Deema Jaber
@zu.edu.jo
Department of Clinical Pharmacy / School of Pharmacy / Zarqa University
Zarqa University
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Clinical Pharmacy
Pharmacy Practice
Scopus Publications
Scholar Citations
Scholar h-index
Scholar i10-index
Scopus Publications
Deema Jaber, Hisham E. Hasan, Rana Abutaima, Hana M. Sawan, and Samaa Al Tabbah
Elsevier BV
Hisham E. Hasan, Deema Jaber, Omar F. Khabour, and Karem H. Alzoubi
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Abstract Background Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into healthcare has raised significant ethical concerns. In pharmacy practice, AI offers promising advances but also poses ethical challenges. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in countries from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region on 501 pharmacy professionals. A 12-item online questionnaire assessed ethical concerns related to the adoption of AI in pharmacy practice. Demographic factors associated with ethical concerns were analyzed via SPSS v.27 software using appropriate statistical tests. Results Participants expressed concerns about patient data privacy (58.9%), cybersecurity threats (58.9%), potential job displacement (62.9%), and lack of legal regulation (67.0%). Tech-savviness and basic AI understanding were correlated with higher concern scores (p < 0.001). Ethical implications include the need for informed consent, beneficence, justice, and transparency in the use of AI. Conclusion The findings emphasize the importance of ethical guidelines, education, and patient autonomy in adopting AI. Collaboration, data privacy, and equitable access are crucial to the responsible use of AI in pharmacy practice.
Deema Jaber and Alaa Alhusban
Elsevier BV
Hisham E. Hasan, Deema Jaber, Samaa Al Tabbah, Nabih Lawand, Hana A. Habib, and Noureldin M. Farahat
Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Background Modern patient care depends on the continuous improvement of community and clinical pharmacy services, and artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to play a key role in this evolution. Although AI has been increasingly implemented in various fields of pharmacy, little is known about the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of pharmacy students and faculty members towards this technology. Objectives The primary objective of this study was to investigate the KAP of pharmacy students and faculty members regarding AI in six countries in the Middle East as well as to identify the predictive factors behind the understanding of the principles and practical applications of AI in healthcare processes. Material and methods This study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey. A total of 875 pharmacy students and faculty members in the faculty of pharmacy in Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Libya participated in the study. Data was collected through an online electronic questionnaire. The data collected included information about socio-demographics, understanding of AI basic principles, participants’ attitudes toward AI, the participants’ AI practices. Results Most participants (92.6%) reported having heard of AI technology in their practice, but only a small proportion (39.5%) had a good understanding of its concepts. The overall level of knowledge about AI among the study participants was moderate, with the mean knowledge score being 42.3 ± 21.8 out of 100 and students having a significantly higher knowledge score than faculty members. The attitude towards AI among pharmacy students and faculty members was positive, but there were still concerns about the impact of AI on job security and patient safety. Pharmacy students and faculty members had limited experience using AI tools in their practice. The majority of respondents (96.2%) believed that AI could improve patient care and pharmacy services. However, only a minority (18.6%) reported having received education or training on AI technology. High income, a strong educational level and background, and previous experience with technologies were predictors of KAP toward using AI in pharmacy practice. Finally, there was a positive correlation between knowledge about AI and attitudes towards AI as well as a significant positive correlation between AI knowledge and overall KAP scores. Conclusion The findings suggest that while there is a growing awareness of AI technology among pharmacy professionals in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, there are still significant gaps in understanding and adopting AI in pharmacy Practice.
