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Al-Kuran O, Jaber DZ, Ahmad A, Abdulfattah S, Mansour S, Abushqeer R, Al Muhaisen N, AlKuran L, AlKhalili M, Al-Mehaisen L. Understanding perspectives on neural tube defect management: insights from Jordanian parents. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2024; 37:2334846. [PMID: 38584146 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2024.2334846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neural tube defects (NTDs) represent a spectrum of heterogeneous birth anomalies characterized by the incomplete closure of the neural tube. In Jordan, NTDs are estimated to occur in approximately one out of every 1000 live births. Timely identification of NTDs during the 18-22 weeks of gestation period offers parents various management options, including intrauterine NTD repair and termination of pregnancy (TOP). This study aims to assess and compare parental knowledge and perceptions of these management modalities between parents of affected children and those with healthy offspring. MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective case-control study was conducted at Jordan University Hospital (JUH) using telephone-administered questionnaires. Categorical variables were summarized using counts and percentages, while continuous variables were analyzed using mean and standard deviation. The association between exposure variables and outcomes was explored using binary logistic regression. Data analysis was performed using SPSS for Windows version 26 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). RESULTS The study sample comprised 143 participants, with 49.7% being parents of children with NTDs. The majority of NTD cases were associated with unplanned pregnancies, lack of folic acid supplementation, and postnatal diagnosis. Concerning parental knowledge of TOP in Jordan, 86% believed it to be legally permissible in certain situations. However, there was no statistically significant difference between cases and controls regarding attitudes toward TOP. While the majority of parents with NTD-affected children (88.7%) expressed a willingness to consider intrauterine surgery, this percentage decreased significantly (to 77.6%) after receiving detailed information about the procedure's risks and benefits (p = .013). CONCLUSIONS This study represents the first case-control investigational study in Jordan focusing on parental perspectives regarding TOP versus intrauterine repair of myelomeningocele following a diagnosis of an NTD-affected fetus. Based on our findings, we urge the implementation of a national and international surveillance program for NTDs, assessing the disease burden, facilitating resource allocation toward prevention strategies, and promoting early diagnosis initiatives either by using newly suggested diagnostic biomarkers or early Antenatal ultrasonography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oqba Al-Kuran
- Fetomaternal Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Dunia Z Jaber
- Medical School, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Ahmad Ahmad
- Medical School, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | | | - Sara Mansour
- Medical School, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | | | | | - Lena AlKuran
- Medical School, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Mais AlKhalili
- Medical School, Al-Balqa Applied University, Salt, Jordan
| | - Lama Al-Mehaisen
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Al-Balqa Applied University, Salt, Jordan
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Albtoosh A, Aloqaily M, Shaf'ei M, Alqudah S, Ihmoud O, Sharayah M, Mokheemer E, Ifdielat O, Jaber DZ, Aloqaily W, Alradaideh A. Characteristics and prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms among patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea in a tertiary care center. Qatar Med J 2024; 2024:21. [PMID: 38745969 PMCID: PMC11092905 DOI: 10.5339/qmj.2024.qitc.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Asma Albtoosh
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Mohammed Aloqaily
- Internal Medicine Department, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Moayad Shaf'ei
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Shahed Alqudah
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Omar Ihmoud
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | | | | | - Omar Ifdielat
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Dunia Z Jaber
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Wafi Aloqaily
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Amro Alradaideh
- Internal Medicine Department, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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AlSamhori JF, Toubasi AA, Jaber DZ, Ghanem HH, Thainat BI, AlSamhori AF, Kalbouneh H. Jordanian parental perception of screen time and its association with psychological distress: A cross-sectional design. Pediatr Neonatol 2024:S1875-9572(24)00052-4. [PMID: 38677918 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedneo.2023.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The excessive use of electronic devices among children is a global concern because of its negative impact on behavior. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess parents' awareness of their children's electronic device use and their perspective on how screen time affects behavior for 4-10-year-olds in Jordan. