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Suhaib Muflih,1 Osama Y Alshogran,1 Sayer Al-Azzam,1 Ghaith Al-Taani,2 Yousef S Khader3 1Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan; 2Department of Pharmacy Practice, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan; 3Department of Public Health, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, JordanCorrespondence: Suhaib MuflihFaculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, JordanTel +962-79-7868603Email smmuflih@just.edu.joIntroduction: Pharmacogenetic testing (PGx) is a diagnostic technique used by physicians to determine the possible reactions of patients to drug treatment on the basis of their genetic makeup. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of physicians’ awareness, attitudes, and sociodemographics on the adoption of point-of-care (POC) PGx testing as a diagnostic method, as well as the impact of their knowledge, attitudes, and sociodemographics on its adoption.Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 200 physicians and medical trainees working at the Clinics of King Abdullah University Hospital in Jordan was performed. Data on sociodemographics, knowledge and attitudes concerning PGx testing, genetic information sources, and barriers to POC-PGx testing adoption were gathered.Results: Participants’ perceived knowledge of the role of PGx testing in therapeutic decision-making was rated as “Excellent” (1.9%), “Very Good” (19.4%), “Good” (34.4%), “Fair” (32.5%), and “Poor” (11.9%). Physicians’ actual knowledge of PGx testing was adequate (mean=3.56 out of 7, SD=1.2), but their attitudes were generally favorable (mean=3.64 out of 5.00, SD=0.52). According to Rogers’ theory, many variables (eg, perceived need, relative advantage, compatibility) had a significant impact on physicians’ willingness to endorse POC-PGx testing.Discussion: The majority of physicians stated that they were unaware of PGx testing. Physicians’ perceived knowledge of POC-PGx testing, however, was higher than those who participated in other studies. Participants were optimistic about the future benefits of PGx testing in prescribing effective medications and reducing potential side effects, which were consistent with previous studies. Physicians’ willingness to accept and implement POC-PGx testing was hampered by a lack of PGx expertise, as well as concerns about patient confidentiality, employability, and insurability. More training and genetic courses are needed, according to the majority of participants.Keywords: pharmacogenetics, physicians, knowledge, attitudes, point-of-care, Rogers theory

Multi-drug-resistant (MDR) organisms pose a global threat to modern medicine, which has grown as a result of irrational antibiotic use and misuse. This study aimed to assess general public knowledge in Jordan and awareness of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study was carried out utilizing the WHO multicountry public awareness survey. The study population was composed mainly of social media users, and a total of 1213 participants completed the online survey. According to the findings, more than half of the participants were well versed in antibiotic use and resistance. Those with adequate health literacy were found to better understand antibiotics (OR = 1.37, p = 0.017) and antibiotic resistance (OR = 1.46, p = 0.003). The vast majority (88.5%) recognized at least one antibiotic resistance term, however, 53.2% believed that antibiotic resistance is a problem in other nations. The participants in this study reported using antibiotics incorrectly, believing that they were treating sore throats, colds, and flu. The participants were well aware of antibiotic resistance solutions and their consequences on health. Age, education, health literacy, and antibiotic knowledge were found to be substantially (p &lt, 0.05) associated with greater awareness of antibiotic resistance. The findings highlight the need for antimicrobial resistance education campaigns, health literacy, and antibiotic stewardship initiatives.

More research is needed on the drivers of irrational antibiotic prescribing among healthcare professionals and to ensure effective prescribing and an adequate understanding of the issue of antibiotic resistance. This study aimed at evaluating prescribers’ knowledge, attitudes and behaviors about antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance. A cross-sectional study was conducted utilizing an online questionnaire and included physicians and dentists from all sectors in Jordan. A total of 613 prescribers were included (physicians n = 409, dentists n = 204). Respondents’ knowledge on effective use, unnecessary use or associated side effects of antibiotics was high (&gt, 90%), compared with their knowledge on the spread of antibiotic resistance (62.2%). For ease of access to the required guidelines on managing infections, and to materials that advise on prudent antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance, prescribers agreed in 62% and 46.1% of cases, respectively. 28.4% of respondents had prescribed antibiotics when they would have preferred not to do so more than once a day or more than once a week. Among respondents who prescribed antibiotics, 63.4% would never or rarely give out resources on prudent use of antibiotics for infections. The findings are of importance to inform antibiotic stewardships about relevant interventions aimed at changing prescribers’ behaviors and improving antibiotic prescribing practices.

Purpose The aim of this study was to examine the medical student knowledge regarding pediatric palliative care (PPC) and determine the predictors of knowledge among them toward PPC. Methods A cross-sectional engaging study was directed with 326 medical students studying in Jordanian universities. A campaign utilizing online social media and Web-based software were executed to promote, enlist, overview undergraduate medical students, and gather information for this study. The authors employed four techniques to select undergraduate medical students on paid-promoted Facebook, personal messages, and postings in clinical forums. Results The results of this study showed that medical students have inadequate knowledge about pediatric palliative care in Jordan. The only factors that predict the knowledge toward PPC is gender. Conclusion it should build the medical students' information on pediatric palliative care. The pointer was not significant in the multivariate studies, and that vicariate studies indicated no distinction in the overall scores on either test among the nonmedical students, Training projects ought to be established and delivered to pediatric medical students to improve their knowledge about pediatric palliative/palliative consideration., Highlights • Healthcare experts have revealed that they feel overwhelmed while experiencing children’ death. • Medical students have inadequate knowledge about pediatric palliative care in Jordan. • Training projects ought to be established and delivered to pediatric medical students to improve their knowledge about pediatric palliative/palliative consideration.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic imposed dramatic changes on educational practices worldwide. Many universities and schools have moved into the delivery of their courses and educational programs utilizing fully electronic online modes. This study aims to evaluate the pharmacy student distance online learning experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was utilized where a 3-domain survey questionnaire focused on preparedness, attitude and barriers was distributed to students at the time of conclusion of the semester. Each domain consists of multiple questions that made up a score that reflects their preparedness, attitude as well as barriers relevant to distance online learning experience. The survey was voluntarily, and all data were collected and recorded via google forms with maintaining anonymity. Results: The response rate was about 75% (n = 309). The results’ analysis revealed no gender differences in any of these domains. However, there were some variable responses among different educational levels. The average preparedness score was 32.8 ± 7.2 (Max 45), the average attitude score was 66.8 ± 16.6 (Max 105), and the average barrier score was 43.6 ± 12.0 (Max 75). There was statistical significance difference in both preparedness score and attitude scores between different professional years ( P-value Discussion and conclusion: E-learning experience pose challenges and presents opportunities during emergency situations. The need for training for students and faculty was highly associated with the preparedness and barriers domains rather than the infrastructure or computer literacy, so the school can improve their experience by addressing these needs.

