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Traditionally, Omanis used bananas to treat gastrointestinal disorders, constipation, and diarrhea. The study aims to determine the pharmacological and toxicological activities of two imported banana varieties collected from the local fruit market. Extracts were prepared separately by soaking the bananas in methanol for seventy-two hours. Then, the extracts were fractionated with various solvents with increasing patterns of polarity to give corresponding crude extracts. All extracts were used to determine their antioxidant, antibacterial, and cytotoxic activities using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), agar gel diffusion, and brine shrimp lethality methods. In the Indian ripe bananas, the highest antioxidant activity was obtained from the ethyl acetate and the lowest in water crude extract. However, in the bananas from the Philippines, the highest activity was in chloroform extract and the lowest in water extract. Both extracts displayed moderate antibacterial activity at different concentrations. The range of inhibition was 0-19 mm against Gram-positive and negative bacterial strains. Both banana extracts showed significant cytotoxic activity at all working concentrations. Crude extracts killed all nauplii at the highest concentration of 500 µg/mL. In Indian bananas, the highest cytotoxic activity was found in the water crude extract with an LC50 value of 27.35µg/mL. The lowest was in ethyl acetate and methanol extracts with an LC50 value of 57.54 µg/mL. Almost similar results were obtained from the Philippines. In conclusion, the polar crude extracts prepared from both varieties of ripe bananas have significant pharmacological and toxicological activities. Therefore, polar banana extracts might be agents that can be used as antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rater reliability, the consistency of marking across different raters and times, is one important component of reliability regarding the quality of test scores. It is essential regarding performance assessment, such as writing, when the fairness of assessment results can come into question due to the subjectivity when scoring. The present study, part of a larger-scale funded research project, aimed to study this overlooked area in the Omani context, i.e., the reliability in scoring the writing section of the final exams in the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS). More specifically, the study investigated the estimates of inter-rater and intra-rater reliability among 10 writing markers assessing 286 and 156 students' writing scripts belonging to four levels of proficiency at three different levels of analysis: the whole writing tests, tasks 1 and tasks 2, and the constituent criteria of both tasks. The results indicated a rather high value of inter-rater reliability and a moderate one for intra-rater reliability in general. However, when interpreted regarding raters' personal and background information, some low estimates shed light on the importance of factors influencing scoring consistency across different assessors and times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Anaemia is a multifactorial condition and understanding its prevalence and associated factors is crucial for effective healthcare planning and interventions. The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of anaemia during pregnancy and its potential risk factors in Oman. Methods: A retrospective approach was used to identify anaemia cases by examining medical records taken from 9321 women who gave birth at the hospital over 3 years. Chi-squared tests were used to establish differences in risk factors using a case-control design, with a 1:2 ratio. Results: The crude prevalence of anaemia was 31.2%, dropping to 4.9% after excluding women with chronic and/or acute diseases. Significant differences were found in nationality (χ2=4.738, P=0.030), body mass index (χ2=6.392, P=0.041) and gestational age (χ2=4.329, P=0.037) for women with anaemia compared to those without. Conclusions: These findings underscore the significance of assessing and managing anaemia in pregnancy, while considering the interaction of demographic and clinical variables in formulating anaemia prevention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Purpose: The phenomenon of social withdrawal, known as the hikikomori-like idiom of distress (HLID), has been reported in many countries. This study aimed to explore profiles of Omanis who have HLID. Design/methodology/approach: A cross-sectional online survey of 673 out of 1,529 Omanis identified with HLID using the Hikikomori Questionnaire (HQ-25) score of 42+. Findings: Two profile groups were determined through cluster analysis according to socio-demographic and HQ-25 outcomes. Subjects in cluster 1 (n = 168, 24.9%) are significantly younger (p < 0.001) and more educated (p = 0.019), spend more time online (p < 0.001) and are living alone (p < 0.001) than subjects in cluster 2 (n = 505, 75.1%). More subjects in cluster 1 had a past mental illness (p = 0.037) but less previous childhood physical/emotional abuse (p = 0.029) than subjects in cluster 2. In contrast, subjects in cluster 2 had a low lack of socialization (p < 0.001), less active isolation (p < 0.001) and total HQ-25 scores (p < 0.001) than cluster 1. Subjects in Cluster 1 have more serious social withdrawal issues than those in Cluster 2, especially on a lack of socialization and isolation. Research limitations/implications: One limitation that might influence the results of this online study was that information was collected via self-report, and a cross-sectional design limits its results because it cannot assess causal inference. This study has contributed valuably to exploring different profile groups of HDLD, especially in the Arabian Gulf. The authors' findings facilitate the development by creating innovative interventions strategically tackling different hikikomori groups. Originality/value: While social withdrawal characterized by HLID has been reported proliferating in different parts of the world, little research has been forthcoming from Arabian Gulf countries. These findings suggest that there are two orthogonal clusters of HLID among Omanis. This study provides a foundation for further research on HLID, which has recently been reported in different parts of the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Osteoporosis is a significant clinical and public health concern worldwide. Despite the impact of this condition on women's lives, most studies have focused on its clinical manifestations, drug efficacy, and medical treatment. Furthermore, most studies have been conducted in the West. This study aimed to uncover the personal experiences of postmenopausal Omani women living with osteoporosis. Methods: In this interpretive phenomenological study, a purposive sample of 15 postmenopausal Omani women with osteoporosis was recruited from primary and secondary care facilities in Muscat, Oman. Semi‐structured one‐to‐one interviews were conducted via Zoom and telephone because of coronavirus disease 2019 restrictions. The interviews were audio‐recorded, and the Ajjawi and Higgs framework was used to analyse the data thematically. Results: The following key themes were constructed from the interviews: the impact of osteoporosis on religious practices, cultural and social life, and financial status, and the benefits derived from religious and cultural practices and rituals, including Muslim prayer, recitation of Quranic verses, and herbal remedies to cope with osteoporosis‐related pain and suffering. Conclusion: Osteoporosis and fragility fractures have a significant impact on the religious, cultural, and financial lives of postmenopausal Omani women with osteoporosis. Muslim prayers, recitation of Quranic verses, and herbal remedies are coping strategies for pain in this population. Patient or Public Contribution: Postmenopausal Omani women with osteoporosis participated in this study through interviews and contributed their lived experiences. Orthopaedic doctors helped recruit patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nursing students often find bioscience courses, such as pathophysiology, challenging. Utilizing Twitter to provide concise course content and answer students' questions before exams may be beneficial. The objective of this study was to determine if using Twitter can improve nursing students' academic performance and satisfaction with pathophysiology courses. Methods: A post-test, two-group quasi-experimental research design was employed in this study. It involved second-year Bachelor of Nursing students participating in a pathophysiology course at the College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University, in Muscat, Oman. Seventy-three second-year Bachelor of Nursing students participated in the pathophysiology course; 50 students opted to use Twitter, forming the experimental group, while the remaining 23, who chose not to use Twitter, formed the control group. We used Twitter to provide concise course content for the pathophysiology course and conduct one-hour question-and-answer sessions the night before exams. Academic performance was assessed through examination scores, and student satisfaction levels with Twitter was measured using five-point Likert scale questionnaires. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney and t-tests. Results: Although there was no significant difference in final exam scores between the experimental and control groups, survey results showed that students were generally satisfied with the incorporation of Twitter in the pathophysiology course, including the question-and-answer sessions. Conclusions: The findings suggest that Twitter can serve as a valuable tool for enhancing nursing student satisfaction with the pathophysiology course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current empirical studies indicate that Omani EFL learners encounter crucial challenges when pronouncing consonant clusters in the final position. To further seek in this line of research, the current study set out to develop a test to assess Omani EFL college students' production of consonant clusters found in the four types of inflectional suffixes, including plural 's', 'third person singular 's', possessive 's', and verbs in the past or participle formation of 'd' or 'ed'. Twenty-five EFL college students from Oman consented to read words and sentences aloud with the different kinds of inflectional suffixes containing consonant clusters while audio-recorded. Results showed that the atomistic evaluation method offers an objective and particularly thorough assessment of the phonetic components involved. However, it takes a lot of time and requires repeated listening to samples for many students. Results also revealed that Omani EFL college students struggle to pronounce consonant clusters in inflectional suffixes. Differences in how participants pronounced (insertion of an additional vowel), as a repair method, in word ending position to make the difficult clusters easier to pronounce were revealed. This can be linked to the mother tongue's impact because Arabic phonotactics forbid consonant clusters from appearing in the word-final position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study of more than 1,000 typical and at-risk elementary Arabic-speaking students in Oman, we explore relationships between pragmatic (and other) language skills, literacy, cognition, and behavior and the degree to which demography impacts performance on associated tasks. We found, in most cases, that females performed better than males, students’ performance improved between Grades 2 and 4 but declined in Grade 5, and at-risk students performed as well as their nonreferred peers except on a working memory task. Pragmatic competence was the best predictor of literacy proficiency, and vice versa, for both groups when controlling for other variables. Findings are discussed in the context of Omani education and the limited attention given to pragmatics in research on connections between language and literacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Breast cancer (BC) is a most common and frequently occurring malignancy of women worldwide. Breast self-examination (BSE) is important for the early detection and prevention of BC and to limit the morbidity and mortality. Young students are ideal people to understand and motivate other women to perform BSE. Objective: BSE behavior of undergraduate students was predicted using Champion's Health Belief Model Scale (CHBMS). Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted. This study was conducted in all nine colleges of Sultan Qaboos University,, Oman. Three-hundred eighty-one female undergraduate students were selected through convenient sampling technique. The health belief towards BSE was predicted using CHBMS. Results: The mean and SD of beliefs about the benefits of performing BSE showed 10.84 and 3.2, respectively. Mean and SD of confidence in performing BSE indicated 56.24 and 10.8. Likewise, the mean and SD of barriers in performing BSE are 13.58 and 4.2. Source of information is found to be a statistically significant predictor of barrier in performing BSE at p <.05. Conclusion: If the self- confidence of women in performing BSE improves, the women will uptake BSE more frequently thereby they can be prevented from developing the adverse consequences of advanced stages of breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Urinary incontinence (UI) is defined by the International Continence Society as any complaint of involuntary urine leakage. This research study highlights the prevalence, types, and associated factors of UI among women in Oman. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used to collect data using purposive sampling technique from 400 women between 20 and 60 years; who were attending outpatient department of a referral hospital in Oman. Women were assessed using the Questionnaire for Urinary Incontinence Diagnosis to determine the type of UI. The severity and the impact of UI in women were assessed using the female urinary tract symptoms module (ICIQ-UI-SF). Descriptive statistics were used to determine the prevalence and type of UI, and the Chi-square test was used to find the association between UI and sociodemographic and obstetrical variables. Results: In our study, 28.25% of the women belonged to the age of 50–59 years. The point prevalence (per 1000) of UI among Omani women who were between 20 and 60 years was 44%. In the women who had UI, the majority were having stress UI (41.6%). In the women who had UI, the severity of UI, according to the ICIQ-UI-SF scoring, 15.2% of the women had slight, 50.3% had moderate, 33.1% had severe, and only 1.3% had very intense. Conclusion: Understanding the prevalence of UI in every community and associated factors is essential for the policy makers and healthcare providers to consider the early diagnosis, prevention, health promotion, and management of UI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To understand the psychosocial experience of infertility among women with polycystic ovarian syndrome in Oman. Materials and Methods: In this qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 Omani women diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and infertility across two fertility clinics, in Muscat-Oman. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed analysed verbatim and qualitatively using the framework approach. Results: Four main themes emerged from participants' interviews related to the cultural aspects around infertility, the impact of infertility on participants' emotions, the effects of infertility on couples' relationship and self-management strategies for dealing with infertility. Culturally, women are expected to conceive soon after marriage, and most participants were blamed for the delay rather than their husbands. Participants experienced psychosocial pressure to bear children, mainly from in laws, where some admitted that their husbands' family suggested they remarried for having children. The majority of women mentioned being emotionally supported by their partners; however marital tensions in the form of negative emotions and threats of divorce were apparent in couples that had been experiencing infertility for longer time. Women were emotionally feeling lonely, jealous and inferior to other women with children and concerned that they would not have children to look after them in older age. Although women who had experienced infertility for a greater duration seemed to become more resilient and cope better, other participants described how they were using different strategies to cope with infertility including taking up new activities; whereas others admitted moving out from their in laws' house or avoiding social gatherings where the topic of children was likely to come up. Conclusion: Omani women with PCOS and infertility experience significant psychosocial challenges given the high value placed on fertility within the culture as a result they seem to adapt a variety of coping strategies. Health care providers may consider offering emotional support during consultations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nurses experience high levels of stress as they deal with the patients having complex health care problems. Stress in nursing affects the practice of nursing profession worldwide. In response to this, the investigators explored the sources of work-related stress (WRS) among Omani Nurses. Samples were selected through proportionate population sampling from 5 selected tertiary care hospitals. Data were collected through self-administered nursing stress scale (NSS). The study included 383 Omani nurses. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. The sources of WRS among nurses showed the percentage mean scores ranging from 8.5% to 21%. The overall mean score for the NSS was 42.85 ± 17.705. Out of 7 subscales, the highest level of WRS was on workload with a mean score of 8.99 (21%) followed by emotional issues related to death and dying 8.72 (20.4%). The lowest mean score was seen on the lack of support 3.65 (8.5%) and inadequate preparation to meet the emotional demands of patients and their families 3.86 (9%) of the total mean. WRS was associated with the nursing position as staff nurses, performing night shift and reduced job satisfaction. The study's results may help in developing human resource strategies aimed at minimizing nurses' stress and improving quality of health care and task force performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Nine strong cyclones have been recorded in Oman in the last 50 years, the last being tropical cyclone Shaheen in October 2021, in the northern Oman area. The aim of our study was to determine the relationship between property loss and the mental health of residents after cyclone Shaheen. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among Omani citizens living in areas affected by cyclone Shaheen three to six months post-cyclone. In an online, self-reported questionnaire, we assessed the loss of participants' properties due to the cyclone and the impact on their perceived mental health. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and associations between demographics, loss of properties, and mental health were performed. Results: Of 440 participants, 79.3% had their houses directly damaged by the cyclone and 90.7% had their outside properties damaged. Most of the respondents reported that they suffered from mental health symptoms in the months following the cyclone. Women, people with a lower socioeconomic status, the unemployed, and those without a university degree were associated with poorer mental health outcomes. Mental health was significantly lower for respondents whose properties were mostly affected by the cyclone. Conclusions: With scant knowledge about how cyclones directly affect Omanis' mental health, the results of this study are paramount for the planning of psychological care services to improve the country's response to extreme weather events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study examined the relationships between patient‐centred care, diabetes self‐management and selected health outcomes for Omani patients with type‐2 diabetes. Methods: Cross‐sectional surveys were administered for 237 patients with type‐2 diabetes. Hierarchical regression analyses examined the relationships between the selected study variables. Results: The sample was middle‐aged (M = 48, SD = 11.0 years) with nearly a decade (M = 9.68, SD = 6.11) since being diagnosed with type‐2 diabetes, with higher than ideal glycaemic control measures (M = 8.8%, SD = 2.4%). In bivariate analyses, patient‐centred care was positively associated with diabetes self‐management but not with glycaemic control or quality of life. However, after controlling demographic and clinical characteristics, patient‐centred care was positively associated with both physical and mental aspects of health‐related quality of life. In the final regression model, controlling for demographic and clinical characteristics and patient‐centred care, diabetes self‐management significantly predicted both glycaemic control and both physical and mental aspects of health‐related quality of life. Conclusions: The findings support that providing individualized care may contribute to the self‐management of chronic conditions. For achieving optimal outcomes, it may be necessary for providers to effectively assess patients' unique challenges and motivations. Increasing diabetes self‐management may improve quality of life and reduce diabetes complications. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? Patient‐centred care (PCC) enhances diabetes self‐management (DSM).Little is known about the primary care nurse's role in promoting DSM within a PCC model. What this paper adds? PCC contributes to DSM and improves patient health outcomes.Expecting patients with diabetes to comply with provided instructions may not be enough to change self‐management behaviours. The implications of this paper Administrators responsible for employing a PCC approach in their clinics may need to establish clear goals and expectations for each team member to achieve overall success and ensue that nurses and physicians have targeted training on specific strategies to encourage patient‐provider partnerships that support the adoption of effective DSM behaviours.As the patient‐centred model of care is implemented in Oman, medical and nursing education programmes may highlight in their curricula its potential impact upon self‐management behaviours.Observational studies and longitudinal research to monitor Oman's progress towards the transition to a PCC model of care may uncover modifiable barriers and facilitators that primary care providers encounter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To describe the demographic distribution of cystic fibrosis (CF) in Omani children, estimate the national prevalence, and provide updated mutational panels of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study of all CF patients who had been diagnosed and followed-up at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital and Royal Hospital in Oman between 2006 and 2020. Data were collected from electronic hospital records and telephone interviews. Results: A total of227 patients with CF were included in the study. Geographical clusters of the disease were identified in the governorates of Al-Batinah, A'Dhahirah, and A'Dakhiliyah. Parental consanguinity and family history of CF were present in 68.3% and 69.6% of the patients, respectively. The most common CFTR mutation was p.Ser549Arg (52.0%), followed by p.Phe508del (12.3%), and c.2988+1G>A (4.4%). Three novel CFTR mutations were identified, viz., Leu88TyrFs*, p.Asp192Val, and c.4242+1G>C. Conclusions: The estimated prevalence of CF in Oman is 10.3 per 100 000 individuals. Premarital genetic counseling and preimplantation genetic testing are recommended in CF-prevalent regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this audit study was to establish the utility of follow-up and sleep-deprived electroencephalography testing to improve the detection of interictal abnormalities in a tertiary referral center in Oman. As part of our ongoing auditing process, a total of 3010 EEGs were included in this study. All EEGs were routinely performed for Omanis aged 13 years and above, who were referred for possible diagnosis of seizure disorders. Each EEG was performed over an average period of 20–30 minutes. Of the 3010 EEGs, there were 553 follow-up and sleep-deprived EEGs, including initial baseline EEG studies which were analyzed for this study. The total progressive yield of serial follow-up EEGs to detect overall EEG changes was 53.5%, distributed as 8.8%, 11.4%, 0%, and 33.3% for the second, third, fourth, and fifth serial EEG studies, respectively. For the sleep deprivation EEG group, the yield was 6.5% for detecting overall EEG changes compared to the initial EEG studies. A limitation in this study was the small sample size in the subsequent follow-up and sleep deprivation EEGs. In conclusion, we found a minimal contribution of serial follow-up and sleep deprivation methods in improving the EEG abnormality detection in our study. National guidelines and an increase in awareness among physicians are required to increase the benefit of these well-established, yet not optimally utilized EEG methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To establish a reference range for acylcarnitines (ACs) and amino acids (AAs) concentrations in dried blood spot (DBS) samples of Omani neonates to detect inborn errors of metabolism (IEM), and to evaluate the effect of age and sex on ACs and AAs. Methods: Electrospray-ionization tandem mass spectrometry (+ESI-MS/MS) was used to determine ACs and AAs concentrations in DBS samples collected from 1302 healthy newborns (0-7 days) delivered at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital between August 2008 and May 2009. Results: More than fifty biomarkers that allow diagnosis of various IEMs were measured, their 1st and 99th percentile values determined, and compared with published international data. Our results were comparable with the corresponding figures from Collaborative Laboratory Integrated Report, despite a much smaller sample size. We found that age had a significant effect on most ACs and AAs except decadienoylcarnitin, decenoylcarnitine, adipylcarnitine, palmitoylcarnitine, steatoylcarnitine, tyrosin, phenylalanine, and valine. Sex of the neonate had insignificant effect on most ACs and AAs except free-carnitine, acetylcarnitine, hexanoylcarnitine, octanoylcarnitine, malonylcarnitine, decanoylcarnitine, dodecenoylcarnitine, dodecanoylcarnitine, and