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess parents' awareness of their children's electronic device usage. The study included 807 mothers and fathers from Jordan with at least one child aged 4 to 10. The data collection instrument consisted of a self-administered survey with 43 questions, including sociodemographic characteristics and the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire. Descriptive analysis, categorical Chi-square test, Independent t-test, and Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis. The study followed ethical standards and principles. RESULTS A survey of 807 parents in Jordan found that gaming and videos were the most common content watched by children, and 61.3% used devices alone. Only 37.1% of parents believed that device use could improve their children's psychological growth, while 72.7% and 65.9% believed it could impact negatively their children's mental and psychological growth, respectively. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire showed that 51.4% of children were normal, while 25.3% were borderline and 23.3% were abnormal. CONCLUSION Children in the study used electronic devices excessively and this was linked to severe behavioral problems. Parents should follow AAP guidelines and spend more time with their children through non-electronic activities to improve their behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dunia Z Jaber
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | | | | | | | - Heba Kalbouneh
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
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Abu Zahra M, Jaber DZ, Badran EF. A rare case of methemoglobinemia in a preterm newborn with unclear etiology. J Neonatal Perinatal Med 2024:NPM230163. [PMID: 38640175 DOI: 10.3233/npm-230163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the tissues due to increased levels of deoxygenated hemoglobin in capillaries. It is a common finding in newborn infants that can be caused by different diseases, including pulmonary, cardiac, infectious, and hematological disorders. Methemoglobinemia is a rare cause of cyanosis, in which hemoglobin is oxidized, changing its heme iron configuration from the ferrous (Fe2 +) to the ferric (Fe3 +) state, creating methemoglobin (Met-Hb), a form that does not bind oxygen, leading to decreased oxygen delivery to the tissues and cyanosis. We report a rare case of a preterm newborn, who developed cyanosis and worsening hypoxemia on day ten of life, she was found to have elevated Met-Hb percentage in blood gas analysis that required treatment with intravenous methylene blue. Her symptoms resolved after a period of maintenance treatment with oral methylene blue and ascorbic acid, and the etiology of her disease remains unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Abu Zahra
- Division of Pediatric Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, The Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Dunia Z Jaber
- School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Eman F Badran
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
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Al-Showbaki L, Toubasi AA, Jaber DZ, Shdifat MA, Al-Maani N, Qudah O, Fararjeh F, Amir E. Paraneoplastic Cutaneous Manifestations of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Cancer 2024; 15:1021-1029. [PMID: 38230223 PMCID: PMC10788718 DOI: 10.7150/jca.88931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: There remains a scarcity of published data on the clinical significance of paraneoplastic cutaneous manifestations in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Method: A systematic search of MEDLINE was performed in December 2022. Inclusion criteria comprised studies reporting on patients with HCC, who had paraneoplastic cutaneous manifestations. Outcomes of interests comprise survival and response to cancer-directed and/or skin directed therapy. Results: A total of 48 studies comprising 60 HCC patients were included in the analysis. The most frequent reported skin abnormalities were dermatomyositis, pityriasis rotunda, and porphyria. Most patients presented with dermatomyositis had underlying viral hepatitis, while all reported porphyria and acanthosis cases were associated with metabolic causes of HCC, such as steatosis. Paraneoplastic skin changes were more common in patients with metastatic disease. Pityriasis Rotunda was associated with the lowest risk of death, (OR: 0.05, 95% CI: 0.003 to 0.89; p = 0.04), while dermatomyositis had a statistically significant higher risk of death (OR: 3.37, 95% CI: 1.01-12.1; p = 0.03). Most patients showed an improvement in their cutaneous abnormalities, following cancer-directed therapy. Conclusion: Paraneoplastic cutaneous manifestations are reported more frequently in patients with a higher burden of disease, especially presence of metastases. Certain cutaneous manifestations have prognostic implication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laith Al-Showbaki
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Jordan University Hospital and School of Medicine, the University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | | | - Dunia Z. Jaber
- School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | | | - Noor Al-Maani
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Jordan university Hospital and school of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Omar Qudah
- Division of Hepatology and gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Jordan university Hospital and school of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Feras Fararjeh
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Jordan University Hospital and School of Medicine, the University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Eitan Amir
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON. Canada
