ORCID Profile
0000-0001-5355-8639
Current Organisations
University of Jordan
,
Charles Sturt University
,
National University of Ireland Galway
,
University of Sharjah
,
Charles Sturt University - Orange Campus
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Publisher: Scientific Foundation SPIROSKI
Date: 24-11-2022
DOI: 10.3889/OAMJMS.2022.11152
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Telehealth is not new, but licensing restrictions, HIPAA compliance issues, and lack of reimbursement were significant barriers that hindered its success in the past. Enabling practices to adopt telehealth so that in-person care could be limited to urgent patients and curbed use of finite clinical resources like personal protective equipment for which there was significant shortages. This expansion allowed services including, but not limited to, home visits, therapy services, emergency consults, and nursing facilities visits to be conducted remotely. AIMS: The study objectives are to describe telehealth utilization rates among OB/GYN patients during the first four months of the COVID-19 pandemic by race/ethnicity and insurance coverage and to investigate telehealth access disparities. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis design was employed. Data abstraction was performed using the electronic medical records of UMass Memorial Medical Center (UMMMC). A convenience s le of 9370 Women who received their telehealth or in-person care at the UMass Memorial Medical Center (UMMMC). RESULTS: Between March 15, 2020, and July 30, 2020, in total, 15,362 encounters were completed. Throughout the timeframe included in this study, 81.34% of appointments were conducted in person, and 18.66% were completed using telehealth. The age of telehealth patients ranged from 17 to 97, with a mean age of 45. Most of the patients were white (n=1202, 63.4%) and held private health insurance (n= 975, 52.4%). Hispanic and Asian patients were less likely to attend their telehealth appointment than patients of other races (p .001). Patients with private health insurance were more likely to attend their telehealth appointments than patients with public health insurance (p .001). CONCLUSIONS: Telehealth services have been providing patients with access to OB/GYN care during this challenging time and have enhanced health care delivery opportunities. This study identifies a clear need to improve telehealth access and utilization rates among racial and ethnic minority groups and persons with public insurance. Keywords: Telehealth, Health disparity, Telemedicine, Obstetrics
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 14-11-2022
DOI: 10.3390/EN15228494
Abstract: Photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) technologies have demonstrated several attractive features, such as higher power and comparative efficiencies. Improving the thermal recovery from the PVT system would further improve the power output and the efficiency of the PVT system. This paper identifies the best operating factors of nanofluid-based PV thermal/nano-enhanced phase change material using artificial intelligence. The target is the maximization of thermal energy and exergy outputs. The suggested approach combines ANFIS modelling and particle swarm optimization (PSO). Four operating factors are taken into consideration: PCM (phase change material) layer thickness, HTF (heat transfer fluid) mass flow rate, MFNPCM (“mass fraction of nanoparticles in PCM”) and MFNfluid (“mass fraction of nanoparticles in nanofluid”). Using a dataset, an “adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system” (ANFIS) model has been established for simulating the thermal energy and exergy outputs in terms of the mentioned operating factors. Then, using PSO, the best values of PCM thickness, mass flow rate, MFNPCM and MFNfluid are estimated. The proposed model’s accuracy was examined by comparing the results with those obtained by response surface methodology and the experimental dataset.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2023
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 19-05-2022
DOI: 10.1111/NUF.12738
Abstract: It is common practice in healthcare systems in the Arabic region to exclude relatives when patients receive treatment for critical emergent incidents or illnesses. This exclusion is despite family members' wishes for proximity and cultural and religious values that mean being with unwell people is considered a form of worship or religious act. The marked lack of implementation of relatives' wishes in this regard is coupled with a paucity of relevant policies, guidelines, and research, despite patient populations in these countries being traditional in nature, religious, and having strong connections within their families and extended social units. The present authors reflected on this concern and advocated for increased attention to the needs and rights of critically ill patients and their families to support better quality, holistic care, especially during critical illness incidents. Healthcare professionals should consider allowing families to be present with their patients in such circumstances and appreciate the importance of family presence, despite the acknowledged challenges. The recommendations presented in this reflection may support the implementation of effective, holistic healthcare services in these countries. This reflection is also relevant to any context where care for Arabic or Muslim patients is provided.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-04-2015
DOI: 10.3109/01460862.2015.1035465
Abstract: Pivotal to healthy adulthood is a supportive and nurturing environment that enables successful progression through the developmental tasks of childhood and adolescence. For many children there are events that disrupt this development. Illness, injury, painful medical interventions, and hospitalization have been reported by children and families as causing medical trauma and psychological stress. Frequently pediatric health professionals focus primarily on achieving positive physical treatment outcomes. Creating an environment that will support the developmental tasks of childhood and limit the trauma and distress associated with illness and treatment is also required. Strategies and practices to deliver holistic and comprehensive pediatric care are well established in many Western settings. Opportunity exists to broaden the focus of pediatric care in developing healthcare systems such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to encompass psychological well-being. The study focused on two key objectives, firstly to assess healthcare professionals' awareness of the stressful and potentially traumatic nature of healthcare settings and treatment for children. Second the study explored the views of healthcare participants regarding possible strategies to minimize medically induced stress and trauma for children and adolescents in UAE healthcare settings. The study utilized a mixed methods design in which participants views were examined through administration of a survey comprised of close-ended questions that were analyzed quantitatively and open-ended questions analyzed qualitatively. One hundred and seventeen healthcare professionals from a range of disciplines in two government hospitals completed the survey. Data revealed that one third of the participating healthcare professionals were unaware of or did not think that their healthcare settings could provoke stress for pediatric patients. Respondents suggested three main strategies to minimize stress for children and parents while receiving treatments, specifically providing focused information for both children and healthcare providers, adapting the environment and systems to fit children's needs, and, improving the interpersonal skills and attitudes of healthcare professionals. The findings from this study could inform the development of standards for pediatric services and policy directions in regard to post-graduate training for health professionals working in pediatric healthcare settings.
