation for advocacy, and challenges in promoting safe disposal. Knowledge among workshop participants significantly improved, increasing from mean score 6.86 to 8.44 (Z = −4.827, p < 0.001), demonstrating the effectiveness of peer-led education. Conclusion Experiential learning combined with peer-led education effectively strengthened pharmacy students’ knowledge and advocacy for safe medication disposal. Engaging students as educators not only enhanced their own competencies but also improved awareness among peers. This approach empowers future pharmacists to advocate for responsible disposal practices within their communities.
Watheq Mohammed AL-Jewari, Bassam Abdul Rasool Hassan, Abu Bakar Abdul Majeed, Muhamad Faiz Othman, Ahmed Zuhair Abdulhameed Alsammarraie, Mohammed Kamil Al Qayyim, and Musaab Kadhim Alabboodi
EpiSmart Science Vector Ltd
Muhammed Hassan Nasr, Noordin Othman, Bassam Abdulrasool Hassan, Mahmathi Karuppannan, Noorizan Binti Abdulaziz, Mohammed Ahmed Alsarani, and Shalam Mohamed Hussain
SAGE Publications
Background Vitamin D deficiency poses significant health risks globally, impacting bone health and immune function. In Saudi Arabia, where environmental and lifestyle factors limit sun exposure, vitamin D deficiency is especially prevalent. This study assesses vitamin D deficiency in Al-Madinah, focusing on differences between Saudi nationals and non-Saudi residents. Purpose The primary aim was to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among Saudis and non-Saudis and identify lifestyle and dietary factors contributing to deficiency. Materials and Methods Conducted from October 2017 to May 2018, this cross-sectional study included 65 non-diabetic male participants aged 18–65, divided into two groups: Saudi ( n = 33) and non-Saudi ( n = 32). Exclusion criteria included conditions affecting vitamin D metabolism. Data were collected on demographics, dietary habits, sun exposure, and anthropometric measurements. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were measured, and logistic regression was used to identify predictors of deficiency. Results Vitamin D deficiency was significantly higher in Saudis (91%) than in non-Saudis (47%). Limited sun exposure, lower intake of vitamin D-rich foods, and occupation type were associated with higher deficiency rates among Saudis. Logistic regression revealed that occupation was a positive predictor, while liver consumption was a negative predictor of deficiency. Conclusion This study highlights the urgent need for targeted public health interventions in Saudi Arabia to address vitamin D deficiency, recommending dietary changes and vitamin D supplementation. Further research should investigate genetic and environmental factors affecting vitamin D levels across different populations in the region.
Ali Haider Mohammed, Bassam Abdul Rasool Hassan, Yen Jun Wong, Loh Hui Ying, Marcus Loh Boon Hong, Annabel Wong Sze Nee, Lo Siew Ying, Dinesh Sangarran Ramachandram, Hawar Sardar Hassan, Lee Jia Jia,et al.
BMJ
Objectives To assess the levels of knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) toward skin cancer prevention among Malaysian adults and to examine differences in KAP across socio-demographic groups. Design Cross-sectional online survey. Setting Community-based study conducted in Malaysia using social media recruitment. Participants A total of 386 adults aged ≥18 years residing in Malaysia. Most participants were young adults (86.3%), female (55.4%) and of Chinese ethnicity (65.5%). Healthcare professionals were excluded. Primary and secondary outcome measures Primary outcomes were levels of knowledge, attitude and preventive practices toward skin cancer, measured using the validated KAP-SC-Q (Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Skin Cancer Questionnaire) and categorised as poor, moderate or good. Secondary outcomes included differences in KAP across socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, analysed using independent t-tests and χ 2 tests. Results Over half of participants demonstrated poor knowledge of skin cancer (56.0%) and the vast majority showed inadequate preventive practices (84.2%), while attitudes toward skin cancer were predominantly positive (62.4%). Significant differences in mean KAP scores and categorical levels were observed across several socio-demographic variables. Participants with tertiary education had higher knowledge (14.32 vs 12.61) and attitude scores (20.01 vs 15.95; p<0.001) than those with lower education. Individuals with a diagnosis of skin disease had significantly higher knowledge (14.95 vs 13.03; p=0.001), attitude (20.03 vs 18.21; p=0.007) and practice scores (12.10 vs 9.72; p<0.001). Personal history of skin cancer and severe sunburn was associated with better preventive practices but poorer attitudes (p<0.001), and light-skinned participants were more likely to have poor knowledge and attitudes (p<0.05). Conclusions Malaysian adults exhibited limited knowledge and very poor preventive practices toward skin cancer despite generally positive attitudes. These findings highlight substantial gaps between awareness and behaviour and support the need for targeted public health interventions to correct misconceptions, improve risk perception especially in high-risk groups and promote effective ultraviolet protection behaviours.
