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Background The novel coronavirus outbreak is now shifting the way educational institutions operate around the world. This study aims to assess the online learning experience during the pandemic and recognize its perceived barriers according to university professors in Jordan. Methods This is a questionnaire-based, cross-sectional, and descriptive study. A web-based survey was distributed to all university professors and lecturers in public universities across Jordan. Results A total of 508 educators responded to this study. Males (67.5%, n=343) dominated the study population compared to females (32.5%, n=165). Educators spent an average of 20.2 ± 15.9 hours/week using the internet for educational purposes during the pandemic. Positive attitudes towards online teaching were seen, as 65.7% reported being prepared for online teaching, while 40.8% were comfortable communicating with students via online platforms. Institutional support for online learning also appears to have increased following the coronavirus outbreak. An overwhelming majority (81.9%, n=416) stated that their universities supported online education during the pandemic, compared to 56.5% (n=287) before. The main recognized barriers for online teaching were poor internet connection (78.3%, n=398), disadvantages in old learning tools (e.g., uploading capacity) (70.9%, n=360), and family atmosphere (69.3%, n=352). Participants also recognized technical (74.0%, n=376) and computer skills (49.2%, n=250) as areas requiring development. Conclusion Despite the positive attitudes of educators towards online teaching, many barriers need to be overcome before the shift from traditional learning is implemented. Faculty training and inter-departmental communication are warranted for the success of online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Suhaib Muflih,1 Osama Y Alshogran,1 Sayer Al-Azzam,1 Ghaith Al-Taani,2 Yousef S Khader3 1Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan; 2Department of Pharmacy Practice, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan; 3Department of Public Health, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, JordanCorrespondence: Suhaib MuflihFaculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, JordanTel +962-79-7868603Email smmuflih@just.edu.joIntroduction: Pharmacogenetic testing (PGx) is a diagnostic technique used by physicians to determine the possible reactions of patients to drug treatment on the basis of their genetic makeup. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of physicians’ awareness, attitudes, and sociodemographics on the adoption of point-of-care (POC) PGx testing as a diagnostic method, as well as the impact of their knowledge, attitudes, and sociodemographics on its adoption.Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 200 physicians and medical trainees working at the Clinics of King Abdullah University Hospital in Jordan was performed. Data on sociodemographics, knowledge and attitudes concerning PGx testing, genetic information sources, and barriers to POC-PGx testing adoption were gathered.Results: Participants’ perceived knowledge of the role of PGx testing in therapeutic decision-making was rated as “Excellent” (1.9%), “Very Good” (19.4%), “Good” (34.4%), “Fair” (32.5%), and “Poor” (11.9%). Physicians’ actual knowledge of PGx testing was adequate (mean=3.56 out of 7, SD=1.2), but their attitudes were generally favorable (mean=3.64 out of 5.00, SD=0.52). According to Rogers’ theory, many variables (eg, perceived need, relative advantage, compatibility) had a significant impact on physicians’ willingness to endorse POC-PGx testing.Discussion: The majority of physicians stated that they were unaware of PGx testing. Physicians’ perceived knowledge of POC-PGx testing, however, was higher than those who participated in other studies. Participants were optimistic about the future benefits of PGx testing in prescribing effective medications and reducing potential side effects, which were consistent with previous studies. Physicians’ willingness to accept and implement POC-PGx testing was hampered by a lack of PGx expertise, as well as concerns about patient confidentiality, employability, and insurability. More training and genetic courses are needed, according to the majority of participants.Keywords: pharmacogenetics, physicians, knowledge, attitudes, point-of-care, Rogers theory