Publisher: Research Square Platform LLC
Date: 22-11-2019
Abstract: Background Anxiety disorders are common among children and adolescents. However, there is a paucity of up-to-date data on the prevalence and correlates of anxiety-related disorders among children and adolescents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).Methods We conducted a cross sectional study to determine the prevalence of specific anxiety-related disorders (e.g., generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, separation anxiety, social anxiety) in the UAE, and identify correlations between these disorders and adolescents’ demographic variables. Participants were 968 adolescents aged 13–18 years attending secondary schools across the UAE. Convenience s ling was used to recruit participants. We collected demographic information and data about participants’ anxiety levels. Anxiety was assessed using the Arabic and English versions of the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders scale. Univariate analyses (independent s le t -tests and analysis of variance) were performed to evaluate factors affecting participants’ anxiety scores. Chi-square tests were used to compare proportions of anxiety disorders between boys and girls.Results Participants’ mean age was 16±1.8 years, and 65.8% were female. The overall prevalence of anxiety disorders was 28%, with this being significantly higher in girls (33.6%) than boys (17.2%) (p .0001). Participants aged years had higher generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, and social anxiety scores compared with those aged ≥16 years (p≤.05). Those from households with a maid had significantly higher generalized anxiety, panic disorder, separation anxiety, and significant school avoidance scores than those without a maid (p≤.05). In addition, participants from middle and low economic backgrounds had higher separation anxiety scores compared with children from high economic backgrounds (p≤.05). The multivariate analysis showed the main risk factors for anxiety were gender and caregiver.Conclusions We found a high incidence of anxiety-related disorders among school-aged adolescents in the UAE, with girls being more affected than boys. This suggests that age-appropriate initiatives are urgently needed to reduce the high rate of anxiety-related disorders. It may also be necessary to further investigate the two main risk factors for anxiety identified in this study (being female and non-parental caregivers).
Publisher: Research Square Platform LLC
Date: 28-05-2020
Abstract: Background: Anxiety disorders are common among children and adolescents. However, there is a paucity of up-to-date data on the prevalence and correlates of anxiety-related disorders among children and adolescents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: We conducted a cross sectional study to determine the prevalence of specific anxiety-related disorders (e.g., generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, separation anxiety, social anxiety) in the UAE, and identify correlations between these disorders and adolescents’ demographic variables. Participants were 968 adolescents aged 13–18 years attending secondary schools across the UAE. Convenience s ling was used to recruit participants. We collected demographic information and data about participants’ anxiety levels. Anxiety was assessed using the Arabic and English versions of the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders scale. Univariate analyses (independent s le t -tests and analysis of variance) were performed to evaluate factors affecting participants’ anxiety scores. Chi-square tests were used to compare factors associated with anxiety disorders. Results: Participants’ mean age was 16±1.8 years, and 65.8% were female. The overall prevalence of anxiety disorders was 28%, with this being significantly higher in girls (33.6%) than boys (17.2%) (p .0001). Participants aged years had higher generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, and social anxiety scores compared with those aged ≥16 years (p≤0.05). Those from households with a maid had significantly higher generalized anxiety, panic disorder, separation anxiety, and significant school avoidance scores than those without a maid (p≤0.05). In addition, participants from middle and low economic backgrounds had higher separation anxiety scores compared with children from high economic backgrounds (p≤0.05). The multivariate analysis showed the main associated factors with anxiety were gender (being female, p .001) and caregiver (other than mother and father together, p .001). Conclusions: We found a high incidence of anxiety-related disorders among school-aged adolescents in the UAE, with girls being more affected than boys. This suggests that age-appropriate initiatives are urgently needed to reduce the high rate of anxiety-related disorders. It may also be necessary to further investigate the two main associated factors with anxiety identified in this study (being female and non-parental caregivers).