Feten Fekih-Romdhane, Amthal Alhuwailah, Fouad Sakr, Leila Sarra Chaibi, Mai Helmy, Hanaa Ahmed Mohamed Shuwiekh, Nedjem Eddine Boudouda, Btissame Zarrouq, Abdallah Y. Naser, Kamel Jebreen,et al.
Informa UK Limited
Bassam Abdul Rasool Hassan
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Feten Fekih-Romdhane, Fouad Sakr, Amthal Alhuwailah, Leila Sarra Chaibi, Mai Helmy, Hanaa Ahmed Mohamed Shuwiekh, Nedjem Eddine Boudouda, Btissame Zarrouq, Abdallah Y. Naser, Kamel Jebreen,et al.
SAGE Publications
Background: The field of autism research in adults has not yet emerged in Arab countries, which is in part due to the lack of valid, reliable autism measures. The objectives of this study were to assess the psychometric properties of the abridged version of the autism-spectrum quotient (AQ-28) in a sample of non-clinical Arabic-speaking adults. Methods: A cross-sectional web-based study was carried-out from February to April 2024. Adults aged over 18 years from the general population of Lebanon ( N = 1076, mean age of 27.90 ± 11.81 years, 63.8% females) were recruited using the snowball sampling technique. The AQ-28 was administered to participants, along with the relationship Questionnaire, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, and the Jong-Gierveld Loneliness Scale. Results: The original five-factor model of the AQ-28 had good fit to the data: RMSEA = 0.061 (90% CI: 0.059–0.064), SRMR = 0.060, CFI = 0.848, TLI = 0.831, and an excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.91). Measurement invariance has been established across sex. Mean sum scores observed in male participants were significantly higher than those displayed by females. Autistic traits as measured by the Arabic AQ-28 correlated positively with loneliness ( r = 0.16; p < 0.001), depression ( r = 0.17; p < 0.001) and anxiety ( r = 0.15; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Findings suggest that Arabic-language version of the AQ-28 provided by this study is valid, reliable, and suitable for use among Arabic-speaking adults to measure core trait dimensions of autism and screen for autism spectrum disorder. It is our hope that the new scale will generate interest among researchers in the yet unexplored field of autism research in Arab countries.
Ali Haider Mohammed, Bassam Abdul Rasool Hassan, Lim Jie Sern, Lim Jing Xuan, Leong Jia Yun, Lim Jing En, Dinesh Sangarran Ramachandram, Angelina Lim, Juman Abdulelah Dujaili, and Ali Qais Blebil
Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Background Cancer patients who receive immunosuppressive therapy are vulnerable to infections due to their compromised immune systems. Therefore, research in promoting the prudent use of antibiotics in this population is essential to optimise patient outcomes and reduce resistance development. The purpose of this study is to develop and validate the Knowledge and Practice of Antimicrobial Stewardship in the Oncology Care Questionnaire (KP-AMS-OC-Q). Method This research is performed in 2 phases. Phase I includes the questionnaire development, item generation, content validity and pilot testing. Phase II encompasses the dissemination of questionnaires to hospital pharmacists and the psychometric evaluation of the validation and reliability of KP-AMS-OC-Q. Specifically, IRT is used to evaluate the knowledge domains, EFA for the practice domains, and Cronbach alpha to measure reliability. Result The finalised version of the questionnaire consisted of 112 items, including 7 social demographics, 49 knowledge, and 56 practice items. IRT conducted has revealed an acceptable difficulty parameter (-3 to +3) in the knowledge domain. Furthermore, EFA has shown a strong internal association between the items and factors, with each item reaching the minimum acceptable factor loading value (>0.3). Besides this, the internal consistency of this questionnaire is favourable, indicated by the Cronbach alpha coefficient of 0.899. Conclusion The results of this study have validated that KP-AMS-OC-Q possesses exceptional psychometric qualities, making it appropriate to measure pharmacists’ knowledge and practice towards antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) in oncology care.