Reema Karasneh,1 Abdel-Hameed Al-Mistarehi,2 Sayer Al-Azzam,3 Sawsan Abuhammad,4 Suhaib M Muflih,3 Sahar Hawamdeh,3 Karem H Alzoubi3,5 1Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan; 2Department of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan; 3Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan; 4Department of Maternal and Child Health, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan; 5Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab EmiratesCorrespondence: Reema KarasnehDepartment of Basic Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, P.O. Box 566, Irbid, 21163, JordanTel +962 2 7211111 Ext 7141Fax +962 2 7211162Email reema.karasneh@yu.edu.joBackground: The protection of patient confidentiality is an essential practice for the successful provision of healthcare. This study examines physicians’ knowledge and attitudes related to data sharing and patient confidentiality.Methods: This is a descriptive, questionnaire-based study. Physicians were invited via e-mail to complete the study survey. The survey comprised three sections related to knowledge, attitudes, and demographic characteristics.Results: A total of 221 physicians, with varying levels of experience and from a range of specialty areas, completed the study survey. Ethical dilemmas were encountered annually by physicians specialized in family medicine and daily by physicians in internal medicine wards more often than those in other departments. The mean score for knowledge was 7.34 (out of 14; SD=2.92) and had a positive correlation with attitudes towards the protection of data confidentiality (r2=0.282, p< 0.001). Undergraduate courses were the main source of knowledge related to ethical issues (167; 74.9%). Sex (B=-1.47, p=0.001), marriage (B=-1.198, p=0.021), and source of consultation (B=-.248, p=0.02) were all found to predict knowledge scores. Likewise, attitudes were predicted by experience (B= 0.279, p< 0.001), sex (B= -2.797, p=0.002), marriage (B=1.91, p=0.02), and number of ethical dilemmas faced (B=1.695, p < 0.001).Conclusion: Physicians from different departments were found to lack sufficient knowledge about many aspects of patient confidentiality. While some of the physicians’ practices complied with the law, other practices were identified as patient confidentiality breaches.Keywords: confidentiality, physician, knowledge, attitudes, data sharing, ethical dilemma

Background Nurses and Doctor of Pharmacy (pharmD) must communicate and properly documented the do not resuscitate orders for terminally ill children and their relatives. They also have to offer excellent care including more family support, assisting the child with terminally ill disease in passing on peacefully, and preventing unnecessary cardiopulmonary resuscitation. This research was aimed to survey attitudes of nursing and pharmD undergraduate students about the "do not resuscitate" order for children with terminally ill diseases. Methods A cross-sectional correlational design was used to study the correlation between attitude toward DNR and demographic variables. More than 400 nursing and pharmD students from Jordan University of Science and Technology were recruited in this study. All the participating students were e-mailed information regarding the study, including the web survey link. Results The results showed that there was a significant difference in perception toward do not resuscitate order between nursing and pharmD students (p ≤ 0.05). The pharmD students had more positive attitude toward do not resuscitate than the nursing students. Approximately, 60% of the nursing and pharmD students would disclose the need for the do not resuscitate order for children with terminally ill diseases Demographic variables were not associated with the perception toward do not resuscitate orders (p ≥ 0.05). Conclusion This study showed that Jordanian nursing and pharmD students are willing to learn more about different aspects of do not resuscitate orders for terminally ill children. Analyzing their responses to many items showed their misconception about do not resuscitate orders for terminally ill children.

Objectives The concept of health literacy (HL) is globally evolving, and understanding its nature and impact is essential for disease prevention and treatment. Therefore, we aimed in this study to assess level of HL and predictors of inadequate HL in Jordanian population as an example case of a developing country. Method This cross-sectional study was conducted in a public tertiary hospital and community pharmacies in Jordan. All respondents answered a questionnaire, which included demographic data, Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine-Revised (REALM-R), Short Test of Functional HL in Adults (S-TOFHLA), and All Aspects of HL Scale (AAHLS). Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were conducted to determine the relationship and significant predictors for HL. Key findings Among 310 participants, REALM-R showed that around 27.1% had limited HL. Similar findings with S-TOFHLA and AAHLS were shown with a mean score 25.6 out of 35 (SD = 3.54, Range = 16–33) for AAHLS. Functional and critical HL were comparably low. Education level, age, living area and chronic conditions were significant predictors of HL (P < 0.05). Conclusions Health literacy was inadequate among Jordanians. Further research is required to assess the effect of inadequate HL on healthcare access and health outcomes. Health education programmes are required to improve HL particularly for patients with chronic diseases.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to assess public knowledge on the safety, efficacy, proper storage conditions and other physiochemical properties of different dosage forms. Methods This study was based on a cross-sectional design. A structured quantitative survey, which included five sections, was used as an instrument for data collection. The first section addressed the demographic characteristics of the sample, whereas the second section assessed public knowledge on medications. The third section inquired about participants’ preferred dosage forms. The fourth section was related to the perceived effects of physiochemical properties of medicines on their safety and efficacy. The fifth section addressed participants’ thoughts on appropriate ways for medications usage and storage. A total of 752 participants completed the questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS (20.0) software. Key findings Although our study findings pointed out some knowledge gaps based on participants’ answers, most of the participants (87%) reported that physicians or pharmacists were the main sources of their medicine-related information. There was a great variation in participants’ responses regarding perceived onset of action, proper storage conditions and other properties of different dosage forms. Conclusion The study findings demonstrated the need to educate the public about basic information related to different dosage forms of medications.

