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Alotaibi B, Khan AK, Kharaba Z, Yasin H, Yasmin R, Ijaz M, Khan M, Murtaza G. Development of Poly(vinyl alcohol)-Chitosan Composite Nanofibers for Dual Drug Therapy of Wounds. ACS Omega 2024; 9:12825-12834. [PMID: 38524467 PMCID: PMC10955599 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c08856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Current trends in localized drug delivery are emphasizing the development of dual drug-loaded electrospun nanofibers (NFs) for an improved therapeutic effect on wounds, especially infected skin wounds. The objective of this study was to formulate a new healing therapy for an infected skin wound. To achieve this goal, this study involved the development and characterization of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/chitosan nanofibers loaded with ciprofloxacin and rutin hydrate. Polymers and drugs were used in different ratios. Nanofiber morphology was studied by scanning electron microscopy, thermal stability by thermogravimetric analysis, structural determination by the X-ray diffraction method, and integrity by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Dissolution studies were performed to check the drug release behavior of the formulations. Antibacterial studies were performed against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The wound healing efficiency of dual drug-loaded nanofibers was measured by a full-thickness excisional wound model of rabbits. The fabricated nanofibers were smooth in morphology. According to FTIR findings, the drugs remained intact in the nanofibers. The results of swelling ratio and porosity revealed that the pore size was increased as the amount of chitosan was increased up to 30% but a further increase in chitosan concentration reduced the swelling ratio and porosity. Drug release studies of nanofibers depicted an initial burst effect and afterward controlled drug release behavior. Drug-loaded nanofibers showed better activity against S. aureus than P. aeruginosa. The antibacterial efficacy of rutin hydrate with ciprofloxacin was improved compared to that of the formulation having rutin hydrate only, likely due to the additive effect in activity. Based on wound healing studies, nanofibrous membranes acted as a promising wound dressing material as compared to the commercial wound healing formulation. Drug-loaded polymeric nanofibers were successfully fabricated by using an electrospinning method. These nanofibers showed an efficient ability to deliver drugs and treat infected wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Badriyah
S Alotaibi
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abida Kalsoom Khan
- Department
of Chemistry, COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus, Abbottabad 22044, Pakistan
| | - Zelal Kharaba
- Department
of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, AlAin University, Abu Dhabi Campus,Abu Dhabi 112612, United Arab Emirates
| | - Haya Yasin
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman 346, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rehana Yasmin
- Department
of Chemistry, COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus, Abbottabad 22044, Pakistan
| | - Munaza Ijaz
- Department
of Microbiology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Madiha Khan
- Department
of Microbiology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Ghulam Murtaza
- Department
of Pharmacy, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus,Lahore 54000, Pakistan
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Alotaibi B, Waqas MK, Saleem S, Yasin H, Kharaba Z, Murtaza G. Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Potential of Stearic Acid Nanoparticles of Quercetin in Rats. ACS Omega 2024; 9:7003-7011. [PMID: 38371835 PMCID: PMC10870266 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c08870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
This study aims to assess the anti-inflammatory potential of stearic acid nanoparticles of quercetin in an arthritic rat model. This article describes the fabrication of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) using the hot melt encapsulation method, followed by the anti-inflammatory study of SLNs and other characterizations such as FTIR, XRD, and SEM. Thirty male healthy albino rats were taken and treated with FCA to induce rheumatoid arthritis. Quercetin loading of quercetin to stearic acid was confirmed by FTIR. The efficacy of quercetin-loaded SLNs to reduce inflammation was evaluated with the help of inflammatory biomarker levels. Quercetin-loaded stearic acid nanoparticles were successfully prepared by using a hot melt encapsulation method. Their average size and zeta potential were 100 nm and -25 mV, respectively. Rheumatoid arthritis was significantly (p < 0.001) reduced in the quercetin-loaded SLN group, as indicated by finding out the reduced levels of inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and rheumatoid factor. Quercetin-loaded stearic acid nanoparticles were found to be potentially effective in treating RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Badriyah
S Alotaibi
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Khurram Waqas
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences, University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Sunabal Saleem
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences, University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Haya Yasin
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman 346, United Arab Emirates
| | - Zelal Kharaba
- Department
of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi Campus,Abu Dhabi 112612, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ghulam Murtaza
- Department
of Pharmacy, COMSATS University Islamabad,
Lahore Campus, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
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Al-Azayzih A, Al-Qerem W, Al-Azzam S, Muflih S, Al-Husein BA, Kharaba Z, Kanaan RJ, Rahhal D. Prevalence of Medication Associated with QTc Prolongation Used Among Critically Ill Patients. Vasc Health Risk Manag 2024; 20:27-37. [PMID: 38318252 PMCID: PMC10840412 DOI: 10.2147/vhrm.s438899] [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] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Acquired prolonged corrected QT (QTc) interval can lead to life-threatening Torsade de Pointes (TdP) arrhythmia. Multiple risk factors including medications, comorbidities, and electrolyte imbalances contribute significantly to acquired manifestations of the QTc prolongation. Critically ill patients are particularly more vulnerable to TdP due to complex medical conditions, aging, and polypharmacy. Objective This study aimed to assess the prevalence of TdP-associated medication prescribing, identify risk factors for QTc prolongation and TdP, and determine primary predictors of high TdP medication usage in critically ill patients in Jordan. Methods We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of electronic medical records for patients from King Abdullah University Hospital who were admitted to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) between (July 2012-July 2022). We collected data on patients' demographics, clinical characteristics, comorbidities, laboratory results, and prescribed medications. Medications were categorized into three TdP risk levels according to CredibleMeds® assessment tool. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a binary logistic regression model. Results Of the 13,300 patients (58.2% male, median age 62 years). Prescribing prevalence for medications with known TdP risk was 19%, possible risk (24.7%), conditional risk (21.6%), and confirmed conditional risk (8.3%). Common comorbidities included hypertension (40.9%), diabetes (33.3%), and cancer (15.4%). Drugs with known TdP risk included citalopram, amiodarone, clarithromycin, and ciprofloxacin. A binary regression model revealed that as age increased, the odds of TdP associated medication prescribing decreased (OR = 0.989, p < 0.001), while patients on more than five medications had higher odds (OR = 4.281, p < 0.001). Conclusion The study identified a notable prevalence of prescribing for medications with QTc prolongation/TdP risk in critically ill patients. Healthcare providers in the ICU should exercise caution to minimize the inadvertent prescription of TdP associated medications especially among older patients and those with polypharmacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Al-Azayzih
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Walid Al-Qerem
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Sayer Al-Azzam
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Suhaib Muflih
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Belal A Al-Husein
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Zelal Kharaba
- College of Pharmacy, AL Ain University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Honorary Associate Lecturer, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Roaa J Kanaan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Dania Rahhal
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
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Dia N, Mansour S, Kharaba Z, Malaeb B, Sarray El Dine A, Kokash S, Nasser S, Hallit S, Malaeb D. Factors associated with infertility among the Lebanese population: a cross-sectional study. Int J Environ Health Res 2024; 34:934-942. [PMID: 36916125 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2023.2190084] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The incidence of female infertility is growing worldwide and its rate varies across countries. . The goal of this study is to assess the rate of female infertility and identify its associated factors among Lebanese women. This cross-sectional study was conducted between January to May 2019, enrolling a total of 952 females. The mean age was 34.8 ± 8 years and the rate of infertility was 34.3%. The multivariable analysis taking presence vs absence of infertility as the dependent variable, showed that patients with advanced age (aOR = 1.04), endometriosis (aOR = 2.175) and polycystic ovarian syndrome (aOR = 1.41) were significantly associated with higher rate of infertility. On the other hand, having a college level of education compared to a school level was significantly associated with lower odds of infertility (aOR = 0.511). The study highlights that the rate of infertility is high in Lebanon and is mainly associated with various sociodemographic factors and disease states. The findings raise the need to establish awareness campaigns that focus on early diagnosis of infertility, control the associated factors, and treat underlying comorbid conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nada Dia
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sara Mansour
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Zelal Kharaba
- College of Pharmacy, Al-Ain University, Abu Dhabi- Al-Ain, UAE
| | - Bassem Malaeb
- Bioengineering and Nanosciences Laboratory, University of Montpellier, France
| | | | - Sally Kokash
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon
| | - Diana Malaeb
- College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, UAE
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Kharaba Z, Al-Azzam S, Altawalbeh SM, Alkwarit A, Salmeh NA, Alfoteih Y, Araydah M, Karasneh R, Aldeyab MA. Health literacy, knowledge, household disposal, and misuse practices of antibiotics among UAE residents: a nationwide cross-sectional study. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2024; 22:103-113. [PMID: 37978885 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2023.2284878] [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: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study aimed to evaluate health literacy, knowledge, household disposal, and misuse practices of antibiotics among the United Arab Emirates (UAE) residents. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS An observational cross-sectional study was conducted between May 1st and August 31st, 2022. The study encompassed a sample of 1074 participants. RESULTS Participants involved in a medical field (OR: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.45-2.69, p < 0.001) were more likely to have adequate health literacy. Most participants rarely (n = 315; 29.33%) or sometimes (n = 292; 27.19%) sought help from a doctor or pharmacist with reading the instructions and leaflets of antibiotics. A bachelor`s degree was associated with a reduced odds ratio of self-medication with antibiotics (OR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.29-0.75, p = 0.002). Only 10.61% of unneeded antibiotics were returned to the pharmacy, 79.42% were disposed of at home and 10% were disposed of using other disposal practices. CONCLUSIONS Higher levels of adequate health literacy were observed in those involved in the medical field and those with higher educational levels. The prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics among the UAE population was low. These findings highlight the importance of improving health literacy, promoting responsible antibiotic use, and encouraging proper disposal practices among the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zelal Kharaba
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Sayer Al-Azzam
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Shoroq M Altawalbeh
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Alin Alkwarit
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacy intern, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Noor Abdulkareem Salmeh
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacy intern, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yassen Alfoteih
- College of Dentistry, City University Ajman, Ajman, UAE
- College of Humanities, City University Ajman, Ajman, UAE
