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Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of poststroke depression (PSD) in Saudi Arabia and its association with socio‐demographic and clinical factors. Design: A predictive correlational cross‐sectional study. Methods: The study adopted a non‐probability convenience sampling method to recruit 211 stroke survivors between April and October 2021 from the neurology outpatient departments of two main governmental hospitals in Saudi Arabia. PSD was measured using a self‐assessment reliable and valid scale (The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS]). Results: More than two‐thirds (70.6%) of the study sample (Mean age = 53 years, SD = 8.5, 51.2% were males) experienced some degree of depression (Score ≥8); of these, approximately half (48.8%) were in severe depression. The final prediction model was statistically significant (χ2 [15] = 31.39, p ˂.01). PSD is a statistically significant health issue and requires immediate attention by healthcare providers to improve the health outcomes of stroke survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post‐COVID‐19 condition affects patients on various aspects. This 41‐year‐old female presented to the outpatient clinic complaining of severe insomnia characterized by inconsistent 2 h of sleep per day despite taking sleep aid pills after being infected with COVID‐19 and persisting for 6 months after recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Successful management of psychiatric disorders is affected by patient perspectives and several barriers, that is, conceptual, psychological, social, or logistic reasons that can decrease patient adherence to therapy. In this perspective, pharmacists have a vital role in identifying patients in need of help and in dealing with barriers. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate perspectives of patients diagnosed with psychiatric disorders, living in rural areas in Jerash, Jordan, regarding their awareness about their conditions, including religious and cultural factors, adherence to their treatment and related barriers, with special focus on pharmacist's role. Methods: This cross‐sectional survey study was conducted in Jordan from August to November 2019. A validated questionnaire was administered by two pharmacy students via a structured interview with patients waiting for their appointment in the psychiatric clinic. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Results: One hundred twenty patients (age 39.4 ± 9.5, 66.7% males) completed the questionnaire. Most of them (71.0%) reported adherence to their medications, and 47.5% reported complete control of their symptoms with treatment. Most patients (59.2%) reported that they perceive their psychiatric problem in terms of religious faith as being counted for their favour in the Hereafter, and 52.5% of them always/usually looked at themselves positively and unaffected by their psychiatric problem; with both factors correlating significantly with better treatment adherence (P <.045 and P <.001; respectively). Barriers affecting adherence included mainly suffering from adverse effects (31.9%) and being unconvinced that they needed a medication (23.3%). Only 14.2% of patients reported that they refer to the pharmacist to get information about their medications. Conclusion: This study shows suboptimal symptom control of psychiatric patients in Jerash. Nonadherence is an issue, with barriers identified. Positive religious and self‐image perspectives correlated with better adherence. Patient referral to pharmacists is minimal and needs to be optimised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the impact of war on Syrian refugees' life in Bekaa/Lebanon, focusing on psychological and physical symptoms, and to assess the prevalence of the most common symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in affected patients recruited in the study. Design and Methods: This observational study was conducted over a period of 1 month—June 2019—in three main camps in the Bekaa region. After taking approval, a total number of 108 Syrian refugees were interviewed and asked about their quality of life and health conditions in camps, after leaving their country. A validated questionnaire was filled by field researchers to gather information on refugees' psychological distresses, physical symptoms, and future perspective. Findings: During the 4 weeks of study, 108 refugees completed the questionnaire; psychological assessment showed 73.8% of refugees who were exposed to the fighting atmosphere, suffered from one or more psychological symptoms related to PTSD. In addition, 50.5% of the refugees were <30 years old, and among those, 83.5% believed that they have no future for themselves and their families, while 15.4% lost hope in a better life. Seventy‐four percent reported at least one physical symptom in the past 4 weeks that is related to PTSD. Furthermore, 64.3% strongly agreed that there is lack of awareness and medical care including psychological and mental health, while 56.1% strongly agreed on the important role of pharmacists and other healthcare professionals in providing advice to patients on their overall health and mental health. Conclusion: Syrian refugees at the assessed camps suffered from psychological distress that requires urgent attention. Current medical and psychological support is absent, and further assessment is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was declared in January 2020 as a public health emergency of international concern. