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Al-Eisawi Z, Jacoub K, Alsukker A. A large-scale study exploring understanding of the national premarital screening program among Jordanians: Is an at-risk marriage a valid option for Jordanians? PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENCE (BRISTOL, ENGLAND) 2021; 30:319-330. [PMID: 33148133 DOI: 10.1177/0963662520968468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Detecting carrier couples through premarital screening implementation is an effective way of controlling thalassaemia. The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge of university students towards premarital screening and their possible involvement in an at-risk marriage. Students (n = 976) were chosen randomly from Jordanian universities. The questionnaire consisted of three sections: socio-demographical data, the students' knowledge about the screening programme, and finally their beliefs and future decisions related to it. Most (90%) participants were aware of the premarital screening availability. Females had significantly better understanding of premarital screening compared to males. Despite the majority of the participants not wanting to go ahead with at-risk marriages, 23% would not be deterred from marrying their anticipated partner and believed engaging in at-risk marriage was a valid idea. We suggest providing more effective educational programmes, genetic counselling and free prenatal diagnosis for at-risk couples.
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Altaany Z, Khabour OF, Alzoubi KH, Alkaraki AK, Al-Taani G. The Perception of Premarital Genetic Screening within Young Jordanian Individuals. Public Health Genomics 2021; 24:182-188. [PMID: 34192692 PMCID: PMC9984666 DOI: 10.1159/000517162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the past two decades, the attention of public health has been drawn to premarital genetic screening (PGS) programs to reduce birth defects and avoid genetic disorders. In Jordan, the high rate of genetic hemoglobinopathies compelled the government to implement an obligatory PGS program before marriage. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the knowledge, opinion, and practice of young Jordanians concerning PGS. METHODS Using a pretested questionnaire, this cross-sectional study was conducted on a convenience sample from Jordan. The measures included respondents' demographics, and beliefs/opinions regarding PGS. RESULTS A total of 432 participants completed the survey. The majority (87.8%) had a positive attitude toward PGS program. Reasons behind this positive attitude were preventing transmission of genetic diseases, reducing family breakdown/psychosocial problems, and financial burdens of having a child with genetic disease. In fact, 49.8% of participants were willing to change their marriage decision in case of receiving incompatible results. Moreover, most of the participants (75.1%) demanded the implementation of a law that prohibits incompatible marriages. A positive attitude toward PGS was found to be associated with female gender and having a university education. CONCLUSIONS Young Jordanians have a positive attitude toward the implementation of PGS. Yet, educational programs should be drawn up to the target population before getting married emphasizing the important role of PGS in the wellness of the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaid Altaany
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Omar F. Khabour
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Karem H. Alzoubi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Almuthanna K. Alkaraki
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Ghaith Al-Taani
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
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Alkaraki AK, Khabour OF, Alzoubi KH, Al-Ebbini LMK, Altaany Z. Informed Consent Form Challenges for Genetic Research in Jordan. J Multidiscip Healthc 2020; 13:235-239. [PMID: 32184613 PMCID: PMC7062388 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s243669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Informed consent is an obligatory requirement for research engaging human subjects. Informed consent form (ICF) should be provided for human subjects to confirm their willingness for voluntary participation in a study. Ethical and legal obligations necessitate the presence of informed consent essential items to be built into the ICF. Objective To evaluate the content of ICFs obtained from different genetic studies accomplished in Jordan and their adherence to ethical guidelines proposed by the International Conference on Harmonization—Good Clinical Practice (ICHGCP). Methods and Measures A total of 44 ICFs obtained from master theses and grant proposals at two major universities in Jordan were analyzed according to the good clinical practice criteria proposed by ICHGCP. ICFs were scored for the presence or absence of ICF main items/categories. Results Results show inadequate information present in the examined ICFs. The highest information score was 17 out of 20, while the lowest score was one out of 20. The average score for all studied ICFs was 6.18±3.65. Among essential items/categories that were absent from the majority of studied ICFs were a statement about voluntary participation, confidentiality of data, compensation to study participants, risk/benefits of the study, and researchers’ contact information. Conclusion The ICFs were missing a number of required items. This could reflect inadequate knowledge about minimal informed consent requirements among Jordanian investigators highlighting the need for research ethical training in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Almuthanna K Alkaraki