| | - Mohammad Araydah
- Department of Internal Medicine, Princes Basma Teaching Hospital, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Reema Karasneh
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Mamoon A Aldeyab
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
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Jirjees F, Dallal Bashi YH, Kharaba Z, Ahmadi K, Barakat M, AlObaidi H. Public awareness, prevalence, and regulations for the sale of electronic cigarettes in Arab countries: A narrative review. Tob Induc Dis 2023; 21:143. [PMID: 37901882 PMCID: PMC10603825 DOI: 10.18332/tid/168435] [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: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The majority of the Arab countries have high records of daily tobacco smoking. Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) use has exponentially increased in the past decade in Arab countries. Consumers' willingness to quit smoking traditional cigarettes and their perception of e-cigarettes as a safer alternative to conventional cigarettes have increased the demand for these devices. This narrative review aimed to gather and discuss the available literature on the awareness, prevalence, and sales regulations of e-cigarettes in Arab countries. A search was conducted on electronic databases such as PubMed, Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar with no time limits until the end of 2021. Some of the recent studies (2019-2021) considered in this review have reported that more than 25% of participants were e-cigarettes users. The prevalence of e-cigarettes has increased drastically with raised awareness of e-cigarettes among the population in these Arab countries. Most of the users of e-cigarettes are young males. In addition, an increase in e-cigarettes use has been reported in females. The policies which regulate trade and sale of e-cigarettes and related products were issued in only three Arab countries. In contrast, regulations for the trade and sale of traditional cigarette products are also applied in some countries to e-cigarette products, banning the sale of e-cigarettes to minors and/or amend smoke-free laws to restrict public use of e-cigarettes. There is a need for a concerted effort to assess the prevalence and significant rise of e-cigarettes consumption in Arab societies to help implement and improve harm reduction policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feras Jirjees
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Zelal Kharaba
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle, United Kingdom
| | - Keivan Ahmadi
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Northwest London, Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Muna Barakat
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Hala AlObaidi
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
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Kharaba Z, Alfoteih Y, Alzoubi KH, Al-Azzam S, Al-Azayzih A, Al-Obaidi HJ, Awad AB, Dallal Bashi YH, Ahmed R, Khalil AM, Al Ahmad R, Aldeyab MA, Jirjees F. Lessons Learned from the Pandemic in the UAE: Children COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Its Impact on the Choice of Distance versus Face-to-Face Learning Modalities: An In-Depth Analysis of a National Study. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1598. [PMID: 37897000 PMCID: PMC10611097 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11101598] [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] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This study addresses the crucial aspect of childhood COVID-19 vaccination and its impact on parental decisions concerning learning modalities during the pandemic. This study aimed to gauge parental hesitancy towards vaccinating their children and its influence on choosing between distance and face-to-face learning options. Following STROBE guidelines for cross-sectional studies, this study surveyed 1973 parents in the United Arab Emirates using Google Forms during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results revealed that while more than half of the parents (51.6%) were willing to vaccinate their children if the COVID-19 vaccine was accessible and affordable, a significant majority (91.2%) expressed concerns about the rapid vaccine development process, which was the primary reason for vaccine rejection. Interestingly, a sizable portion (55.3%) had experienced online learning in the previous academic term, and, of those, 59.6% believed it negatively influenced their children's academic performance. Consequently, 66.4% expressed intent to shift their children back to face-to-face learning once feasible. Significantly, parents with medical backgrounds were more inclined (91.6%) to opt for face-to-face schooling compared to those without such backgrounds. Logistic regression analysis indicated associations between sociodemographic characteristics, educational level and background, and the decision to return children to face-to-face learning. Interestingly, when it comes to vaccine hesitancy, a noteworthy connection exists between the parents' reluctance to vaccinate their children and their preference for distance learning. In fact, parents who responded negatively to vaccinating their children against COVID-19, if the vaccine was available, showed a clear preference for the distance learning modality (p-value < 0.0001). This study underscores the complex interplay of factors and community perspectives shaping parental acceptance of childhood COVID-19 vaccination. The development pace of vaccines significantly influences parents' attitudes and beliefs about vaccination programs. Parents' medical backgrounds exhibit a clear correlation with their perceptions of sending children back to school safely. This highlights the potential impact of parental medical knowledge on decision making, emphasizing the need to consider parents' professional backgrounds when devising education- and vaccination-related policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zelal Kharaba
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi Campus, Abu Dhabi 112612, United Arab Emirates
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Yassen Alfoteih
- Department of Dental Surgery, City University Ajman, Ajman 18484, United Arab Emirates;
- Department of General Education, City University Ajman, Ajman 18484, United Arab Emirates
| | - Karem H. Alzoubi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; (K.H.A.); (F.J.)
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan; (S.A.-A.); (A.A.-A.)
| | - Sayer Al-Azzam
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan; (S.A.-A.); (A.A.-A.)
| | - Ahmad Al-Azayzih
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan; (S.A.-A.); (A.A.-A.)
| | - Hala J. Al-Obaidi
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (H.J.A.-O.); (Y.H.D.B.)
| | - Ahmed Bahaaeldin Awad
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Burjeel Medical City Hospital, Abu-Dhabi 7400, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Yahya H. Dallal Bashi
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (H.J.A.-O.); (Y.H.D.B.)
| | - Rahaf Ahmed
- Abbott LaboratoriesAlphamed Company Limited, Abu Dhabi 4236, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Alaa M. Khalil
- Al Thiqa Pharmacy Group, Abu Dhabi 47612, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Raneem Al Ahmad
- Pharmacy Intern, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi 112412, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Mamoon A. Aldeyab
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK;
| | - Feras Jirjees
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; (K.H.A.); (F.J.)
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Ramadan A, Kharaba Z, Ghemrawi R, Elnour AA, Hussain N, Kouhgard P, Al-Damook N, Abou Hait S, Al Ghanem L, Atassi R, Chkh Sobeh R, Z. Al Meslamani A. Assessment of Knowledge and attitude towards Stroke among the UAE population during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study. F1000Res 2023; 12:322. [PMID: 37854872 PMCID: PMC10579853 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.129873.2] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Despite significant advancements in healthcare, the burden of stroke continues to rise in the developed world, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Association between COVID-19 infection and stroke is well established. Factors identified for the delay in presentation and management include a lack of awareness regarding stroke. We aimed to assess the general public knowledge and attitudes on stroke and stroke risk factors in the United Arab Emirates during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2021 and January 2022 among adults≥ 18 years old. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics and stroke knowledge and attitudes. Knowledge and attitude scores were calculated based on the number of correct responses. Linear regression analysis was performed to determine the factors related to knowledge and attitude towards stroke. Results: Of the 500 respondents, 69.4% were females, 53.4% were aged between 18 and 25, and nearly half were students (48.4%). The mean knowledge score was 13.66 (range 2-24). Hypertension (69%), smoking (63.2%), stress (56.4%) obesity/overweight (54.4%), and heart disease (53.6%) were identified as risk factors. Overall, the knowledge of signs/symptoms was suboptimal. The mean attitude score was 4.41 (range, 1-6); 70.2% would call an ambulance if someone were having a stroke. A monthly income of 11,000-50,000 AED and being a student were associated with positive knowledge. Being a non-health worker and lacking access to electronic media sources were associated with worse attitudes. Conclusion: Overall, we identified poor knowledge and suboptimal attitudes toward stroke. These findings reflect the need for effective public health approaches to improve stroke awareness, knowledge, and attitudes for effective prevention in the community. Presently, this is of utmost necessity, given the increased occurrence of stroke and its severity among COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azza Ramadan
- AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Zelal Kharaba
- AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Program of Clinical Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhbai, United Arab Emirates
- Honorary Associate Lecturer, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | - Rose Ghemrawi
- AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Asim Ahmed Elnour
- AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Program of Clinical Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhbai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nadia Hussain
- AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Parisa Kouhgard
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nosayba Al-Damook
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shymaa Abou Hait
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Lena Al Ghanem
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rawan Atassi
- Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Hospital, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ranem Chkh Sobeh
- Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Hospital, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ahmad Z. Al Meslamani
- AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Program of Clinical Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhbai, United Arab Emirates
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Jirjees F, Al-Obaidi H, Barakat M, Kharaba Z, AlSalamat H, Khidhair Z, Alfoteih Y, Eltayib E, Mansour S, Hallit S, Malaeb D, Hosseini H. Knowledge and awareness of stroke in the United Arab Emirates: a cross-sectional study of the general population. F1000Res 2023; 12:1112. [PMID: 37868297 PMCID: PMC10587663 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.134328.2] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study aimed to assess stroke knowledge among the general population in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and determine the factors associated with stroke awareness among people. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in the UAE between September and November 2021. The general population has self-administered an online bilingual survey (Arabic and English) distributed via social media platforms. The questionnaire covered general knowledge about stroke risk factors, consequences of stroke, and responding to somebody with acute stroke attack. RESULTS A total of 545 surveys were completed, with more than half of the participants being female (58.5%), married (55.4%) and employed (59.4%). The majority were less than 50 years old (90.5%) and had a university degree (71.0%). Many of the participants (70.8%) had a good general knowledge of stroke; however, around 20% of the participants were able to recognize all symptoms and risk factors of stroke. The most common sources of stroke-related information were the internet/social media (53.6%). Females were better able to correctly identify at least one stroke symptom and outcome than males (p=0.008). University education has significantly affected participants' ability to identify early stroke symptoms (p=0.001) correctly. In addition, diabetic people were more likely to recognize at least one stroke outcome than non-diabetic people (p=0.039). CONCLUSIONS The knowledge of stroke was good among highly educated people and females. However, the awareness of all stroke risk factors, symptoms, consequences and risk factors was inadequate among the general population of the UAE. Thus, there is still a gap between recognition of the relevant stroke and taking action among people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feras Jirjees
- University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Muna Barakat
- Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Sara Mansour
- Lebanese International University, Beqaa, Lebanon
| | | | - Diana Malaeb
- Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hassan Hosseini
- Universite Paris-Est Creteil Val de Marne, Créteil, Île-de-France, France
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Al-Azayzih A, Bani-Ahmad E, Jarab AS, Kharaba Z, Al-Kubaisi K. Prevalence and Associated Predictors of Inappropriate and Omitted Medications Prescribing in Older Patients with Advanced Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study. Clin Interv Aging 2023; 18:1653-1661. [PMID: 37810955 PMCID: PMC10557987 DOI: 10.2147/cia.s430208] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims of the Study This study aimed to identify the prevalence and significant predictors of both potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) and potentially omitted medications (POMs) events among geriatric patients with advanced cancer using the STOPP (Screening Tool of Older Persons' Prescriptions) and START (Screening Tool to Alert to Right Treatment) criteria. Methods This retrospective cross-sectional study included patients aged ≥65 years who were diagnosed and treated for advanced stage of cancer. Patients' medical charts were evaluated to identify polypharmacy (≥5 medications) prevalence as well as potential PIMs and POMs incidents and their associated predictors. SPSS software was used to perform the analysis. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with dependent variables including PIMs use and POMs. Results Electronic medication charts of 510 patients were evaluated. The average age of the patients was 73.25 years, and 264 (51.8%) patients were males. The average number of medications prescribed per patient was 10.3 (range-2-26). Polypharmacy was present in 85.9% of patients, while excessive polypharmacy prevalence was 52.2%. At least one PIM was encountered in 253 patients (49.6%), while at least one POM was encountered in all patients owing to the omission of pneumococcal vaccines. The most common PIMs were opioid analgesics, followed by benzodiazepines, and hypnotics. Additionally, the most omitted medications, excluding vaccinations, were cardiovascular agents and laxatives in patients on regular opioid analgesics. Polypharmacy and diagnosis with solid cancer compared to hematological cancer were associated with increased odds for PIMs occurrence (ORs = 1.293 (p < 0.001) and 3.022 (p = 0.03), respectively), while coexistence of hypertension diagnosis in cancer patients was associated with increased the odds for POMs events (OR = 2.286 (p = 0.007)). Conclusion Polypharmacy, PIMs, and POMs were highly prevalent among older cancer patients based on the polypharmacy definition and STOPP/START Criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Al-Azayzih
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan
| | - Enas Bani-Ahmad
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan
| | - Anan S Jarab
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan
- College of Pharmacy, AL Ain University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Zelal Kharaba
- College of Pharmacy, AL Ain University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Honorary Associate Lecturer, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Khalid Al-Kubaisi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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Alzayer R, Barakat M, Jirjees F, Alhamdan A, Aloraifej S, Cherri S, Mansour S, El Khatib S, Kharaba Z, Rahal M, Hallit S, Malaeb D, Hosseini H. Knowledge and awareness of stroke and associated factors in the Saudi general population: a cross-sectional study. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1225980. [PMID: 37808501 PMCID: PMC10552853 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1225980] [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: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Stroke is a major cause of death and disability globally and in Saudi Arabia as well. Prevention and management of stroke depend highly on raising knowledge and awareness about the disease. Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate Saudi adult's knowledge and awareness about stroke and determine the associated factors. Materials and methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in May-July 2022 among Saudi citizens. Assessments of stroke knowledge about risk factors, symptoms, and response to stroke symptoms were evaluated. Logistic regression was conducted to assess the association between the socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge. Results A total of 389 participants were enrolled with the majority (81.7%) being male participants. Less than half of the study subjects (43.3%) identified four out of five correct answers related to general knowledge about stroke. Almost all the participants were able to identify at least one risk factor associated with stroke. The majority of the participants (81.2%) believed that physical inactivity was the most common risk factor associated with stroke. Approximately three-quarters of participants considered difficulty speaking and understanding speech, followed by the sudden loss of consciousness as the most common stroke manifestation. Participants with a history of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity had significantly higher odds of identifying at least one early stroke symptom (OR 2.271 [95% CI 1.402 3.677], 2.059 [95% CI 1.273 3.328], and 2.665 [95% CI 1.431 4.963], respectively). Conclusion Our study revealed that participants have good knowledge about stroke. Nonetheless, further efforts are required to raise awareness and educate the public to optimize and ensure better treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem Alzayer
- Clinical Pharmacy Practice, Mohammed Al-Mana College for Medical Sciences (MACHS), Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muna Barakat
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
- MEU Research Unit, Middle East University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Feras Jirjees
- Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Shatha Aloraifej
- Clinical Pharmacy Practice, Mohammed Al-Mana College for Medical Sciences (MACHS), Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sara Cherri
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sara Mansour
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sami El Khatib
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon
- Center for Applied Mathematics and Bioinformatics (CAMB), Gulf University for Science and Technology, Mubarak Al-Abdullah, Kuwait
| | - Zelal Kharaba
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Mohamad Rahal
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal El Dib, Lebanon
| | - Diana Malaeb
- College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hassan Hosseini
- Neurology Department, Henri Mondor Hospital, AP-HP, Créteil, France
- INSERM U955-E01, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomedicale (IMRB), UPEC-Universite Paris-Est, Créteil, France
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Al-Azayzih A, Jarab AS, Bani-Ahmad E, Smadi S, Kharaba Z, Al-Kubaisi KA. Anticholinergic burden risk and prevalence of medications carrying anticholinergic properties in elderly cancer patients in Jordan. Saudi Pharm J 2023; 31:101710. [PMID: 37559866 PMCID: PMC10406854 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2023.101710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Geriatric cancer patients are susceptible to adverse drug events due to the complexity of their chemotherapy regimens and collateral treatments for their comorbid conditions. Prescribing medications with anticholinergic burden characteristics can complicate their condition, leading to negative impacts on their health outcomes and quality of life, including an increase in adverse drug event frequency, physical and cognitive impairments. OBJECTIVE This study aims to examine the prevalence of anticholinergic prescribing and identify the cumulative anticholinergic load risk associated with drugs prescribed to elderly cancer patients. Also, to identify the predictors that might lead to raised anticholinergic burden in these patients. METHODOLOGY This retrospective cross-sectional study included elderly patients (age ≥ 65) diagnosed with cancer and admitted to the adult oncology unit at King Abdullah University Hospital (KAUH) in Jordan during the period between (January 1st, 2019, and January 1st, 2022). The medication charts of 420 patients were evaluated for study outcomes. RESULTS Of the total subjects, females represented 49.3%, and the average age was 72.95 (SD = 7.33). A total of 354 (84.3%) patients were prescribed at least one drug carrying anticholinergic burden properties. Median for anticholinergic medications was 3 (IQR = 4). Our study found that 194 (46.2%) patients were at a high risk of adverse events associated with anticholinergic load (cumulative score ≥ 3). Metoclopramide, furosemide, and tramadol were the most frequently prescribed drugs with anticholinergic properties. Alimentary tract drugs with anticholinergic action were the most commonly encountered items in our study population. CONCLUSION Our study revealed a significantly high prevalence of anticholinergic prescribing among elderly cancer patients. Nearly half of the patients were at high risk of developing serious effects related to anticholinergic activity from the drugs administered. Polypharmacy was strongly associated with increased anticholinergic burden score. Evidence-based recommendations utilizing prescribing strategies for safer alternatives and deprescribing of inappropriate medications could reduce such inappropriate prescribing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Al-Azayzih
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology. P.O. Box 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Anan S. Jarab
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology. P.O. Box 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan
- College of Pharmacy, AL Ain University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Enas Bani-Ahmad
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology. P.O. Box 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Saja Smadi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology. P.O. Box 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Zelal Kharaba
- College of Pharmacy, AL Ain University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Honorary Associate Lecturer, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon tyne, UK
| | - Khalid A. Al-Kubaisi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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13
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Kharaba Z, AlAhmad MM, Ahmed Elnour A, Abou Hajal A, Abumweis S, Ghattas MA. Are we ready yet for digital transformation? Virtual versus on-campus OSCE as assessment tools in pharmacy education. A randomized controlled head-to-head comparative assessment. Saudi Pharm J 2023; 31:359-369. [PMID: 36718383 PMCID: PMC9876029 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2023.01.004] [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: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The global COVID-19 pandemic has influenced pharmacy education including learning, assessment, and exams. In the UAE, pharmacy instructors have adapted several innovative teaching methods to strive for quality learning outcomes. The current trial presented a head-to-head comparative assessment between on-campus versus virtual Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) with examiners' and students' perspectives. Aim The main aim was to compare fourth-year students' and examiners' perceptions of the feasibility (time and logistics), stress, performance, and satisfaction between on-campus versus virtual OSCE. Method A randomized controlled head-to-head comparative assessment between the On-campus and virtual OSCE was conducted to explore performance and satisfaction of pharmacy students and examiners towards the two OSCE settings. The virtual OSCE was carried out directly after the on-campus -OSCE and the setting was designed in a way that aligned with the on-campus OSCE but in a virtual way. Microsoft Teams® breakout room was used as a virtual stations. Respondus-lockdown-browse and Google Meet® were used for proctoring purposes. Results Students who sat for the on-campus assessment were more satisfied with the instructions, the orientation session, the time management, and the overall exam setting, the ability of the exam to assess their communication and clinical skills, professionalism and attitude, and the interactivity of the exam compared to the students who sat for the virtual assessment. Examiners' perceptions for both settings were the same with the exception of interaction with students (p less than 0.05) as the on-campus OSCE was more interactive. Conclusion Students still prefer the on-campus OSCE to the virtual OSCE format in many aspects. Nevertheless, virtual OSCE is still a feasible and satisfactory method of assessment when on-campus OSCE is not possible. There is a need of a specialized platform to conduct the virtual OSCE from A to Z rather than maximizing the use of options in the current digital platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zelal Kharaba
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, 64141 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center, Al Ain University, 64141 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon tyne, UK
| | - Mohammad M AlAhmad
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, 64141 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center, Al Ain University, 64141 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Asim Ahmed Elnour