Bassam Abdul Rasool Hassan and Ali Haider Mohammed
Elsevier BV
Bassam Abdul Rasool Hassan, Ali Haider Mohammed, Ahmed Zuhair Abdulhameed Alsammarraie, and Musaab Kadhim Alabboodi
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Abstract Radiotherapy resistance (RTR) is a significant barrier in oncology, affecting treatment outcomes and clinical decision-making. Despite its importance, no standardized tool exists to measure oncologists' knowledge of RTR. This study aimed to develop and validate a comprehensive questionnaire to assess oncologists' knowledge of RTR. A 29-item questionnaire was developed following a multi-phase process. An initial pool of 45 items was refined through content and face validity assessments by a panel of 5 experts, leading to item revisions and deletions. Data were collected from 400 oncologists in Iraq. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were conducted to establish construct validity, while Cronbach's alpha, Composite Reliability (CR), and Item Response Theory (IRT) analysis were used to assess internal consistency and item performance. EFA confirmed the eight-domain structure of the questionnaire, with factor loadings exceeding 0.70 for all items. CFA demonstrated good model fit, with indices of CFI = 0.92, TLI = 0.91, and RMSEA = 0.06. Internal consistency was high, with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.93 and a CR of 0.94 for the overall questionnaire. IRT analysis revealed that all items had acceptable difficulty, discrimination, and guessing parameters, indicating that the items effectively differentiate oncologists with varying levels of knowledge. The final 29-item questionnaire covered key RTR domains, including Conventional and Combined Therapies, Radioresistance, and Sensitivity and Resistance. The validated 29-item knowledge questionnaire demonstrated strong psychometric properties, making it a reliable tool for assessing oncologists' knowledge of RTR. This tool can support oncology education, training, and research. Future studies should focus on cross-cultural validation, test–retest reliability, and examining how RTR knowledge influences clinical decision-making. This tool is especially relevant for improving oncology training and clinical decision-making in Iraq, where systemic barriers such as limited equipment, training gaps, and uneven access to radiosensitizers challenge cancer care.
Diana Malaeb, Bassam Abdul Rasool Hassan, Ali Haider Mohammed, Sinan Subhi Farhan, Omar Abdulwahid Al-Ani, Abir Sarray El Dine, Feten Fekih-Romdhane, Sahar Obeid, and Souheil Hallit
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Abstract Background Waterpipe tobacco smoking has increased tremendously at a global level among all age groups, particularly young people. Previous studies have examined the impact of waterpipe tobacco pictorial health warnings on adults but scarce studies were done on adolescents. The aim of this study was to assess the association of textual versus pictorial warnings on tumbac boxes and the motivation to quit waterpipe smoking among adolescents located in two Eastern Mediterranean countries Lebanon and Iraq. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted between May and November 2022, involving 294 adolescents waterpipe smokers from Lebanon and Iraq. The questionnaire included the Lebanese Waterpipe Dependence Smoking-11, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale, the Waterpipe Harm Perception Scale, Waterpipe Knowledge Scale, Waterpipe Attitude Scale, the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence, and the Motivation to Stop Scale. Results When adjusting the results over confounding variables, the results showed that compared to finding the warnings to stop smoking not efficacious at all, adolescents who find the warnings moderately (aOR = 2.83) and very (aOR = 6.64) efficacious had higher motivation to quit. Compared to finding the warnings not increasing their curiosity for information about how to stop waterpipe smoking at all, participants who confessed that warnings increased their curiosity a little (aOR = 2.59), moderately (aOR = 3.34) and very (aOR = 3.58) had higher motivation to quit. Compared to not considering changing the tumbac brand if the company uses pictorial warnings, adolescents who would consider changing the tumbac brand (aOR = 2.15) had higher motivation to quit. Conclusion Pictorial and textual warnings on waterpipe packs were associated with higher motivation to stop waterpipe smoking. Public health education programs for this purpose seem warranted.
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.
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
Ali Haider Mohammed, Angelina Lim, Bassam Abdul Rasool Hassan, Ali Blebil, Juman Dujaili, Dinesh Sangarran Ramachandram, Hawar Sardar Hassan, and Arooj Abid
SAGE Publications
Background In Malaysia, the unregulated use of antibiotics and lack of awareness about antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among pharmacists pose significant challenges. Implementing community-based Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) initiatives is crucial to address the rising AMR. Methods We developed a bespoke AMS intervention, aligned with the World Health Organization’s AMS modules, as a 2-day online educational seminar for community pharmacists. The effectiveness of the workshop was evaluated using pre- and post-seminar questionnaires, focusing on AMS knowledge and attitudes towards antimicrobial usage. Results Among 528 participants, 489 completed both questionnaires. Pre-seminar, only 59% correctly understood the concept of antibiotic resistance reversibility, which improved to 85.9% post-seminar ( p = .002). The average AMS knowledge score increased from 5/10 to 8/10 post-intervention ( p < .05). A significant improvement was also noted in pharmacists’ ability to select appropriate antibiotic therapies, particularly for urinary tract infections, with an increase from 78% to 90% correct responses. Conclusion The AMS seminar was well-received and significantly improved the AMS knowledge of community pharmacists. The results underline the need for more AMS-focused interventions in this demographic in Malaysia, contributing to the development of formalized AMS programs. Such initiatives are expected to enhance antibiotic use awareness, encourage optimal antibiotic practices, and positively shift professional conduct in community settings.