Introduction Despite the increased utilization of pharmacogenetic (PGt) testing to guide drug therapy, little is known about the ethical challenges posed by the use of these genetic tools. Methods This cross-sectional study aimed to address ethical issues related to ancillary genetic information, consent forms, and potential confidentiality breaches from physicians' perspectives. A questionnaire was administered to all practicing physicians working in KAUH. Results Almost 49% and 65% of physicians were willing to recommend PGt testing for adult and pediatric patients, respectively. The findings showed that physicians attitudes towards the clinical utility of PGt testing became more preceptive. The majority (73.7%) indicated that PGt testing should not be treated as other routine laboratory tests. The finding also focused on potential conflicts regarding ancillary genetic information, in which 78.8% indicated that they would like to preserve the confidentiality and privacy of the patients and only 14.4% of physicians did not feel obligated to let patients know about any future risk that might be uncovered using PGt testing. The findings showed that collecting both verbal and written consents was imperative prior to testing. Seriousness and predictability of the diseases were reported to be legitimate circumstances that allow disclosure of genetic information. Discussion Unless the field of PGt testing addresses the ethical challenges that might be encountered during PGt treatment, these issues might influence its acceptance in routine clinical settings. Establishing a minimal set of ethical standards may help emphasize the role of physicians and thus facilitate the implementation of PGt tests.

Multi-drug-resistant (MDR) organisms pose a global threat to modern medicine, which has grown as a result of irrational antibiotic use and misuse. This study aimed to assess general public knowledge in Jordan and awareness of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study was carried out utilizing the WHO multicountry public awareness survey. The study population was composed mainly of social media users, and a total of 1213 participants completed the online survey. According to the findings, more than half of the participants were well versed in antibiotic use and resistance. Those with adequate health literacy were found to better understand antibiotics (OR = 1.37, p = 0.017) and antibiotic resistance (OR = 1.46, p = 0.003). The vast majority (88.5%) recognized at least one antibiotic resistance term, however, 53.2% believed that antibiotic resistance is a problem in other nations. The participants in this study reported using antibiotics incorrectly, believing that they were treating sore throats, colds, and flu. The participants were well aware of antibiotic resistance solutions and their consequences on health. Age, education, health literacy, and antibiotic knowledge were found to be substantially (p &lt, 0.05) associated with greater awareness of antibiotic resistance. The findings highlight the need for antimicrobial resistance education campaigns, health literacy, and antibiotic stewardship initiatives.

More research is needed on the drivers of irrational antibiotic prescribing among healthcare professionals and to ensure effective prescribing and an adequate understanding of the issue of antibiotic resistance. This study aimed at evaluating prescribers’ knowledge, attitudes and behaviors about antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance. A cross-sectional study was conducted utilizing an online questionnaire and included physicians and dentists from all sectors in Jordan. A total of 613 prescribers were included (physicians n = 409, dentists n = 204). Respondents’ knowledge on effective use, unnecessary use or associated side effects of antibiotics was high (&gt, 90%), compared with their knowledge on the spread of antibiotic resistance (62.2%). For ease of access to the required guidelines on managing infections, and to materials that advise on prudent antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance, prescribers agreed in 62% and 46.1% of cases, respectively. 28.4% of respondents had prescribed antibiotics when they would have preferred not to do so more than once a day or more than once a week. Among respondents who prescribed antibiotics, 63.4% would never or rarely give out resources on prudent use of antibiotics for infections. The findings are of importance to inform antibiotic stewardships about relevant interventions aimed at changing prescribers’ behaviors and improving antibiotic prescribing practices.

