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Objective: Differential effects of linagliptin and vildagliptin may help us personalize treatment for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). The current study compares the effect of these drugs on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in an artificial neural network (ANN) model. Methods: Patients with T2DM who received either vildagliptin or linagliptin, with predefined exclusion criteria, qualified for the study. Two input variable datasets were constructed: with or without imputation for missing values. The primary outcome was HbA1c readings between 3 to 12 months or the reduction in HbA1c levels. Results: The cohort comprised 191 individuals (92 vildagliptin and 99 linagliptin). Linagliptin group had significantly higher disease burden. For imputed dataset, HbA1c was lower with linagliptin at 3 to 12 months (7.442 ± 0.408 vs. 7.626 ± 0.408, P < 0.001). However, there was a small yet significant difference in HbA1c reduction favoring vildagliptin over linagliptin (-1.123 ± 0.033 vs. -1.111 ± 0.043, P < 0.001). LDL level, uric acid, and the drug group were identified as predictors for HbA1c levels. In the non-imputed dataset HbA1c at 3 to 12 months was lower with linagliptin (median ± IQR: 7.489 ± 0.467 vs. 7.634 ± 0.467, P-value < 0.001). However, both linagliptin and vildagliptin exhibited similar reductions in HbA1c levels (both median ± IQR of -1.07 ± 0.02). Predictors for HbA1c levels included eGFR level and the drug group. Conclusion: Linagliptin effectively lowers HbA1c levels more than vildagliptin including in patients with comorbidities. DPP4-I choice is a constant predictor of HbA1c in all models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Corticosteroids (CS) are essential in managing various medical conditions, yet longterm use presents significant risks. Balancing therapeutic benefits with potential hazards requires careful prescription and monitoring. This study evaluates Jordanian physicians' knowledge, experiences, and concerns regarding CS prescriptions, and identifies predictors of both knowledge and fear. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to August 2023 using an online survey distributed via social media platforms. Descriptive statistics and linear regression analyses were employed to assess factors influencing physicians' knowledge and fears regarding CS. Results: A total of 171 physicians participated, with a median age of 31 years (IQR=8.0). The majority (86.5%) had prescribed topical (83.1%) and injectable (81.1%) CS formulations. Physicians demonstrated high knowledge (median score: 11/11) but expressed significant concerns (median fear score: 3.5/5), particularly about osteoporosis (73.7%) and hyperglycemia (66.7%). Regression analysis revealed that specialty in rheumatology was significantly associated with higher knowledge scores (p=0.027). Conversely, higher knowledge scores were associated with lower fear scores (p=0.034), while other sociodemographic factors did not significantly impact either knowledge or fears. Conclusion: Jordanian physicians possess substantial knowledge about CS, yet significant concerns remain regarding side effects such as osteoporosis and hyperglycemia. Specialty and knowledge level are key factors influencing both knowledge and fear. These findings highlight the need for targeted educational interventions to address these concerns, improve physician confidence, and enhance patient management outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives This study aimed to analyze knowledge and beliefs regarding Human Papillomavirus (HPV) disease and its vaccine among the public, particularly parents of adolescents aged 9–15, who constitute the target group for the HPV vaccine, and to identify factors affecting their knowledge and beliefs. Methods In Jordan, a cross-sectional study surveyed 386 parents of 9–15-year-olds. Data were collected through surveys to assess knowledge and attitudes about HPV and the HPV vaccine. Statistical analysis using SPSS provided insights. Key findings A total of 386 individuals participated in the survey. Approximately two-thirds were female (n = 245, 63.5%), and more than half of the participants were aged above 35 (n = 224, 58%). Concerning participants' beliefs about HPV vaccines, around 19% believed that the efficacy of the HPV vaccine is unclear (n = 74, 19.2%), and only 35.5% trusted HPV vaccination (n = 137). Linear regression analysis revealed that female participants (mothers) and those with higher income (>1000 JD) tend to have better knowledge and belief scores compared to others (P < 0.05). Conclusion In summary, this study highlights the pressing need for improved HPV education campaigns in Jordan. Heightening awareness of HPV and its associated health risks is paramount. The absence of the HPV vaccine in Arab national schedules exacerbates this awareness gap. Focusing on parents of adolescents is critical for vaccination efforts, and community pharmacies may aid in expanding vaccine coverage and awareness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:The present study was conducted to assess the perceptions and readiness of pharmacists toward implementing "Telepharmacy" in Jordan. Methods:This was a cross-sectional study that was conducted between April and May 2023. Any licensed community pharmacists