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 30-12-2022
DOI: 10.3390/EN16010444
Abstract: Adsorption heat storage is the most feasible technology for heating decarbonization, which can store large quantities of waste and renewable heat for an exceptionally long time. However, utilizing adsorption heat storage in geographical locations with sub-zero ambient conditions is challenging. Therefore, this paper experimentally investigates the use of ethanol as a working fluid paired with silica gel for adsorption heat storage and utilizes sub-zero ambient as the heat source. The heat storage characteristics, heat charging/discharging cyclic performance, and energy conversion performance via exergy analysis were determined under realistic operating conditions and benchmarked against the widely investigated silica gel/water. Ethanol adsorbate was successfully utilized as a working fluid to employ the evaporators operating under sub-zero ambient conditions. Silica gel/ethanol showed the most significant net cyclic uptake, twice that of silica gel/water. However, the physical characteristics of ethanol molecules led to a degree of non-desorbed fluid, which h ered such potential to store 18.08 kJ/kgads under a sub-zero evaporator temperature and 24.84 kJ/kgads for an above-zero evaporator temperature compared to silica gel of 155.12 kJ/kgads operating an above-zero evaporator temperature. On the other hand, silica gel/ethanol showed the fastest heat charging/discharging rate that can shorten the cycle time by 45%. The major contributor to exergy destruction was the exergy transferred by charging heat, which was five times the discharging heat due to the high charging temperature.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-10-2017
DOI: 10.1111/INR.12405
Abstract: This article identified, critically analysed and synthesized the literature on international nursing and midwifery research capacity building and standards. The United Arab Emirates is heavily dependent up on expatriate nurses. Only 4% of nurses working within the country are Emirati. The nation is therefore committed to developing nurses and nursing as a profession. The United Arab Emirates' Nursing and Midwifery Council was formed in 2009 and initially focused on regulation, education and specialization. This review was undertaken to inform the work of the Council's newly established Scientific Research Sub-Committee. A rapid narrative review was conducted using the Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature database, key words, Boolean operators, parameters and a journal-specific search. An inclusion/exclusion criterion was identified. The search provided 332 articles with 45 included in the final review. The literature on nursing research 'standards' and 'capacity building' is erse and inconsistent across continents and in approaches. Nursing research has evolved to varying degrees across the globe. Nevertheless, irrespective of the locale, there are similar problems encountered in growing research, for ex le nursing faculty shortage, lack of collaborative research, funding. There are also specific challenges in the Middle East and North Africa region. The review was constrained by time and access. There are specific challenges for the United Arab Emirates. However, the country is well placed to learn from the experiences of colleagues elsewhere. Time and commitment is required to build the solid foundations necessary to ensure robust, sustained growth. Identifying research capacity as both a process and outcome at the outset may also assist. Further, it may be prudent to consider initiating a Gulf Coast Countries' collaborative approach to building research capacity to harness scare resources and create a larger critical mass.
Publisher: Mark Allen Group
Date: 26-07-2012
DOI: 10.12968/BJON.2012.21.14.850
Abstract: Managing the transitional care needs of young adults with a complex chronic illness such as cystic fibrosis (CF) as they move from a child-orientated to adult setting has been reported in the literature as challenging and stressful, and may impart additional risks to the young person's health. However, in the Republic of Ireland, which has the highest incidence of CF in the world, the current services provided for children during this transitional period are still reported as underdeveloped. The aim of the author's research was to explore and understand the experience of young people before and after their transitional care, and the factors that both contribute to and hinder that experience. A qualitative approach guided by phenomenological tradition, and using in-depth interviews. The findings suggest that there are a range of needs required for patients during this transitional period, including the need for information, interventions that decrease the negative feelings associated with transition (e.g. distress, anxiety, uncertainty), structured service, and an approach to care that focuses on young adults. The author concludes that health professionals in the clinical setting who have responsibility for young adults in transitional care should focus on these needs to provide a more relevant and effective transition service.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-08-2018
DOI: 10.1111/INR.12402
Abstract: Globally, nurses are undertaking expanded and more specialized roles in healthcare planning and service delivery in response to changing patterns and levels of health service demand. This means the nursing profession is increasingly considered as leaders in health service policy, research and practice. The United Arab Emirates has strengthened nursing governance and practice by establishing a Nursing and Midwifery Council and increasing the activity of nursing specialization, service leadership and research. This study aimed to identify clinically relevant research priorities to facilitate nursing contributions to evidence-based care and strengthening health services in the country. A two-stage Delphi study design was used. The first round involved 783 participants. The second round involved 1116 participants, as more clinical settings were accessed. In total, 58 research priorities across a variety of nursing specialties (paediatrics, emergency care, intensive care, labour and maternity care, operating theatre and long-term care) were identified as highly important. These identified priorities will guide a more informed programme of research in each nursing specialty, with the aim of strengthening the evidence base to improving outcomes for patients and their families in the United Arab Emirates. The findings provide guidance on key areas for nurses to focus research contributions to enhance evidence-based care and strengthen health systems. The identified priorities may also guide researchers in academic institutions to conduct research informed by current, clinically relevant issues. The findings may help inform funders and policymakers to support allocation of funding to research that has potential to contribute to enhancing nursing care in specialist areas.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-12-2016
