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This study investigated parental attitudes toward childhood vaccination in Jordan, focusing on acceptance, concerns, and perceptions. A cross-sectional survey conducted from January to February 2024 included 939 parents. Findings indicated that 85.4% (n = 802) of respondents received the COVID-19 vaccine, while only 25% (n = 229) vaccinated their children. Concerns regarding vaccine safety and efficacy were prevalent, with 63.9% (n = 600) expressing worries about side effects and 46.9% (n = 440) trusting immunization programs. Post-pandemic, 34% (n = 319) reported a more negative attitude. Logistic regression showed parents not vaccinating their children against COVID-19 were significantly less likely to exhibit positive attitudes toward childhood vaccination (OR = 0.412, p < 0.001). Older participants were more inclined toward negativity post-pandemic (OR = 1.031, p = 0.007). In conclusion, parental attitudes shifted post-COVID-19, reflecting hesitancy and decreased trust. Addressing concerns and restoring confidence are crucial, especially for children's health. Education through healthcare providers and dispelling social media misinformation are essential. Implementing strategies to enhance post-pandemic vaccine acceptance is imperative for preventing outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 and Aims: The viral agent of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) continues to spread worldwide, leading to a global pandemic. this may negatively affect students' mental health who have to maintain their learning efforts. Therefore, we aimed to assess students' perceptions of the online learning programs designed for university students in Arab countries during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Methods: This cross‐sectional study was conducted on university students using a self‐administered online questionnaire in 15 Arab countries, including 6779 participants. The actual sample size was calculated using the EpiInfo program calculator. The validated, piloted questionnaire assessed the effectiveness of internet‐based distance learning applications used in these countries during the pandemic. The SPSS version 22 was used. Results: Among the 6779 participants, 26.2% believed that their teachers diversify learning methods, 22.0% thought that their teachers were able to treat the weakness the students have, and 30.7% agreed that their teachers efficiently communicate with them through COVID‐19 internet‐based learning process. Around 33% of students participated in lectures effectively, 47.4% submitted their homework within accepted deadlines, and 28.6% thought that their colleagues did not cheat during exams and homework. Around 31.3% of students believed that online‐based learning had a role in directing them towards research, and 29.9% and 28.9%, respectively, believed that online learning had a role in developing analytical thinking and synthesis skills. Participants reported many suggestions to enhance the process of internet‐based distance learning in the future. Conclusion: Our study suggests that online‐based distance learning in Arab countries still needs more improvement as students still are more inclined toward face‐to‐face teaching. However, exploring the factors that influence students' perceptions of e‐learning is vital for improving the quality of online‐based distance learning. We recommend exploring the perceptions of educators regarding their experience towards online‐based distance learning during COVID‐19 lockdown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a response to a letter regarding a study titled "Perceptions and Knowledge of Public Towards Emerging Human Monkeypox in Yemen: A Cross-Sectional Study." The authors express their appreciation for the comments and acknowledge the limitations of their study, including the sampling methodology, concentration on adult participants in Sana'a, and potential desirability bias. They clarify that the points raised in the letter largely align with the strengths and limitations already acknowledged in their published work. The authors remain open to further clarifications or concerns. [Extracted from the article]

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and predictors of polypharmacy in hospitalised patients in Jordan to help guide healthcare efforts in decreasing the burden on the healthcare system. Methods: This cross‐sectional study was conducted at the University of Jordan Hospital in Amman, Jordan. During the study period, a convenience sample of patients admitted to the internal medicine and surgical wards were approached to take part in this study. Following patients' recruitments, patients were interviewed and their medical files were reviewed to obtain demographic and clinical information regarding their medical conditions and their regular use of medicines. Then, the prevelence of patients with polypharmacy were identified, and factors predicting polypharmacy among them were determined. Results: Among the 300 participants who agreed to participate in this study, females represented 45.3% of the recruited sample (n = 139), and around 48.0% (n = 144) of the study sample were elderly people (≥65 years old). Most of the recruited patients (n = 248, 82.7%) were found to use polypharmacy (≥ 5 medications). Hypertension was the most frequent medical condition among study participants (n = 240, 80.0%) followed by diabetes (n = 185, 61.7%). Results of logistic regression analysis showed that polypharmacy was only significantly affected by patients' age (OR = 2.149, P‐value =.024) and monthly income (OR = 0.336, P‐value =.009), while other factors were not associated with polypharmacy. Elderly patients (≥65 years) were found to have polypharmacy more significantly than non‐elderly patients. Also, those with lower monthly income (<500 JD) were found to use lower polypharmacy compared with those with higher monthly income (>500 JD). Conclusion: The present study showed that polypharmacy is prevalent among patients in Jordan. While polypharmacy was not affected by smoking status, gender, BMI and educational level, it was significantly affected by monthly income and age. Further plans should be put in place to reduce polypharmacy, starting with effective pharmaceutical care services leading to treatment optimisation and ensuring desired treatment outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the