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This study examined whether family environment and coping strategies mediate the relationship between adolescents' bullying involvement (being a bully or victim) and severity of depression. The study utilized a nationally representative school survey and gathered data from 1083 school adolescents (mean age 15.0 ± 1.4 years; 66% females; 46% from the central urban region; 71% had very good to excellent school GPA). The relationship between bullying involvement and depression was partially mediated by family environment and emotion-focused coping. No mediating effect was revealed for problem-focused coping in this relationship. Findings from this study might help understand how the effect of bullying transmits on adolescents' psychological health, allowing us to supply more in-depth information about the bullying phenomenon than what can be explained by direct effects alone. Family environment and coping strategies used by adolescents seemed to play a critical role in shaping their bullying experience and thus, incorporating these factors into available effective anti-bullying programs can be promising.

Background and Purpose: The proliferation of short-form video content on social media platforms has led to increased user engagement but also raised concerns about potential addictive behaviors and cognitive consequences, particularly among youth. This study explored the prevalence of short-form video addiction (SVA) among Jordanian youth, its correlates, and its impact on attention and memory function, with an emphasis on understanding the mediating and moderating role of attention in the relationship between SVA and memory. Methods: Utilizing a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 1029 university students across 25 higher-education institutions in Jordan. Results: Half of the participants exhibited moderate to high levels of SVA. The findings indicated a significant increase in SVA scores among female students (p = 0.003), those of a younger age (p = 0.045), those with lower GPAs (p = 0.013), and those who dedicated fewer hours to study (p = 0.006). Notably, there was a significant and large correlation between SVA scores and students' perceptions of user-generated content (p < 0.001). Attention partially mediated the relationship between SVA and memory function with excellent model fit indices (χ2(12) = 14.11, p = 0.05, RMSEA = 0.03, GFI = 0.99, IFI = 0.99, TLI = 0.98, CFI = 0.99). However, attention did not moderate this relationship, suggesting that the impact of SVA on memory is consistent across varying levels of attention. Discussion: The findings underscore the significant engagement of Jordanian youth with short-form video content and the potential cognitive risks associated with SVA. Interventions to manage attention could mitigate the adverse effects of SVA on cognitive functions. This study calls for a comprehensive approach to address SVA among youth, including the development of digital literacy programs, mental health support services, and policy interventions that promote a balanced digital ecosystem and responsible media consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible Summary: What Is Known on the Subject?: The COVID‐19 pandemic has brought new sources of stress and challenges for people dealing with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). What the Paper Adds to Existing Knowledge?: The study uncovered the unique experiences of Jordanian patients with OCD during the COVID‐19 pandemic, revealing three main themes: Navigating Constraints: The Dual Pathways of Social Engagement and Avoidance, estranging family attachments and shifting OCD landscapes.Family dynamics played a significant role, with some families unintentionally exacerbating OCD symptoms through excessive accommodation, while others openly expressed irritation, both contributing to worsened symptoms.The research unveiled a notable deficiency in the availability of professional mental health support for individuals with OCD throughout the pandemic. What Are the Implications for Practice?: Accessible and culturally appropriate e‐mental health interventions can bridge the gap in mental health support, especially during crises like the pandemic.It is crucial to involve family members in the treatment process to address family dynamics that may either support or hinder recovery among patients with OCD. Introduction: Pandemics, like COVID‐19, can significantly harm the mental well‐being and overall quality of life for individuals and their families. Those with pre‐existing mental conditions, especially obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), are more vulnerable to negative psychosocial effects since the fear of being infected or transmitting infection to others are some of the main characteristics of the illness. There is a need for a nuanced understanding of the personal, social and cultural experiences of people with OCD within their specific psychosocial context. Aim: To explore how Jordanian patients with OCD experienced their illness during COVID‐19. Method: A descriptive phenomenological design using semi‐structured interviews with a purposive sample of 12 patients diagnosed with OCD and experiencing different types of OCD symptoms. Data were analysed thematically, and reported based on the critical appraisal skills programme (CASP) checklist for qualitative studies. Results: Three main themes emerged: (1) Navigating Constraints: The Dual Pathways of Social Engagement and Avoidance (seeking solace through social interaction and embracing quarantine as an opportunity for social avoidance); (2) Estranging family attachments (enforcing proximity and struggling with intimacy); and (3) Shifting OCD landscapes (transforming existing obsessions and escaping to new compulsions). The interviews documented a complete lack of references to receiving professional mental health support throughout the pandemic. Discussion: This study aligns with previous research indicating a surge in OCD severity during the pandemic, fuelled by distressing news and heightened hygiene measures. Notably, it underscores the strain on familial relationships, with some cases showing protective effects but many demonstrating worsening symptoms due to excessive family accommodation. The absence of professional mental health support during the pandemic raises questions about the quality and accessibility of mental health services in