DOI: 10.1111/JSPN.12166
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of unstructured play activities on the anxiety levels of hospitalized children. A nonequivalent control group pretest posttest design was employed for this study. The s le included children (N = 165) ages 4-7 years admitted to a large pediatric referral center in the United Arab Emirates. The control group (n = 84) received usual care, while the experimental group (n = 81) engaged in age-appropriate unstructured play activities using disposable games and toys. Parents and siblings, if present, were encouraged to participate. Research assistants conducted the play activities twice a day, with 30-min morning and evening sessions. Anxiety was measured at baseline and at the end of days 2 and 3 with a translated form of the Short-State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children. Anxiety scores in both groups were similar at baseline and decreased significantly over the 3 days. Compared with the control group, anxiety scores in the intervention group were significantly lower on day 2 (12.7 ± 2.3 vs. 10.7 ± 2.5, p = .003) and day 3 (10.6 ± 2.2 vs. 9.47 ± 2.4, p < .001). The greatest decrease occurred in the percentage of children in the experimental group with medium-level anxiety scores: baseline (n = 61, 75%), day 2 (n = 24, 30%), and day 3 (n = 0, 0%). This simple, low-cost play intervention implemented by nurses resulted in statistically and clinically significant decreases in the anxiety levels of children in an acute inpatient setting.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 19-01-2013
DOI: 10.1111/JONM.13517
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 23-08-2023
DOI: 10.3389/FPUBH.2023.1182758
Abstract: College students report disturbed sleep patterns that can negatively impact their wellbeing and academic performance. This study examined the effect of a 4-week sleep hygiene program that included sleep education and actigraph sleep trackers (FITBITs) on improving sleep quality and reducing psychological worry without control group. A pilot quasi-experimental design, participants were randomly selected medical and health sciences from a university students in the United-Arab-Emirates. Students were asked to wear FITBITs and log their daily sleep data and completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ). Extensive sleep hygiene education was delivered via lectures, a WhatsApp group, and the Blackboard platform. In total, 50 students completed pre-and post-assessments and returned FITBIT data. There was a significant difference in the prevalence of good sleep postintervention compared with pre-intervention (46% vs. 28% p = 0.0126). The mean PSQI score was significantly lower post-intervention compared with pre-intervention (6.17 ± 3.16 vs. 7.12.87 p = 0.04, Cohen’s d 0.33). After the intervention, subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, and daytime dysfunction were significantly improved compared with pre-intervention ( p & 0.05). In addition, FITBIT data showed total sleep time and the number of restless episodes per night were significantly improved postintervention compared with pre-intervention ( p = 0.013). The mean PSWQ score significantly decreased from pre-intervention to p = 0.049, Cohen’ d = 0.25. The correlation between PSQI and PSWQ scores was significant post-intervention (β = 0.40, p = 0.02). Our results may inform university educational policy and curricular reform to incorporate sleep hygiene awareness programs to empower students and improve their sleep habits.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 05-2023
Publisher: World Health Organization Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (WHO/EMRO)
Date: 08-2017
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 17-10-2022
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 24-05-2022
DOI: 10.1111/JONM.13677
Abstract: This study aims to explore how nursing services were managed and provided in intensive care units during the COVID-19 pandemic and clarify the management lessons learned. The surge in the number of patients with COVID-19 worldwide and the unpredictability of new variants mean the voices of nurse managers who participated in fighting the pandemic in intensive care units must be considered. Health care systems need specific plans to face similar future crises. This is a descriptive, qualitative, narrative study using indirect content analysis. We analysed 37 intensive care unit nurse managers' reflections on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. Four themes were extracted: restructuring organisations' resources, issues with family-centred care, education and training and policy reforms. Promising strategies for Emirati intensive care units in planning for responses to future crises include maximizing organisation resources, boosting family-centred care, providing in-service training for nurses and policy reform. Our findings will support health care leaders, educators, policymakers and researchers to improve the management of similar pandemic situations. This study presents fundamental data concerning the subjective experiences of intensive care unit nurse managers. These experiences may inform development of multi-dimensional strategies including: ensuring the adequacy of projected supplies, space and nursing workforce establishing communication protocols and reforming existing policies.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 22-01-2018
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 03-2021
DOI: 10.1111/JONM.12984
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 10-11-2016
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 29-12-2021
DOI: 10.1111/JONM.13232
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 07-2021
DOI: 10.1111/JONM.13075
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 09-06-2023
DOI: 10.3390/HEALTHCARE11121693