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, Jordan
| | - Omar F Khabour
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Karem H Alzoubi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Lina M K Al-Ebbini
- Department of Biomedical Systems and Informatics Engineering, Hijjawi for Engineering Technology, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, Jordan
| | - Zaid Altaany
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, Jordan
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Al-Hussaini M, Ammar K, Kasasbeh N, Sultan H, Al-Omari A. Global celebrities' effect on health awareness among Jordanians: A study using the case of Angelina Jolie. J Genet Couns 2019; 28:1021-1028. [PMID: 31386265 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 06/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Celebrities' health decisions have long been associated with heightened awareness and health trend changes. This is the first study conducted in an Arab population investigating the impact of international celebrity news on local communities using the case of Angelia Jolie's (AJ) prophylactic mastectomy and oophorectomy surgeries. The objective was to measure the effect of publicized medical information on cancer genetic testing knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP). This is a cross-sectional study using a semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire for clinic visitors at the King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC). We had predominantly female (n = 262, 66.3%) and healthy participants (n = 248, 66.5%). Approximately 80.7% (n = 330) recognized AJ, the actress, and of these, 71% (n = 232) were aware of her recent diagnosis and prophylactic surgeries. Males reported a higher knowledge score (p < .001). However, females had more initiative to seek information (18.3% vs. 10.1%; p = .04). People aware of Angelina's prophylactic procedures were inclined to seek information regarding cancer genetics (20.8% vs. 9.6% p = .003). Breast and ovarian cancer patients were more likely than other cancer patients to encourage family members to undergo prophylactic surgery in case of BRCA1/2 mutations (39.2% vs. 17.1% p = .03). Ninety-three percent of the sample lacked knowledge regarding the availability of cancer genetic testing in Jordan. Results highlight a clear effect of celebrity medical news on our population, as well as openness to consider genetic testing as an early detection tool for women with a family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer. Generalization of these results to the population of Jordan requires further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maysa Al-Hussaini
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan.,Office of Human Research Protection Program (HRPP), King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan
| | - Khawlah Ammar
- Office of Scientific Affairs and Research, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan
| | - Nour Kasasbeh
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Hala Sultan
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Amal Al-Omari
- Office of Scientific Affairs and Research, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan
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Al-Shdayfat N, Hasna F, Al-Smairan M, Lewando-Hundt G, Shudayfat T. Importance of integrating a cultural module in the community nursing curriculum. Br J Community Nurs 2016; 21:44-49. [PMID: 26692136 DOI: 10.12968/bjcn.2016.21.1.44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Bedouin Health module was one of the proposed interventions funded by the European Union in 2007-2008, with a focus on health services and utilisation of these services for the Bedouin people in the north of Jordan. AIM This study aimed to evaluate the sustainability of integrating this module into the community health nursing courses at Al al-Bayt University, Jordan. METHOD Two focus group discussions were carried out with five faculty members and five students involved in the implementation of the Bedouin Health module. Leading questions were prepared for both groups. RESULTS Four main themes emerged across both focus groups: self-expression, sustainability, acceptance, and motivation. CONCLUSION The findings of this study identify how crucial it is for nursing students and faculty members to be culturally competent when practising community health care in the Bedouin community.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fadia Hasna
- Associate Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Madaba, Jordan
| | - Mohammad Al-Smairan
- Assistant Professor, Renewable Engineering Department, Engineering Faculty, Al al-Bayt University
| | - Gillian Lewando-Hundt
- Professor of Social Sciences in Health and Co-Director of the Institute of Health, University of Warwick, Coventry, England
| | - Tamador Shudayfat
- Lecturer, Department of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Al al-Bayt University, Jordan
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Abstract