Deema Jaber, Hisham E. Hasan, Abdulrahman Alkaderi, Ahlam Zaid Alkilani, and Abdul-Rahim El-Sharif
Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
Background The intersection of religious beliefs and medical practices significantly impacts medication usage and patient adherence to treatment regimens. Emerging within this discourse is the concept of halal pharmaceuticals, emphasizing the alignment of therapeutic drugs with religious beliefs. Despite its importance, there is limited awareness among healthcare providers (HCPs) regarding their ingredients, standards, and manufacturing processes, particularly in the Middle East region. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions (KAP) of HCPs concerning Halal pharmaceuticals, which are crucial for addressing the growing concerns among patients and consumers. Methods A cross-sectional survey involved diverse HCPs (physicians, pharmacists, and nurses) in Jordan. The survey encompassed demographic data, knowledge about Halal pharmaceuticals, attitudes, and perceptions. Descriptive statistics and inferential analyses were performed to examine the associations between demographic variables and KAP scores. Results A total of 381 HCPs participated in the study. While HCPs generally had a high level of knowledge, gaps existed, particularly concerning pharmaceutical composition and Halal alternatives. Attitudes and perceptions were mostly positive or neutral, though variations occurred among professions. Pharmacists exhibited significantly higher knowledge scores compared to physicians and nurses. Information sources included academic institutions, peers, religious and educational books, and online resources. Factors, such as age, marital status, religion, education type, insurance type, working place, and years of experience significantly influenced the KAP scores of participants. Conclusion Tailored educational interventions are critical for addressing knowledge gaps, fostering positive attitudes, and ensuring culturally sensitive healthcare related to Halal pharmaceuticals. Leveraging diverse information sources and tailoring education based on demographics can enhance understanding. Improved knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions enable HCPs to meet the needs of diverse patient populations and provide safe, Halal-compliant medications. Additionally, further research into the perspectives and willingness of patients to pay for Halal pharmaceuticals is essential to ensuring equitable access to pharmaceutical care services.
Deema Jaber, Samaa Akram Al Tabbah, Lina Elsalem, Ahlam Zaid Alkilani, Eman Bani Omar, Khawla Abu Hammour, Hisham E. Hasan, and Nadeem Salman
EnPress Publisher
This cross-sectional study examines the knowledge, perception, and practice of health professions students and academics in Jordan concerning halal pharmaceuticals. Health professions students and academics from various universities in Jordan were surveyed using a structured questionnaire. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and inferential tests to identify factors affecting knowledge, perception, and practice. Participants had a high level of awareness regarding general halal and haram concepts, but there was relatively lower awareness of the term “halal pharmaceuticals” and detailed information about non-halal ingredients. Knowledge scores varied between students and academics, with academics scoring higher. Participants exhibited positive perceptions, acknowledging the importance of knowledge about halal pharmaceuticals and patients’ rights to inquire about medication sources and ingredients. Concerns were raised about the potential controversy surrounding the topic. This research contributes to understanding the role of halal pharmaceuticals in healthcare, particularly in predominantly Muslim countries. The findings highlight the importance of integrating education on halal pharmaceuticals into healthcare curricula, emphasizing patient-centered care, and addressing cultural and religious sensitivity. There is a need for tailored educational approaches and sensitivity training to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice.
Deema Jaber, Nidal Younes, Enam Khalil, Abla Albsoul-Younes, Mohammed Zawiah, and Amal G. Al-Bakri
SAGE Publications
This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the microbial ecology of diabetic foot infections (DFIs), using molecular-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis to accurately identify the causative agents. One hundred DFI patients were recruited and classified using the Depth Extent Phase and Associated Etiology (DEPA) score according to their severity. Results revealed polymicrobial infections in 75% of cases, predominantly featuring Staphylococcus epidermidis (83%) and Staphylococcus aureus (63%). Importantly, 20% of samples exhibited facultative anaerobes Bacteroides fragilis or Clostridium perfringens, exclusively in high DEPA score ulcers. Candida albicans coinfection was identified in 19.2% of cases, underscoring the need for mycological evaluation. Empirical antimicrobial therapy regimens were tailored to DEPA severity, yet our findings highlighted a potential gap in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) coverage. Despite an 88% prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococci, vancomycin usage was suboptimal. This raises concerns about the underestimation of MRSA risk and the need for tailored antibiotic guidelines. Our study demonstrates the efficacy of molecular-PCR analysis in identifying diverse microbial communities in DFIs, influencing targeted antibiotic choices. The results advocate for refined antimicrobial guidelines, considering regional variations in microbial patterns and judiciously addressing multidrug-resistant strains. This research contributes crucial insights for optimizing DFIs management and helps the physicians to have a fast decision in selection the suitable antibiotic for each patient and to decrease the risk of bacterial resistance from the improper use of broad-spectrum empirical therapies.
