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Self-esteem has a profound role in students' academic performances. This study was designed to examine the moderation effect of self-esteem on the relationship between academic performance and students' socio-demographic characteristics. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 20 schools in Jordan. A nonrandom consecutive sampling method was used to recruit students who provided their demographic information and answered the Arabic Version of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Participating students (n = 1800) showed a mean self-esteem of 23.07 (SD = 2.69), while the academic performance showed a mean of 86.5 (SD = 6.34). Self-esteem moderated the relationship between socio-demographics (gender, educational sector, and education program) and academic performance. Self-esteem is an important indicator of academic performance and should be strongly considered by stakeholders at all school programs and types. The differences in self-esteem and academic performance according to gender need to be investigated further to draw conclusive future plans.

Background: The WHO classified the mpox outbreak as a worldwide health emergency. Increasing the contribution of healthcare providers, such as pharmacists, can enhance preventive efforts. Assessing the knowledge and confidence levels of pharmacists in diagnosing and managing mpox cases can shape the response strategies necessary for the management of such outbreaks. Methods: This research employed a cross-sectional survey designed to assess the knowledge and preparedness of pharmacy students and pharmacists in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) regarding the mpox virus outbreak. Independent researchers evaluated the survey items to confirm the face and content validity of the developed survey. The final study's survey was structured into three distinct sections, each addressing a specific area of interest. Data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS Statistics. Results: The 388 participants had a median age of 22.00 years (IQR = 5.00). The survey revealed that participants primarily relied on the WHO reports for mpox information (79.8%). The total knowledge scores (TK score) varied, ranging from −6 to 23 (median = 6.00), and symptom knowledge scores (SK score) ranged from −3 to 9 (median = 2.00). Older participants (p-value = 0.008) and females (p-value = 0.014) exhibited significantly higher TK scores. Only about 31.0% of participants expressed confidence in diagnosing mpox cases, and 34.6% expressed confidence in managing mpox cases. Nearly a quarter of the participants (24.5%) thought that getting vaccinated against COVID-19 led to contracting mpox more likely, whereas 45.7% believed that a previous infection with COVID-19 increases the risk of having mpox and its associated symptoms. Many respondents (38.7%) expressed their concern that mpox could emerge as the next major epidemic following COVID-19. Conclusion: Although pharmacists and pharmacy students in the UAE are aware of mpox, their knowledge and confidence levels in diagnosing and managing vary significantly. These findings suggest the need for targeted educational programs to enhance the understanding and preparedness of pharmacists to manage and prevent mpox cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Governments are concerned about medication costs and the availability of medications in healthcare systems. Medications shortages lead to added expenses, such as transportation costs and purchasing from a single supplier. No previous research has been conducted with the Jordanian Joint Procurement Department (JPD) to address this issue. Objective: This study aims to investigate Jordan's purchasing system and provide suggestions for improving medication availability, in particular, to reduce costs, stock-outs, and shortages of medications. This study compares the one-year purchasing versus the two-year purchasing system for public tender medications. Study design: the present study followed a retrospective study design, with questionnaires for validation and conduct. We also conducted a cost analysis to compare the savings of purchasing medications for one year with two years. Method: A 15-question questionnaire was meticulously created and extensively validated by experts in the field for both face and content validity. The questionnaire was then completed by pharmacists from the Jordan Food and Medication Association and JPD. Furthermore, statistical analytical methods were used to identify the most optimal cost-benefit scenario for medications. Results: In the survey, 81 pharmacists participated and shared their views on the purchasing system in the JPD. As per the majority of the participants (71.6%), the two-year purchasing system ensures the availability of medications and minimises stock-out situations compared with the one-year system. Additionally, 79.0% of the sample said that purchasing a larger quantity of medications is beneficial. The study findings showed that following the two-year purchasing system, a saving of 5,218,875.92 JD was achieved, which accounted for 2.5% of the total savings. Conclusion: This novel study captures pharmacists' views on JPD procurement systems, highlighting the cost benefits of the two-year model over the one-year model. It urges policymakers to shift, enhancing efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Stroke poses significant challenges to affected individuals, their families, and healthcare systems, with adherence to medications being a pivotal determinant of health outcomes. In this study, we aim to evaluate the medication adherence of stroke patients living in Iraq, and explore how patients' demographic and clinical details relate to their adherence levels. Furthermore, we seek to assess the self-care practices used by stroke patients