Abstract: Asthma imposes a significant social burden on children, their families, and society at large. As a chronic health condition, effective management could greatly benefit from consistent adherence to guidelines. Despite this, minimal effort has been exerted to examine the impact of asthma management guidelines and adherence to treatment on children with asthma and the mothers caring for them. This study was designed to evaluate the influence of asthma management guidelines on the knowledge and treatment adherence among children with asthma and their mothers. A quasi-experimental design was utilized, and the study was conducted at two large hospitals in Jordan: Princess Rahma Hospital and King Hussein Medical Center. A purposive s le of children aged 6–12 years (n = 100) who were accompanied by their mothers (n = 100) were recruited for this study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and an observation checklist before and after the implementation of guidelines. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS. The results revealed a statistically significant improvement in knowledge related to asthma among children and their mothers (p 0.001). Additionally, a statistically significant difference was observed in the children’s adherence to their treatment regimen before and after the implementation of asthma management guidelines (p 0.001). Moreover, the improvements in knowledge and practice related to asthma were sustained in the follow-up assessments. In conclusion, the guidelines had a beneficial effect on the children’s adherence to their treatment regimen both before and after their implementation. Thus, asthma patients should adhere to conventional guidelines at various health services to manage their condition effectively.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 24-05-2020
DOI: 10.1186/S13033-020-00367-6
Abstract: Children and adolescents with chronic physical health conditions are vulnerable to poor mental health outcomes. The measurement of mental health literacy of health professionals working with such populations is important because of their role in promoting early and appropriate help-seeking. This study sought to determine the beliefs regarding the causes of and risks factors for three types of mental illnesses amongst health professionals in United Arab Emirates. A culturally validated mental health literacy survey presenting three vignettes of fictional characters meeting diagnostic criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder, depression with suicidal thoughts and psychosis was distributed. The survey measured health care professionals’ beliefs regarding the causes of and risk factors for these disorders. A total of 317 health care professional ( 90% nurses) were surveyed from across the UAE. Although 43.8% correctly endorsed exposure to a ‘traumatic event’ as the most likely cause for developing posttraumatic stress disorder, there was a more limited understanding of the contribution of biopsychosocial factors to the development of the mental illness, particularly for psychosis. Participant socio-demographic variables were associated with attributions of religious or spiritual beliefs and personal weakness as causal and/or vulnerability factors in the development of depression with suicidal thoughts and psychosis. Efforts to improve mental health systems and health care providers in UAE and other similar Middle Eastern countries requires targeted mental health literacy programs that seek to integrate biopsychosocial models of mental illness and their treatment with the positive aspects of religious and cultural beliefs that are dominant in this region.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2023
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 04-2021
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 03-09-2022
DOI: 10.1111/NUF.12647
Abstract: Aligned with international standards, the UAE Government and many other developing countries in the region (GCC and MENA) have started to implement strict quality improvement initiatives to develop their healthcare systems. Most of these initiatives are geared toward meeting patient satisfaction and avoiding circumstances or events that would dissatisfy patients. It is also used to measure healthcare institution performance, assess efficiency and determine their funding and reimbursement. With this emphasis on quality, it is also important for healthcare organizations to fulfill their other functions. Among the most important is performing their teaching role to prepare future healthcare professionals, and attracting and retaining healthcare professionals. These roles are also a paramount for a quality, sustained healthcare system. However, clinical educators and managers reflect on how these roles seem to be frequently missed or at least compromised while applying the quality assurance measures in the region developing countries. This reflective paper discusses this concern and suggests possible strategies that may help overcome this challenge and thus contributing to the achievement of the quality goal of the service in a more comprehensive and sustainable manner. The similarities between the UAE healthcare system and neighboring Gulf Cooperation Council and the Middle East/North African countries mean these challenges and solutions may resonate with these countries and support the implementation of effective health services in these countries as well.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 29-03-2019
DOI: 10.1002/HPM.2776
Abstract: Unintentional injuries are an important global public health problem. Potentially, some senior managers have a major role to play in the prevention of home injuries. To explore senior managers' perceptions and practices regarding the prevention of home injuries among children and the potential factors that might influence such practice in Ramallah District of Palestine. Qualitative interviews were undertaken using a purposive s ling strategy of 18 senior‐level managers. Thematic analysis was undertaken. The study revealed that half of the interviewed managers' thought that injury prevention was a priority, and the majority of their institutions had worked on increasing parental awareness regarding injury prevention. Nevertheless, their practice in providing financial and psychological support to the parents was reported less. The participants stated that many factors had interchangeably influenced the practice in injury prevention, including factors related to staff, parents, and environment. This study highlights the importance of managers' role in injury prevention and draws attention to the numerous obstacles that they face. Attempts to prevent injuries should use a combination of interventions at many levels including: parents, health staff, as well as the wilder governmental, physical.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 10-2022
DOI: 10.1111/JONM.13824
Publisher: RCN Publishing Ltd.