different types of drug‐related problems (DRPs) among diabetic patients and to study the effect of those DRPs on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) of this population. Methods: The current retrospective cross‐sectional study was conducted at outpatients' clinics at the Jordan University Hospital. During the study period, a total of 91 patients with type 2 diabetes were recruited. Patients' medical information was used to assess the different DRPs and to evaluate their impact on the HRQoL evaluated using the Arabic EQ‐5D tool. Key findings: The mean age of study participants was 61.1 (SD = 8.8). Females represented 60.4% (n = 55) of them. A total of 571 DRPs were identified among the study participants (average 6.27, SD: 2.08; range 0–14). Lack of appropriate monitoring was the most common type of DRPs identified (30.6%, n = 175), followed by safety DRPs (22.1%, n = 126). The EQ‐5D average score in this study was 0.6124 (SD: 0.3133). Regression statistical analysis indicated that non‐adherence to non‐pharmacological therapy was associated with poor EQ‐5D scores (P‐value <0.05), while indication DRPs were associated with better EQ‐5D scores (P‐value <0.05). Conclusions: The number of DRPs among diabetic patients is high, and this represents a major concern that needs attention. Some of these DRPs were associated with poor HRQoL. Engaging pharmacists through pharmaceutical care service is needed to prevent those DRPs, which may ultimately improve patients HRQoL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The study aim was to evaluate health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and to explore factors associated with poor HRQoL in patients with type 2 diabetes in Jordan. Methods: The EQ‐5D questionnaire was used to assess HRQoL in outpatients (n = 196) with type 2 diabetic during their clinic appointment at three major Hospitals in Jordan. Sociodemographic and medical data were collected from patient interviews and medical files. Multiple linear regression was performed to build a model with variables associated with poor HRQoL. Key findings: The mean score of the total EQ‐5D index of the 196 participants was 0.724. Most of the patients reported 'some problems' through the five dimensions, with the highest percentage (46.1%) related to mobility domain. Regression analysis identified women gender (β = −0.252; P < 0.01), duration of diabetes (β = −0.344; P < 0.01) number of medications (β = −0.423; P < 0.01), and insulin therapy (β = −0.205; P < 0.05) as being significantly associated with poor HRQoL. Conclusions: The quality of life for patients with type 2 diabetes in Jordan has considerable scope for improvement. Future diabetes management programs should focus on improving HRQoL, with specific attention to be given for women patients, those who have long duration of diabetes, and patients receiving multiple medications or insulin therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of pharmacist's directed services (reconciliation plus counselling) on reducing medication discrepancies and improving patient's outcomes at discharge from hospital. Methods: During the 3‐month study period, 200 patients were randomly selected from internal medicine department from Jordan University Hospital (JUH) and allocated into two groups (intervention and control groups). The number and types of medication discrepancies were identified at admission. Then, pharmacist implemented medication reconciliation and medication counselling services to the intervention group patients. At discharge, the number of unintentional discrepancies was evaluated for both groups. Patients were assessed at 1 month following their discharge for any subsequent hospital readmissions, emergency department visits or side effects of medication therapy. Key findings: The total number of identified unintentional discrepancies was 84 for the intervention group compared with 60 discrepancies for the control group. Omission and addition represented the most common types of discrepancies for both groups. Of the 84 recommendations submitted by pharmacists, clinicians accepted 78 cases (92.8%), and implemented only 46 recommendations (54.7%). At discharge, a significant reduction in the number of unintentional discrepancies was achieved for the intervention group, P‐value (0.014), while no significant change was found for the control group, P‐value = 0.508. One month postdischarge, a significantly higher number of patients in the control group reported experiencing side effects compared with the intervention group, P‐value = 0.020. Conclusion: The presence of clinical pharmacists in hospital wards had a promising effect on decreasing the number of medication errors and improving health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Pharmacists require a baseline level of knowledge in paediatric pharmaceutical care in order to be able to adequately care for paediatric patients and counsel their families. This study aimed to explore the self-reported knowledge, attitudes and competency of final-year pharmacy students in Jordan regarding paediatric pharmaceutical care. Methods: This study took place in Jordan between November 2016 and May 2017. A 28-item questionnaire was designed and administered to 400 students from all pharmacy programmes in Jordan during their final year of training. Results: A total of 354 students agreed to take part in the study (response rate: 88.5%). Most respondents (95.2%) were aware of the term ‘paediatrics’. However, almost one-third of the respondents (30.5%) reported never having taken paediatric dose calculation courses and more than half (55.6%) were unfamiliar with the term ‘off-label medicines’. Moreover, most respondents (65.1%) had low knowledge scores (≤2 out of 5) when presented with realistic paediatric case scenarios. There were no significant differences in knowledge and attitudes between undergraduate and doctoral students or between those from public or private universities (P >0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight an alarming deficiency in paediatric pharmaceutical knowledge among final-year pharmacy students in Jordan. As such, paediatric-related content should be emphasised in the pharmacy curricula of Jordanian universities so that pharmacy students receive more formalised education and more extensive training in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]