tetradecanoylcarnitine. Conclusions: Tandem mass spectrometer is a highly effective tool for high throughput screening of IEM. This study is the first to publish reference intervals for ACs and AAs from DBS samples of Omani newborns. The results may prove to be of significance when determining cut-off values for newborn screening in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We sought to examine stressors and coping strategies adopted by Omani adults during the COVID-19 pandemic and explore the relationships between coping strategies (avoidant and approach coping) and sociodemographic characteristics. Methods: This national cross-sectional survey was conducted throughout Oman between September and December 2020. An online questionnaire was distributed to collect information concerning sociodemographic characteristics, potential stressors experienced during the pandemic, and coping strategies. Results: A total of 790 Omani adults submitted completed questionnaires (response rate 88.4%). High, moderate, and low stress were reported by 492 (62.3%), 139 (17.6%), and 159 (20.1%) participants, respectively. Approach coping mechanisms received a higher mean score than avoidant mechanisms (22.01±6.55 vs. 8.88±4.80). Regarding specific coping strategies, planning had the highest mean score (5.15±1.31), followed by acceptance (4.95±1.34), religion (4.56±1.52), and positive reframing (4.28±1.89), while substance use (0.01±0.19) was the least reported followed by humor (0.86±1.43), denial (0.97±1.56), and behavioral disengagement (1.02±1.60). Associations were observed between the different coping strategies and participants' gender, age, marital status, exercise level, and stress level (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: During a large-scale pandemic, the psychological impact on the general population is significant, even among individuals not infected with the disease. These results underscore the need for a mental health support system in Oman that can address the general population's needs. Public education on coping strategies and stress management may be helpful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guided by the ADDIE Instructional Design model, a 7-week online module was designed to enhance the grammatical intonation competency of foundation students at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (Oman). The module was conducted with 35 level four foundation students, after which the researchers developed a questionnaire to investigate the sample students' perception of the effectiveness of the grammatical intonation module. This paper assessed the validation of the questionnaire using the experts' validity and the Rasch Model analysis of construct validity and reliability. The questionnaire investigates Omani EFL students' perceptions of a grammatical intonation module designed and applied to enhance their grammatical intonation competency. The sample of this study comprised 30 Omani EFL male and female non-major college students studying at the foundation program/the English language center/the University of Technology and Applied Sciences/Nizwa college. The experts validated the contents of the questionnaire. At the same time, the Rasch Model produced construct validity and reliability measurements using the dimensionality, item fit, and item polarity parameters and the person and item separation analysis. The study's findings indicated that the questionnaire is valid and reliable for measuring Omani EFL college students' perceptions of a grammatical intonation module. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cancer diagnosis is associated with anxiety and psychological distress. Cultural and societal factors greatly affect the complex process of coping mechanisms and decision making. Omani patients receiving cancer treatment at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital in Oman were interviewed about their perceptions regarding cancer, treatment, outcome, and decision making. Out of a total of 360 approached, 216 patients consented. The median age was 42 years. The results showed that 60.6% of patients considered cancer diagnosis as a test from God, 13.9% considered it as a result of an evil eye, 40% believed prayers treat cancer. Fifty-six percent of participants wanted to make treatment decisions themselves, while 2.3% preferred their family to make decisions. Our findings suggest that perceptions about cancer in Oman are specific and are associated with religion and sociocultural background. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Childhood cancers affect 6.7% of those under 14 in Oman, with leukemia being the most common. The psychological distress of having a child with leukemia is often compounded by perceived unmet needs by the child's primary caregiver. We aimed to identify factors contributing to perceived unmet needs among primary caregivers of Omani children with leukemia. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among 119 Omani caregivers accompanying their children to the National Oncology Center, Muscat, Oman. We used an Arabic version of the Needs Assessment of Family Caregivers-Cancer (NAFC-C) questionnaire to assess perceived unmet needs in seven domains. Results: A total of 119 Omani primary caregivers were contacted; 101 agreed to participate in the study (response rate: 84.9%). Linear regression analysis showed significant correlations between total NAFC-C scores and the child's (p = 0.014) and caregiver's age (p < 0.001), and employment status (p = 0.024) and income (p = 0.028). Unmet needs in the obtaining information domain correlated with caregiver's age (p < 0.001), caring time (p = 0.018), and number of family members (p < 0.001), whereas needs in the maintaining own strength domain correlated with the child's gender (p = 0.028), time since diagnosis (p = 0.004), caregiver's age (p < 0.001), and education level (p = 0.019). Unmet needs in the accompanying the sick child domain were correlated with the child's gender (p = 0.049), caregiver's gender (p < 0.001), and income (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Various sociodemographic variables affected the unmet needs of primary caregivers of children with leukemias in Oman. Healthcare professionals in Oman should be aware of such factors to reduce caregiver distress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The total cost and negative health associated with nosocomial infection are high and early interventions are required. Assessing students' knowledge about nosocomial infection may contribute to solving this issue. Aims: The present study aimed to assess the level of knowledge of nosocomial infection among student nurses and to identify their main sources of information on the topic. Methods: A total of 330 student nurses at Sultan Qaboos University completed the online survey, which included participants' demographics and the Infection Control Standardized Questionnaire (ICSQ). Findings: The results of the study reveal the average total corrected score of the participants was 51.53 (SD=0.89) out of 100, with a minimum score of 16 and a maximum score of 96. Female students had a higher average score (13.9, SD=4.34) than male students (11.6, SD=3.2); t(328)=5.35. Conclusion: The student nurses did not have a sufficient level of knowledge about nosocomial infection. This calls for a review of nursing curricula to pave the way for more pragmatic teaching of infection control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The emergence of the COVID‐19 pandemic compelled many academic institutions to resort to distance learning and online education, requiring a higher degree of student self‐direction and motivation to learn. This study explored self‐directed learning (SDL) readiness among nursing students in Oman, their learning styles (LS), and the association of demographic variables and LS with SDL. Methods: The study, which followed a descriptive, cross‐sectional design, surveyed 236 Omani nursing students via an online questionnaire containing two standardized scales: the Self‐Directed Learning Readiness Scale for Nursing Education and the Learning Style Scales. Results: Nursing students were identified as having a low level of SDL (mean = 149.58). Probation status (β = −0.165; p = 0.021) was negatively associated with SDL. In terms of LS, solitary (β = 0.217; p = 0.001), competitive (β = 0.201; p = 0.005), imaginative (β = 0.19; p = 0.012), and perceptive LS (β = 0.437; p = 0.0) were positively associated with SDL. An analytical LS was negatively associated with SDL (β = −0.155; p = 0.022). Conclusion: Academic probation status and an analytical LS both yielded lower SDL scores. Perceptive, solitary, competitive, or imaginative learners tended to have higher SDL scores. Deliberate planning and strategies are necessary to help probation students cope with academic demands, especially with the advent of intensified digital education. Because no single