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) suffered from several pandemics previously. Pharmacists have vital roles to play to prevent the spread of this virus.Objectives: To assess the COVID-19 awareness amongst pharmacists from Arabic-speaking countries located in the MENA region, and to assess their perspectives of their role, barriers, and roles of the educational institutions/pharmaceutical associations.Methods: An online survey was conducted to run a descriptive cross-sectional study in Jordan from 12th to 22nd April 2020. The questionnaire was validated (face validity) and put on Facebook and directed for pharmacists only (clarified in the introduction of the questionnaire). Assessment of pharmacists' awareness (20 questions) about pandemics and COVID-19, their perceived roles and barriers, and roles of the educational institutions (eg, universities) and pharmaceutical associations (eg, Pharmacists Syndicate) was performed. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS).Results: Study participants (n = 2589) had a mean age of 29.3 (8.2) years and 1329 (51.5%) were females. Most of the participants were from Egypt (n = 819, 40.8%), followed by Jordan, Algeria, and Syria. Regarding the sources of information about coronavirus management, 60.8% of participants got their information from social media. Fear of contracting the coronavirus while performing their duties was reported by the majority of pharmacists as the main barrier to delivering their roles (82.3%). The majority of pharmacists identified positive roles for the pharmaceutical institutions (74.8%) and pharmaceutical associations (63.6%).Conclusion: Pharmacists from the MENA countries believe they got enough education previously about pandemics, and the majority follow the latest coronavirus updates from social media. Fear was reported as the major barrier that requires resolution by the policymakers. Certain gaps in the awareness about COVID-19 were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The present study aimed to exploring community pharmacists' willingness and readiness to test for COVID‐19 in Jordan. Methods: Purposeful sampling was used to identify a list of 30 community pharmacies, which were approached to participate in the study. Twenty interviews were needed to reach data saturation. In‐depth interviews were conducted, recorded, transcribed, and analysed using NVivo 11 Software. Interviews followed a previously prepared and validated 10‐item interview guide. The interview guide discussed pharmacists' willingness and readiness to test for COVID‐19. Results: Twenty community pharmacists were interviewed for the purpose of the present study. Interviews took place during April 2020 and the mean interview duration was 23.30 minutes. Respondents had a mean age of 36.4 years and a mean experience of 8.8 years. The majority were female (70%) and 50% held a BSc in Pharmacy. Regarding respondents' willingness to test for COVID‐19 emerging themes were helping other healthcare professional, willingness to contribute to official efforts in fighting COVID‐19, acting as an accessible testing cite, willingness to carry out home testing. Regarding respondents' readiness to test for COVID‐19 emerging themes were Pharmacists lack basic testing skills, pharmacies are not ready to preform tests and the need for training and certifying. Conclusion: Jordanian pharmacists are willing to test patients for COVID‐19 in community pharmacies, however, they thought they are not ready enough to undergo such tests and needed extra training and better safety precautions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This observational study was designed to assess the prevalence, knowledge and attitude of pregnant females towards hepatitis B infection, in addition to their perspective of the healthcare practice about HBV in Jordan. A randomly selected group of pregnant females visiting public gynaecology clinics in Jordan were approached to participate in the study. Blood samples were collected from the participants, and HBV markers were detected in their serum using specialized ELISA Kits to assess for the prevalence of infection. Knowledge and attitude of participants was assessed via a developed and validated questionnaire. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24. Blood samples (n = 300) from 330 pregnant females were collected. The prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) among the pregnant females was found to be 5%. Anti‐HBs and anti‐HBc were found to be 33.3% and 7%, respectively. No significant correlation between age, socio‐economic status and educational level was found with HBsAg positivity. Limited knowledge regarding HBV was revealed among the pregnant females (9.1%‐41.3%, P <.05). The majority had a positive attitude regarding HBV vaccination and antiviral medications in case of infectivity. More than 90% agreed on the present lack of counselling and screening of HBV they obtained during their first perinatal visit to the gynaecology clinics. This study revealed a lack of knowledge on HBV, and low counselling and screening received were reported. Policymakers need to introduce new interventions to improve the current awareness of patients and gynaecologists regarding hepatitis B infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale, aims, and objectives Depression and anxiety are common mental illnesses suffered by females worldwide. Females face treatment‐related problems (TRPs), including lack of adherence to their treatment. The Medication Management Review service (MMR) can be effective in identifying and resolving the TRPs. This study sought to assess the impact of the MMR service on identifying and resolving TRPs, improving adherence, depression, and anxiety scores in females diagnosed with