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 &lt; 0.05) while respondents’ attitude towards antibiotic usage was significantly associated with gender, race, marital status and education level (P &lt; 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
Ali Haider Mohammed, Bassam Abdul Rasool Hassan, Ali Blebil, Juman Dujaili, Abdulrasool M. Wayyes, Osama Ayad Abdulhamid, Humam Saadi Salih, Watheq Mohammed AL‐Jewari, Hawar Sardar Hassan, and Angelina Lim
Wiley
AbstractBackground and AimsThe Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic brought to the forefront various public health approaches, including the consumption of dietary supplements (DS) as a protective measure. With misinformation regarding the virus and the associated benefits of DS prevalent, this study aimed to understand knowledge, habits, and beliefs related to DS usage as a protective measure during the pandemic in Malaysia and Iraq, two countries with deep‐rooted traditions in herbal and supplement usage.MethodsA cross‐sectional research study was conducted between September 2021 and March 2022 using a validated online survey. The participants included Malaysians and Iraqis aged 18 years and above who currently consume DS. Using the SurveyMonkey® platform, data were collected from 2425 respondents (response rate = 60.6%), with analysis carried out using SPSS version 28.ResultsDemographically, the sample had an almost equal distribution of Malaysians (51%) and Iraqis (49%), with a mean age of 30.61. The majority had tertiary education (78.6%), and only a fraction had been infected with COVID‐19 (26.2%). Concerning knowledge, a significant portion exhibited poor understanding (84.2%) of DS's functioning and implications. Regarding habits, many respondents consumed multivitamins (75.2%), with influence largely coming from peers (23.5%) and product leaflets (46.7%). Belief‐wise, about half (49.2%) utilized herbal or supplemental products as a protective measure during the pandemic, with vitamin C with zinc being the most commonly used (45.4%).ConclusionThe study underlines a significant inclination towards DS usage in Malaysia and Iraq, influenced by societal connections and available information. While many believe in the protective capacities of DS against COVID‐19, a substantial knowledge gap persists. It emphasizes the need for evidence‐based awareness campaigns and policies to guide public health decisions.
Harjit Singh, Ali Haider Mohammed, Emily Stokes, Daniel Malone, Justin Turner, Bassam Abdul Rasool Hassan, and Angelina Lim
Elsevier BV
Bassam Hassan, Ali Haider Mohammed, Abeer Abdulhameed Ahmed, Alya A. Al Zobair, Abdulrasool M. Wayyes, Haidar Kadhim Al-Jawadi, Ahmed Zuhair Abdulhameed Alsammarraie, Musaab Kadhim Alabboodi, and Jin Xin Jiang
EpiSmart Science Vector Ltd
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Mastectomy, a common intervention for breast cancer, has substantial implications for a woman's quality of life (QoL). However, the literature on QoL outcomes following mastectomy-with or without breast reconstruction (BR) is scant. This study aims to assess and compare the QoL among Iraqi women post-mastectomy, examining the impacts of undergoing BR.
METHODS
We conducted a comprehensive cross-sectional study across multiple centers in Iraq from April to September 2021. Our cohort consisted of 404 women who had a mastectomy for breast cancer treatment, 154 of whom also chose to have BR. Utilizing the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer's (EORTC) tools specifically, select domains from EORTC QLQ-BR23, QLQ-C30, and QLQ-BRECON23-we evaluated various facets of their QoL.
RESULTS
The mean QoL score was 54 out of 100, with patients who did not undergo BR reporting slightly higher scores (55) compared to those who did (52). Notably, social and sexual functioning scores were statistically superior in the non-BR group. Satisfaction with surgery, sexual function, and breast aesthetics were the lowest rated aspects among BR patients, indicating a considerable gap between expectations and outcomes. Marital status and the type of mastectomy notably influenced body image and sexual function. A significant portion of patients (100 out of 250) opted out of BR due to recurrence concerns, while 26.2% (106 out of 154) pursued BR to restore their pre-mastectomy physique.
CONCLUSION
Contrary to the anticipated benefits of BR, our findings suggest that women who underwent the procedure reported a lower QoL compared to those who did not. The outcomes highlight the discrepancy between expected and actual benefits of BR, suggesting a pressing need for comprehensive rehabilitation programs. These programs should aim to enhance the QoL for post-mastectomy patients and provide in-depth counseling to align expectations with the potential realities of BR.
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.
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.
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.