Deema Jaber, Abeer Al Shihab, and Lina N. Tamimi
Hindawi Limited
Background. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to manage pain, including chronic pain conditions. However, their prolonged use is associated with significant risks, particularly gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a pharmacist-managed deprescribing program for NSAIDs in a Jordanian outpatient population. Methods. A convenience sample of 100 participants who had been using NSAIDs for pain management was recruited. Participants underwent a structured deprescribing intervention in collaboration with physicians. Various effectiveness and safety outcomes were assessed before and after deprescribing. Descriptive statistics and chi-square test were used for data analysis. Results. The majority of participants reported chronic pain conditions, with rheumatoid arthritis (24%) and osteoarthritis (22%) being the most prevalent. Ibuprofen (28%) and diclofenac (22%) were the most commonly used NSAIDs. The deprescribing program was associated with a significant reduction in heartburn, stomach ulcer, kidney problems and fluctuation in blood pressure readings (p<0.05), and pain exacerbation. Notably, the reduction in pain exacerbation was evident (p=0.003) in the 4-month follow-up. Conclusion. A pharmacist-managed NSAIDs deprescribing program demonstrated effectiveness in reducing the risk of GI adverse events and fluctuation in blood pressure readings without causing harm during a short-term follow-up. These findings support the feasibility of implementing such programs in outpatient settings. Further long-term investigations are necessary to confirm these results.
Mohammad Abu Assab, Deema Jaber, Fares Albahar, Hamza Alhamad, Tareq Mukattash, Hebah Al-Mathani, and Hanadi Abu Assab
JCFCorp SG PTE LTD
Background: The medication review service (MRS) is a valuable community pharmacies-based health service to patients, ensuring optimal medication use and reducing medication errors. Nevertheless, it remains limited in scope and empowerment without remuneration for providing the service. Objective: This study aimed to assess private health insurance (PHI) and third-party administration (TPA) firms’ perspectives regarding the MRS offered by community pharmacies in Jordan and the extent of their willingness to pay for this service. Method: The research was an observational, cross-sectional study conducted using a constructed and validated Arabic questionnaire that was distributed electronically to the key health insurance decision-makers (general managers, operational managers, medical network managers, directors, and supervisors) among all the (22) PHI and TPA active firms that are members of the Jordan Insurance Federation (JIF) and licensed under the insurance administration in the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Participants provided their consent electronically before filling out the questionnaire. Results: 50 health insurance decision-makers agreed to participate in this study. 48% partially (42%) or completely (6%) heard about the medication review service. Most respondents (n=35, 70%) believed the medication review service is expected to reduce the cost of medications. Furthermore, they believed the service is expected to reduce the cost of the medical bill by ensuring the medication is not repeated within a short time unless advised by the doctor, checking the exact dosage regimen of each drug, and using alternative medicines at lower cost (74%, 64%, and 60%) of respondents respectively. Half of the respondents were eager to remunerate for the medication review service, with the majority willing to pay less than 10 Jordanian Dinars (JODs) per patient. Conclusion: Although almost half of the PHI and TPA firms’ decision-makers had not heard about the MRS before, achieving eventual cost savings in the reimbursed medication value strongly motivated them to reimburse for the service. Pharmacy and health policymakers are in place to take further steps to empower the service and find common ground with insurance parties to reimburse it for improved medical health insurance services to their beneficiaries with overall cost savings.
