OMAR H ALMAHMOUD
@birzeit.edu
Nursing Department / Pharmacy, Nursing and Health Professions College
Birzeit University
Omar Almahmoud, a lecturer in pediatric and neonatal nursing with more than 10 years of experience, earned his bachelor's in nursing from Al-QUDS University in 1995 and his master's in pediatric nursing in 2006. Currently, a PhD candidate in nursing (Child Health) at the University of Jordan in Jordan. In a level 4 NICU in Makassed Hospital in East Jerusalem, he had more than 17 years of clinical expertise as senior neonatal intensive care nurse. At Birzeit University- College of Pharmacy, Nursing, and Health Professions-, now works as a faculty member of the nursing department. Almahmoud published a variety of studies on neonatal, pediatric, growth and development, and evidence-based critical care in highly ranked journals focusing on nursing education and practice. Almahmoud vision is to use his knowledge and clinical experiences of nursing to enhance nursing skills and offer future nurses and researchers with evidence-based nursing education to optimize children’s' functioning.
EDUCATION
PhD nursing
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Pediatric nursing, Neonatal Nursing, Critical care nursing, Child Growth and Development, Nursing education, Evidence-based practices.
Scopus Publications
Scholar Citations
Scholar h-index
Scholar i10-index
Scopus Publications
Omar H. Almahmoud, Khitam Mohammad Mahmmod, Suhyla Amine Mohtaseb, Nagham Jamil Totah, Doaa Fahim Abu Nijem, and Abdallah Nehad Hammoudeh
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Imad Asmar, Omar Almahmoud, Aya Manassrah, Dalya Moqady, Raneen Abd Al Hamed, Rania Soboh, and Mahmoud Fatafta
Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Both adults and pediatric patients who are on mechanical ventilation face high rates of mortality and morbidity due to ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), which is the most prevalent deadly hospital-acquired infection. Healthcare organizations provide evidence-based guidelines to help nurses decrease VAP in ICUs; however, there are obstacles to putting these guidelines into practice. An extensive investigation was conducted for pertinent English studies published from January 2014 to February 2024 in the databases of Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed, and CINAHL. The study centered on nurses’ understanding, adherence, and obstacles regarding introducing VAP prevention guidelines. The majority of ICU nurses have a basic to intermediate understanding of evidence-based methods to reduce VAP. The nurses in the ICUs typically followed the guidelines for preventing VAP about 60% of the time. A basic analysis of descriptive content identified the obstacles preventing critical care nurses (CCNs) from following VAP PGs. The obstacles were separated into 2 groups: barriers related to nurses (such as education, experience, and training) and barriers related to the work environment (such as lack of supplies, staffing shortage, lack of policies, and ineffective supervision). To improve their skills, CCNs should get frequent updates on courses and seminars related to the VAP PG implementation. Healthcare administrators must be aware of these obstacles and implement work procedures that help CCNs overcome them if they want to increase compliance.
Omar H. Almahmoud, Heba Saied Abdallah, Abir Asad Ahmad, Israa Mousa Judieh, Dunia Nafez Kayed, and Aziza Yaser Abed
Elsevier BV
Omar Almahmoud, Imad Asmar, Ahmad Kahala, Nour Awadallah, Wala Awad, Nida’a Sarhan, and Sadeen Joulany
Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Burnout is a state of emotional and physical depletion. Its occurrence among critical care nurses (CCNs) is a concept that has gained traction yet remains an issue with global consequences. Nurses are especially vulnerable to burnout due to the persistent stressors they are exposed to, which include the general work environment, biological factors, and emerging changes caused by COVID-19. This study aims to assess the severity of burnout among CCNs during the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated factors. A descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire was used in this study to measure the estimated burnout rate among CCNs in Palestine and establish associations with potential factors. Maslach Burnout Inventory questionnaire was used for the task. The results showed out of the 173 participants, more than 35% reported severe overall burnout. Per burnout domains, it was found that around 70% of participants suffered from low personal accomplishment, while 59.5% had severe levels of depersonalization, and finally, more than 65% of critical nurses had severe emotional exhaustion. Out of the various variables tested, gender, age, type of hospital, PPE, and fear of transmission were found to be associated with overall burnout. CCNs in Palestine were found to be severely burned out and should be dealt with before getting out of hand. The research found variables related to burnout contributed to burnout. Recommendations for further studies and prioritization should be made.