depression and anxiety in Jordan. Design and settings Participants were recruited into this single‐blind parallel randomized controlled trial and randomized into active and control groups. A clinical pharmacist identified TRPs for all participants. Adherence, depression, and anxiety scores were assessed. Active group patients received the MMR service: pharmacist‐delivered counseling and a letter with recommended changes in the patient's treatment plan were sent to the patient's psychiatrist to be applied. Control group participants did not receive the intervention. Follow‐up assessments were completed for all patients at 3 months from baseline. Main outcome measures were TRPs, adherence, depression, and anxiety scores. Results: Study participants (n = 73; mean age = 41.8 [SD = 16.27]) had 177 TRPs identified, with 2.42(SD = 1.06) TRPs per patient. At baseline, only 54.8% of the participants reported to be adherent to their treatment, and no significant differences were found between the groups. At follow‐up, a significant decline in the number of TRPs was found for the active versus control group (active: 0.58[SD = 0.64], control: 1.78[SD = 1.13], P <.001). A significantly higher proportion of adherent patients was identified in the active (88.9%) versus control group (51.4%), P <.001. Significant improvements in the depression (P <.001) and anxiety (P =.003) scores were detected for the active versus control group. Conclusion: The MMR service led to a significant decrease in the number of TRPs, improved adherence, depression, and anxiety scores for females diagnosed with depression and anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale, aims, and objectives: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a serious health problem that affects women of all ages worldwide, including their quality of life (QOL). Interventions on lifestyle modification can be a suitable therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a PCOS pharmaceutical care service on QOL for women diagnosed with PCOS living in Syria (a country affected by war) and Jordan (non–war‐zone country). Methods: PCOS women from both Syria and Jordan with age above 16 years were recruited in the study. Women randomly allocated into active group received an educational intervention by the pharmacist (via oral and written educational module) with special focus on diet and exercise. Women allocated to the control group did not receive the educational intervention. Both groups were followed for 4 months. Women in both groups completed the QOL questionnaire at both baseline and end of study. Multiple‐regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with change in QOL scores across the study. Results: PCOS women (n = 118) from both Syria (n = 60) and Jordan (n = 58) were recruited. Unlike control group patients, QOL was significantly improved in the active group at the end of the study for Syrian (102.75 vs 118.50, P < 0.001) and Jordanian women (95.31 vs 112.67, P < 0.001). Study group (active versus control) and difference in anxiety scores across the study were the only independent variables that showed association with the dependent variable, difference in QOL mean scores across the study period. Conclusion: A pharmacist led intervention on lifestyle modification delivered to PCOS women led to positive effects on QOL scores. The intervention was successful in Syria and Jordan. This highlights the significant role that pharmacists can play in improving the life of women with PCOS whether living in war or non–war‐zone countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale, aims, and objectives: Clinical pharmacy services are vital in the prevention of adverse drug events (ADEs) in clinical practice, extending beyond the hospital to chronic disease management in outpatient settings. This study sought to evaluate the cost benefit of a clinical pharmacy intervention in resolving treatment‐related problems (TRPs) among hospital outpatients with chronic diseases. Methods: From the hospital system perspective, the cost‐benefit analysis was based on a randomized clinical trial in the general outpatients of the major hospital in Jordan. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to either an intervention or a control group. TRPs were identified in both study groups, but interventions were delivered only to the intervention group via a home medication management review (HMMR) by a clinical pharmacist. A follow‐up in both groups took place 3 months after recruitment. The total economic benefit was the sum of (a) cost savings due to intervention and (b) cost avoidance associated with preventable ADEs. The primary outcome measures were the net benefit and benefit‐to‐cost ratio with the clinical pharmacist‐based HMMR. Results: In both groups, 158 TRPs were identified, and 79 interventions were provided in the study group. The monthly cost of intervention was JD764 (US $1078), and the total monthly benefit was JD4570 (US $6444), leading to a benefit‐to‐cost ratio of 5.98 and an annual net benefit of JD45 669 (US $64 393). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of results. Conclusion: The RCT‐based cost‐benefit evaluation provided evidence‐based insight into the economic benefit of a clinical pharmacist‐provided HMMR for preventing ADEs in the general chronic diseases outpatients. This intervention method against the TRPs among outpatients is cost beneficial and offers substantial cost savings to the health care hospital payer in Jordan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale, aims and objectives: The primary aim of this study is to gain an insight into hospital pharmacists' current practice and perceptions towards medicine reconciliation and to identify common challenges preventing pharmacists from providing this service. Methods: A cross‐sectional study was conducted over 2 months (September–October 2015) at four Jordanian hospitals accredited by the Joint International Commission. A total of 76 pharmacists were recruited. Each pharmacist completed a validated structured questionnaire evaluating (1) pharmacist's current practice of medication reconciliation, (2) pharmacist's perceptions towards practicing medication reconciliation and (3) pharmacist's perceived barriers towards implementing medication reconciliation. Results: There was relatively low awareness of the presence of current medication reconciliation policy in the hospitals. The majority of recruited pharmacists believed that pharmacists must have an integral role in providing such services to patients. They were also willing and able to provide help and support to all healthcare providers regarding the appropriateness of prescribed medications. It was evident that the greater the practice of medication reconciliation services and the higher the educational level, the better the overall perception score (r = 0.416 and r = 0.366, respectively; P‐value = 0.000 for both). ‘Time constraint’ was the primary barrier discouraging pharmacists from practicing such service. Conclusion: This study demonstrates a relatively low awareness of the concept and policy of medication reconciliation process among Jordanian pharmacists. This suggests that educational programs are urgently needed to increase pharmacists' role and responsibilities in implementing and practicing reconciliation services with expected positive impact on patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Objective To assess the impact of a medication management review ( MMR) service on treatment-related problems ( TRPs) and certain clinical outcomes in outpatients. Design Prospective randomized controlled study. Setting Two community pharmacies in Amman, Jordan. Patients A total of 160 people who visited the two community pharmacies between September 2009 and June 2010. Intervention Patients were randomized into two groups: intervention (82 patients) and control (78 patients) groups. The clinical pharmacist conducted a baseline assessment MMR for patients in both groups to determine the prevalence and type of TRPs; however, recommendations regarding the identified TRPs were only submitted to the physicians of patients in the intervention group. Measurements and Main Results All patients were followed for an average of 3.39 months after their baseline visit to the pharmacy. The impact of the MMR service for the intervention group was assessed by evaluating the outcomes of the recommendations submitted by the clinical pharmacist to resolve the identified TRPs, physicians' acceptance of the recommended interventions, and the effect of the intervention on certain clinical outcomes: blood glucose levels, blood pressure, and triglyceride levels. Follow-up assessment of the control group included evaluating the outcomes of the identified TRPs (identified and corrected by physicians without any input from the clinical pharmacist) and comparing glucose level, blood pressure, and triglyceride-level results with baseline values. No significant differences in mean number of medical conditions (3.7 vs 3.42, p=0.134), mean number of medications (4.51 vs 4.96, p=0.135), or mean number of TRPs per patient (5.55 vs 5.17, p=0.42) were observed at baseline in the intervention group versus the control group. Follow-up results revealed a high acceptance rate of recommendations by the physicians (94%). Regarding outcomes of TRPs, almost 70% of the identified TRPs in the intervention group were resolved or improved compared with 2% in the control group (p<0.001). Significant differences were found between the intervention group versus control group with regard to mean ± SD glucose levels (99.08 ± 9.66 vs 115.48 ± 17.34, p<0.001), blood pressure (110.36/81.55 ± 9.45/3.91 vs 125.0/88.73 ± 10.34/4.12, p<0.001), and triglyceride levels (148.53 ± 15.98 vs 170.74 ± 6.26, p=0.001). Conclusion The MMR service resulted in a significantly lower number of TRPs and significantly improved clinical outcomes, and it was highly accepted by the physicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Correct inhaler technique is crucial in the management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Little is known about the feasibility of training hospital health professionals and respiratory inpatients in the correct use of inhalers. Aim: To evaluate health professionals' baseline inhaler techniques on a respiratory ward; to assess the impact of training on their inhaler techniques; and to evaluate the impact of the training on service delivery to respiratory inpatients. Method: Study conducted on the respiratory ward of a major New South Wales metropolitan hospital with a focus on training health professionals on correct inhaler techniques in four phases over 6 months. Results: Prior to training, none of the pharmacists (n = 11) or nurses (n = 16) demonstrated correct inhaler techniques. Post training, significantly more pharmacists and nurses demonstrated correct inhaler techniques. Post training, there was a statistically significant increase in the number of respiratory inpatients who had their inhaler techniques assessed. This increase was sustained over 6 months. Conclusion: Hospital pharmacists and respiratory nurses require training in the correct use of inhalers. Post training, more respiratory inpatients had their inhaler techniques checked by pharmacists and nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]