Date: 19-07-2012
DOI: 10.7748/NR2012.07.19.4.31.C9222
Abstract: This article reflects the author's experience of qualitative interviews during his research project. It attempts to highlight how recording interviews can affect data collection and data quality. While recording helps researchers keep accurate records of interviews, which in turn assists them during their data analysis, its effect on data quality has not been clarified in nursing literature. The research experience highlighted that interview participants, especially those involved in group interviews, were reluctant to give permission for recording and were less comfortable and more formal when being recorded. The preparation for, and how the interview is carried out, can either reduce or further accentuate the effect of interviewing and recording on the participant. Therefore, appropriate strategies to reduce the effects should be implemented. This article suggests strategies to minimise the effects of interviewing and recording of interviews on the participants and hence enhance the quality of data obtained.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 02-10-2016
Abstract: School nurses are challenged with more children having complex conditions, who are now surviving into school age. This is paralleled by a shift in focus of health systems toward primary care, and national efforts to develop the health-care services, especially those offered to vulnerable populations. Being at the forefront of this change, school nurses in United Arab Emirates (UAE) are finding themselves under pressure to adapt to and facilitate these changes both by improving their practice and by contributing to its underpinning evidence. A cross-sectional design was used in this study in which 370 school nurses participated, identifying 11 research priorities. The three most important, as ranked by participants, were management of children with complex health-care needs nutrition, obesity, and lifestyle issues of schoolchildren and managing illnesses, injuries, and emergencies in schools and provision of medical support. These priorities should direct future research activities in the field.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 05-11-2021
DOI: 10.3390/EN14217373
Abstract: Metal–air batteries are a promising technology that could be used in several applications, from portable devices to large-scale energy storage applications. This work is a comprehensive review of the recent progress made in metal-air batteries MABs. It covers the theoretical considerations and mechanisms of MABs, electrochemical performance, and the progress made in the development of different structures of MABs. The operational concepts and recent developments in MABs are thoroughly discussed, with a particular focus on innovative materials design and cell structures. The classical research on traditional MABs was chosen and contrasted with metal–air flow systems, demonstrating the merits associated with the latter in terms of achieving higher energy density and efficiency, along with stability. Furthermore, the recent applications of MABs were discussed. Finally, a broad overview of challenges/opportunities and potential directions for commercializing this technology is carefully discussed. The primary focus of this investigation is to present a concise summary and to establish future directions in the development of MABs from traditional static to advanced flow technologies. A systematic analysis of this subject from a material and chemistry standpoint is presented as well.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 10-2022
DOI: 10.1111/JONM.13785
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-04-2016
DOI: 10.1111/CCH.12343
Abstract: Perioperative experience can be one of the most distressful experiences in a child's life if not managed properly by healthcare professionals. Its consequences can extend well beyond surgery and recovery into the child's future life. Healthcare professionals have a responsibility to decrease the anxiety associated with this experience, improve the child's and the parent's experience and prevent negative consequences. This has traditionally been performed through pharmacological treatment which might have negative side effects. More developmentally appropriate distraction methods are currently being trialled globally to augment the evidence that supports their use as a similarly efficient alternative. The aim of this study was to explore the efficiency of storytelling, pictures and colouring activities as an anxiolytic intervention in comparison to the traditional pharmacological premedication technique in a non-inferiority study. A randomized non-inferiority controlled trial was carried out in 168 children scheduled for day surgery. Children's perioperative anxiety was assessed by a trained anaesthetist using the modified Yale Preoperative Assessment Scale and by parents using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children. Children's vital signs were also collected preoperatively during the induction period and during the recovery period. The primary endpoint, which is non-inferiority in terms of anxiety as per Yale Preoperative Assessment Scale survey between play distraction and preoperative medication, was met [average score 10.95 vs. 10.94, respectively, 95% confidence interval (-0.35 0.37) P = 0.941]. Moreover, anxiety scores of both the intervention and the control group were quite comparable as per STAIC survey [20.90 vs. 20.73, respectively, 95% confidence interval (-0.52 0.88) P = 0.708] and in terms of vital signs. The results indicate that the distraction technique employed can be considered as an efficient alternative to traditional pharmacological premedication for children undergoing day surgery.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 18-10-2021
DOI: 10.1186/S13033-021-00502-X
Abstract: Stigma refers to the discrediting, devaluing, and shaming of a person because of characteristics or attributes that they possess. Generally, stigma leads to negative social experiences such as isolation, rejection, marginalization, and discrimination. If related to a health condition such as mental illness, stigma may affect a person’s illness and treatment course, including access to appropriate and professional medical treatment. Stigma has also been reported to affect patients’ families or relatives, along with professionals who work in mental healthcare settings. Stigma is strongly influenced by cultural and contextual value systems that differ over time and across contexts. However, limited information is available on how types of stigma are experienced by patients with mental illness and mental health nurses in Indonesia. We explored the stigma-related experiences of 15 nurses and 15 patients in Indonesia. The study design and analysis of interview data were guided by deductive (directed) content analysis. Five themes emerged. Four themes were patient-related: personal atients’ stigma, public/social stigma, family stigma, and employment stigma. The fifth theme related to stigma toward healthcare professionals working with patients with mental illnesses, which we categorized as professional stigma. This study has achieved a deep understanding of the concept of stigma in the Indonesian context. This understanding is a prerequisite for developing appropriate interventions that address this phenomenon and thereby for the development of mental health services in Indonesia. This study may also be transferable to other countries that share similar cultural backgrounds and adhere to traditional and religious value systems.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 09-10-2022