Jordan. Implications for Practice: The findings underscore the need for continued mental health support and intervention, particularly during times of heightened stress and isolation. Integrating e‐mental health resources and cultural adaptation can play a vital role in providing accessible and effective support for individuals with OCD, including those in the Jordanian Arab culture. As we navigate future challenges, it is crucial to prioritize the well‐being of individuals with OCD and ensure they have access to appropriate and tailored mental health services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescents are more likely to engage in risky health practices related to COVID-19. Their compliance with infection control measures is a key factor to mitigate the spread of the disease. The purpose of this study was to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward COVID-19 and their correlates among Jordanian adolescents. An online cross-sectional survey was utilized. A total of 1,054 Jordanian adolescents aged 12-18 completed and returned the survey. Overall, Jordanian adolescents showed a good base of knowledge regarding COVID-19 (regardless of their demographic characteristics) and tended to hold positive attitudes toward the country's curfew and other protective measures. The majority of adolescents reported that television and social media were their main source of information on COVID-19, while few reported receiving such information from their schools. The majority reported practicing effective health protective behaviors to prevent the spread of COVID-19, which was significantly predicted by their knowledge and attitudes toward these measures. However, there was a relatively small, yet clinically significant, percentage of adolescents who showed poor knowledge on COVID-19, had negative attitudes toward protective measures, and reported being engaged in risky practices related to infection spread. Tailored efforts are needed to improve the levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices among adolescents. Raising awareness and promoting positive attitudes are vital to change adolescents' health practices. Policy makers should ensure that school nurses are available in all schools and working to their full scope. School nurses are the eyes and ears of public health and primary care. They are essential members on pandemic preparedness, reopening and reentry planning teams, and can lead health care in schools and practice in a holistic culturally competent proactive manner to address the needs of students.

School bullying is recognized as a global problem and sparks public concerns for students' safety. While it has recently emerged as a critical concern in the Arab world, particularly in Jordan, no national studies have yet investigated the extent of bullying in Jordanian schools. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence, correlates, and experiences of bullying among a national sample of Jordanian adolescent students. A stratified random sampling procedure was used to select schools that represent the three main regions of Jordan (i.e. north, middle, and south) and a weighted sample of schools was randomly selected using Statistical Analysis System 9.4 based on provinces' density. A nationally representative sample of 1083 adolescents aged 12 to 17 was included in the study. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires on school bullying and adolescent sociodemographics. The prevalence of bullying among Jordanian adolescents was consistent with international studies; 7% reported their involvement in bullying as a victim, 7.6% as a bully, and 1.7% as both. Verbal bullying was the most common form of bullying among victims and bully-victim, while relational bullying was the most prevalent bullying for bullies. Being a perpetrator was more prevalent among boys than girls. Adolescent students who came from low socioeconomic status or whose fathers were illiterate reported more victimization experience. The majority of students who experienced bullying reported negative attitudes of bystanders, parents, and teachers towards intervening or responding to the bullying experience. Bullying exists among Jordanian students and active steps towards addressing this phenomenon are discussed. This is the first known Jordanian study representing a national sample of adolescent students' experience of bullying. Findings present valuable information for school professionals, parents, and students regarding bullying and its associated factors. These findings also provide an avenue for the adoption and implementation of available anti-bullying programs to ameliorate bullying behaviors among Jordanian school students.

Little is known about help-seeking for depression among Jordanian adolescents who are a vulnerable population with high rates of depressive symptoms and few mental health services. The purpose of this study was to (1) explore Jordanian adolescents' helpseeking intentions for depression and (2) examine whether depression stigma, depression severity, or their interaction are associated with Jordanian adolescents' willingness to seek help for depression and the type of treatment they would seek. In collaboration with the Jordanian Ministry of Education, we conducted a nationally representative, school-based survey of adolescents aged 12-17 years (N = 2,349). One fourth of the adolescents reported they would not seek professional help for depression, and those respondents had higher average depression scores. Among those adolescents willing to seek help, the most likely sources included family member (57%), school counselor (46%), psychiatrist (43%), religious leader (39%), and general health practitioner (28%). Lower stigma scores were associated with greater likelihood to seek psychotherapy or visit a psychiatrist, while higher stigma scores were associated with increased likelihood to seek help from a school counselor or a family member. Jordanian adolescents experience significant barriers to seeking professional help for depression. However, even among adolescents with greater depression severity and depression stigma, school counselors were identified as a key resource for help. These findings suggest that school-based interventions may fill a critical service need for adolescents with depression and other mental health problems. School nurses should be leveraged along with counselors to address mental health issues in this vulnerable population.