Patients with chronic illnesses, such as those with chronic kidney disease (CKD) that are undergoing renal replacement therapy (RRT), face significant psychological changes. This descriptive cross-sectional research was carried out to investigate the factors that influence depressive symptoms and quality of life (QoL) in patients with end-stage renal disease. Data were collected from 70 participants undergoing RRT using a self-reported questionnaire that included sociodemographic information, depressive symptoms, disease status, and QoL. The Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) screening scale was used to measure depressive symptoms and the SF-36 (Medical Outcome Survey-Short Form 36) was used to assess QoL. Participants in the study rated their depressive symptoms as ‘minimum (44.3%), ‘mild’ (20%), ‘moderate’ (21.4%), and ‘severe (14.3%). Furthermore, a shorter duration of dialysis and comorbid conditions were significantly associated with the development of depressive symptoms. Patients on RRT for a longer period of time had lower physical activity scores than patients on dialysis for a shorter period of time. Male participants have a higher mental QoL than female participants, suggesting that the mental aspect of renal disease is less impaired than the physical aspect. The findings of this study are expected to increase awareness of RRT therapy targets and enhance patient outcomes., Highlights • Patients who received dialysis for longer-duration reported less depression symptoms. • There were no strong correlations between depression severity and age or gender. • Patients who received RRT for a longer time had lower levels of physical activity. • Moderate to severe depressive symptoms had an effect on mental health and vitality.

Purpose The main focus of this study is to assess the knowledge and practices of healthcare practitioners regarding data sharing, security, and confidentiality, with a focus on the use of health data retrieved from electronic health records (EHRs) for research purposes. Methods A descriptive, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey study was conducted across all academic institutions including all researchers in the medical field in Jordan. Personal and administrative practices in data sharing were assessed through collecting data from respondents. Results The response rate was 22% with an average of 10.25 years of experience in publications. Almost 60% had published at least 1 to 3 studies using EHRs. The prevalence of researchers who "Always" used antivirus software and preserved patient's information was 75.5% and 92.2%, respectively. However, other personal security and confidentiality measures were not satisfactory. Less than half of health data used in the research was "Always" anonymised or encrypted and only around 44.0% had "Always" used sensitive data with more specificity than normal data. Conclusion Confidentiality and data sharing practices of healthcare practitioners and researchers were generally less than optimal. Efforts from healthcare providers, health institutions, and lawmakers should be put in place to protect the security and confidentiality of electronic patient data.

Background In the telepharmacy model, the pharmacist can play a pivotal role in delivering pharmaceutical services for patients. However, evidence of pharmacists’ impact on improving patient outcomes through disease outbreak through telepharmacy is sparse. Objectives This study aims to examine pharmacists' attitudes towards clinical benefits and identify challenges regarding the use of telepharmacy during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Jordan. Method A cross‐sectional survey design was used to recruit eligible participants from both hospital and community pharmacies. Results A total of 364 pharmacists agreed to participate in the study. The majority of the participants (70.6%) expressed favourable attitudes towards telepharmacy to accurately capture and report signs and symptoms of COVID‐19. Almost 91% agreed that patients can receive immediate medical feedback while using telepharmacy services. Pharmacists (87%) emphasised their role in the monitoring of physiological parameters when entered by patients using telepharmacy technology. However, more than half of the participants reported that lack of reimbursement and evidence‐based studies might hinder the use of telemedicine technology to deliver remote clinical services. Conclusion The need for implementing telepharmacy technology has been further boosted because of its noticeable benefits in promoting convenient healthcare services remotely in emergency situations.