Omar H. Almahmoud, Inas Nafez Yaghmour, Hadeel Ibraheem Shamasna, Ghayda Darweesh Hijazi, Zeinab Saeed Shalan, and Mays Wael Abu Hamdan
Elsevier BV
Imad Asmar, Omar Almahmoud, Ayat Abu zahra, Nadeen Qattousah, Fatima Sumreen, Anfal Mahmoud, and Sabreen Maali
Elsevier BV
Mutaz Dreidi, Duaa Abed, Haya Salameh, Inas Abu Sbeih, Saja Asmar, Sewar Salameh, Imad Asmar, Khalid Yaseen, and Omar Al-Mahmoud
Coventry University, Lanchester Library
Nursing students are exposed to a variety of stressors during their clinical training. The impact of stress must be considered as an important factor that may have negative impact on clinical performance and patient care. The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between self-esteem and stress and coping mechanisms among nursing students during clinical practice. A descriptive-correlational study was used in the study; a self-reported questionnaire was used to collect the data. A convenience sample of 300 baccalaureate-nursing students from Palestinian universities and had clinical training in governmental and/or private hospitals participated in the study. The most common type of stressors perceived was stress from taking care of patients (Mean= 9.8), followed by stress from instructors and nursing staff (Mean= 8). Problem solving was the most prevalent coping strategy used by the participants (Mean= 14.2), followed by staying optimistic (Mean= 9). The results showed that avoidance, and transference have significant positive correlations with all stressors (p < 0.05), while self-esteem has significant negative correlation with all stressors. The findings of this study revealed that nursing students experienced mild to moderate stress, and the most prevalent form of stresses experienced was stress from taking care of patients, followed by stress from instructors and nursing staff. Students commonly used problem solving followed by staying optimistic to cope with their stress, and they found these methods to be effective.
Omar H. Almahmoud and Lubna Abushaikha
Elsevier BV
Omar H. Almahmoud, Baraa Baniodeh, Reem Musleh, Sanabel Asmar, Mohammed Zyada, and Hadeel Qattousah
Elsevier BV
Omar H. Almahmoud, Baraa Baniodeh, Reem Musleh, Sanabel Asmar, Mohammed Zyada, and Hadeel Qattousah
Walter de Gruyter GmbH
Abstract Around the world, idiopathic scoliosis accounts for the majority of occurrences of adolescent scoliosis. The absence of underlying congenital or neuromuscular problems distinguishes adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), which affects children ages 13 to 18, from other kinds of scoliosis. The prevalence of AIS is influenced by a number of variables, such as physical activity, gender, backpacks, body mass index, and others. AIS has an impact on the child’s development not just physically but also psychologically, emotionally, and mentally. This study used nationwide databases to describe the prevalence of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and associated risk variables. The current review analysis showed that AIS was significant worldwide and that adolescent gender, physical activity, body mass index, backpack carrying and backpack weight were all significant risk factors for developing AIS.
Aidah Alkaissi, Nizar B. Said, Shorooq Qadous, Mahdia Alkony, and Omar Almahmoud
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Abstract Background Resilience has emerged as a concept that could explain and predict good academic and well-being of students in stressful and traumatic situations. This study was conducted to assess resilience and identify predictors of high or low resilience scores among future nurses in Palestine. Methods This cross-sectional study adhered to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology statement. Undergraduate nursing students in all academic years were recruited and asked to complete a questionnaire that contained the Trait Resilience Scale and the State-Resilience Scale. Multiple linear regression models were used to identify predictors of higher resilience scores and to control for potentially confounding factors. Results In this study, 290 students completed the questionnaire (response rate = 92.4%). The means of trait, state, and combined resilience scores were 71.4 (SD: 7.5), 62.7 (SD: 6.7), and 134.1 (SD: 12.8), respectively. There was a significant moderate positive correlation between state resilience scores and trait resilience scores (r = 0.63, p < 0.001). Having a study routine on daily basis predicted higher trait (β = -0.20, p < 0.001), state (β = -0.12, p = 0.032), and combined (β = -0.18, p = 0.001) resilience scores. Trait and combined resilience scores were predicted by the absence of chronic diseases (β = 0.12, p < 0.05), experiencing addiction issues (β = -0.11, p < 0.05), living in Israeli seized areas (β = 0.16, p < 0.05), and living in a house with enough number of rooms per siblings (β = 0.13, p < 0.05). On the other hand, state and combined resilience scores were predicted by being in the first academic year (β = -0.18, p < 0.01), and state resilience scores were predicted by living in urban areas (β = -0.12, p < 0.05). Conclusions Undergraduate nursing students in Palestine reported relatively high trait and state resilience scores. Higher trait, state, and combined resilience scores were predicted by having a study routine on daily basis. More studies are still needed to investigate the relationship between resilience scores, perceived well-being, willingness to care, and the future success of nursing students in Palestine.