Hamza Alhamad, Deema Jaber, Mohammad B Nusair, Fares Albahar, Sahar M Edaily, Nazek Q Al-Hamad, and Haneen A Basheer
The University of Jordan
Introduction: This study evaluates undergraduate pharmacy students' and examiners’ perceptions of implementing OSCE exam.
 Methods: A sample of 185 undergraduate pharmacy students (138 from Zarqa University and 47 from Yarmouk University) and 20 examiners were invited to complete a quantitative survey and qualitative focus group discussion, respectively.
 Results: 103 out of 185 (56%, response rate) undergraduate pharmacy students completed the quantitative survey, with 11 examiners out of 20 (55%) agreeing to participate in the examiners' focus group discussion. Most pharmacy students agreed that OSCE exam was a practical and useful experience (74.8%) and should be part of the assessment in other pharmacy courses (61.2%). However, less than a quarter thought that OSCE exam was not fair (17.5%), very intimidating (20.4%), and needed more time (29.1%). Examiners were generally in favour of OSCE exam being well-organised and well-administered despite the need for a large place to conduct and a good number of pharmacy staff to implement.
 Conclusion: Pharmacy students and examiners agreed that OSCE exam is an excellent and preferable clinical assessment tool. This study provides a scheme to evaluate OSCE exam as a clinical assessment tool and would help policy-makers gain more insight into the impact of implementing OSCE exam on students' clinical knowledge and communicational skills development and learning process.
Jumanah D Al-Shawabkeh, Nidal Abu Laban, Neda’a Husein, and Deema Jaber
African Journals Online (AJOL)
Purpose: To investigate public awareness and source of information regarding the management of the 2019 Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic among Jordanians. 
 Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional online survey was conducted in Jordan during the COVID-19 outbreak from March 25th to April 29th, 2020. A validated online questionnaire addressing participants' current awareness about COVID-19 pandemics, source of information, and perspectives of their role. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software. Descriptive analysis data were reported as mean and standard deviations for continuous variables and percentages were used for qualitative variables. P-values ≤ 0.05 were considered significant. 
 Results: This study involved 409 participants that had a mean age of 26.2 ± 8.7 years and 76.3 % were females. Nearly 67.7 % of the participants obtained their information about COVID-19 from social media, and 16.6 % from governmental agencies. Furthermore, 70.7 % of participants believed that wearing a medical face mask is not necessary to protect against COVID-19, about 95.6 % of the participants agreed to take COVID-19 detection tests when they suffer from symptoms related to COVID-19 infection, and 98.8 % agreed to visit the hospital if they have the infection. 
 Conclusion: This survey has shown the importance of public awareness in the prevention and control of pandemic diseases. Most Jordanian participants have good knowledge of COVID-19 as a deadly disease that spreads rapidly among the population in a community. Furthermore, the people have awareness of drugs that enhance the immune system. This public awareness made Jordan one of the countries with reduced number of weekly recorded cases of COVID-19 at the beginning of the pandemic.
Shereen Arabiyat, Odate Tadros, Rana Abu Farha, Deema Jaber, and Tamara Al-daghastani
JCFCorp SG PTE LTD
Objective: In this quantitative study, we intended to explore sexual/ reproductive counseling between Jordanian pharmacists by addressing pharmacists’ knowledge regarding sexual/ reproductive health and their perception and practice in providing counseling to patients. Method: This study adopted a survey methodology using a self-completed validated and administered unnamed survey. Participants were asked to fill-out the electronic survey after providing their electronic consent. Social media was utilized to extend the survey to facilitate contact multiple parts of pharmacists’ community. Results: In this study, 200 pharmacists agreed to participate in this study. Most of the pharmacists knew that depression (n= 182, 91%) and alcohol (n=171, 85.5%) were among the main factors that my decrease sexual performance. Also, only 38.5% of the pharmacists (n= 77) agreed that discussing sexual issues is the responsibility pf pharmacists, and only 55% of them (n= 110) felt comfortable discussing patients’ sexual matters as any medical issue. Moreover, more than two-third of the pharmacist (n= 146, 73%) reported that if they were consulted about sexual problem, they may explore patients’ problem. On the other side, only half of pharmacists (n= 102, 51%) revealed that they may discuss the side effects of prescribed drug if it might affect sexual performance. Conclusion: Education on sexuality/ reproduction is the key to help Jordanian pharmacists to advance patients’ sexual/ reproductive health. In general, research on sexual/ reproductive health in conservative societies is limited. Therefore, additional surveys that include the perspectives of both patients and pharmacists on sexuality/ reproduction to augment this normally ignored aspect of health are necessary.