Purpose The aim of this study was to examine the medical student knowledge regarding pediatric palliative care (PPC) and determine the predictors of knowledge among them toward PPC. Methods A cross-sectional engaging study was directed with 326 medical students studying in Jordanian universities. A campaign utilizing online social media and Web-based software were executed to promote, enlist, overview undergraduate medical students, and gather information for this study. The authors employed four techniques to select undergraduate medical students on paid-promoted Facebook, personal messages, and postings in clinical forums. Results The results of this study showed that medical students have inadequate knowledge about pediatric palliative care in Jordan. The only factors that predict the knowledge toward PPC is gender. Conclusion it should build the medical students' information on pediatric palliative care. The pointer was not significant in the multivariate studies, and that vicariate studies indicated no distinction in the overall scores on either test among the nonmedical students, Training projects ought to be established and delivered to pediatric medical students to improve their knowledge about pediatric palliative/palliative consideration., Highlights • Healthcare experts have revealed that they feel overwhelmed while experiencing children’ death. • Medical students have inadequate knowledge about pediatric palliative care in Jordan. • Training projects ought to be established and delivered to pediatric medical students to improve their knowledge about pediatric palliative/palliative consideration.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic imposed dramatic changes on educational practices worldwide. Many universities and schools have moved into the delivery of their courses and educational programs utilizing fully electronic online modes. This study aims to evaluate the pharmacy student distance online learning experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was utilized where a 3-domain survey questionnaire focused on preparedness, attitude and barriers was distributed to students at the time of conclusion of the semester. Each domain consists of multiple questions that made up a score that reflects their preparedness, attitude as well as barriers relevant to distance online learning experience. The survey was voluntarily, and all data were collected and recorded via google forms with maintaining anonymity. Results: The response rate was about 75% (n = 309). The results’ analysis revealed no gender differences in any of these domains. However, there were some variable responses among different educational levels. The average preparedness score was 32.8 ± 7.2 (Max 45), the average attitude score was 66.8 ± 16.6 (Max 105), and the average barrier score was 43.6 ± 12.0 (Max 75). There was statistical significance difference in both preparedness score and attitude scores between different professional years ( P-value Discussion and conclusion: E-learning experience pose challenges and presents opportunities during emergency situations. The need for training for students and faculty was highly associated with the preparedness and barriers domains rather than the infrastructure or computer literacy, so the school can improve their experience by addressing these needs.

Background: The online teaching demand has increased tremendously to promote the implementation of online teaching-leaning system to meet the need of students during the outbreaks of emerging infectious disease. This study aims to explore whether the pandemic of COVID-19, which requires universities to rapidly offer online learning, will affect attitudes about online education for undergraduate health sciences students. Also, it investigates the barriers for using online tools. Method: A cross-sectional survey using online social media was used to recruit eligible participants. The data for this study were focused on students’ experiences utilizing an online education method offered by the Jordanian government universities. This study is utilizing newly developed measuring tools that are expected to enable students to evaluate online teaching in terms of their own learning progress. Results: A total of 1,210 participants agreed to complete the online survey questionnaire. The mean score preparedness and attitude toward online education was average. The majority of students agreed that online courses helped assign reading and homework time better than on-campus approach (75.0%) and felt comfortable to actively communicate with my classmates and instructors online. Zoom and eLearning were the most common online platforms utilized by students. The geographic locations, lack of past experience on using online tools, and lack of past experience on using online tools were identified by students as the main barrier to online educations. Conclusions: Although the pandemic of COVID-19 appeared as uncommon catalyst for promoting eLearning, further research is needed to assess whether learners are ready and willing to make greater use of online education to obtain high quality teaching and learning opportunities, which could totally change educators’ and students’ attitudes and impression, and subsequently the general themes of online education.