ABSTRACT Introduction Aims Methods Results Implications for Practice Relevance to Mental Health Nursing Callous‐unemotional (CU) traits, parental practices and conduct problems (CP) have been consistently identified across numerous studies as significant predictors of the severity and persistence of juvenile delinquency.This study seeks to investigate the moderation dynamics underlying the relationships between these variables among Arab incarcerated youth. Specifically, the study aims to (1) explore whether parental practices moderate the relationship between CU traits and CP among incarcerated youth in Jordan and (2) examine the bidirectional moderating influence of CU traits in shaping the dynamic relationship between parental practices and CP within the context of Arab juvenile delinquency.An observational survey design was employed, gathering data from 184 incarcerated youth across 11 rehabilitation centres in Jordan. Latent profile analysis identified three parental practice classes: more positive, balanced and more negative.Moderation analyses indicated significant associations between CU traits, parental practices and CP. Parental practices, especially positive ones, moderated the relationship between CU traits and CP, highlighting the protective influence of balanced parenting. Furthermore, bidirectional moderation effects were observed: CU traits moderated the link between parental practices and CP, while CP influenced parenting practices, particularly in the presence of elevated CU traits.The findings of this study underscore the vital role mental health nurses can play in addressing the behavioural and psychological challenges faced by youth involved in the justice system and their families. Specifically, mental health nurses can aid in ameliorating mental distress by supporting parents in understanding and managing CU traits and CP. Nurses can provide targeted educational programmes that empower parents with strategies to reinforce positive parenting practices and reduce negative interactions. Furthermore, nurses can facilitate access to community resources and therapy options, helping families build a supportive environment conducive to the mental well‐being of the youth. These interventions are crucial not only for the direct treatment of juveniles but also in providing holistic support to their families, thereby enhancing the overall efficacy of mental health care in juvenile delinquency.This study highlights the essential role that mental health nurses play in managing behavioural issues among youth, emphasising the significance of implementing culturally sensitive interventions. Mental health nurses possess a pivotal position in early detection and intervention, which enables them to guide families in fostering positive parenting practices, essential for preventing delinquent behaviours. Their efforts to promote understanding and responsiveness within family dynamics make a significant contribution to the mental well‐being of individuals, highlighting the necessity of their role in global mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unofficial reports have alerted that Tawjihi (high school) students in Jordan are experiencing high levels of depression with increasing suicidal ideations and attempts. The aims of this national study were to estimate the point prevalence of depressive symptoms among Tawjihi students in Jordan and to identify student characteristics associated with severity of depression. The study was conducted in collaboration with the Jordanian Ministry of Education. Data were collected using anonymous self-administered questionnaires. A total of 1208 Tawjihi students (51% females) completed and returned the questionnaires. About 12% reported having learning difficulties, and 3% received a psychiatric diagnosis. Almost 62% were studying 3–7 h per day, and 73% reported watching TV for less than an hour per day or not at all. Seemingly, 37% were using their mobiles for less than an hour per day or not at all. About 37% reported they were not performing any activity other than studying. About 25% of the sample reported moderate to severe depressive symptoms, while 19% had mild symptoms. The most prevalent moderate to severe symptom was crying (25.5%) followed by changes in sleep pattern (23%) and self-criticalness (22.7%). Suicidal thoughts or wishes presented in almost 6% of the sample. Depressive symptoms were significantly higher among students who were females, pursuing the literacy streams, having lower Grade Point Averages (GPAs), residing with families with lower monthly incomes, residing in rural regions, reporting a learning difficulty, reporting a psychiatric diagnosis, and spending more time with their mobiles and less time on TV. With the substantial lack of primary mental health services in the country, there is a need to proactively screen all Tawjihi students in Jordan for depression. Addressing depression among Tawjihi students requires considering all individual, family, social, and contextual risk factors that may lead to the rise in depressive symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study investigates how congenital heart diseases (CHD) characteristics and interventions affect cognitive and verbal skills in Arab children, while also uncovering previously unexplored connections between these skills and the quality of life (QoL) scores as perceived by both children and parents. Methods: A cross‐sectional study was conducted in Jordan, involving 62 children with CHD aged 6–16. Data were collected through standardized intelligence tests (namely The Raven's