Hamza Alhamad, Deema Jaber, Rana Abu-Farha, Fares Albahar, Sahar M. Edaily, and Parastou Donyai
MDPI AG
The reissuing, redispensing, redistributing, or even recycling of the returned unused stored medicines is referred to as medicine reuse. A few studies have examined people’s willingness to reuse unused stored medicines. This study aims primarily to explore the public’s willingness to reuse unused stored medicines in the future and the factors affecting their decisions, and to assess the pharmacological types and formulations of the unused stored medicines by the public. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenient sampling technique over three weeks (February–March 2022) among Jordanian populations. Data were collected from 681 participants who agreed to fill out a questionnaire, which was distributed online. Participants showed a positive perception of reusing any of the unused stored medicines in the future; of those, 79.6% (n = 400) believed that reusing “unused medicines” has economic benefits and 50% (n = 251) believe there are environmental benefits. Moreover, more than half of the participants believed that reusing “unused medicines” is safe (n = 256, 51%), but provided that a pharmacist or a doctor evaluates their quality or that the unused medicines are stored well. Results from this study show that the public positively endorses the idea of reusing unused stored medicines if the quality and safety are assured. However, future studies are needed to evaluate the Jordanian healthcare professionals’ perceptions towards medicine reuse and pharmaceutical companies’ willingness to be a part or facilitator of medicine reuse.
Amal G. Al-Bakri, Lina A. Dahabiyeh, Enam Khalil, Deema Jaber, Gihan Kamel, Nina Schleimer, Christian Kohler, and Karsten Becker
MDPI AG
Small colony variants (SCVs) are clinically significant and linked to persistent infections. In this study, synchrotron-radiation-based Fourier transform infrared (SR-FTIR) is used to investigate the microspectroscopic differences between the SCVs of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and diabetic foot Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) in two main IR spectral regions: (3050–2800 cm−1), corresponding to the distribution of lipids, and (1855–1500 cm−1), corresponding to the distribution of protein amide I and amide II and carbonyl vibrations. SR-FTIR successfully discriminated between the two staphylococcal species and between the SCV and the non-SCV strains within the two IR spectral regions. Combined S. aureus SCVs (SCVhMu) showed a higher protein content relative to the non-SCV wild type. Complemented S. aureus SCV showed distinguishable differences from the SCVhMu and the wild type, including a higher content of unsaturated fatty acids. An increase in the CH2/CH3 ratio was detected in S. epidermidis SCV samples compared to the standard control. Protein secondary structure in standard S. epidermidis and SCVs consisted mainly of an α-helix; however, a new shoulder at 1635 cm−1, assigned to β-sheets, was evident in the SCV. In conclusion, SR-FTIR is a powerful method that can discriminate between staphylococci species and to differentiate between SCVs and their corresponding natural strains.