Background Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), an infection of the zoonotic coronavirus, is presenting a healthcare challenge around the globe. This study aims to assess the levels of disease knowledge and risk perception among pharmacists. We also recognize predictors of risk perception and perceived media roles. Methods This is a questionnaire-base cross-sectional study. The questionnaire was developed on a web-based platform and invitations were sent to pharmacists nationwide to participate in the study using social media applications. Results A total of 486 pharmacists participated in this study, where females were dominant (78.6%, n = 382). Most (40.4%, n = 198) pharmacists scored 4 out of 5 in basic disease knowledge, and more than half were able to recognize common methods of spread. Risk was highly perceived among participants, and was predicted by gender, living area, and having children (p

Although health literacy practices have been increasingly recommended in public health literature, there is a lack of studies that examine the relationships between health literacy and self-medication. Background This research project aims to measure and evaluate the impact of health literacy on self-medication and to achieve a better understating of patients’ behaviors. Methods A cross-sectional approach was conducted and participants were recruited outpatient clinics through convenience sampling. Health literacy was measured by Single Item Literacy Screener. Results A total of 194 participants agreed to participate (63.9% were females). The results showed that more than half (57.2%) had adequate health literacy. Almost 30% of the participants were over the age of 50. The prevalence of self-medication was 74.2%. Nearly, two-thirds of the total participants reported self-administration of antibiotics. There was a significant relationship between the overall health literacy level and practice of self-medication. Conclusions Improving the health literacy level of the public can reduce inappropriate self-medication, especially the self-medication with antibiotics, which represented a high prevalence situation in our sample. Appropriate reading skills are important for accessing health information, using health care services, and achieving desirable health outcomes.

Background. The use of mobile apps for health and well-being has grown exponentially in the last decade, as such apps were reported to be ideal platforms for behavioral change and symptoms monitoring and management. Objective. This study aimed to systematically review period tracking applications available at Google Play and Apple App Stores and determine the presence, features, and quality of these smartphone apps. In addition, behavioral changes associated with the top 5 rated apps were assessed. Methods. This study used the Systematic Search Criteria through Google Play Store and iTunes Apple Store, using terms related to period tracking. Apps were scanned for matching the inclusion criteria and the included apps were assessed by two reviewers using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS), a tool that was developed for classifying and assessing the quality of mHealth apps. Results. Forty-nine apps met the inclusion criteria. Most of the apps enabled setting user goals, motivations, and interactivity, tracking multiple symptoms or mood changes, allowed notifications, and used graphs to illustrate the tracking result over a specific period of time. The majority of features and functions within these apps were offered for free, while some apps included limited in-app purchases or needed Internet connection to function. Certain apps were reported by participants to promote behavioral change and increase knowledge and awareness regarding monthly periods. Conclusions. Period tracking apps were easy to use and navigate and can hence be readily adopted into routine tracking and management of periods. However, most apps were not based on significant evidence and may need further development to support period-related symptom management.

We present a simple and validated HPLC method for measuring Vitamin B6 urinary metabolite 4-pyridoxic acid (4-PA). Urine samples were treated with 6% perchloric acid. HPLC separation was achieved using Waters column (Symmetry® C18 250 mm × 4.6 mm i.d (5 µM). The mobile phase was a mixture of methanol and 35 mM sodium phosphate buffer containing 2.5 mM sodium heptane polysulfonate at pH=3.5 with 85% O-phosphoric acid. Retention times were 8.0 min for 4-pyridoxic acid. Detection (UV at 302 nm) of analyte was linear in a range from 0.0125 to 0.8 µM. This method is stable, reproducible and has practical advantages such as ease and low cost.

Background The popularity of online learning has increased tremendously in response to the needs of students amid outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases. Few studies have concentrated on the learner's perspectives involved with the transition from traditional to online learning. The aim of this study was to assess students' attitudes towards online learning as well as the perceived preparedness and barriers. Methods A descriptive, cross-sectional, correlational web-based survey design was used to recruit eligible participants from five Jordanian government universities. A Facebook-based campaign and snowball sampling approach were used to recruit potential survey participants. Results The results show that 1,210 medical college students decided to take part in this online survey. Students' attitudes and perceived preparedness for online learning were moderate, while perceived barriers were high. This study revealed a connection between students' attitudes toward online learning and their gender, major, living area, college level, and prior experience. The main obstacles to online learning were an unstable Internet connection, a lack of motivation, and a lack of instructions. Conclusion The majority of students had mixed feelings about online learning and were largely supportive of conventional classroom learning. Students were pessimistic about their chances of learning professional skills and core competencies online. More research is required to determine whether students are ready and able to make greater use of online education in order to access high-quality learning opportunities., Health professionals, Undergraduate students, Distance learning, Online learning, COVID-19.