and their adherence to them. Patients and Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional correlational study conducted from November 2022 to April 2023, stroke patients diagnosed in seven hospitals across Baghdad and Al-Mothanna governorate were recruited, with diagnoses confirmed by physicians and senior neurologists using MRI and/or CT scans. Patients' adherence to medications, demographic data, clinical characteristics, and self-care activities were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analyses. Results: Of the 200 participants, mean age was 58.27 years, with males constituting 53.5%. About 40.5% had a hemorrhagic stroke, and 59.5% an ischemic stroke. The mean adherence score was 13.36 (SD= 4.658) out of a possible 28. Factors significantly correlated with medication adherence included age, monthly income, time since having a stroke, and education level. Adherence was also significantly linked to having diabetes mellitus or high blood pressure. The assessment of participants' self-care activities and medication adherence revealed that responses to questions about healthcare habits varied, with "None" being the most common response for most items. Notably, we found no significant association between adherence and factors such as gender, marital status, living place, and smoking status. Conclusion: Medication adherence remains suboptimal among stroke patients in Iraq. Various demographic and clinical factors play a role in influencing adherence. The conformity to medication regimens and factors associated with it among individuals who have suffered a stroke in Iraq is vital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumer electronics (CE) and the Internet of Things (IoTs) are transforming daily routines by integrating smart technology into household gadgets. IoT allows devices to link and communicate from the Internet with better functions, remote control, and automation of various complex systems simulation platforms. The quick progress in IoT technology has continuously driven the progress of further connected and intelligent CEs, shaping more smart cities and homes. Blockchain (BC) technology is emerging as a promising technology offering immutable distributed ledgers that improve the security and integrity of data. However, even with BC resilience, the IoT ecosystem remains vulnerable to Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. In contrast, the malicious actor overwhelms the network with traffic, disrupting services and compromising device functionality. Incorporating BC with IoT infrastructure presents groundbreaking techniques to alleviate these threats. IoT networks can better detect and respond to DDoS attacks in real time by leveraging BC cryptographic techniques and decentralized consensus mechanisms, which safeguard against disruptions and enhance resilience. There must be a reliable mechanism of recognition based on adequate techniques to detect and identify whether these attacks have happened or not in the system. Artificial intelligence (A) is the most common technique that uses machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) to recognize cyber threats. This research presents a new Blockchain with Ensemble Deep Learning-based Distributed DoS Attack Detection (BCEDL-DDoSD) approach in the IoT platform. The primary intention of the BCEDL-DDoSD approach is to leverage BC with a DL-based attack recognition process in the IoT platform. BC technology is utilized to enable a secure data transmission process. In the BCEDL-DDoSD approach, Z-score normalization is initially employed to measure the input data. Besides, the selection of features takes place using the Fractal Wombat optimization algorithm (WOA). For attack recognition, the BCDL-DDoSD technique applies an ensemble of three models, namely denoising autoencoder (DAE), gated recurrent unit (GRU), and long short-term memory (LSTM). Lastly, an orca predator algorithm (OPA)-based hyperparameter tuning procedure has been implemented to select the parameter value of DL models. A sequence of simulations is made on the benchmark database to authorize the performance of the BCDL-DDoSD approach. The simulation results showed that the BCDL-DDoSD approach performs better than other DL techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advances in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), otherwise recognized as drones, have tremendous promise in improving the wide-ranging applications of the Internet of Things (IoT). UAV image classification using deep learning (DL) is an amalgamation to modernize data analysis, collection, and decision-making in a variety of sectors. IoT devices collect information in real time, while remote sensing captures data afar without direct contact. UAVs equipped with sensors offer high-quality images for classification tasks. DL techniques, especially the convolutional neural networks (CNNs), analyze data streams, extracting complicated features for the accurate classification of objects or environmental features. This synergy enables applications including urban planning and precision agriculture, fostering smarter disaster response, decision support systems, and efficient resource management. This paper introduces a novel Pyramid Channel-based Feature Attention Network with an Ensemble Learning-based UAV Image Classification (PCFAN-ELUAVIC) technique in an assisted remote sensing environment. The PCFAN-ELUAVIC technique begins with the contrast enhancement of the UAV images using the CLAHE technique. Following that, the feature vectors are derived by the use of the PCFAN model. Meanwhile, the hyperparameter tuning procedure is executed by the inclusion of a vortex search algorithm (VSA). For image classification, the PCFAN-ELUAVIC technique comprises an ensemble of three classifiers like long short-term memory (LSTM), graph convolutional networks (GCNs), and