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, 64141 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center, Al Ain University, 64141 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Abdallah Abou Hajal
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, 64141 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center, Al Ain University, 64141 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Suhad Abumweis
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, 64141 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center, Al Ain University, 64141 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, The Hashemite University, P.O. Box 330127, Zarqa 13133, Jordan
| | - Mohammad A Ghattas
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, 64141 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center, Al Ain University, 64141 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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Rabie ASI, Salah H, Said ASA, Shaaban AH, Abdou LM, Khalil DM, Kharaba Z, Afifi H, Sofy MR, Youssef EMI, Bayoumy ESM, Hussein RRS. Clinical Consequences for Individuals Treated with Tocilizumab for Serious COVID-19 Infection. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11040607. [PMID: 36833140 PMCID: PMC9957040 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11040607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
There seem to currently be no therapeutic medications found for the severe coronavirus infection in 2019 (COVID-19). In light of this, it has been hypothesized that the immunomodulatory treatment known as tocilizumab can lessen the inflammatory response that occurs in the respiratory system, speed up the process of clinical benefit, lower the risk of death, and avert the need for ventilators. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) studied patients with a proven infection of SARS-CoV-2 and hyperinflammatory reactions. The inclusion criteria included fever (body temperature > 38 °C), pulmonary infiltrates, or supplemental oxygen. The patients received either conventional treatment with one dose of either tocilizumab (8 mg per kilogram of body weight) or conventional treatment only. The subjects were randomized to receive either treatment with a 1:1 ratio. A time-to-event test was conducted to determine the time to intubation or death. There was an insignificant difference between the investigated groups regarding the time to death, time to mechanical ventilation, and percentage of deaths. The conventional group's median (IQR) hospital length of stay was 4 (3-6) days, whereas the tocilizumab therapy group was 7 (4.75-10) days. There was a substantial difference in the mechanical ventilation rates in both groups, which were 17 (34%) and 28 (56%), respectively. In hospitalized patients with severe illness and COVID-19, tocilizumab was ineffective in preventing intubation or death. Trials must be larger, however, in order to exclude the potential benefits or harms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Al Shaimaa Ibrahim Rabie
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Fayium Oncology Center, Fayium 63511, Egypt
- Clinical Nutrition Department, Fayium Health Insurance Authority, Fayium 63511, Egypt
- Correspondence: (A.S.I.R.); (M.R.S.)
| | - Hager Salah
- Pharmaceutical Services Department, King Hamad University Hospital, Al Sayh 24343, Bahrain
| | - Amira S. A. Said
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62514, Egypt
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi 64141, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ahmed Hassan Shaaban
- Clinical Oncology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62514, Egypt
| | - Lamya Mohamed Abdou
- Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62514, Egypt
| | - Doaa Mahmoud Khalil
- Public Health and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Seuf University, Beni-Suef 62514, Egypt
| | - Zelal Kharaba
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi 64141, United Arab Emirates
- AAU Health and Biomedical Centre, Al Ain University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi 64141, United Arab Emirates
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Hala Afifi
- College of Dental Surgery, City University Ajman, Ajman 18484, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mahmoud R. Sofy
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
- Correspondence: (A.S.I.R.); (M.R.S.)
| | - Eman M. I. Youssef
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Taif University, Taif 11099, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eman S. M. Bayoumy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Taif University, Taif 11099, Saudi Arabia
| | - Raghda R. S. Hussein
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62514, Egypt
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, October 6 University, 6 October City 12858, Egypt
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15
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Barakat M, Elnaem MH, Al-Rawashdeh A, Othman B, Ibrahim S, Abdelaziz DH, Alshweiki AO, Kharaba Z, Malaeb D, Syed NK, Nashwan AJ, Adam MF, Alzayer R, Albarbandi MS, Abu-Farha RK, Sallam M, Barakat Y, Mansour NO. Assessment of Knowledge, Perception, Experience and Phobia toward Corticosteroids Use among the General Public in the Era of COVID-19: A Multinational Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11020255. [PMID: 36673623 PMCID: PMC9859254 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11020255] [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: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Corticosteroids play a significant role in managing the vast majority of inflammatory and immunologic conditions. To date, population-based studies on knowledge and attitudes concerning corticosteroids are scarce. This study aims to comprehensively assess knowledge, perception, experience and phobia toward corticosteroid use among the general population in the era of COVID-19. METHODS A cross-sectional self-administrated questionnaire was used to collect the data from 6 countries. Knowledge and corticophobia scores, descriptive statistics and logistic regression were computed. RESULTS A total of 2354 participants were enrolled in this study; the majority were females (61.6%) with an average age of 30. Around 61.9% had been infected previously with COVID-19, and about one-third of the participants had experience with corticosteroid use. The mean knowledge score was relatively satisfactory (8.7 ± 4.5 out of 14), and Corticophobia ranked a high score in all countries. Age, female gender, and history of COVID-19 were positively correlated with developing corticophobia. CONCLUSION Our study highlights that the general knowledge about steroids was satisfactory. However, the phobia toward its use upon indication is high. Therefore, enhancing awareness and providing essential counseling regarding the rational use of corticosteroids may reduce corticophobia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muna Barakat
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan
- MEU Research Unit, Middle East University, Amman 11831, Jordan
- Correspondence:
| | - Mohamed Hassan Elnaem
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, George Town 11800, Malaysia
| | | | - Bayan Othman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan
| | - Sarah Ibrahim
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Doaa H. Abdelaziz
- Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Future University in Egypt, Cairo 11835, Egypt
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, the National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Anas O. Alshweiki
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan
| | - Zelal Kharaba
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi 112612, United Arab Emirates
- AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi 112612, United Arab Emirates
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Type NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Diana Malaeb
- College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, Ajman P.O. Box 4184, United Arab Emirates
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut 1083, Lebanon
| | - Nabeel Kashan Syed
- Pharmacy Practice Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Gizan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulqadir J. Nashwan
- Department of Nursing Education & Practice Development, Hazm Mebaireek General Hospital (HMGH), Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha 3050, Qatar
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary in Qatar (UCQ), Doha 23133, Qatar
| | | | - Reem Alzayer
- Clinical pharmacy Practice, Department of pharmacy, Mohammed Al-Mana College for Medical Sciences, Dammam 34222, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Saleh Albarbandi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ibn Al-Nafees Hospital, Damascus G8W4+MQW, Syria
- Department of Neurosurgery, Damascus Hospital, Damascus G72W+25C, Syria
| | - Rana K. Abu-Farha
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan
| | - Malik Sallam
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
- Department of Clinical Laboratories and Forensic Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Amman 11942, Jordan
- Department of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, 22184 Malmö, Sweden
| | - Yasmeen Barakat
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan
| | - Noha O. Mansour
- Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
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16
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Al-Obaidi H, Khidhair Z, Jirjees F, Barakat M, AlSalamat H, Kharaba Z, Alfoteih Y, Haddad C, Mansour S, Hallit S, Malaeb D, Hosseini H. Factors associated with knowledge and awareness of stroke in the Iraqi population: a cross-sectional study. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1144481. [PMID: 37144007 PMCID: PMC10153000 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1144481] [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: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Stroke is a highly prevalent condition with high rates of death and disability in Iraq and around the world. Knowledge of stroke and its associated risk factors is essential for disease prevention and rapid response when confronted with a stroke patient. Purpose The purpose of this study is to assess stroke knowledge and identify factors associated with awareness among the Iraqi public. Material and methods A questionnaire-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted on the Iraqi population. The self-administered online questionnaire contained three sections. The study got ethical approval from the Research Ethics Committee at the University of Baghdad. Results The results showed that 26.8% of the participants reported knowledge regarding identifying all risk factors. In addition, 18.4% and 34.8% of the participants recognized all symptoms and mentioned all possible consequences of stroke, respectively. Previous medical history with chronic diseases had essential relationships with the response when faced with a person having an acute stroke. In addition, there was a significant relationship between gender, smoking history, and identification of early stroke symptoms. Conclusion There was a lack of knowledge about risk factors for stroke among the participants. There is a need for an awareness program among the Iraqi people to raise their understanding of stroke that can reduce stroke mortality and morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hala Al-Obaidi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Zainab Khidhair
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Feras Jirjees
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Muna Barakat
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
- MEU Research Unit, Middle East University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Husam AlSalamat
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Balqa Applied University, Al-Salt, Jordan
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Zelal Kharaba
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Al-Ain University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Honorary Associate Lecturer, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Yassen Alfoteih
- Department of Dental Surgery, City University College of Ajman, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Chadia Haddad
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d'Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Ed Dib, Lebanon
| | - Sara Mansour
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Ed Dib, Lebanon
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Diana Malaeb
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
- College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
- *Correspondence: Diana Malaeb
| | - Hassan Hosseini
- Neurology Department, Henri Mondor Hospital, AP-HP, Créteil, France
- INSERM U955-E01, IMRB, UPEC-Universite Paris-Est, Créteil, France
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17