Introduction The increased need for prioritized infection prevention and control (IPC) activities for the prevention and containment of COVID-19 is pivotal and timely in preventing harm caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Little is known about pharmacists' infection IPC activities and their role competence during disease outbreaks. This study aimed to assess pharmacists' perceived role competence to perform frontline roles during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method A cross-sectional survey was conducted using online social media to recruit eligible participants. A validated questionnaire contained 41 items on sociodemographic characteristics, preventative behaviors, and competencies. Results A total of 486 participants completed the survey. Participants reported several IPC activities that could potentially prevent COVID-19 spread. The majority expressed high attitudes towards their capabilities to fulfill their healthcare roles (M = 4.43, SD = 0.46, out of 5). The vast majority of participants (97.1%) were willing to demonstrate the effective way of cleaning hands and using facemasks. Pharmacists (89.1%) showed their willingness to timely refer patients in response to their emerging needs. Gender, age groups, years of experience, monthly incomes, area of work, ability to make a referral, source of information, and self-isolation discontinuation criteria were significantly associated with pharmacists’ self-perceived role competence. Conclusion Pharmacists are well-positioned as access points to care and can potentially play a significant role in the containment of the COVID-19 outbreak by delivering advanced clinical and public health services. Future research efforts need to be comprehensively directed towards the advanced role of pharmacists in implementing point-of-care testing for infectious diseases.

Background: Pharmacogenetics is the study of genetic influence on pharmacological response. Pharmacogenetic testing serves to identify the presence of genetic variants which may affect pharmacological outcomes, and allows for the selection of pharmacological therapy based on a patient's specific genetic make-up. Therefore, it has the potential to become an invaluable resource in certain fields of medicine to provide patient-tailored pharmacotherapy to patients. Objective: To determine the clinical relevance of pharmacogenetic testing. Methods: A systematic review was conducted from September 2013- November 2015 using the EMBASE and EBSCO host databases, identifying English language Cochrane reviews, controlled clinical trials, randomized control trials, meta-analyses and systematic reviews conducted on humans. Search terms pertaining to pharmacogenetic testing in the following medication classes: cardiovascular, oncologic, pain management, antiretroviral, and antidepressant were used. Selected articles were evaluated and assigned ratings based on the level of evidence present. A rating of "A" was assigned for high level of evidence, "B" for moderate level of evidence, and "C" for minimal level of evidence. Results: The literature search resulted in a total of twenty-one selected articles of interest. Of these articles, seven were identified with an evidence rating of "A" and four articles with an evidence rating of "B". Conclusion: Pharmacogenetic testing is relevant to clinical practice in certain situations. Its use provides health care providers with additional information which may enable them to treat patients more efficiently by preventing adverse reactions and anticipating therapeutic responses. A lack of prospective randomized control trials, ethical concerns, and a lack of provider knowledge pertaining to pharmacogenetic testing remain as barriers to routine pharmacogenetic testing in clinical practice. Despite these barriers, the future of pharmacogenetic testing is promising and expected to be welcomed by those whom are concerned with providing optimal pharmaceutical care.

Objectives. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of adding pioglitazone to treatment with metformin (MF) and gliclazide in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) who had inadequate glycemic control. Methods. This study is a retrospective cohort study based on King Abdullah University Hospital records concerning type 2 diabetic adult patients for year 2008. Patients included were assessed according to changes in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profile, albuminuria and liver enzymes before and after the addition of pioglitazone. Results. The patients included in the study had an initial mean HbA1c of 9.44%, which decreased to 7.56% after the addition of pioglitazone (P-value < 0.005).