Hermite neural network (HNN). To exhibit the improved detection results of the PCFAN-ELUAVIC system, an extensive range of experiments are carried out. The experimental values confirmed the enhanced performance of the PCFAN-ELUAVIC model when compared to other techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To assess levels and predictive factors of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among stroke patients. Methods The study employed a cross-sectional predictive correlational design. Levels of HRQOL were assessed using the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life (SS-QOL) scale, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was employed to assess psychological aspects among 209 Saudi stroke patients. The analysis included demographic and medical variables to comprehensively explore influencing factors. Results A two-step hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed. The overall SS-QOL summary score (49 items) showed a mean score of 94.4 (SD  = 8.1), indicating poor functioning. Nine predictor variables were found to significantly predict HRQOL levels, including age (β = −0.212, p  ≤ .001), female (β = −5.33, p  ≤ .001), unmarried (β = 2.48, p  ≤ .001), low gross monthly income (GMI) (β = −9.02, p  ≤ .001), medium GMI (β = −8.36, p  ≤ .001), having a medical history of hypertension (β = 2.7, p  ≤ .01), time since stroke (β = 3.26 p  ≤ .001), and being a probable case of anxiety (β = −4.29, p  ≤ .001) and/or depression (β = −2.75, p  ≤ .001). These variables collectively explained ~76% of the variance in HRQOL scores (adjusted R 2 = .762, F (16,192) = 42.6, p  ≤ .001). Conclusions Stroke patients exhibited poor HRQOL levels influenced by various factors. Clinicians should consider these predictors and intervene early to enhance HRQOL among patients at risk, emphasizing the importance of optimizing patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The global healthcare systems have faced significant challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Pharmacists have been frontline healthcare workers playing a pivotal role during this pandemic. This study aimed to understand the experiences of Iraqi COVID-19 patients and highlight the role of pharmacists during their infection. Methods: A cross-sectional web-based study was conducted among the Iraqi public. Inclusion criteria comprised individuals residing in Iraq who had previously contracted COVID-19. The survey assessed demographic information, the COVID-19 experience of participants, and the role of pharmacists from the patient's perspective. Results: Over 561 participants from various Iraqi cities responded. Most participants (43.5%) stated that their infection source was mainly contacting infected family or friends. About 40.0% of the participants required a specialist doctor visit during their infection, 5.9% required hospitalization, and 1.6% required admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). Regarding herbal products, 42.8% of the study's participants used herbs. Fatigue and fever were the most comely reported symptoms. Vitamin C and analgesics were the most used supplements/medications. Of the participants, 35.0% stated that they visited a pharmacy in person, while 31.2% contacted pharmacists through a third person. Nearly half of the respondents strongly agreed or agreed with the statements highlighting the proactive role of pharmacists in providing medical advice, prevention tips, medication instructions, and drug-to-drug interaction guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: The study highlights the significant role of pharmacists in Iraq during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing their importance in patient care, medication management, and delivering health advice. Collaborative efforts between pharmacists and other healthcare professionals can further optimize patient care during health [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transferring wealth and ownership in family businesses is a pivotal juncture that can either strengthen the family legacy or dismantle its foundations. However, this paper examines the effect of inheritance risk management and family business practices on family business sustainability. It also discusses the mediating role of regulatory environment in the Middle East. Nevertheless, quantitative analysis was used to investigate the direct and indirect effects of IRM and FBP on the regulatory environment and family business sustainability as well as the mediating role of the regulatory environment using a quantitative approach through a survey design. However, a total of 116 questionnaires were collected through purposive sampling from the responses. The study sample consisted of managers who were contacted through email and social networking sites. Moreover, Smart PLS 4.1.0.1 was used to test the research hypotheses. The findings indicate that IRM and FBP have significant and positive effects on the regulatory environment in terms of the sustainability of family businesses. The result also confirms the mediating effect of the regulatory environment. The results emphasize the importance of a comprehensive approach to managing family businesses both in addressing internal and external challenges as strategic planning, innovation and governance structures appear as key factors affecting the sustainability of family businesses. This study suggests avenues for future research and provides practical implications for decision-makers, policy makers, practitioners and academics seeking to develop family businesses and the long-term resilience of family businesses in the Middle East. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Asthma remains a major worldwide challenge, which threatens health and economies. The vast majority of asthmatics continue to experience uncontrolled asthma; thus, the need for enhancing patients' awareness, targeting the behavior of both physicians and patients to reach optimal medications' use is arising. Medication management review (MMR) service can be delivered by pharmacists to help resolve this dilemma. Aims: To assess the clinical and humanistic outcomes of MMR service for asthmatic patients in Jordan. Via this service, the pharmacist identifies treatment related problems (TRPs) and resolves them either directly or by sending the physician a letter with recommendations. Methods: A prospective randomized single blinded intervention-control study was conducted over 15 months, in outpatient clinics of public hospitals in Jordan. Asthmatics were recruited and randomized into intervention and control groups. MMR service was delivered for all patients by the researcher to identify patients' TRPs based on updated guidelines. Recommendations were sent to intervention patients' physician for resolution. Pharmacist level recommendations were resolved by pharmacist for the intervention patients. All patients were reassessed at three months. Results: Patients with asthma (n=152) were recruited, and 959 TRPs were identified at baseline with no significant differences between both groups. A significant decrease in TRPs was noticed for the intervention group at followup, going down from 6.540±1.685 at baseline to 2.800±0.924 TRP per patient at follow-up (p< 0.001). Regarding TRPs at three-month follow-up, a significant difference (intervention group: 2.800±0.924, control group: 5.920±1.679 control, p< 0.001). Conclusions: MMR service, which was delivered to asthma patients for the first time in Jordan proved successful in identifying and resolving TRPs for asthma patients. Such outcomes are beneficial in improving asthma control for asthma patients in Jordan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine the role of human resources management (HRM) in the development of total quality management (TQM) in Jordan's public and private sectors. This study used a quantitative research technique to assess the study sample's characteristics and investigate the link between HRM pract ices and TQM in Jordan's public and private sectors. There were 235 Jordanians in the research sample who were used by the public and private sectors in the HRM department. . A simple random sampling method was applied to ensure that every participant had a similar chance of being included in the research. A questionnaire with elements relating to HRM practices and total quality management was used to collect data. The results indicate that human resources planning, training, and performance evaluation play significant roles in the development of TQM in both the public and private sectors in Jordan. However, organizational bonuses demonstrate a weak relationship with TQM. As a result, institutional policymakers may greatly benefit from HRM and TQM by achieving strategic objectives and enhancing overall performance. This entails creating standards for quality, identifying risks, streamlining processes and guaranteeing customer satisfaction. The study recommendations can be made based on the mutual relationship between HRM and TQM to improve integration and make the most of this relationship such as by developing integrated training programs and integrating individual goals with quality goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Asthma is a chronic condition affecting millions of people all around the world. Asthma has no cure, but disease control is essential and highly recommended. However, the available tools for asthma control assessment don't include factors such as inhaler technique and adherence. This study aimed to assess the correlation between inhaler techniques, adherence, and level of asthma control in two different healthcare settings; Jordan and Iraq. Patients and methods: A cross-sectional observational study was con-ducted over six months, from January to August 2018, in two public hospitals in Amman (Jordan) and Baghdad (Iraq). Asthmatic patients were interviewed to assess their inhaler technique, adherence, and asthma control. The researcher personally visited both public hospitals, conducting face-to-face interviews with patients at the hospital outpatient clinics. Validated questionnaires were used for patient assessment, including demographics, asthma history and medication use, the patient's inhaler technique, adherence, and asthma control. Results: A total of 300 patients entered the study, with a mean age of 45.54 ± 13.71. The asthma control test showed very poor asthma control for patients living in both countries (Amman n=78 (52.0%) vs. Baghdad n=106 (70.0%)). An asthma knowledge assessment showed that most asthmatic patients in both countries didn't follow their asthma medication plan (Amman n=78 (52.0%) vs. Baghdad n=93 (62.0%). Conclusion: In both Jordan and Iraq, asthma patients were found to be poorly controlled. Knowledge of patients was inadequate, probably leading to the poorly managed chronic disease. The results of this study highlight the significance of the pharmacist's role in recognizing asthmatic patients requiring assistance. Furthermore, they underscore the pharmacist's pivotal contribution to delivering patient education and counseling, ultimately resulting in enhanced asthma control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to study Factors Influencing Academic Staff Attitudes Towards Smart Boards Use in Education Process in Applied Science University. Additionally, it seeks to examine the moderating role of the type of school. The research's independent variables consist of Factors (interaction, self-efficiency, course design, technical support, convenience and accessibility), while the dependent variable is Attitudes towards smart board. A quantitative method used The primary data was collected through academic staff university email and through whatsapp. A sample