AIM This paper is a report of a comparative study of anticipatory grief of parents of children newly diagnosed with cancer and those whose children were diagnosed 6-12 months earlier. BACKGROUND Public perceptions of cancer as a fatal illness persist despite improved prognosis for children. Parents may experience feelings of despair, hopelessness, and worthlessness - the most common psychological expressions of anticipatory grief. With a focus on developing more effective therapeutic intervention, healthcare professionals have developed greater interest in the concept of anticipatory grief. METHOD One hundred and forty parents, divided between 'newly diagnosed' and '6-12 months after diagnosis' groups, were recruited in 2006 from two hospitals representative of the healthcare sector in Jordan. Structured interviews were conducted to assess anticipatory grief, using the Marwit and Meuser Caregiver Inventory: Childhood Cancer. Analysis was performed using t-tests. RESULTS Fewer than half of the parents in both groups reported being at peace with themselves and their situation in life. Parents of newly diagnosed children reported more severe anticipatory grief responses than those in the second group. No statistically significant differences were found in responses between mothers and fathers. CONCLUSION Healthcare professionals should encourage parents to discuss negative feelings related to their child's illness and potential outcome. Hospital policies need to include the provision and promotion of support group services for parents, and nurses should encourage parents to exploit such services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekhlas Al-Gamal
- Department of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, The University of Jordan, Jordan.
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Gharaibeh H, Mater FK. Young Syrian adults' knowledge, perceptions and attitudes to premarital testing. Int Nurs Rev 2010; 56:450-5. [PMID: 19930073 DOI: 10.1111/j.1466-7657.2009.00736.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The issue of premarital testing is a controversial and complex issue. Syria is an Islamic country that is moving towards modernization that involves changes in social structures and urbanization of attitudes, beliefs, views and values. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to identify young Syrian adults' knowledge, perceptions and attitudes about premarital testing. METHODS Descriptive, cross-sectional design was utilized. The study was conducted at a mid-sized university in Syria. A stratified simple random sampling was used to recruit the university students in the last 2 years of their graduation. A total of 942 students participated in the study using a questionnaire developed to measure the participants' knowledge, attitudes and perception of premarital testing. RESULTS Although university students had a considerable knowledge of premarital testing, they had a limited knowledge about certain aspects. Moreover, although they had some positive attitudes, they still had negative attitudes and perceptions towards other aspects of premarital testing. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATION The study results could assist in the development of health education programmes in Syria and other Arab countries to increase their awareness and influence their attitudes towards premarital testing. The study limitation was that the sample was chosen from one part of Syria.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Gharaibeh
- Chairperson of Maternal-Child Health and Midwifery Department, Faculty of Nursing, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan.
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Ballantyne A, Newson A, Luna F, Ashcroft R. Prenatal diagnosis and abortion for congenital abnormalities: is it ethical to provide one without the other? THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOETHICS : AJOB 2009; 9:48-56. [PMID: 19998163 DOI: 10.1080/15265160902984996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
This target article considers the ethical implications of providing prenatal diagnosis (PND) and antenatal screening services to detect fetal abnormalities in jurisdictions that prohibit abortion for these conditions. This unusual health policy context is common in the Latin American region. Congenital conditions are often untreated or under-treated in developing countries due to limited health resources, leading many women/couples to prefer termination of affected pregnancies. Three potential harms derive from the provision of PND in the absence of legal and safe abortion for these conditions: psychological distress, unjust distribution of burdens between socio-economic classes, and financial burdens for families and society. We present Iran as a comparative case study where recognition of these ethical issues has led to the liberalization of abortion laws for fetuses with thalassemia. We argue that physicians, geneticists and policymakers have an ethical and professional duty of care to advocate for change in order to ameliorate these harms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Ballantyne
- Donaghue Initiative in Biomedical and Behavioral Research Ethics, Interdisciplinary Center for Bioethics, Yale University/ISPS, 77 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
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Development of a Modified Instrument to Measure Anticipatory Grieving in Jordanian Parents of Children Diagnosed With Cancer. Cancer Nurs 2009; 32:211-9. [DOI: 10.1097/ncc.0b013e31819a2ae4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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