learning environment can fulfill the needs of every LS, nurse educators must implement SDL‐aimed teaching and learning strategies that appeal to a variety of learners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: anaphylaxis is an acute and potentially fatal allergic reaction. NO studies have yet been conducted to evaluate the spectrum of anaphylactic reactions among Omani patients. AS such, this study aimed to describe the clinical features, causes, investigation, and management of anaphylaxis among patients presenting to a tertiary care center in Oman. Methods: This retrospective study took place between august 2005 and June 2020 at the allergy and immunology clinic of Sultan Qaboos university Hospital, Muscat, Oman. all patients diagnosed with anaphylaxis during the study period were included. Data were collected from electronic medical records. Results: One hundred patients were diagnosed with anaphylaxis during the study period. Of these, 52.0% were male. The mean age was 15.9± 16.2 years, with 70.0% aged < 18 years old. The eosinophil count ranged from 0.0-16.9 x 109/L, with a mean of 0.8±2.2 x 109/L and a median of 0.3 (0.1-0.6) x 109/L. Total immunoglobulin (Ig) E levels ranged from 25-8706 klU/L, with a mean of 935.1±1369.5 klU/L and a median of 500.4 (186.0-972.5) klU/L. The majority of patients had a family history of allergies (72.0%), and other had concomitant allergic conditions (66.0%). All were prescribed epinephrine (100%). The most common cause of anaphylaxis was food (65.0%). The second most frequent trigger was insect venom (32.0%). Most patients had one category cause (81.0%); two or more causes were present in 12.0% of patients. Clinical symptoms manifested most frequently as cutaneous (92.0%) and respiratory (85.0%). The majority of patients (87.0%) demonstrated the involvement of more than one bodily system. Mean total IgE levels were significantly higher in patients with concomitant presence of other allergic conditions (1193.8 klU/L) than patients without another concomitant allergic disease (503.6 kIU/L; p = 0.030). In addition, concomitant allergic disease is significantly higher in patients < 18 years of age (75.4%) compared to patients > 18 years of age (45.2%; p = 0.010). Conclusions: Due to its life- threatening nature, knowledge of the epidemiology and clinical features of anaphylaxis in different populations is necessary to deliver rapid treatment. This study found that the clinical features of anaphylactic patients in Oman were similar to those reported elsewhere. Further research is needed to determine the true incidence of anaphylaxis in Oman to minimize associated morbidity and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the third most common cancer worldwide, with its incidence rising in the Middle East. There is a paucity of data about the clinicopathological features and outcomes of metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa) from the Middle East. We report the outcomes of mPCa from Oman. Methods: We recruited consecutive men diagnosed with mPCa and treated at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital in Oman between January 2006 and December 2017. Information about demographics, clinical, laboratory, pathological, and radiological features at presentation, treatment, and survival outcomes was collected. Data were gathered until April 2019 or until the patient's death for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), whichever came first. Survival rates were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate analysis and Cox regression analyses were performed to study factors affecting the PFS and the OS. Results: Of the 239 men diagnosed with PCa over the study period, 62 were diagnosed with mPCa. The median age was 71 (range = 57-92) years. The majority of patients (61.3%) had a Gleason score ≥ 8. Median prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level was 100.0. Bone was the most common site of metastatic disease (90.3%). The majority of patients with the hormone-sensitive disease were treated with testosterone suppression only, while abiraterone, enzalutamide, and docetaxel were added for treating metastatic castration-resistant mPCa (mCRPC). After a median follow-up of 34.5 months, the median PFS was 17 months, while the median OS was 43 months. Median survival post mCRPC was 17 months. Conclusions: Omani patients with mPCa present with high PSA and Gleason score and with widespread metastatic disease burden. Treatments offered are according to internationally accepted standards and have comparable PFS and OS as reported elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article aims to evaluate the stability of ionized magnesium (iMg) concentrations in refrigerated blood samples over different time intervals and establish iMg reference ranges in a cohort of healthy Omani volunteers aged 18 years and above. It is reported that using the direct ion-selective electrode technique, iMg concentrations were measured. It is noted that the study included 167 volunteers, with a median age of 21 years.

This study examined the oral reading and conversational speech of eight bilinguals who stutter (BWS). The participants spoke Omani Arabic as the dominant and English as the less-dominant language. The samples were examined with particular reference to the production of overall disfluency, stuttering-like disfluencies (SLDs) and other-disfluencies (ODs) occurring at the syllable and word level. The results indicated no difference in the amount of overall disfluency or ODs between the two languages in either reading or conversation. A significantly higher amount of SLDs were found to occur in words during reading in Arabic compared to English, which was attributed to the linguistic complexity of formal Arabic. A higher amount of SLDs in syllables were found in English compared to Arabic during conversation, although no such difference was found at the word level. The results align with a small body of research suggesting equivalent amounts of stuttering between dominant and less-dominant languages during conversation. The finding of a higher amount of stuttering during reading in Arabic is suggestive of motor differences in the production of the two languages that differentially affect speech fluency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Given the rapid pace of globalization and the fact that the Sultanate of Oman is experiencing a significant impact of social media on specifying appearance norms among youth in the country, research into positive body images and self-esteem among young individuals has become a national priority. Whilst body image has been well studied across cultures, both positive body image and the relationship between positive body image and self-esteem among Omani youth have been neglected. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between positive body image and self-esteem and associated sociodemographic factors among Omani university students based on gender. Methods. This cross-sectional study used an online survey consisting of the two questionnaires that are Body Appreciation Scale-2 and Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale. A total of 237 students were recruited from Sultan Qaboos University's different colleges. Results. The results indicated that positive body image has a significant relationship with an individual's self-esteem (β = 0.122, t = 2.197, p = 0.038), Cumulative Grade Point Average (cGPA) (β = 0.140, t = 2.306, p = 0.022), body mass index (BMI) (β = −0.414, t = −6.930, p < 0.001), monthly household income (β = −0.129, t = 2.467, p = 0.029), and the number of social media accounts (≥2, β = −0.132, t = −2.232, p = 0.027). In addition, an individual's self-esteem was significantly associated with an individual's cGPA (β = 0.231, t = 3.592, p < 0.001) and mothers' educational level (β = −0.130, t = −2.065, p = 0.040) besides body appreciation (β = 0.160, t = 2.491, p = 0.013). Conclusions. The findings of this study shed light on the current status of positive body image among university students of Oman. In light of the new knowledge, we propose health interventions that include strategies such as involvement of family, to maintain and/or promote positive body image perceptions among young individuals and subsequently promote healthy appreciation of the physical appearance and self-esteem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper strives to present voices of Omani female professionals with the purpose of gaining deeper understanding of their aspirations, fears, and drives through a decomposition and further exploration of the construct of working females. The content obtained from one WhatsApp group discussion (9 participants) and two focus group discussions (13 participants) has been analyzed and categorized into three types of images - self-image of female professionals; image of female professionals through the eyes of males as inferred and interpreted by females themselves; image of female professionals through the eyes of another female. The emerged themes accompanied by communicative strategies confirm an on-going gender struggle in the country's professional context. It also captures the inconsistencies and conflicting narratives embedded in the construct of Omani female professionals. The findings challenge traditional gender hierarchies and add to the discussion on the engagement of traditionally disadvantaged groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nursing students struggle with anatomy and physiology course because of the complicated terminology and the difficulty in handling large amounts of information. New, innovative instructional strategies must be integrated into nursing education to improve nursing students' performance in this challenging bioscience course. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of an innovative teaching strategy, the flipped classroom, on the performance and satisfaction of Omani nursing students in an anatomy and physiology course. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was used with two classes of 112 first-year nursing students at the College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman. Online videos and active-learning activities about the respiratory system were developed and implemented in an anatomy and physiology course with 53 first-semester nursing students. The control group consisted of a previous cohort of 59 students enrolled in the same course but taught with a traditional lecture approach. The impact of the flipped classroom strategy was measured by students' performance on the final examination and students' self-reported satisfaction. Wilcoxon signed-rank and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare students' academic performance. Results: Our results showed that the performance of the flipped classroom group was better than that of the traditional lecture group. The mean scores of students instructed with the flipped classroom method on the respiratory system items in the final examination were significantly higher than those of the control group, U = 1089.00, z = − 2.789, p <.005. Moreover, the results of a survey showed that nursing students were satisfied with the flipped classroom method. Overall, 68 to 78% of students agreed or strongly agreed that the flipped classroom method improved their learning and increased their interest in the course. Conclusion: Compared with the didactic lecture format, flipped classroom strategy improved Omani nursing students' performance in and satisfaction with an anatomy and physiology course. These results show that the flipped classroom is an important teaching strategy in nursing education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: In 2013, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended new criteria for diagnosing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Our study aimed to compare the incidence of GDM and its complications among Omani pregnant women using the new diagnostic criteria compared to previous criteria published in 1999. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted between January and December 2016 at the Bawshar Specialized Polyclinic in Muscat, Oman. A total of 613 Omani women were included in the study. Baseline maternal characteristics such as age, body mass index, parity, and socioeconomic status were recorded in addition to maternal and neonatal outcomes. Results: Based on the current diagnostic criteria, the incidence of GDM was 48.5% (n = 297); however, this dropped to 26.4% (n = 162) when applying the old criteria. Moreover, rates of maternal complications including polyhydramnios (5.6% vs. 4.6%), pregnancy-induced hypertension (3.2% vs. 1.5%), and preterm delivery (3.2% vs. 1.5%) were slightly higher among women with GDM diagnosed using the latest criteria. However, these differences were not statistically significant. Neonatal complications were also slightly more frequent among the first group, without any significant differences. Conclusions: The incidence of GDM among Omani women rose dramatically when utilizing the latest WHO diagnostic criteria, owing to a lower fasting blood glucose cut-off value. In addition, a comparison of the frequencies of maternal and neonatal complications supports the validity of the new criteria. These findings should be taken into consideration by decision-makers in Oman when planning antenatal and postnatal services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper tackles one of the most challenging topics in Ibāḍī studies: the association between Ibāḍīs and the classical Khārijītes. The chief motive of conducting the study is to refute the constant unsubstantiated association between the moderate Ibāḍī school of thought and a classical extremist group, the Khārijītes. The paper adopts a multidisciplinary approach, making a comparative study between the two sects. This involves a discussion of the historical, political, and theological distinguishing features of Ibāḍīs compared to Khārijītes in three sections. The historical section reveals that the term Khārijītes only appeared in 64 AH/684 CE, when al-Muḥakkimah split into two main sects: the moderate Ibāḍīs and the violent Azāriqah, Ṣufriyyah, and Najdāt. The political section makes a decisive distinction between the Ibāḍīs and Khārijītes in three main practical areas: the ruling of Isti‘rāḍ, the ruling of Khurūj, and the ruling on taking an opponent’s property. The third section demonstrates that the theological distinction between the two sects is the main distinguishing marker and the most dangerous one. The paper concludes that there is no commonality between Ibāḍīs and Khārijītes apart from a historical denial of the arbitration between ‘Alī and Mu‘āwiyah at the battle of Ṣiffīn (37 AH/657 CE).

Background: It is indicated that Oman is witnessing an increase in issues pertinent to alcohol and psychoactive substance use. Aim: The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of Omanis with substance use disorder attending a specialized hospital in Oman and the pattern of their utilization of healthcare services. A related aim was to ascertain the age group most vulnerable to alcohol and substance use in Oman. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care center specialized for treatment of those engaging in substance use in Oman. The participants in the study were selected from a convenience sample among patients seeking consultation at the center for alcohol and substance use. A six-part questionnaire was designed to obtain information regarding socio-demographic background, clinical history, healthcare utilization and perceived hurdles to access. Chi-square analyses were used to evaluate the significance of differences among categorical data. Logistic regression modelling was used to obtain measures of association after adjusting for confounding factors. Results: Among the patients (n = 293) seeking cessation therapy, 99% were male and less than 30 years of age. Peer influences on the initiation of substance use were significant. Most patients had a history of polysubstance use, including intravenous substance use. Cannabis and alcohol were the first substances consumed by most patients and Hepatitis C and psychiatric disorders were found to be the most common co-morbidities. The participants that reported use of cannabis and benzodiazepines were more likely to perceive “improvement” upon receiving treatment. Conclusion: This study indicated that males below 30 years of age with a history of polysubstance use were likely to attend a hospital specialized in treating substance use disorder in Oman. This study identified information regarding socio-demographic background, risk factors and perceived hurdles to healthcare that could serve as groundwork for further studies conducted on newly emerging issues of substance use in Oman. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Reference intervals for venous blood parameters differs with age, gender, geographic region, and ethnic groups. Hence local laboratory reference intervals are important to improve the diagnostic accuracy of health assessments and diseases. However, there have been no comprehensive published reference intervals established in Oman, the Gulf Cooperation Council or Middle Eastern countries. Hence, the aim of this study was to establish reference intervals for full blood count in healthy Omani adults. Methods: Venous blood specimens were collected from 2202 healthy individuals aged 18 to 69 years from January 2012 to April 2017, and analysed by Sysmex XS-1000i and Cell-Dyn Sapphire automated haematology analysers. Results were statistically analysed and compared by gender, age, and ABO blood group. The lower and upper reference limits of the haematology reference intervals were established at the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles respectively. Results: Reference intervals were calculated for 17 haematology parameters which included red blood cell, white blood cell, and platelet parameters. Red blood cell (RBC), haemoglobin (HGB), haematocrit (HCT), platelet and platelet haematocrit counts of the healthy donors were significantly different between males and females at all ages (p < 0.05), with males having higher mean values of RBC, HGB and HCT than females. Other complete blood count parameters showed no significant differences between genders, age groups, instruments, or blood groups. Our study showed a lower haemoglobin limit for the normal reference interval in males and females than the currently used in Oman. Conclusions: Data from this study established specific reference intervals which could be considered for general use in Oman. The differences in haematology reference intervals highlights the necessity to establish reference intervals for venous blood parameters among the healthy population in each country or at least in each region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high amount of mahr paid by the groom to the bride, among other marriage payments, constitutes a real burden for young Omanis today. This article sheds light on the main factors and motives that determine the amount of the mahr. Paradoxically, new consumerist desires, more highly educated women, and "love marriages" seem to coincide inversely with rising marriage payments. Modernization variables, such as women's education and exogamous marriages, are not decreasing the mahr as predicted by theories of modernization, nor is institutional regulation effectively decreasing the amount. Beyond its economic aspects, mahr needs to be situated in its social, political, and cultural dimensions to better understand the complexity and variability of this institution. This article answers fundamental questions about how the mahr amount is fixed and negotiated between families in Oman. The study was carried out in Oman in 2016. Thirty-nine semi-structured interviews were conducted in different areas of the country in order to give firsthand information on the evolution, motives, perceptions, experiences, attitudes, and mechanisms related to matrimonial decision-making and familial strategies during the mahr bargaining. In addition to ethnographic research, a general online survey was conducted to provide statistical data on the main economic and non-economic factors that determine the mahr amount. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore Omani EFL students' preference of grammar teaching method and their reasons for their preference. The two popular grammar teaching methods that are prevalent in EFL Oman are deductive grammar teaching and inductive grammar teaching. In the deductive approach grammar rules are explicitly given at the beginning of the learning process while in inductive approach examples containing grammar items are given to the learners and asked them to discover rules (Thornbury, 1999). Sixty-five fifth and sixth semester English language and literature graduate students from the Department of English, Al Buraimi University College, Oman participated in the study. The data was collected through an open ended questionnaire. The findings show that most students prefer deductive grammar teaching because it is an easy method for learning complex grammar and effective method for learning new grammar items; furthermore, deductive grammar teaching gives the students' confidence and better practice, saves their time and enables them to remember grammar rules and apply them in new learning situations. The students who preferred inductive method attributed critical thinking skill, independent learning, long term memory and active learning to it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purposes of this research were to examine the most important travel motivations for Omani tourists to attend sporting events, and to identify travel constraints which impeded them from travelling to attend sporting events. Questionnaires were used to collect data from 166 Omani tourists attended sporting events. Research findings showed thatenjoy stadium atmosphere; support my team; spend my time without worrying about my study/work; spend time with my friends and family; and escape from the ordinary or routine environment at homewere the most important travel motivations for Omani tourists to attend sporting events. The study also revealed thatfinancial challenges (a lack of money); lack of time and opportunities to travel; and work and study commitmentswere the main travel constraints that inhibit Omani tourists from travelling to attend sporting events. Finally, other useful statistical findings regarding participants’ travel behaviour are reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is a common haemoglobinopathy among people from the Middle East, the Afro-Caribbean region, the Mediterranean and East India. While osteomyelitis of the long bones is a welldocumented complication of SCA, there are few documented cases of SCA patients presenting with jaw osteomyelitis. We report three SCA patients with chronic jaw osteomyelitis who presented to the Department of Oral Health, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman, between 2009 and 2013. Two of the patients had osteomyelitis of the mandible and the third had osteomyelitis of the maxilla. In addition, a brief review of the literature is presented focusing on the clinical presentation, diagnosis and management of jaw osteomyelitis among patients with SCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Secondary prevention of ischaemic heart disease (IHD) is very important. This study aimed to assess knowledge of necessary lifestyle changes among Omani patients diagnosed with IHD. Methods: This cross-sectional pilot study took place between October 2015 and February 2016 at the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH), Muscat, Oman. A total of 30 random patients with IHD from the Cardiology Outpatient Clinic of SQUH were included. A 30-item survey was used to determine patients' knowledge of necessary lifestyle practices following their IHD diagnosis, with scores of <70% indicating poor knowledge. Results: Overall, 21 patients (70.0%) had low knowledge levels. Scores ranged from 38.9-94.4% (mean: 60.7% ± 14.1%). No demographic factors were found to predict low scores, although there were some differences in individual questions. Conclusion: Low knowledge levels regarding lifestyle changes were observed among IHD patients in Oman. More efforts should be made to educate these patients for the secondary prevention of IHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to examine new Omani graduate nurses' role transition from education to practice. We also sought to describe factors that may affect the effective transition of new Omani graduates to their professional nurse role. There is a substantial literature on the process of transition from graduation to being a professional nurse in countries across the globe; however, little is known about new Omani graduate nurses' role transition from education to practice. This study had a descriptive cross-sectional design. Data were collected from nurses who at the time of the study had been working for at least 3 months but not longer than 2 years. Role transition was assessed with the Comfort and Confidence subscale of the Casey–Fink Graduate Nurse Experience Survey (Casey et al., 2004). The survey consists of a 24-items that are rated on a 4-point Likert scale. We conducted a multivariate regression analysis to assess the factors that influence nurses' role transition. These factors included participants' demographic information, employment orientation durations, preceptorship duration and length of time before employment. The total sample consisted of 405 nurses working in 13 hospitals in Oman. Most (68.89%) had worked as a nurse for less than 6 months. The average internship and orientation durations were approximately 6 months (SD = 1.58) and 2 weeks (SD = 1.79), respectively. The number of preceptors assigned to new graduate nurses ranged from none to four. The average score on the Comfort and Confidence subscale was 2.96 (SD = 0.38). Results from the regression analysis demonstrated that age (β = 0.029, SE = 0.012, p =.021), waiting time before employment (β = –0.035, SE = 0.013, p =.007) and employment orientation duration (β = –0.007, SE = 0.003, p =.018) were statistically significant factors influencing role transition experience among newly joined nurses. The results suggest that appropriate intervention strategies at the national level are needed to enhance the transition of nursing school graduates to their professional role. Strategies directed toward shortening the waiting time before employment and improving the internship experience are examples of priority-level tactics that can enhance Omani nursing graduates' transition to their professional role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to