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Michael E Otim,1,2 Desmond Kabuya Demaya,2 Amina Al Marzouqi,1 Jean Mukasa3 1College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; 2School of Graduate Studies and Research, Nexus International University, Kampala, Uganda; 3Fatima College of Health Science, Institute of Technology, Ajman, United Arab EmiratesCorrespondence: Michael E OtimCollege of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab EmiratesTel +971 6 505 7527Email motim@sharjah.ac.aePurpose: Antibiotic resistance is spreading at an alarming rate globally, mainly because of antibiotics misuse. The World Health Organization developed guidelines for the rational use of antibiotics to prevent antibiotic misuse and reduce the potential development of antibiotic resistance. Although many countries adhere to these guidelines and have contextualized them to their needs, data on antibiotics use are limited in African countries, particularly in South Sudan. This study explored prescription patterns and use of antibiotics at Juba Teaching Hospital (JTH) to clarify the potential for antibiotic resistance in South Sudan.Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional study of archived patient data from 2016 to determine the prevalence of inappropriate antibiotics use at JTH. We used methodology developed in a previous study to assess the appropriate use of antibiotics. The study sample comprised 384 files. After reviewing and cleaning the files, 316 files were included in our analyses. This study was approved by the South Sudan Ministry of Health Ethics Review Board (approval number: MoH/ERB 51/2018) and all procedures were consistent with the Declaration of Helsinki.Results: Antibiotics use was highest in the medical ward (75.4%). Most antibiotics prescriptions were for infectious diseases (23.7%), followed by ailments affecting the digestive system (19.9%). Commonly prescribed antibiotics were ceftriaxone (21.2%) and metronidazole (20.0% more...

Jean Mukasa,1 Michael Otim,2 Beatrice Monaco,1 Amina Al Marzouqi,2 Priya Breitener,1 Lalitha Jawahar1 1Fatima College of Health Science, Institute of Technology, Ajman, United Arab Emirates; 2College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab EmiratesCorrespondence: Michael OtimCollege of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, PO Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab EmiratesTel +971 6 505 7527Email motim@sharjah.ac.aeIntroduction: The 2020 COVID-19 crisis affected all sectors, including education. This study explored the experiences and challenges faced by tertiary students in the United Arab Emirates when they were suddenly required to transition from traditional classroom learning to E-learning following the outbreak of COVID-19.Methods: This cross-sectional study used mixed methods to collect and analyse qualitative and quantitative data. The participants were Nursing students involved in clinical training.Results: Most students (87%) reported inexperience with studying via E-learning. Challenges encountered included the lack of privacy, Internet connection issues, problems with the teaching platform and communication difficulties. Some students also reported that instructors were slow at responding to their needs. The lack of robust internet coverage was a major overarching issue that affected communication, students’ engagement, preparedness for E-learning, and other challenges.Discussion: This study is significant because it highlights the challenges experienced by Nursing Students during the rapid transition from traditional education to e-learning. It enables the faculty to understand and support students during the time of crisis. Communication with students needs to be streamlined for successful E-learning. Authorities should provide more essential infrastructure such as reliable and stable Internet connectivity to strengthen the E-learning approach.Keywords: E-learning, independent-learning, tertiary, COVID-19, coronavirus, online-learn more...