Deema Jaber, Haneen A. Basheer, Lina Elsalem, Mohammad Dweib, Maysa Khadra, Rami Abduljabbar, Rawan Ghazwi, and Hamza Alhamad
MDPI AG
Although anxiety and depression are among the most prevalent mental disorders worldwide, they continue to gain less attention than their physical counterparts in terms of health care provision and population mentalisation. This cross-sectional study explores and compares the national prevalence of depression and anxiety signs/symptoms and well as identifying associated socio-demographic factors among Jordanian and Palestinian fertile couples. Four-hundred and sixty-nine participants were eligible for inclusion and agreed to participate in the study. The mean score for HAM-A and BDI-II were 12.3 ± 8.2 and 15.30 ± 10.0, respectively. According to the grading of HAM-A and BDI-II, the majority of the participants have graded themselves to be mildly anxious (N = 323, 68.9%) and around one third of participants (N = 148, 31.6%) moderately to severe depressed. The suicidal intent was remarkable and of concern where around 18.6% of participants had suicidal thoughts and wishes. There was a significant correlation between both HAM-score and BDI-II score and age [p = 0.01, p = 0.011, respectively], body weight [p = 0.01, p = 0.006, respectively], and total monthly income [p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively]. Our findings ought to alert healthcare professionals and other interested parties that there is a high burden of anxiety and depression symptoms among Jordanian and Palestinian couples. To support Jordanian and Palestinian couples’ mental health, healthcare professionals, researchers, and educators favoured to concentrate on creating efficient and culturally relevant education, preventive, and intervention procedures utilising evidence-based guidelines.
Mohammad Abu Assab, Deema Jaber, Haneen Basheer, Hanadi Abu Assab, and Haya Al-Atram
MDPI AG
The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically imposed stressful conditions that may impact the ability of healthcare staff to provide safe and effective care. Research on patient safety culture among community pharmacies during the pandemic is limited. This study aimed to assess the patient safety culture among community pharmacies in Jordan during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pharmacists and pharmacy assistants from 450 community pharmacies were approached through online means, with 378 answering the questionnaire written in Arabic that had been adapted from the Community Pharmacy Survey on Patient Safety Culture (PSOPSC). This study showed that various patient safety standards were addressed to a high degree during the COVID-19 pandemic, as represented by the high positive response rate (PRR) measures that were mainly observed in the dimensions “Teamwork” (90.1%), “Patient Counseling” (85.2%), and “Staff Training and Skills” (82.7%). Furthermore, significantly higher PRR scores for the “Teamwork”, “Staffing, Work Pressure, and Pace”, “Response to Mistakes”, “Organizational Learning—Continuous Improvement”, and “Overall Perceptions of Patient Safety” dimensions were observed among participants who worked in independent pharmacies than those who worked in chain pharmacies. Despite an overall positive patient safety culture in the current context of community pharmacies in Jordan during the COVID-19 pandemic, pitfalls were observed in the “Staffing, Work Pressure, and Pace” dimension.
Eman A. Hammad, Eman Elayeh, Deema Jaber, Ibrahim Abu mustafa, and Sinaa Al-Aqeel
Elsevier BV
Eman A. Hammad, Sinaa Al-Aqeel, Eman Elayah, and Deema Jaber
Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Objectives To assess the management of requests for information about a prescription only medicine (simvastatin for treatment of dyslipidemia) by pharmacy staff in community settings and explore the factors influencing the information content. Methods A cross sectional study conducted using the stimulated patient (SP) method between November 2018 and May 2019. The SP conveyed the request at the beginning of the encounter in a standardized way based on predetermined plots and was instructed to ask the pharmacy staff directly if information was not discussed spontaneously. After the visit, the SP provided written feedback including information about the scenario and a copy of individualized feedback. The study was reported according to the checklist for reporting research using simulated patient methodology (CRiSP). Factors influencing information content with or without information demand were investigated. Results A total of 55 visits were analyzed. The average content score for the information discussed spontaneously was 16.2% with the standard deviation (SD) equal to15.6. The score improved significantly after information was demanded by the SP; the average total information content score became 34.4% (SD = 16) with p < 0.001. The score of information discussed spontaneously was higher for male pharmacy staff, older age, more experience, and a Pharm D degree. When the SP prompted or demanded for information, older pharmacy staff with more experience and with a college degree scored higher. Independent pharmacies, longer visit durations, and less distraction were associated significantly with higher information scores Pharmacy staff aged 35–39 and those with 6–10 years of experience were significant contributors to spontaneous discussion of information with p values = 0.003 and 0.013, respectively. After the SP demanded information, pharmacy staff with less than 5 years of experience and greater confidence as well as longer visits were positively predicting higher information scores with p values of 0.049, 0.04, and 0.04, respectively. Conclusions Information provided by community pharmacists responding to information requests about prescription only medications was found to be suboptimal. Patient requests for information were found to be a positive driver for better information content. Further research of mixed methodologies is required to clarify the factors and motivators enabling information exchange in community settings and to outline true training needs.