document the significance of the practices employed by parents that contribute to children's healthy lifestyle in Oman. Those practices encompassed the physical activity and inactivity, sedentary behaviour, nutritional know ledge, and its refle c- tion on their children at early childhood class. Subjects consisted of 237 male and female parents of kindergarten children in the Sultanate of Oman. The researchers developed a twenty - three and a twenty - item questionnaire intended to measure the degree of parent involvement in their children's impact at acceptable levels of vali dity and reliability. ( Amazingly, it was found that parents' healthy lifestyle were low in their habit practices (low in engagement to physical activ i- ty, sports and daily life activity) which showed a trend of sedentary lifestyle. Meanwhile, they did not e ncourage their children to participate in physical activity nor control them from staying away from being in front of TV screen and video games, too. In addition, their nutritional knowledge also scored low which affected their children's health negatively . It is, therefore, suggested that lifestyle concept should be inculcated in the learning process for children, and further analysis be made as to what extent the demographic category may influence parents' involvement towards their children's healthy life style. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results and findings of a study carried out in a public college in Oman. The overarching aim of the study is to explore the views of Omani students majoring in English about their undergraduate translation course in terms of content, methods of delivery, modes of assessment, challenges, and what could be done to improve the course in question. The study is significant due to the fact that the results would potentially help translation teachers and practitioners to improve the content, delivery and assessment of their undergraduate translation courses. Additionally, there was a lack of information about students' views on their undergraduate translation courses in this particular context. A questionnaire with open-ended questions was administered to 44 Omani students majoring in English and who were at their final semester of their B. Ed programme. The quantitative data was analyzed using frequencies, percentages and thematic analysis was utilized for the open-ended questions. The results showed that students have mixed opinions and views about the course but the vast majority believed that the course content, objectives, teaching methodology and modes of assessment need to be reviewed and aligned with other courses. As a result, key findings, conclusions, recommendations, and pedagogical implications were presented. It is hoped that the findings will be of a great value to undergraduate translation teachers in this particular college. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oman is a multicultural society in terms of both ethnicity and religion. Communities vary in terms of cultural heritage, language, dress and religious or sectarian affiliation. The majority of people are Arab; other members of society belong to one of three main ethnic groups: the Hyderabadi, the Baluchis or the Zanzibari (Arabs of Omani descent who lived in Zanzibar for many years and returned to Oman after 1970). Arabic is considered the official language in Oman; however, several other languages such as English, Urdu, Baluchi and Swahili are also spoken. Islam is the state religion of the sultanate, with the majority of people being Ibadhi while the remaining population is divided between the Sunni and the Shi'a denominations. This cultural and religious diversity needs to be reflected in the school curriculum, especially in Social Studies education, which is regarded as the subject closest to intercultural education in terms of concepts, skills and values. This paper is based on a literature review exploring current practices regarding intercultural education in Omani schools. Specifically, the study attempts to identify which practices are implemented by Omani schools to help Omani students develop positive attitudes towards differences among cultures. The author considers both curricular and extra-curricular elements of intercultural education. He then turns to Social Studies textbooks used in Omani schools, investigating unit contents. His conclusion is that while intercultural education is to some extent already incorporated in the Omani education system, current practices are far from sufficient. There is still a great need to improve teacher training and open up the Social Studies curriculum considerably to include all the students' cultures and faiths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of Omani adults regarding conventional coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors and to identify demographic variables associated with these knowledge levels. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional pilot study was carried out among a convenience sample of 130 adults attending a health awareness fair held in a local shopping mall in Muscat, Oman, in November 2012. A modified version of the Heart Disease Facts Questionnaire in both English and Arabic was used to assess knowledge of CHD risk factors. Scores were calculated by summing the correct answers for each item (range: 0-21). Inadequate knowledge was indicated by a mean score of <70%. Descriptive and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to establish the participants' knowledge levels and identify associated demographic variables. Results: A total of 114 subjects participated in the study (response rate: 87.7%). Of these, 69 participants (60.5%) had inadequate mean CHD knowledge scores. Knowledge of CHD risk factors was significantly associated with body mass index (odds ratio [OR] = 0.739; P = 0.023), marital status (OR = 0.057; P = 0.036) and education level (OR = 9.243; P = 0.006). Conclusion: Low knowledge levels of CHD risk factors were observed among the studied community sample in Oman; this is likely to limit the participants' ability to engage in preventative practices. These findings support the need for education programmes to enhance awareness of risk factors and prevention of CHD in Oman. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The visual and refractive status were assessed for grade 7 students in seven governorates in Oman. The health records were reviewed to assess the rationale for their previous school-based vision screening. Methods: A representative sample of 7th grade students with a refractive error (RE) was examined by optometrists in 2012. Their compliance with spectacle wear was also reviewed. Each student's vision and refractive status in grades 1 and 4 were compared with the status in grade 7. Each student's use of eye care services between grade 4 and 7 was evaluated to determine the uptake of existing eye services for vision problems. Results: This study had 286, 7th grade students with RE (myopia [94%], hyperopia [4%] and astigmatism [>1D] [2%]). The types of RE between genders in each grade were not significant (P > 0.05). During their vision screening when they were in grade 4, 5 of 13 moderate myopes (>-2D to - 6D) and 3 of 4 high myopes (>-6D) were detected and managed. Ten students with moderate and high myopia were already using spectacles before they were screened in grade 7. The compliance for spectacle wear was 62% in grade 7. Between grades, 4 and 7, 140 (49%) students did not visit eye clinics or an optician. Conclusions: Refractive services in grade 4 were an additional initiative from the eye health care systems in Oman to the actual World Health Organization recommendations of conducting vision screening and RE corrections at grade 7 and 10. However, this was not proved to be significantly effective in early detection, and even the uptake of eye care services by school children was also low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contraception is not commonly used by Omani women because of socio-cultural traditions, religious beliefs and poor knowledge but among the users modern contraceptive methods are more popular than traditional methods. Multilevel analysis is conducted to investigate associations between individual and religion level characteristics and different type of contraceptive method and to obtain a better understanding of the factors associated with contraceptive method choices used by 15-49 years women in Oman using Oman National Reproductive Health Survey data. The results confirm the importance of individual's own characteristics have enduring effects on contraceptive method choices and it is found that for a given individual, contraceptive method choice varies across women's age, education level and their number of living children. We have found considerable differences in the results of the estimates between single and multilevel approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]