Imad Asmar, Omar Almahmoud, Mu'taz Dreidi, Fatima Jebara, Nora Jaber, Ahmad Kahala, Jenna Ramadan, and Noor Hamdan
Elsevier BV
Imad Asmar, Omar Almahmoud, Khalid Yaseen, Jehad Jamal, Ahmad Omar, Hani Naseef, and Shadi Hasan
Elsevier BV
Muayyad Ahmad, Salam H. Bani Hani, Mohammad Abu Sabra, and Omar Almahmoud
Walter de Gruyter GmbH
Abstract Objectives Big data has revolutionized nursing and health care and raised concerns. This research aims to help nurses understand big data sets to provide better patient care. Methods This study used big data in nursing to improve patient care. Big data in nursing has sparked a global revolution and raised concerns, but few studies have focused on helping nurses understand big data to provide the best patient care. This systematic review was conducted based on PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate were used for 2010–2020 studies. Results The most common use of big data in nursing was investigated in eight papers between 2015 and 2018. All research showed improvements in patient outcomes and healthcare delivery when big data was used in the medical-surgical, emergency department, critical care unit, community, systems biology, and leadership applications. Big data is not taught to nurses. Conclusions Big data applications in nursing and health care improve early intervention and decision-making. Big data provides a comprehensive view of a patient’s status and social determinants of health, allowing treatment using all metaparadigms and avoiding a singular focus. Big data can help prepare nurses and improve patient outcomes by improving quality, safety, and outcomes.
Imad Asmar, Omar Almahmoud, and Mu'taz Dreidi
UNISA Press
The front line of healthcare professionals that could be at high risk for COVID-19 is nursing personnel. In Palestine, there is a lack of data on nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding COVID-19 national guidelines. Undeniably, nurses’ adherence to control measures is affected by KAP. The study’s goal was to assess nurses’ KAP toward prescribed COVID-19 hospital guidelines. A cross-sectional, quantitative and descriptive design was used in this research involving a total of 340 nurses working in hospitals and health care centres in Palestine. The survey was conducted between May and July 2021 by means of a computerised survey questionnaire. Four portions of the questionnaire included sociodemographic data, nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding COVID-19 national guidelines. Results showed that a total of 248 (73.0%) nurses demonstrated good knowledge of COVID-19 national guidelines, 207 (61.0%) displayed positive attitudes, and 226 (66.6%) complied with prescribed COVID-19 guidelines as evidenced through observations of their daily nursing care practices. Increasing knowledge and training for improving attitudes and practices among frontline nurses is paramount for controlling the transmission of COVID-19. Nurses and other healthcare professionals who have direct or indirect contact with COVID-19 patients should be protected from infection by policies and education, which should be implemented.
Imad Asmar, Omar Almahmoud, Jehad Jamal, Ahmad Thalji, Qusay Alamleh, and Abdullah Abdelhaleem
UNISA Press
The aim of this study was to assess undergraduate nursing students’ understanding of updated guidelines for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). For the methodology, the study used a cross-sectional, descriptive, quantitative design. Three hundred undergraduate nursing students from 10 nursing schools in the West Bank, in the occupied Palestinian territories, were surveyed between April and May 2022 using a computerised survey questionnaire. The questionnaire was divided into two sections, the first comprising sociodemographic data, and the second evaluating nursing students’ knowledge. Based on the study findings, 48.3% of the nursing students had inadequate knowledge, 50.3% had satisfactory knowledge, and just 1.3% had good knowledge. Students with higher academic levels (p < 0.001); students who began clinical training in healthcare facilities (p < 0.001); and students who had one or more family members employed in the healthcare sector (p = 0.038) all showed significantly higher levels of knowledge of COVID 19 guidelines. In conclusion, nearly all elements of COVID-19, including its clinical presentation, treatment, and prevention, were poorly understood by nursing students as a whole. Evaluating nursing students’ knowledge about COVID-19 will assist policy-makers in developing appropriate techniques for moving forward with mindfulness and states of mind about COVID-19 to encourage oversight of the pandemic and increase nursing professionals’ adherence to disease anticipation and control measures.