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Ghemrawi R, Kharaba Z, Aldulaymi R, AlBataineh N, Alghaly F, Qasem N, Khair M. Expired medications and disposal practices in Arab households. Int J Pharm Pract 2022; 30:534-540. [PMID: 35946835 DOI: 10.1093/ijpp/riac066] [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] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Over the past few decades, the accumulation of expired and unused medications in households has become a concern. Most people are unaware of how to properly dispose of unused and/or expired medicines. Our objective was to inspect the extent of expired medications within Arab households in United Arab Emirates (UAE), to determine which therapeutic groups yield greater amounts of unused medications, and evaluate drugs' disposal practices. METHODS This descriptive study was written in accordance with the STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) checklist for cross-sectional studies. It was conducted among Arab households in UAE (n = 503) using an online questionnaire between November 2020 and January 2021. Questions were related to participants' socio-demographics, the prevalence of expired medications in households and their disposal. KEY FINDINGS Around 58% of the respondents had expired medications in their houses and 74% had drugs that were never used. The most common medicines left unused were analgesics (34%) followed by cosmetics (27%) and antibiotics (26%). More than 42% of expired medications were in solid dosage forms, 28% were semisolid and 24% were liquid dosage forms. The predominant disposal method among the surveyed participants was throwing medications into the garbage (86%). CONCLUSIONS Large quantities of expired medications in Arab households exist with a high prevalence of analgesics, antibiotics and cosmetics. Arab households are unaware of the proper drug disposal procedures. Therefore, community pharmacists are recommended to offer training on proper medication disposal practices and to encourage the public to return medications to pharmacies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose Ghemrawi
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.,AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Zelal Kharaba
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.,AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Raghad Aldulaymi
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.,AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nezar AlBataineh
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.,AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Fady Alghaly
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Naji Qasem
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mostafa Khair
- Core Technology Platforms, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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18
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AlHamaidah MA, Noureldin N, Yehia A, Alani I, Al-Qussain A, Abdou O, Ashames A, Kharaba Z. Efficacy and Short-Term Safety of COVID-19 Vaccines: A Cross-Sectional Study on Vaccinated People in the UAE. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10122157. [PMID: 36560566 PMCID: PMC9786180 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10122157] [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: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The emergence of COVID-19 has been a major challenge to public health and the world economy. During a wave of COVID-19, the usage of widespread vaccination procedures and broader coverage to the whole of humanity will be made possible if the general population has access. An intended effect of vaccination is to provide "herd immunity," which protects those who have not been vaccinated along with those who have been. However, some concerns regarding the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines were raised. AIM This study aims to provide evidence on the short-term safety and efficacy of four types of vaccines that are officially approved by the Ministry of Health in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). These include Sinopharm, Sputnik V, Pfizer, and AstraZeneca. METHOD This study utilized a cross-sectional descriptive design. Data on the efficacy and short-term protection of COVID-19 vaccines on vaccinated citizens and residents (n = 764) of the UAE were collected between February and April 2021. Participants were conveniently approached using a Google Forms survey, where they responded to a semi-structured questionnaire pertaining to socio-demographic questions and in-depth questions related to COVID-19, including whether they suffer from any comorbidities, the most commonly encountered post-vaccination side effects, and the severity of their symptoms, using a 5-point Likert scale. Results were analyzed using SPSS version 24, calculations of p-values and descriptive statistics were used for data differentiation. RESULTS The majority of the participants (n = 612 or 94.4%) stated that they did not become reinfected after receiving two doses of COVID-19 vaccine. In addition, the incidence of being hospitalized after vaccination was negligible. In terms of adverse effects, the most common individually reported side effects, regardless of the vaccination type, included "pain at the site of injection", followed by "general fatigue", then "lethargy". Moreover, most of these side effects occurred after the second dose of the vaccine, irrespective of the type of vaccine. Females were found to be more susceptible to the adversities of COVID-19 vaccination. The occurrence of side effects was not found to be related to the nationality/ethnicity of the vaccine recipient. Furthermore, none of the vaccines affected sleep pattern, since a significant number of respondents reported a regular sleep pattern after being vaccinated. The majority respondents who received two doses of vaccination (n = 585 or 76.6%) reported that they did not become infected post vaccination, regardless the type of vaccine received, whereas only (n = 11 or 1.9%) were reinfected with COVID-19 after 2-4 weeks. CONCLUSION The findings of this study suggest that vaccines can offer short-term protection against COVID-19 reinfection. Moreover, both the first- and second-vaccination side effects were described as very mild to moderate, which indicates tolerability. These data may strengthen the public confidence in receiving vaccinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Ameen AlHamaidah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Science, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
| | - Noora Noureldin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Science, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
| | - Adham Yehia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Science, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ibrahim Alani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Science, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
| | - Abdelaziz Al-Qussain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Science, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
| | - Osama Abdou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Science, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
| | - Akram Ashames
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Science, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
- Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research Centre, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 340, United Arab Emirates
- Correspondence:
| | - Zelal Kharaba
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi 112612, United Arab Emirates
- AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi 112612, United Arab Emirates
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Type NE2 4HH, UK
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19
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Kharaba Z, Farhat J, Mahboub BS, Buabeid MA, Alfoteih Y, Al-Worafi Y, Jaber A, AlAhmad M. Current views of community and hospital pharmacists on pharmaceutical care services in the United Arab Emirates: A mixed methodological study. F1000Res 2022; 11:694. [PMID: 36545377 PMCID: PMC9745206 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.110102.2] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The profession of pharmacy has evolved significantly in recent years in terms of professional service delivery. The aim of this study was to explore the current views of pharmacists in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on pharmaceutical care services and the nature of barriers encountered in practice using qualitative and quantitative assessment methods. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among hospital and community pharmacists (n = 305) between March and May 2021, using qualitative and quantitative assessment methods. In the qualitative phase, 15 interviews were conducted to explore five main criteria: patient information, inadequate patient counseling, prescribing errors prevention and identifying drug-related problems, lack of participation in health awareness programs, and barriers to pharmaceutical care implementation. In the quantitative phase, 305 consenting pharmacists completed a questionnaire on seven criteria: demographic profile, pharmacist-physician interaction, patient counseling assessment, patient reports of adverse drug events, pharmacist participation in health awareness programs, perceptions of reducing prescribing errors and identifying drug-related problems, and barriers to appropriate pharmaceutical care implementation. Results: The results of both the qualitative and quantitative phases of the study revealed that pharmacists' influence on practice in the UAE is limited due to many factors, mainly lack of time and patients' ignorance of the pharmacist's role in the medical field. The mean responses regarding pharmacists' approach to patient counseling and patients' knowledge of pharmacists' role in managing adverse drug reactions were 77.1% and 59.7%, respectively. Active participation in health awareness programs was 64.8%. The mean positive response of participants in reducing prescribing errors and recognizing drug-related problems was 9.2%. Pharmacists' age and number of years in practice were the most important factors influencing the pharmaceutical care services implementation. Conclusion: The study has shown the need to shed light on the proper implementation of pharmaceutical care while maintaining a trusting relationship with physicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zelal Kharaba
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, 112612, United Arab Emirates,AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, 112612, United Arab Emirates,Honorary Associate lecturer, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Type, UK,
| | - Joviana Farhat
- College of medicine and health sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, 127788, United Arab Emirates
| | - Bassam S. Mahboub
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Rashid Hospital, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, 4545, United Arab Emirates
| | - Manal Ali Buabeid
- Medicalty and Health Sciences, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fatima College of Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yassen Alfoteih
- Department of Dental Surgery, City University College of Ajman, Ajman, 18484, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yaser Al-Worafi
- College of Pharmacy, University of Science and Technology of Fujairah, Fujairah, 2202, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ammar Jaber
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy & Pharmacotherapeutics, Dubai Pharmacy College for Girls, Dubai, 19099, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohammad AlAhmad
- AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, 112612, United Arab Emirates,Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Al Ain, 64141, United Arab Emirates,
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20
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Kharaba Z, Khasawneh LQ, Aloum L, Ghemrawi R, Jirjees F, Al Bataineh N, Al-Azayzih A, Ali Buabeid M, Zain Al-Abdin S, Alfoteih Y. An assessment of the current practice of community pharmacists for the disposal of medication waste in the United Arab Emirates: A deep analysis at a glance. Saudi Pharm J 2022; 30:1773-1780. [PMID: 36601509 PMCID: PMC9805962 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2022.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The study aimed to identify the current practice carried out by community pharmacists to dispose of expired medications in their workplace and assess any practical steps utilized to reduce medication waste. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted among community pharmacists in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The participants were asked about their routine practice in disposing of different expired medications and the current actions taken to reduce the number of disposed medicines. Results The study included (n = 418) community pharmacists. More than a third of expired liquid, solid, and semi-solid dosage forms were collected by licensed contractors. In addition, more than a third of the pharmacists disposed of different dosage forms via unauthorized methods (general garbage, sink and toilet). Most expired drugs were skin and hair products, antibiotics and analgesics. The majority of pharmacists (68.4 %, n = 286) agreed that expired pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical products, other than those disposed of via contractor, should be done through a specialized centre. This opinion was found to be strongly associated with years of practice as community pharmacists (P < 0.05). Conclusion Part of the existing disposal practices for expired pharmaceutical products in the UAE is carried out by contractors licensed by health authorities. However, concern remains regarding some pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical products that have not been disposed of correctly. Additionally, there is a need for a specialized center for medication disposal (p < 0.05). A stock limitation is the best practice for managing medication quantities in stock (p < 0.05).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zelal Kharaba
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi 112612, UAE,AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, UAE,Honorary Associate Lecturer, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon tyne, UK,Corresponding author at: Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi 112612, UAE.