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Al Oweidat K, Marie D, Toubasi AA, Jaber DZ, Ahmed KE, Abu Alragheb BO, Albtoosh AS. The prevalence of anxiety and depression in bronchiectasis patients and their association with disease severity: a cross-sectional study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20886. [PMID: 38017245 PMCID: PMC10684858 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48276-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung disease characterized by recurrent respiratory symptoms. Several studies demonstrated that psychological comorbidities are common in patients with bronchiectasis. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of anxiety and depression in bronchiectasis patients and assess their association with disease severity. In this cross-sectional study, we included patients diagnosed with bronchiectasis. The study was conducted using an interviewer-administered questionnaire via phone calls and data collected from the electronic medical records at JUH. The questionnaire included patients' demographics and disease characteristics. Anxiety and depression were assessed using GAD7 and PHQ9 respectively. Bronchiectasis disease severity was assessed using BSI and FACED score. The total number of included patients was 133. Moreover, 53.4% of the participants were females while the rest were males (46.6%). PHQ9 demonstrated that 65.4% of the patients had depression. Regarding anxiety, GAD7 scale showed that 54.1% of the patients had anxiety. Pearson correlation showed that bronchiectasis severity index was significantly associated only with PHQ9 depression scores (r = 0.212, P value = 0.014). The prevalence of depression and anxiety is high among patients with bronchiectasis. We believe that patients affected with bronchiectasis should be screened for depression to improve their quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled Al Oweidat
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Dana Marie
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Ahmad A Toubasi
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.
| | - Dunia Z Jaber
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Khalid E Ahmed
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Bayan O Abu Alragheb
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Asma S Albtoosh
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
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Abdallat M, Murshidi R, Taha H, Jaber DZ, Hammouri M, Al-Huneidy L, Aljayeh M, Ghanem HH, Bedros AW, Al-Omairi J, Abbas R, Abu-Usba MI, Alkayed Z, Banimustafa R, Al-Ani A. An investigation of knowledge and attitudes towards antidepressants: a cross-sectional survey of Jordan's six medical schools. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:604. [PMID: 37596589 PMCID: PMC10439584 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05037-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Depression is Jordan's most ravaging mental illness. Despite the growth of antidepressant use, only a handful of studies examine the factors affecting antidepressant knowledge among healthcare workers or medical students. Therefore, we aimed to explore the knowledge and attitudes towards antidepressants across Jordan's six medical schools. METHODS Using a cross-sectional design, we investigated the knowledge and attitudes towards antidepressants through the Drug Attitude Inventory and a literature-validated knowledge domain. Clinical students from Jordan's six medical schools were recruited. Differences in knowledge and attitudes scores were examined by year of study, medical school among other factors. A multivariate linear regression model was utilized to assess predictors of knowledge. RESULTS We included a total of 1,234 participants representing Jordan's six major schools of medicine. About 14.9% of participants had a personal history of antidepressant use while 20.5% reported family history of psychiatric disease. The majority of students demonstrated favorable attitudes towards antidepressants (74.1%). Students demonstrated an average understanding of antidepressants' mechanism of action, side effects, but not indications in special populations. Senior medical students, higher GPA, higher family income, personal history of antidepressants, and family history of psychiatric illnesses were associated with significantly higher knowledge scores (all p-values < 0.001). In addition to attitudes scores, the aforementioned were positive predictors of knowledge scores in the multivariate model. CONCLUSION Medical students' knowledge towards antidepressants leaves room for significant improvement. Yet, it is evident that significant differences for both attitudes and knowledge exist across medical schools which may indicate a gap in either training or teaching methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Abdallat
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Rand Murshidi
- Department of Dermatology, School of medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Hana Taha
- Department of Pharmacology, Public Health and Clinical Skills, Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dunia Z Jaber
- School of medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | | | | | - Maram Aljayeh
- School of medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | | | | | | | - Rand Abbas
- School of medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | | | - Zaid Alkayed
- Department of psychiatry, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | | | - Abdallah Al-Ani
- Office of Scientific Affairs and Research, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan.
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