Omar H. Almahmoud and Lubna Abushaikha
Korean Academy of Child Health Nursing
Purpose: Developmental disabilities (DDs) are a global childhood problem whose prevalence is rising, with a disproportionate impact on individuals in low-and middle-income countries. However, data on the prevalence of DDs in the Arab world are limited. This review highlights what is currently known about the prevalence and risk factors of DDs in preschool children in the Arab world. Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, CINAHL, Science Direct, and Google Scholar were searched for publications on DDs among preschool children in the Arab world. Only 14 studies were identified in the literature, from 12 Arab countries. Results: The overall estimated prevalence of DDs among preschool children in the Arab world is 27.5%. An analysis of risk factors for DDs showed that child-related, maternal, and family-related factors account for a significant cumulative risk of developing DDs in preschool children. Maternal factors, such as antenatal and perinatal complications, were the most common risk factors. Conclusion: The prevalence of DDs among preschoolers is significantly high in the Arab world, which emphasizes the importance of the early detection and diagnosis of DD, as well as its associated risk factors.
Omar H. Almahmoud, Diana H. Arabiat, and Mohammad Yousef Saleh
Elsevier BV
Jamal Qaddumi, Omar Almahmoud, Ahmad Khurasani, Abdullah Alkhawaldeh, and Omar Khraisat
An-Najah National University - PMPJ
Aidah Alkaissi, Nizar Said, Omar Almahmoud, Loai Al-ziben, and Rasha Zaitoun
An-Najah National University - PMPJ
Article published in : Palestinian Medical and Pharmaceutical Journal (PMPJ). 2019; 4(2): 73-87
Omar H. Almahmoud
Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Read about how a son, who's also a nurse, cared for his mother after she was infected with COVID-19 and the universal lessons they learned.
Omar Almahmoud
Elsevier BV
Imad T. Asmar, Belal M. Alrajoub, Omar H. Almahmoud, Dina N. Nakhleh, Sara I. Makharzeh, and Yazeed M. Falaneh
Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
The management of critically ill patients is complicated and often involves complex devices including mechanical ventilators (MVs), which may be associated with many complications. Protective lung strategies (PLSs) are used to prevent complications associated with MVs, but nurses may not possess adequate knowledge to optimize the efficacy of PLSs. This article reports findings from what is thought to be the first study in Palestine that explores critical care nurses' knowledge about PLSs. The purpose of this study was to assess the critical care nurses' attitude, behavior, and knowledge regarding PLSs of mechanically ventilated patients. This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted at both public and private hospitals in Palestine. The sample included nurses who worked in intensive care units and cardiac care units and utilized a previously developed and validated questionnaire. The result of the study concludes that the majority of the Palestinian critical care nurses agree with the utilization or application of PLSs but have a severe lack of knowledge about the strategies. This highlights the need to provide additional educational programs related to the optimum use of mechanical ventilation.
Ashraf Abuejheisheh, Omar Tarawneh, Jamal A. S. Qaddumi, Omar Almahmoud, and Muhammad W. Darawad
SAGE Publications
Although many studies discussed evidence-based practice among general nurses, few studies were found by the researchers among intensive care unit nurses. Also, no study has been conducted to investigate the predictors of evidence-based practice among intensive care unit nurses in Jordan. Therefore, this study aims to identify the predictors of evidence-based practice among intensive care unit nurses in Jordan. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used to conveniently recruit 132 participants. Self-reported questionnaires were utilized including the Evidence-Based Practice Questionnaire and Evidence-Based Practice barrier scale. Participants’ rate of evidence-based practice was 60% (M = 4.2/7), which was significantly correlated with their knowledge ( r = 0.739, P < .01) and attitudes ( r = 0.564, P < .01) of evidence-based practice. The results revealed a 2-predictor model that explained 62.2% of the variance in evidence-based practice among intensive care unit nurses. The 2 variables were attitude (β = 0.245) and knowledge (β = 0.563). The outcomes of this study added new information regarding the prediction of evidence-based practice among intensive care unit nurses. An educational program for nurses regarding this issue is crucial to improve their practice aiming at enhancing nursing care. Also, nursing schools should update their curricula to explain the importance of evidence-based practice and to enhance students’ competencies in research utilization and statistical skills.