DOI: 10.1111/NUF.12808
Abstract: Nurses make up the majority of the healthcare workforce. They contribute to the development of healthcare systems and the provision of high-quality, effective, and patient-centered healthcare services. However, nurses need good mental and emotional well-being to provide adequate care and the necessary physical and mental health support for their clients. This study aimed to determine the level of generalized psychological distress among nurses in the United Arab Emirates. As this study was initiated before the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, we were able to compare data gathered before and during the pandemic. This study used a cross-sectional correlational design. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) was used to measure generalized psychological distress. Nurses' distress levels were measured and compared before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. In total, 988 participants completed the questionnaire. The majority (n = 629, 63.7%) were employed in hospitals and the remainder worked in primary healthcare settings (n = 359, 36.3%). The mean distress score was 27.1 ± 13.7 42.1% (n = 416) of participants had a severe level of distress, and only 36.4% (n = 360) reported no distress. More participants had severe stress levels before COVID-19 (59.5%, n = 386) compared with during COVID-19 (10.9%, n = 30). Participants' K10 scores suggest that nurses experience significant distress, which may compromise their ability to care for their clients. This study emphasizes the importance of supporting nurses as a preliminary step to improving patient care. Despite the pressure of working during the COVID-19 pandemic, participants' general distress scores were lower during than before the pandemic. Organizational, governmental, and global support and appreciation may have contributed to relieving the distress nurses experienced. This may be a useful ongoing approach for enhancing healthcare systems.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 11-10-2022
DOI: 10.1093/AOB/MCAC126
Abstract: Understanding how genetic ersity is distributed and maintained within species is a central tenet of evolutionary and conservation biology, yet is understudied in arid regions of the globe. In temperate, glaciated environments, high genetic ersity in plant species is frequently found in refugial areas, which are often associated with southern non-glaciated landscapes. In arid, unglaciated environments, landscape features providing mesic conditions are likely to be refugia, although our understanding needs more refinement in these biomes. We test whether refugia and nuclear ersity hotspots occur in high-elevation, topographically complex areas for co-distributed shrubs (Petalostylis labicheoides and Indigofera monophylla Fabaceae) in the ancient, arid Pilbara bioregion of north-western Australia. We conducted extensive s ling of the Pilbara (& in iduals from 62 widespread populations) to detect patterns in nuclear ersity and structure based on 13–16 microsatellite loci. Evidence of historical refugia was investigated based on patterns of ersity in three non-coding chloroplast (cp) sequence regions for approx. 240 in iduals per species. Haplotype relationships were defined with median-joining networks and maximum likelihood phylogenetic trees. We found cpDNA evidence for a high-elevation refugium in P. labicheoides but not for I. monophylla that instead exhibited extraordinary haplotype ersity and evidence for persistence across a widespread area. Nuclear ersity hotspots occurred in, but were not exclusive to, high-elevation locations and extended to adjacent, low-elevation riparian areas in both species. Phylogeographic refugia in arid environments may occur in high-elevation areas for some species but not all, and may be influenced by species-specific traits: a mesic montane refugium in P. labicheoides could be related to its preference for growth in water-gaining areas, while a lack of such evidence in I. monophylla could be related to maintenance of cpDNA ersity in a large soil seed bank and dynamic evolutionary history. Mesic environments created by the intersection of topographically complex landscapes with riparian zones can be contemporary reservoirs of genetic ersity in arid landscapes.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 29-03-2022
DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0266224
Abstract: Mental health literacy (MHL) is an essential competency for all healthcare professionals. In the United Arab Emirates, previous studies reported a low level of MHL among healthcare professionals working with vulnerable populations such as children and adolescents with chronic illnesses. Further in-depth exploration is necessary to build understanding of beliefs and knowledge about mental illness among pediatric health professionals. Written narratives exploring mental health knowledge were collected from pediatric nurses and analyzed using content analysis. These written narratives were extracted from responses to open-ended questions embedded in a questionnaire completed as part of previous studies. The Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research were followed in reporting this study. The overarching theme that emerged from the data was that nurses struggled to negotiate the complexities of psychological distress and mental illness. Two overlapping sub-themes were identified: (1) professional knowledge was incomplete, confused, and lacking in clarity and (2) professional knowledge was impacted by cultural beliefs and stigma. A third sub-theme reflected how participants identified with others’ suffering and felt powerless to help themselves or others. Participants described stress and mental exhaustion. Participants’ narratives were characterized by struggles arising from insufficient knowledge, confusion, and deeply-held cultural and religious beliefs. Therefore, they were unable to resolve the conflict between professional knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about mental illness and stigma arising from cultural and religious beliefs/attitudes. Culturally-specific education is needed for healthcare professionals that addresses contextual, cultural, and religious factors impacting on stigma while actively supporting the healthcare workforce and enabling access to mental health services.