| | - Lubna Q. Khasawneh
- Department of Genomics and Genetics, Collage of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, UAE
| | - Lynn Aloum
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Kingston University, London, UK
| | - Rose Ghemrawi
- AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, UAE,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi 112612, UAE
| | - Feras Jirjees
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Nezar Al Bataineh
- AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, UAE,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi 112612, UAE
| | - Ahmad Al-Azayzih
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Manal Ali Buabeid
- Medical and Health Sciences/ Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fatima College of Health Sciences, Abu-Dhabi, UAE
| | - Sham Zain Al-Abdin
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, UAE
| | - Yassen Alfoteih
- Department of Dental Surgery, City University College of Ajman, Ajman, UAE
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21
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Kharaba Z, Feghali E, El Husseini F, Sacre H, Abou Selwan C, Saadeh S, Hallit S, Jirjees F, AlObaidi H, Salameh P, Malaeb D. An Assessment of Quality of Life in Patients With Asthma Through Physical, Emotional, Social, and Occupational Aspects. A Cross-Sectional Study. Front Public Health 2022; 10:883784. [PMID: 36117601 PMCID: PMC9477115 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.883784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Asthma is a prevalent hyperactive airway disease with physical and emotional impact. Severe asthma is associated with considerable health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The aim of this study is to assess the quality of life through physical, emotional, social and occupational aspects and evaluate the factors affecting HRQoL in patients with asthma. Methods This is a cross-sectional multicenter study conducted on adult asthmatic patients enrolled from community pharmacies across different Lebanese geographic areas. Results Having wheezing sometimes and most of the time (Beta = -0.144 and -0.552), experiencing anxiety sometimes and most of the time (Beta = -0.205 and -0.573), encountering sleep problems sometimes and most of the time (Beta = -0.270 and -0.553), having previous chest discomfort sometimes and most of the time (Beta = -0.421 and -0.713), and having depression most of the times (Beta = -0.415) were associated with higher lower quality of life scores. On the other side, holding a secondary level of education was associated with a higher quality of life score (Beta = 0.192). Conclusion This study highlights that asthma affects adults' quality of life through social, emotional, physical, and occupational impacts. Improved follow-up and patient education may be essential in the future to stop disease progression and achieve ideal therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zelal Kharaba
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Al-Ain University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates,Al Ain University Health and Biomedical Research Center (HBRC), Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Emilie Feghali
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Farah El Husseini
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hala Sacre
- INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Santé Publique, Epidemiologie Clinique et Toxicologie, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Carla Abou Selwan
- INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Santé Publique, Epidemiologie Clinique et Toxicologie, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sylvia Saadeh
- Life Sciences and Health Department, Paris-Est University, Paris, France,Health and Sciences Department, American University of Health and Sciences, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon,Psychology Department, College of Humanities, Effat University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia,Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal El Dib, Lebanon
| | - Feras Jirjees
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hala AlObaidi
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Pascale Salameh
- INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Santé Publique, Epidemiologie Clinique et Toxicologie, Beirut, Lebanon,School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon,Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University of Nicosia Medical School, Nicosia, Cyprus,Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Hadat, Lebanon
| | - Diana Malaeb
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon,College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates,*Correspondence: Diana Malaeb
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22
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Kharaba Z, Ahmed R, Khalil AM, Al-Ahmed RM, Said ASA, Elnour AA, Cherri S, Jirjees F, Afifi H, Ashmawy NS, Mahboub B, Alfoteih Y. Parents' Perception, Acceptance, and Hesitancy to Vaccinate Their Children against COVID-19: Results from a National Study in the UAE. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10091434. [PMID: 36146512 PMCID: PMC9501200 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10091434] [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] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: COVID-19 is considered the greatest health disaster affecting humans during the 21st century, which urged the need to develop an effective vaccine to acquire enough immunity against the virus. The main challenge faced during the development of such vaccines was the insufficiency of time, which raised the question about the vaccine safety and efficacy, especially among children. Parents’ and caregivers’ thoughts and acceptance of administering the vaccine to their children are still debatable topics and are yet to be explored in the UAE. Aims: The study aims to exploit parent acceptance, perception, and hesitancy toward the COVID-19 vaccine administration for their children and the link with their choice of distance learning instead of face-to-face education in the UAE. Methodology: This study utilized a cross-sectional descriptive design. A sample of 1049 parents across all emirates were conveniently approached and surveyed using Google forms from June to September 2021. The participants responded to a semi-structured questionnaire pertaining to socio-demographic, educational, and other questions related to COVID-19 and its link with their beliefs in whether the vaccination of their children will help with resuming face-to-face learning. Results: Approximately 74% of the parents confirmed that their children who are 16 years old and above have received the vaccine, and 71% were willing to give the vaccine to their children aged above 5 years. Parents with children receiving online education and those with children where the online modality of learning negatively affected their academic achievement are more prone to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to their children above five years old. The results show a significant association between vaccination of children and the parental desire for resuming physical attendance in schools (p value < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that the highest acceptance rate was from parents with children of low academic achievement due to online learning modality during the pandemic. Conclusion: In the UAE, parents of young children have shown a positive attitude towards COVID-19 vaccination in belief that vaccines will reduce the risk of infection and assist in resuming normal lifestyles, such as going back physically to schools. The results reflect the public awareness and the hypervigilance regarding the COVID-19 pandemic in the UAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zelal Kharaba
- Program of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi Campus, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 112612, United Arab Emirates
- AAU Health and Biomedical Center, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 112612, United Arab Emirates
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Rahaf Ahmed
- Program of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi Campus, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 112612, United Arab Emirates
| | - Alaa M. Khalil
- Program of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi Campus, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 112612, United Arab Emirates
| | - Raneem M. Al-Ahmed
- Program of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi Campus, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 112612, United Arab Emirates
| | - Amira S. A. Said
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Al Ain P.O. Box 64141, United Arab Emirates
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni Suef University, Beni Suef P.O. Box 64141, Egypt
| | - Asim Ahmed Elnour
- Program of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi Campus, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 112612, United Arab Emirates
- AAU Health and Biomedical Center, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 112612, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sarah Cherri
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Mouseitbah, Beirut P.O. Box 146404, Lebanon
| | - Feras Jirjees
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hala Afifi
- Department of Pharmacy, City University College of Ajman, Ajman P.O. Box 18484, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain-Shams University, Cairo P.O. Box 11566, Egypt
| | - Naglaa S. Ashmawy
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo P.O. Box 11566, Egypt
- Rochester Institute of Technology-Dubai, Dubai P.O. Box 341055, United Arab Emirates
| | - Bassam Mahboub
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Rashid Hospital, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai P.O. Box 4545, United Arab Emirates
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yassen Alfoteih
- Department of Dental Surgery, City University College of Ajman, Ajman P.O. Box 18484, United Arab Emirates
- Department of General Education, City University College of Ajman, Ajman P.O. Box 18484, United Arab Emirates
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23
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Said ASA, Hussain N, Kharaba Z, Al Haddad AHI, Abdelaty LN, Hussein RRS. Correction to: Knowledge, attitude, and practice of pharmacists regarding asthma management: a cross-sectional study in Egypt. J Pharm Policy Pract 2022; 15:38. [PMID: 35606834 PMCID: PMC9125816 DOI: 10.1186/s40545-022-00436-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Amira S A Said
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE. .,AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center (HBRC), Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, UAE. .,Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt.
| | - Nadia Hussain
- AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center (HBRC), Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, UAE.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Zelal Kharaba
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE.,AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center (HBRC), Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Amal H I Al Haddad
- Chief Operations Office, Sheikh Shakbout Medical City (SSMC), Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Lamiaa N Abdelaty
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, October 6 University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Raghda R S Hussein
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt.,Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Modern University for Technology and Information, Cairo, Egypt
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24
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Said ASA, Hussain N, Kharaba Z, Al Haddad AHI, Abdelaty LN, Roshdy RRS. Knowledge, attitude, and practice of pharmacists regarding asthma management: a cross-sectional study in Egypt. J Pharm Policy Pract 2022; 15:35. [PMID: 35505447 PMCID: PMC9062855 DOI: 10.1186/s40545-022-00432-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Asthma is a significant public health issue that poses a substantial health and economic burden. Despite the availability of effective asthma medications, its management remain suboptimal. Recent asthma guidelines have highlighted the importance of pharmacist unique position and its interventional strategies in positively impacting asthma treatment outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the degree of Egyptian pharmacists’ knowledge, attitudes, as well as their practices towards asthma management in line with the recent asthma guidelines. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among 800 pharmacists working in different private and governmental sectors. The data were collected using a 37-item pre-validated self-administered KAP questionnaire. The data were analyzed using Student’s t-test and analysis of variance to assess the association between each KAP level and the sociodemographic variables at the significance level of 0.05. Results Of the 800 distributed questionnaire, a total of 550 participants (316 Male, and 234 Female) responded, representing a 68.7% response rate. The mean ± SD score of knowledge, attitude, practice, and barrier was 5.49 ± 1.65 (min = 0; max = 8), 23.5 ± 2.84 (min = 15, max = 30), 43.12 ± 8.61 (min = 28, max = 62), and 27.76 ± 3.72 (min = 17, max = 39), respectively. The results showed that poor knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were achieved by 30.54, 0, and 38.72% of participants, respectively. Conclusion Our findings revealed the inconsistencies between poor pharmacists’ knowledge and practices with respect to their positive attitudes. The lack of pharmacists’ knowledge and compliance to recent GINA guidelines in this study highlight the crucial need for effective Educational strategies that should better equip pharmacists for their potential role in asthma care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira S A Said
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE. .,AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center (HBRC), Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, UAE. .,Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt.