Progressive Matrices Test and The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children) and QoL assessments. Results: Sex, disease severity, cyanosis, CHD defect status, conducted operations, and types of interventions did not significantly influence cognitive scores. However, a significant difference was observed in Wechsler's scores between cyanotic and non‐cyanotic children (p <.01) and between severe and moderate cases (p =.01). Further, a significant positive correlation was identified between Wechsler's Scores and QoL reported by parents (r = 0.33, p <.01). This correlation was particularly pronounced in the social and school functioning dimensions of QoL. Conclusions: This study highlights the need for personalized care approaches for children with CHDs based on their individual characteristics. While cognitive abilities did not directly correlate with children's QoL reports, a significant positive correlation between verbal skills and QoL reported by parents underscores the importance of effective communication in assessing a child's overall well‐being. Future research should further examine the cognitive development in this population, employing neurocognitive investigations and longitudinal studies to gain a deeper understanding of their cognitive profiles and trajectories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To identify and understand the multifaceted barriers faced by Syrian refugees when seeking vaccination services for their children. Methods: A survey questionnaire was administered through structured interviews to a sample of Syrian refugees residing inside the Al-Zaatari camp and in various urban areas across Jordanian communities. This process utilized a multi-stage sampling approach, beginning with a random selection from clusters or strata, and then employing convenience sampling within each to select participants. The survey covered demographics, barriers to vaccination, and vaccine hesitancy. Results: A total of 332 participants completed the survey with a mean age of 32.7 ± 10 years ranging from 18 to 67. More than half of the sample (59%) had an education of 11th grade or less. Sociodemographic disparities regarding barrier perception were evident among participants. Middle-aged adults (older than 32), males, and those with a monthly income less than USD 200 had scored significantly higher on barrier perceptions across all categories (p < 0.05). In-camp residents were less likely to face vaccination barriers compared to those living outside the camps (p < 0.001). Psychological antecedents of vaccine assessments showed that younger individuals had significantly higher scores in complacency, calculation, and constraints (p < 0.05). Participants with lower income had lower constraints and calculation scores (p < 0.05). In-camp residents had significantly higher scores in complacency, constraints, and calculation constructs compared outside camps counterparts (p < 0.05). Participants with no formal education had higher scores in complacency and constraints, and those with less than a 12th-grade education and higher education degrees scored significantly higher on the collective responsibility construct (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Efforts to promote vaccination among refugees should consider the specific challenges faced by this population, including financial barriers, healthcare access inequalities, and the impact of living arrangements. Public health strategies should address not only individual and psychological factors but also the physical and logistical challenges in obtaining vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Despite the widespread research recommendations for psychiatric nurses and other mental health professionals to include parents in adolescent depression treatment, no systematic reviews have yet synthesized the findings from intervention studies that included parents in the treatment and/or prevention of adolescent depression. Therefore, this systematic review was conducted to (i) identify and describe clinical trials that included parents as an integral component of adolescent depression interventions, (ii) examine the effectiveness of these trials in reducing depressive symptoms, and (iii) evaluate their methodological quality. We systematically searched the databases PubMed and PsycINFO. The search strategy adhered to the PRISMA statement to guide identification and selection of articles. Further, a structured evaluation form was adapted from the CONSORT statement and methodological literature to evaluate the elicited clinical trials. A total of 288 unique articles met criteria for abstract level screening, 45 articles were selected for full‐text review, and 16 articles were included in the final analysis. We found that (i) available approaches to include parents in adolescent depression interventions vary in their theoretical stance, purpose, sample characteristics, and measured outcomes, (ii) the health outcomes of these approaches seemed to be contingent upon the nature of parental involvement, and (iii) effective translation of these approaches into practice needs to be considered in the light of their methodological rigour. Our review revealed a variety of promising approaches to utilize the parental and family contexts as a means of preventing or treating adolescent depression. However, more research is needed to determine which interventions, within what contexts, and using what resources will facilitate the best health outcomes for adolescents with depression and their parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]