Deema J. Jaber, Haneen A. Basheer, Abla M. Albsoul-Younes, Lina M. Elsalem, Jehan M. Hamadneh, Mohammad K. Dweib, and Hanadi T. Ahmedah
Saudi Medical Journal
OBJECTIVES
To assess the level of infertility-related stress, associated socio-economic, and demographic factors among infertile couples living in Jordan and those living under the chronic Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the occupied Palestinian territories.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study was carried out in a number of fertility and reproductive clinics in Jordan and occupied Palestinian territories over a period of 6 months. Trained clinical pharmacists interviewed the identified couples.
RESULTS
A total of 443 participants were interviewed. Three variables were significantly and independently associated with global stress scores. The need of parenthood appears higher in women than men among infertile couples in Jordan and Palestine (p=0.005). The country of origin (p<0.001) made the greatest contribution of unique variance followed by family type (p=0.035). Additionally, a significant contribution to the model was carried out by the number of clinicians who followed up on the case (p=0.013). The average total cost of treatment since the problem had been diagnosed was 2936±4529 Jordanian dinar, which may be of concern to both Jordanians and Palestinians given the limited resources available in developing nations.
CONCLUSION
This study shows a significant degree of stress among infertile couples. The place of origin, family structure, and presence of medical insurance had a significant impact on the infertility global stress score. This study emphasizes the necessity for specific psychological therapies that are currently lacking in public healthcare practices in both Jordan and Palestine.
Deema Jaber, Nidal Younes, Enam Khalil, Abla Albsoul-Younes, Ayman Mismar, Moayyad Nassar, and Amal G. Al-Bakri
American Podiatric Medical Association
Background: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are the main cause of hospitalizations and amputations in diabetic patients. Failure of standard foot care is the most important cause of impaired DFU healing. Dakin’s solution (DS) is a promising broad-spectrum bactericidal antiseptic for management of DFUs. Studies investigating the efficacy of using DS on the healing process of DFUs are scarce. Accordingly, this is the first evidence-based, randomized, controlled trial conducted to evaluate the effect of using diluted DS compared with the standard care in the management of infected DFUs. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted to assess the efficacy of DS in the management of infected DFUs. Patients were distributed randomly to the control group (DFUs irrigated with normal saline) or the intervention group (DFUs irrigated with 0.1% DS). Patients were followed for at least 24 weeks for healing, reinfection, or amputations. In vitro antimicrobial testing on DS was performed, including determination of its minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration, minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration, minimum biofilm eradication concentration, and suspension test. Results: Replacing normal saline irrigation in DFU standard care with 0.1% DS followed by soaking the ulcer with commercial sodium hypochlorite (0.08%) after patient discharge significantly improved ulcer healing (P < .001) and decreased the number of amputations and hospitalizations (P < .001). The endpoint of death from any cause (risk ratio, 0.13; P = .029) and the amputation rate (risk ratio, 0.27; P < .001) were also significantly reduced. The effect on ulcer closure (OR, 11.9; P < .001) was significantly enhanced in comparison with the control group. Moreover, DS irrigation for inpatients significantly decreased bacterial load (P < .001). The highest values for the in-vitro analysis of DS were as follows: minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), 1.44%; minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), 1.44%; minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC), 2.16%; and minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC), 2.87%. Conclusions: Compared with standard care, diluted DS (0.1%) was more effective in the management of infected DFUs. Dakin’s solution (0.1%) irrigation with debridement followed by standard care is a promising method in the management of infected DFUs.