| | - Nadia Hussain
- AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center (HBRC), Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, UAE.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Zelal Kharaba
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE.,AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center (HBRC), Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Amal H I Al Haddad
- Chief Operations Office, Sheikh Shakbout Medical City (SSMC), Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Lamiaa N Abdelaty
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, October 6 University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Raghda R S Roshdy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt.,Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Modern University for Technology and Information, Cairo, Egypt
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Kharaba Z, Moutraji SA, Khawaldeh RAA, Alfoteih Y, Meslamani AZA. What has changed in the pharmaceutical care after COVID-19: Pharmacists' perspective. Pharm Pract (Granada) 2022; 20:2656. [PMID: 35919794 PMCID: PMC9296094 DOI: 10.18549/pharmpract.2022.2.2656] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The study aimed to investigate the impact of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on the roles of hospital and community pharmacists in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and to assess how COVID-19 has affected their roles concerning medication dispensing and review, patient education, and telepharmacy services. Methods This was a face-to-face questionnaire-based study. A convenient sampling technique was used to collect responses from 428 licensed community and hospital pharmacists across the UAE. The study tool is a structured questionnaire. Data were cleaned and analysed through SPSS Version 26. Results In terms of medication dispensing practice, 314 (73.4%) and 210 (49.1%) of pharmacists reported an increase in the dispensing of over the counter (OTC) medicines and antibiotics after COVID-19, respectively. Of the pharmacists included in the study, 380 (88.8%) and 328 (76.6%) reported an elevation in the engagement in patient education and medication review after COVID-19, respectively. On the other hand, 247 (57.7%) and 179 (41.8%) of pharmacists reported that the frequency of their pharmaceutical interventions and physicians' acceptance of those interventions increased after COVID-19, which was significantly associated (p=0.01) with pharmacists' ability to intervene on the dosage regimen of COVID-19 patient. Conclusion Pharmaceutical care in the UAE has evolved after COVID-19, particularly in the aspects of medications dispensing, telepharmacy, and patient-centered services..
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Affiliation(s)
- Zelal Kharaba
- Department of Clinical Sciences, AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
| | - Sedq A Moutraji
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu-Dhabi, UAE.
| | - Rama A Al Khawaldeh
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu-Dhabi, UAE.
| | - Yassen Alfoteih
- Department of Dental Surgery, City University College of Ajman, Ajman, UAE.
| | - Ahmad Z Al Meslamani
- Department of Clinical Sciences, AAU Health and Biomedical Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
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26
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Jirjees F, Odeh M, Aloum L, Kharaba Z, Alzoubi KH, Al-Obaidi HJ. The rise of telepharmacy services during the COVID-19 pandemic: A comprehensive assessment of services in the United Arab Emirates. Pharm Pract (Granada) 2022; 20:2634. [PMID: 35919806 PMCID: PMC9296093 DOI: 10.18549/pharmpract.2022.2.2634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The study aimed to explore changes in community pharmacies’ processes in response to the pandemic in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and factors affecting the adoption of these changes. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire that was distributed to licensed community pharmacists in the UAE. The survey used to collect information on the type of telepharmacy services and related topics such as constraints and supports. The evaluation of services was done for three periods: before, during and after lockdown. Results: The number of completed surveys was 391. The majority of the participants were under 35 years old (79.5%), female (65.0%), with a bachelor’s degree (82.6%), and working in a pharmacy group (70.6%). Pharmacies provided the services by phone (95.6%) and/or messaging applications (80.0%) such as WhatsApp and Messenger. The community pharmacies provided a variety of services using telepharmacy tools such as managing of mild diseases, dispensing and delivering prescribed and OTC medications, general health information, and services for patients with chronic disease. The main factors that had significant effects on several telepharmacy services were pharmacies’ type (group/chain vs. individual) and the number of pharmacists in the pharmacy (p < 0.05). Lack of time, training and financial support were the main barriers associated with telepharmacy services among individual pharmacies. Conclusion: Telepharmacy supported the work of community pharmacies during the COVID-19 pandemic by facilitating the provision of pharmaceutical services. Although the occurrence of several financial and technical problems, it appeared less frequently in pharmacy chains with a large number of pharmacists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feras Jirjees
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Mohanad Odeh
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Hashemite University, P.O. Box 330127, Zarqa 13133, Jordan.
| | | | - Zelal Kharaba
- College of Pharmacy, Al-Ain University, UAE, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, UK.
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Kharaba Z, Mahboub B, Ramakrishnan R, Sharif Askari N, Salameh L, Alhariri H, Vats M, Erabia W, Alshawamreh E, Alfoteih Y, Mogas A, Halwani R, Hamid Q. Continuous positive airway pressure therapy suppresses inflammatory cytokines and improves glucocorticoid responsiveness in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and asthma: A case–control study. Ann Thorac Med 2022; 17:166-172. [PMID: 35968397 PMCID: PMC9374121 DOI: 10.4103/atm.atm_37_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT: Asthma and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are prevalent respiratory disorders that frequently coexist. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is the standard treatment for OSA. However, its effects on systemic inflammation and glucocorticoid responsiveness in OSA patients with asthma are largely unknown. AIMS: To examine the potential role of CPAP therapy in reducing systemic inflammation and improving glucocorticoid responsiveness in asthmatic patients with OSA. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A case–control study was conducted at the respiratory and sleep clinics involving patients with OSA and patients with asthma and OSA. METHODS: The levels of inflammatory asthma biomarkers (interleukin [IL]-4, IL-17A, IL-8, IL-2, and interferon-γ [IFN-γ]), and glucocorticoid receptors (GR)-α and GR-β, were determined to compare systemic inflammation and glucocorticoid responsiveness between pre- and post-1-month CPAP treatment in both groups. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare inflammatory biomarkers before and after CPAP therapy. P < 0.05 considered statistically significant. The analysis was performed using SPSS. RESULTS: Recruited patients (n = 47), 51% (n = 24) had OSA and 49% (n = 23), had OSA with asthma. Interestingly, the blood levels of IL-17 and IL-8 were significantly decreased post-CPAP therapy in OSA patients, whereas IL-4, IL-17, and IFN-γ were significantly reduced post-CPAP treatment in OSA patients with asthma. Remarkably, CPAP therapy improved glucocorticoid responsiveness in asthmatic patients with OSA, but not in the OSA group and an increase in the GR-α/GR-β ratio was noted post-CPAP therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous positive airway pressure therapy improved responsiveness to glucocorticoid treatment and demonstrated a suppressive effect on proinflammatory cytokines in asthmatics with OSA.
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Sharif MJH, Murtaza G, Kharaba Z, Ibrahim NA, Ismail M, Mannan A, Buabeid M, Huang X, Khan SA, Hayat K. An Exploration of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Physicians toward Pharmacovigilance at Tertiary Care Hospitals in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2021; 105:1624-1630. [PMID: 34491215 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.21-0336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug safety assures the effectiveness, safety, and security of drugs, vaccines, and other biologicals to protect public health. Medication-related errors coupled with unjudicial medication practices often cause a catastrophic impact on the healthcare system globally. The present study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of physicians toward pharmacovigilance and barriers to adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting at tertiary care hospitals in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, Pakistan. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among registered doctors working in seven tertiary care hospitals from seven administrative divisions of KP province of Pakistan from July 2019 to March 2020. During the study period, 358 physicians who fulfilled the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate completed and returned the validated structured questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied for data analysis. The majority of physicians had poor knowledge (81.3%) regarding pharmacovigilance along with poor reporting practices (94.9%), although (96.5%) had a positive attitude toward ADR reporting. A significant barrier identified was the unavailability of reporting forms (95.9%), whereas mandatory ADR reporting (96.2%) was the major factor to encourage ADR reporting. Physicians aged ≥ 41 and experience ≥ 11 years had significantly more knowledge than other categories (P < 0.001). Significant association (P < 0.001) of physicians' knowledge and practice were found where 77.2% of the participants having poor knowledge reported poor practices. Physicians' understanding of pharmacovigilance was suboptimal, although they have a positive attitude toward ADR reporting. Thus, there is a need for continuous education and training programs to support pharmacovigilance activities that could improve physicians' understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ghulam Murtaza
- Department of Pharmacy, COMSATS University Islamabad-Abbottabad Campus, Abbottabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Zelal Kharaba
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nihal Abdalla Ibrahim
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohammad Ismail
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Peshawar, Abbottabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Mannan
- Department of Pharmacy, COMSATS University Islamabad-Abbottabad Campus, Abbottabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Manal Buabeid
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Xianju Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, COMSATS University Islamabad-Abbottabad Campus, Abbottabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Shujaat Ali Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, COMSATS University Islamabad-Abbottabad Campus, Abbottabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Khezar Hayat
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.,Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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Kharaba Z, Al-Azzam S, Alhusban A, Nuseir K. A look behind the scenes: COVID-19 impact on depression and perceived stress of UAE population. Middle East Curr Psychiatry 2021. [PMCID: PMC8239321 DOI: 10.1186/s43045-021-00115-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic is taking many lives every day. It affects literally all aspects of life and changes humanity communication tools, mobility, lifestyle, and feasibly their level of perceived stress and depression. The present study aims to investigate the psychological health status in terms of perceived stress and depression among the UAE population in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study in the UAE during the lockdown period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Validated assessment tools (PHQ-9 and PSS) were used to assess depression and perceived stress, respectively. Data were analyzed using categorical data and mean± SD for scores of perceived stress, and depression scales were calculated. The SPSS statistical software (version 24.0) was used for data analysis purposes. Results Our findings revealed that the pandemic has significantly influenced the daily routine and psychological health. Depressive symptoms were prevalent in 47.8% of the participants. A concerned percent of participants around 84% were anxious. Age, gender, school attendance, and the impact of the pandemic on work performance were the major factors of developing depression and perceived stress symptoms. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic has a considerable negative psychological impact on the public in the UAE. The importance of the current study also came from the fact that only very few or no study has holistically evaluated the psychological state of the public during the lockdown in the UAE. The figures that reflect the depression and the perceived stress level among the public during the lockdown also struck our attention. Almost half of the participants in this study suffered from depression. Also, approximately 85% of the same were anxious during the lockdown. These figures should not be overlooked when further psychological assessment studies are conducted.