practicing in Jordan were considered to be eligible to be included in this study. Pharmacists were approached at their pharmacy store using a convenience sampling method. Logistic regression analysis was utilized to identify predictors affecting pharmacists readiness to implement telepharmacy services. Results:Two hundred eighteen community pharmacists volunteered to participate in this study. Roughly around 42% of the pharmacists (n = 91) reported that they have previously used telepharmacy. More than 70% of the pharmacists believed that telepharmacy decreases the patient's visits to hospitals, private clinics, or pharmacies (n = 165, 75.7%). In addition, more than 65% of the pharmacists expressed their concerns that telepharmacy service may increase pharmacists' workload and commitment (n = 150, 68.8%), and it has a higher error rate for medication dispensing and filling (n = 147, 67.4%). Nearly 70% of the pharmacists (n = 153) expressed their readiness to implement telepharmacy. Regression analysis showed that pharmacists who had previous experience in using telepharmacy service and those who showed more positive perception toward telepharmacy showed significantly higher readiness to implement telepharmacy service (p < 0.001 for both). Conclusions:The utilization of telepharmacy by community pharmacists in Jordan is still limited. The adaption of telepharmacy faces many challenges, including a negative attitude from the pharmacist, financial reimbursement, training, regulations, and competency in and access to efficient technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Improving breastfeeding practices is a worldwide priority. Pharmacists have the opportunity to actively promote breastfeeding and educate parents as well as the general public about its benefits. Research Aims: The aims of this study are to investigate Jordanian pharmacists' present breastfeeding support practices and perceptions regarding their need for education and training in breastfeeding support. Methods: To examine sociodemographic characteristics of community pharmacists in Jordan and their current breastfeeding support practices and educational needs, a descriptive cross-sectional online (self-report) survey was conducted. Through social media, pharmacists working in community pharmacies in Jordan were recruited between August 2021 and February 2022. The level of breastfeeding support participants had been provided with was measured using eight items in a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 5 (Always) to 1 (Never). Each participant self-reported the frequency of advice/information given to breastfeeding women in each of these areas. Univariate and multivariable linear regression models were used to identify factors associated with the level of breastfeeding support. Results: Participants (N = 381) reported a high level of breastfeeding support, but expressed a need for training and education for further improvement. The breastfeeding support score of female participants was found to be 0.12 higher than that of males (Beta = 0.12, p =.02), 0.16 higher in married participants compared to non-married participants (Beta = 0.16, p =.03), and 0.10 higher in participants working in rural areas compared to those working in urban areas (Beta = 0.10, p =.04). Conclusion: While community pharmacists generally report a high level of breastfeeding support, our findings revealed demographic differences. Attention to specific areas of need might enhance what pharmacists could offer; however, additional research would be required to guide the specific educational content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A healthy diet plays a significant role in preventing and treating various diseases, including colon and breast cancer. Purpose: This study aims to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to nutrition in breast cancer prevention and to explore the relationship between demographic characteristics and nutrition practices for breast cancer prevention. Methods: A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning breast cancer among 1511 women in Jordan. The survey underwent content validation and received IRB approval from King Abdullah University Hospital. Results: A total of 1511 participants completed the survey. Knowledge levels, with a mean score of 12, significantly varied based on education level (p-value = 0.04), field of education (p-value = 0.001), and physical activity (p-value = 0.001). The mean scores for attitudes and practices toward nutrition-related breast cancer prevention factors were 21.5 and 37, respectively. Conclusion: The study found that education level, family history, physical activity patterns, and sleep habits were factors associated with nutrition knowledge and positive practices, potentially reducing the risk of breast cancer. However, increasing nutrition knowledge alone was not sufficient to change dietary behavior. Implications for Nursing: Risk reduction strategies can be enhanced by incorporating evidence-based practices, such as those identified in this study. Additionally, current prevention and treatment options, including education, counseling, and psychosocial support, should be further developed to increase nutrition-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices for breast cancer prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]