Tamara Al-Daghastani, Odate Tadros, Shereen Arabiyat, Deema Jaber, and Husam AlSalamat
MDPI AG
Objectives: To analyze the role of pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic, to measure pharmacists’ attitude toward COVID-19 safety measures (wearing masks, wearing gloves, isolation shield, good hygiene, etc.), and explore their perspectives regarding a second wave of the virus. Methods: This cross-sectional online survey study was conducted in Jordan during the COVID-19 outbreak in July 2020 to discuss Jordanian pharmacists’ awareness of safety at their workplace during the COVID-19 outbreak, their sources of information, and their predictions for COVID-19 vaccination. Results: The participants (n = 311) were all pharmacists mostly aged between 23–30 years old (45%) and female (83%). The primary source of information about COVID-19 was social networking (38.9%). Pharmacists were committed to social distancing (86.5%) and wearing masks (76.2%). They expressed levels of agreement to their role in decreasing COVID-19 spread (94.2%) and correcting false information (94.5%); they expressed levels of expectation toward concern about a second COVID-19 wave (83%) that would be more severe than the previous one (43.4%). Pharmacists expected that an influenza vaccine might be helpful in decreasing severity and spread of the COVID-19 pandemic (56.9%). Pharmacists expected COVID-19 vaccine development within 6 months of administering our study survey (84.9%) and that vaccination might be effective in preventing COVID-19 (93%) infection. Conclusion: Pharmacists expressed positive roles on COVID-19 spread through exemplary actions, self-commitment to protection measures, and public health awareness. Social media as a source of health information should be cautiously investigated, and pharmacists should always refer to evidence-based sources. The role of pharmacists is particularly important for the upcoming era of COVID-19 vaccination administration and awareness.
A.G. Al‐Bakri, N.R. Bulatova, N.A. Younes, G. Othman, D. Jaber, N. Schleimer, A. Kriegeskorte, and K. Becker
Wiley
The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize staphylococcal isolates from diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) in Jordanian patients.
Salah AbuRuz, Deema Jaber, Iman Basheti, Aya Sadeq, Mosab Arafat, Mohammad AlAhmad, and Amira Said
BMJ
Objectives The inappropriate use of medications is harmful and is a common issue in hospitalised patients. Patients hospitalised in general surgery wards are usually at high risk for drug-related problems (DRPs). This randomised controlled trial aimed to explore the value of a pharmaceutical care service conducted in general surgery wards in the identification and reduction of DRPs in comparison with standard medical care. Methods This study was conducted in general surgery wards including abdominal, cardiovascular, vascular, endocrine, orthopaedic and oncological surgeries at one of the largest teaching hospitals in Jordan over a period of 6 months. Recruited patients were randomised into intervention or control groups. Clinical pharmacists assessed patients’ DRPs and submitted recommendations to resolve the identified DRPs in the intervention group. Results Patients in the intervention group (n=63) and the control group (n=60) had a mean age of 55±14.4 years, with 52.0% being women. A total of 1062 DRPs were identified, with a mean of 8.6±3.6 per patient (intervention group, 8.65±4.2; control group, 8.62±2.6; p=0.56). The commonly identified DRPs included safety (20.2%) and efficacy (19.0%) issues. The acceptance rate for pharmacists’ recommendations by physicians was very high (90%) with a good DRP correction rate of 58.9% during patients’ hospital stay. The value of pharmaceutical care was significantly reflected in the achievement of the therapeutic outcomes and prevention of morbidity (resolved/improved or prevented) of 68.2% (24.2%+44%) in the intervention group compared with 19.2% (12.4%+6.8%) in the control group (p<0.001). Conclusions This study shows that DRPs are common among general surgery patients in Jordan, especially those related to drug safety and efficacy. Pharmacists’ recommendations contributed substantially to resolving most of the identified DRPs and had a significant impact on improving medications used in general surgery patients.