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Kharaba Z, Buabeid MA, Ramadan A, Ghemrawi R, Al-Azayzih A, Al Meslamani AZ, Alfoteih Y. Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Concerning Breast Cancer and Self Examination Among Females in UAE. J Community Health 2021; 46:942-950. [PMID: 33754294 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-021-00969-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most prevalent cancers and the leading cause of cancer related deaths among women worldwide with a steadily increasing global annual incidence. This study aims is to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of females in the UAE toward BC and Breast Self-Examination practice in the seven Emirates. This was a face-to-face questionnaire-based study using CAM (Breast Cancer Awareness Measure) conducted over 3 months (from March to June 2019) on a random sample of females across the UAE. Of the 400 females who filled the questionnaire, 112 (28%) did the CBE at least once, and 184 (46%) practice BSE. Only 33% of participants were aware of the incidence of the BC in the UAE and those females were more likely to practice BSE (P < 0.05). In contrast, the majority showed a high awareness level in identifying cancer as a curable (91.5%) and non-transmittable (87%) disease that can be diagnosed at its earlier stages (93%). Only 11% of the participants identified weight reduction as a way to prevent BC. Knowledge of breast cancer sign/symptoms were good, as 41-87% of respondents were able to identify at least a single sign/symptom. The lack of awareness of BC among females in the UAE is of concern as it leads to low practices of screening and early detection, which ultimately will result in increased morbidity, mortality, and treatment costs. Further initiatives should be taken to increase practice, knowledge and awareness on early detection and screening for BC in the UAE community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zelal Kharaba
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, 112612, UAE. .,Faculty of Medical Sciences, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Tyne, UK. .,Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, 112612, UAE.
| | - Manal Ali Buabeid
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, UAE
| | - Azza Ramadan
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, 112612, UAE
| | - Rose Ghemrawi
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, 112612, UAE
| | - Ahmad Al-Azayzih
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, UAE.,Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Ahmad Z Al Meslamani
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, 112612, UAE
| | - Yassen Alfoteih
- Department of Dental Surgery, City University College of Ajman, Ajman, UAE
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Kharaba Z, Kousar R, Alfoteih Y, Azhar S, Khan SA, Murtaza G. Nurses perception of pharmaceutical care practice: A qualitative approach. TROP J PHARM RES 2020. [DOI: 10.4314/tjpr.v19i4.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the perception of nurses regarding pharmaceutical care services in the healthcare system of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) Province of Pakistan.Methods: This qualitative study was implemented by conducting semi-structured interviews. For data collection, interviews (face-to-face) were conducted after developing an interview guide. The interviewees were 18 nurses and were interviewed at their nursing stations in hospitals. Interviews were continued until the data reached a saturation point. The respondents signed a written consent form before the start of the interview.Results: From the thematic content analysis, five major themes were extracted as stated here: (a) incognizance of pharmaceutical care; (b) collaboration of nurses and pharmacists; (c) improper distribution system; (d) lack of provision of patient counseling; and (e) pharmacist’s role in reducing prescribing errors.Conclusion: Based to the findings, Pakistani nurses have poor knowledge of pharmaceutical care, thus highlighting the need for organizing pharmaceutical care awareness programs for nurses. On the other hand, nurses have a positive perception of pharmacists’ roles in the healthcare system and want to work with them.
Keywords: Perception, Pharmaceutical care, Qualitative study, Nurse, Patient care
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Kharaba Z, Kousar R, Azhar S, Buabeid MA, Khan SA, Murtaza G. Exploring community pharmacists perception towards responsible provision of patient care services: A quantitative assessment. TROP J PHARM RES 2020. [DOI: 10.4314/tjpr.v19i4.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To investigate the perception of community pharmacists with regard to pharmaceutical care services in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan.Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey carried out among the community pharmacists in seven divisions of KPK, namely, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Hazara, Kohat, Malakand, Mardan, and Peshawar. The survey was conducted between July and September 2014. A total of 22 community pharmacists were identified and approached.Results: Eighteen community pharmacists returned the filled questionnaire showing a response rate of 81.8 %. All participants (n = 18, 100 %) were male. The majority of the participants 55.6 % (n = 10) made it clear that they had never interacted with doctors, while only 33.3 % (n = 6) reported weekly interaction. The major reasons for interaction were to discuss drug alternatives (38.9 %, n = 7) and the availability of prescribed drugs (33.3 %, n = 6). Meanwhile, about 83.3 % (n = 15) of community pharmacists were involved in educating patients, while only 38.9 % (n = 7) spend enough time on each patient. Further, a large proportion of respondents had never documented patients’ medical, allergy and family histories (83.3 %, n = 15). Only 44.4 % (n = 8) of community pharmacists sometimes checked and signed the prescription.Conclusion: Community pharmacists are few in number in the studied area. They are involved in patient counseling but face difficulties in counseling due to lack of time and insufficient pharmacy staff. Therefore, there is a need to significantly enhance the interaction between pharmacists and other healthcare professionals to facilitate inter-professional collaboration.
Keywords: Community pharmacy, Pharmaceutical care, Perception, Inter-professional collaboration
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Al-Azayzih A, Al-Azzam SI, Alzoubi KH, Jarab AS, Kharaba Z, Al-Rifai RH, Alnajjar MS. Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs Utilization Patterns and Risk of Adverse Events due to Drug-Drug Interactions among Elderly Patients: A Study from Jordan. Saudi Pharm J 2020; 28:504-508. [PMID: 32273811 PMCID: PMC7132832 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2020.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Worldwide, the prescribing pattern of the Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) has increased. They are considered highly effective medications in controlling various conditions including inflammatory diseases. They are associated with various adverse effects including gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcer and renal toxicity though. These adverse effects are generally potentiated when NSAIDs are co-prescribed with other drugs that share similar adverse effects and toxicities. Developing severe side effects from NSAIDs is more prone among elderly patients. Hence, it is crucial to evaluate prescribing pattern of these agents to prevent/decrease the number of unwanted side effects caused by NSAIDs. Aim The aim of this study is to assess the prescribing pattern of NSAIDs among elderly and the co-prescribing of NSAIDs and different interacting drugs, which could lead to more incidences of NSAIDs-induced toxicities among Jordanian elderly patients. Settings and Methodology A multicenter retrospective study was performed during a three months period in Jordan. The study involves a total number of (n = 5916) elderly patient’s records obtained from Four governmental hospitals in Jordan. Results A total number of (n = 20450) drugs were prescribed and dispensed for patient. NSAIDs drugs prescribing percentage was 10.3% of total medications number. Aspirin was the most commonly prescribed NSAIDs among patients (70.4%), followed by Diclofenac sodium in all dosage forms (25.1%) and oral Ibuprofen (3.1%. In addition, Aspirin was the highest NSAIDs co-prescribed with ACEI (e.g., Enalapril), ARBs (e.g. Candesartan and Losartan), Diuretics (Furosemide, Indapamide, Hydrochlorothiazide, Amiloride, and Spironolactone), Warfarin and antiplatelets (Clopidogreal and Ticagrelor) followed by Diclofenac and other NSAIDs. Conclusion NSAIDs prescribing rate among elderly patients was high. Additionally the co-prescribing of NSAIDs especially Aspirin with other agents, which contributes to NSAIDs nephrotoxicity and gastrointestinal toxicity, were high. Strict measurements and action plans should be taken by prescribers to optimize the medical treatment in elderly through maximizing the benefits and decreasing the unwanted side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Al-Azayzih
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.,Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Sayer I Al-Azzam
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, 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
| | - Anan S Jarab
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Zelal Kharaba
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Al-Ain University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rami H Al-Rifai
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Munther S Alnajjar
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Al-Ain University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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Kaukab I, Hussain Shah SN, Kharaba Z, Murtaza G, Saad AA, Ahmad S. Evaluation of Pharmacokinetic Interaction of Cilostazol with Metoclopramide after Oral Administration in Human. Curr Drug Metab 2019; 20:924-928. [PMID: 31702486 DOI: 10.2174/1389200220666191105115805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metoclopramide is mainly metabolized by CYP2D6, CYP3A4, CYP2C19, and CYP1A2 enzymes, while cilostazol is also metabolized by CYP3A4, CYP2C19, and CYP1A2 enzymes. AIM This study evaluates the effect of cilostazol on the pharmacokinetics of oral metoclopramide. METHODS This was a randomized, two-phase cross-over pharmacokinetic study separated by a 4-week wash-out time period, 12 healthy non-smoking volunteers received metoclopramide 20 mg as a single oral dose and after 4 weeks, cilostazol 100 mg twice daily for 4 days then with metoclopramide 20 mg on test day. Serial blood samples were analyzed by using a validated high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet method to determine maximum plasma drug concentration (Cmax), time to reach (Tmax), and area under the curve (AUC0-∞) of metoclopramide. RESULTS Cilostazol increased the mean Cmax, AUC0-∞ and half-life (T1/2) of metoclopramide by 6%, 27% and by 0.79 %, respectively. In addition, Tmax of metoclopramide was delayed by cilostazol. CONCLUSION The results showed delayed Tmax of metoclopramide by cilostazol, which could lead to the conclusion that cilostazol affects the absorption of metoclopramide. Both drugs when necessary to administer together must not be administered at the same time especially when given in gastroparesis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iram Kaukab
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Syed Nisar Hussain Shah
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Zelal Kharaba
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Al-Ain University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.,Honorary Associate Lecturer, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle university, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Ghulam Murtaza
- Department of Pharmacy, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Abubaker Ali Saad
- Department of Cardiology, Chaudhary Pervaiz Elahi Institute of Cardiology, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Shakeel Ahmad
- Department of Statistics, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
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