of (N=27) respondents, who are academic staff in Applied Science University. The result of this research confirms showed that there is a significant positive impact of the smart board on the attitudes of faculty members through positive interaction between them and students and educational materials. The result of interviews this research confirms that the smart board supports the process of interaction between the lecturer and the students in one hand, and on the other hand, it supports the process of interaction between students and educational materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to shed the light on the relation between the COVID-19 outbreak and mental health, including depression and anxiety in the Middle East. Methods: This is a survey-based study that was conducted online to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health in the Middle East countries. The survey was uploaded on Google Form platform and was distributed through Facebook and WhatsApp platform. Results: In this study, 1,281 respondents completed the online survey. Results showed higher percentages of anxiety were diagnosed post-pandemic (38.0%) compared to pre-pandemic (6.8%). Similarly, higher percentages of participants were diagnosed with depression post-pandemic (32.0%) compared with pre-pandemic (5.0%). Also, 43.4% of the participants showed that they always or most of the time felt 'loss of desire or interest in things. Moreover, many participants (22.4%) always/most of the time felt cramps in their chest and heart as soon as they thought of the pandemic. Finally, logistic regression analysis emphasized that gender and age significantly affected the diagnosis of anxiety and depression following the pandemic (p≤0.005). Conclusions: This current study highlighted an increase in the diagnosis of anxiety and depression among Middle Eastern following the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings revealed the importance of utilizing health coping or resilience strategies, mental health awareness campaigns, and education programs by the policymakers and stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Asthma in children affects millions around the world. Parents' knowledge of asthma and their quality of life (QoL) may affect the management of their asthma child. The study aimed to assess the knowledge of asthma, anxiety, and QoL of parents who have children diagnosed with asthma living in Amman, Jordan. Patients and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over five months in Amman, Jordan. Children with asthma were recruited from outpatient respiratory clinics. Parents were interviewed while waiting to see the child's respiratory specialist. The Consumer Asthma Knowledge Questionnaire (twelve true/false items), Parent Asthma-Related Anxiety Scale (eleven questions), and QoL Questionnaire (thirteen questions) were used. Results: Recruited parents of the children with asthma (n=150, mean age 5.05±3.5) showed poor asthma knowledge (score=5.8±1.75 out of 12, and the 11-item mean is 2.42). Screening of anxiety revealed an increased risk of mild anxiety among parents (score=26.59±7.3 out of 55, and the 13-item mean is 3.55). The QoL screening showed that parents had a median QoL (score=39.5±12.0). Conclusion: Asthma knowledge among parents of children with asthma living in Jordan is poor. Screening of anxiety and QoL showed that many parents had mild anxiety and poor QoL. These results shed light on an urgent matter that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible in Jordan and for parents of asthma children worldwide.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In spite of the sweeping recognition of metabolic syndrome (MeS) as an underlying cause of cardiovascular risks is increasing globally; modest research has been conducted concerning the knowledge awareness of this emerging problem among pharmacy students. This study aims to determine pharmacy students' level of knowledge and awareness concerning MeS and its associated cardiovascular risks. Methods: A web-based survey was administered to 332 pharmacy college students from eight universities in Jordan during March 2017 and March 2018. The survey contained questions related to seven conditions associated with MeS, including diabetes, adiposity, hypertension (HTN), high serum cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), arteriosclerosis, stroke, and myocardial infarction (MI). Knowledge score per question was estimated as follows: good knowledge if 81-100% of students answered the question correctly, fair and poor knowledge if 51-80% and =50% of students responded to the question correctly, respectively. Poisson regression model was used regressing total knowledge score on study parameters. Results: Overall, pharmacy students' results showed they were most acquainted with knowledge about stroke, as the interpreted average percentage of correct answers was 65.8%. Students were least acquainted with MI, as students only responded to 35.1% of the enquired questions correctly. A pattern of a significant gap in knowledge regarding HTN and MI emerged since a good level of knowledge was missing for all the question topics indicated for those two conditions. Gender (being a female), student's cumulative grade point average (GPA) and the year in college (one to five years) were positively associated with more knowledge. Conclusions: The outcomes of this study suggest that MeS awareness among pharmacy students is weak in many important aspects. This study may have implications that can be successfully harnessed in pharmacy education modalities in the academic sphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a large impact on global mental health including anxiety and depression rates, many factors affected the vulnerability to these psychological conditions amongst university students. Aim: To explore the level of anxiety and depression of university students living in Jordan. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was conducted in which an electronic survey was created and distributed, university students residing in Jordan participated in the study. Results: A total of 1241 students were enrolled in the study. The mean anxiety score among males and females was (9.68 (SD = 4.10)) and (10.46 (SD = 4.14)), respectively. 42.1% of males had "abnormal" anxiety score compared to 48.4% females. The mean depression score among males (7.77 (SD = 4.31)) was similar to that for the females (7.64 (SD = 4.14)), and 26.0% of the males had "abnormal" depression score compared to 22.6% of the females. Factors affecting anxiety scores included younger age, being a female, taking medication/s, or drinking two cups of coffee or more a day. Conclusion: With 46% and 24% of students suffering from abnormal anxiety and depression respectively, it is important for education policy makers to take immediate measures to allocate students in need of psychological assessment and help to deliver suitable interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study was designed to assess inhaler technique skills, asthma control level, adherence, and quality of life scores amongst asthmatic patients living in Amman, Jordan, investigating the role of pharmacist's educational intervention. Patients and Methods: This single-blinded randomized parallel-group active-controlled study was conducted at the Jordan University Hospital (JUH) clinic in 2019. Patients were assessed at baseline and follow-up (after three months) on their inhaler technique (based on validated published checklists), asthma control based on the asthma control test (ACT) questionnaire, adherence to treatment, and quality of life (QoL). Patients in the active group were counseled on correct inhaler technique and administration skills, orally and using inhaler adhesive labels delivered by the clinical pharmacist. Results: Asthma patients (n = 157; active, n = 79, and control, n = 78) were recruited into the study and grouped based on the controller inhaler they were using (Turbohaler (TH) and Accuhaler (ACC). There was no statistically significant difference between both groups at baseline for inhaler technique, adherence, ACT, and QoL. At follow-up, 93.7% of the active group patients used their inhalers correctly, while only 16.7% of the control group used them correctly (P-value < 0.001). Also, the ACT mean score was significantly higher for the active group (21.21± 5.27) versus the control group (15.92± 7.31; P-value < 0.001). The QoL mean score was significantly improved for the active group compared with the control group (active = 63.85± 24.78, Control = 38.746± 3.23, P-value < 0.001). Improvement in adherence for the active group was noticed compared with the control group but did not reach a significant level (P-value=0.691). Conclusion: Through a practical educational intervention, pharmacists were found to significantly improve patients' asthma inhaler technique, ACT scores, and QoL scores for patients with asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The immediate aim of this study was to comparatively examine the bacterial respiratory microbiome of patients in a stable state and during an exacerbation of asthma–COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) overlap (ACO). This prospective observational study took place in Jordan between 1 September 2021 and 30 April 2022. Sputum samples from patients with recognized ACO were acquired within 48 h of the exacerbation onset and again at 3 weeks following the exacerbation. The next-generation sequencing Illumina MiSeq was employed and uncovered significantly high bacterial diversity in the sputa. The results showed a significant decrease in the taxonomic richness in the sputum samples collected during the exacerbation episodes compared with those collected from patients in a stable state (p = 0.008), with an increase in the taxonomic evenness (p < 0.005). This change in the composition of the airway bacterial community suggests that the replacement of a significant portion of the airway microbiome with certain microorganisms may play a role in the decrease in microbial diversity observed during an ACO exacerbation. Greater knowledge of this link could allow for a more focused administration of antibiotics, especially during exacerbations, improving clinical efficacy and patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Patients infected with coronavirus have new experiences and hence new needs from the healthcare sector. Acknowledging patients' experiences can exhibit promising outcomes in coronavirus management. Pharmacists are considered a vital pillar in managing patients' experiences during their infection. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the experiences of COVID-19-infected individuals and the roles of pharmacists in the United Arab Emirates. The survey was face- and content-validated after being developed. Three sections were included in the survey (demographics, experiences of infected individuals, and the roles of pharmacists). Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. The study participants (n = 509) had a mean age of 34.50 (SD = 11.93). The most reported symptoms among participants were fatigue (81.5%), fever (76.8%), headache (76.6%), dry cough (74.1%), muscle or joint pain (70.7%), and sore throat (68.6%). Vitamin C was the most used supplement (88.6%), followed by pain relievers (78.2%). Female gender was the only factor associated with symptom severity. About 79.0% agreed that the pharmacist played an important and effective role during their infection. The most reported symptom was fatigue, with females reporting more severe symptoms. The role of the pharmacist proved to be vital during this pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]