Background. The use of mobile apps for health and well-being has grown exponentially in the last decade, as such apps were reported to be ideal platforms for behavioral change and symptoms monitoring and management. Objective. This study aimed to systematically review period tracking applications available at Google Play and Apple App Stores and determine the presence, features, and quality of these smartphone apps. In addition, behavioral changes associated with the top 5 rated apps were assessed. Methods. This study used the Systematic Search Criteria through Google Play Store and iTunes Apple Store, using terms related to period tracking. Apps were scanned for matching the inclusion criteria and the included apps were assessed by two reviewers using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS), a tool that was developed for classifying and assessing the quality of mHealth apps. Results. Forty-nine apps met the inclusion criteria. Most of the apps enabled setting user goals, motivations, and interactivity, tracking multiple symptoms or mood changes, allowed notifications, and used graphs to illustrate the tracking result over a specific period of time. The majority of features and functions within these apps were offered for free, while some apps included limited in-app purchases or needed Internet connection to function. Certain apps were reported by participants to promote behavioral change and increase knowledge and awareness regarding monthly periods. Conclusions. Period tracking apps were easy to use and navigate and can hence be readily adopted into routine tracking and management of periods. However, most apps were not based on significant evidence and may need further development to support period-related symptom management.

We present a simple and validated HPLC method for measuring Vitamin B6 urinary metabolite 4-pyridoxic acid (4-PA). Urine samples were treated with 6% perchloric acid. HPLC separation was achieved using Waters column (Symmetry® C18 250 mm × 4.6 mm i.d (5 µM). The mobile phase was a mixture of methanol and 35 mM sodium phosphate buffer containing 2.5 mM sodium heptane polysulfonate at pH=3.5 with 85% O-phosphoric acid. Retention times were 8.0 min for 4-pyridoxic acid. Detection (UV at 302 nm) of analyte was linear in a range from 0.0125 to 0.8 µM. This method is stable, reproducible and has practical advantages such as ease and low cost.

Background The popularity of online learning has increased tremendously in response to the needs of students amid outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases. Few studies have concentrated on the learner's perspectives involved with the transition from traditional to online learning. The aim of this study was to assess students' attitudes towards online learning as well as the perceived preparedness and barriers. Methods A descriptive, cross-sectional, correlational web-based survey design was used to recruit eligible participants from five Jordanian government universities. A Facebook-based campaign and snowball sampling approach were used to recruit potential survey participants. Results The results show that 1,210 medical college students decided to take part in this online survey. Students' attitudes and perceived preparedness for online learning were moderate, while perceived barriers were high. This study revealed a connection between students' attitudes toward online learning and their gender, major, living area, college level, and prior experience. The main obstacles to online learning were an unstable Internet connection, a lack of motivation, and a lack of instructions. Conclusion The majority of students had mixed feelings about online learning and were largely supportive of conventional classroom learning. Students were pessimistic about their chances of learning professional skills and core competencies online. More research is required to determine whether students are ready and able to make greater use of online education in order to access high-quality learning opportunities., Health professionals, Undergraduate students, Distance learning, Online learning, COVID-19.

Introduction The increased need for prioritized infection prevention and control (IPC) activities for the prevention and containment of COVID-19 is pivotal and timely in preventing harm caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Little is known about pharmacists' infection IPC activities and their role competence during disease outbreaks. This study aimed to assess pharmacists' perceived role competence to perform frontline roles during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method A cross-sectional survey was conducted using online social media to recruit eligible participants. A validated questionnaire contained 41 items on sociodemographic characteristics, preventative behaviors, and competencies. Results A total of 486 participants completed the survey. Participants reported several IPC activities that could potentially prevent COVID-19 spread. The majority expressed high attitudes towards their capabilities to fulfill their healthcare roles (M = 4.43, SD = 0.46, out of 5). The vast majority of participants (97.1%) were willing to demonstrate the effective way of cleaning hands and using facemasks. Pharmacists (89.1%) showed their willingness to timely refer patients in response to their emerging needs. Gender, age groups, years of experience, monthly incomes, area of work, ability to make a referral, source of information, and self-isolation discontinuation criteria were significantly associated with pharmacists’ self-perceived role competence. Conclusion Pharmacists are well-positioned as access points to care and can potentially play a significant role in the containment of the COVID-19 outbreak by delivering advanced clinical and public health services. Future research efforts need to be comprehensively directed towards the advanced role of pharmacists in implementing point-of-care testing for infectious diseases.