Publisher: Walter de Gruyter GmbH
Date: 2023
Abstract: Despite the cultural challenges and stigma associated with nursing in the United Arab Emirates, there has been an increase in male nursing students. It is therefore important to understand barriers and facilitators that influence their decision to choose nursing education. This qualitative study used purposive s ling to recruit 30 male undergraduate students. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and data were analyzed with thematic analysis. Ten themes were identified that described barriers and facilitators to choosing nursing programs as perceived by male students. Four themes reflected barriers and six themes were identified that encompassed facilitators to choosing nursing programs. For international audiences, our findings could be helpful in enhancing both the recruitment and educational opportunities for male nursing students. Male students may be inspired to pursue the nursing profession by the presence of men in the profession and favorable male role models. Effort is needed to recruit male role models in nursing schools.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 19-09-2019
Abstract: It is important that nurses fully engage with the development and use of evidence-based practice so they can influence policy and improve patient care. There are significant challenges in developing nursing research and evidence-based practice in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Therefore, the UAE Nursing and Midwifery Council formed a Scientific Research Subcommittee to lead the development of nursing research. Following a literature review to assess the status of nursing research in the UAE, the Subcommittee initiated a study to clarify UAE nurses’ perceptions of barriers to implementing research. The results were expected to enable comparisons with other countries and establish a baseline on which to build and prioritize initiatives to address identified barriers. A cross-sectional design with convenience s ling was used to survey 606 nurses from across the UAE. The survey included the BARRIERS questionnaire and was administered online and in paper-based formats. The top three nurse-perceived barriers that affected nurses’ use of research in the UAE (in descending order) were as follows: lack of authority to change patient care procedures, insufficient time to read research, and insufficient time on the job to implement new ideas. The highest ranked barriers to nurses conducting research in the UAE were lack of time and competing demands for time. The findings of this survey and a published literature review informed development of a strategy to address identified barriers to nurses in the UAE using and conducting research. This multifaceted strategy includes initiatives to reform policy and practice at local and national levels.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-05-2023
DOI: 10.1186/S12913-023-09368-W
Abstract: The use of telehealth in the management of care and care delivery has been increasing significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Telehealth is an emerging technology used to manage care for patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in Jordan. However, implementing this approach in Jordan faces many challenges that need to be explored to identify practical solutions. To explore the perceived challenges and barriers to using telehealth in managing acute and chronic CVDs among healthcare professionals. A qualitative, exploratory study was conducted by interviewing 24 health professionals at two hospitals in different clinical areas in Jordan. Several barriers were reported by participants that affected the utilization of telehealth services. The barriers were categorized into the following four themes: Drawbacks related to patients, Health providers’ concerns, Procedural faults, and telehealth To complement the service only. The study suggests that telehealth can be instrumental in supporting care management for patients with CVD. It means that understanding the advantages and barriers to implementing telehealth by the healthcare providers in Jordan can improve many aspects of the healthcare services for patients with CVD within the healthcare settings in Jordan.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 19-10-2016
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-02-2017
DOI: 10.1111/SCS.12405
Abstract: The effectiveness of communication can be defined in terms of one of its outcomes: the uncertainty that it eliminates. Clear unambiguous communication is important for the parents of children to help them understand problems, explore alternative solutions and help make decisions. Persistent uncertainty is known to produce anxiety, unpredictable responses, emotional distress and poor quality of life. The uncertainty experienced by parents is one indicator of quality in the healthcare system which could have diagnostic and predictive value. To assess the uncertainty experienced by parents of children with chronic conditions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). An exploratory descriptive, cross-sectional design was chosen across different sites in the UAE. Data were collected from parents accompanying children receiving treatment either as an inpatient or outpatient, using the previously validated, culturally adapted 'Parent Perception of Uncertainty Scale' (PPUS). Most study participants experienced moderate or high levels of uncertainty. Parents who did not speak the local language, whose child was less than 1 year old or who was acutely ill had significantly more uncertainty than others, as did those parents whose child was approaching adolescence and puberty. As only 5% of all participants reported low levels of uncertainty this should be of major concern as both an indicator of the quality of communication between health professionals and parents, and of the adverse health effects and poor quality of life experienced by parents of patients with chronic illness.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 29-01-2019
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-05-2020
DOI: 10.1186/S12887-020-02155-0
Abstract: Anxiety disorders are common among children and adolescents. However, there is a paucity of up-to-date data on the prevalence and correlates of anxiety-related disorders among children and adolescents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). We conducted a cross sectional study to determine the prevalence of specific anxiety-related disorders (e.g., generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, separation anxiety, social anxiety) in the UAE, and identify correlations between these disorders and adolescents’ demographic variables. Participants were 968 adolescents aged 13–18 years attending secondary schools across the UAE. Convenience s ling was used to recruit participants. We collected demographic information and data about participants’ anxiety levels. Anxiety was assessed using the Arabic and English versions of the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders scale. Univariate analyses (independent s le t -tests and analysis of variance) were performed to evaluate factors affecting participants’ anxiety scores. Chi-square tests were used to compare factors associated with anxiety disorders. Participants’ mean age was 16 ± 1.8 years, and 65.8% were female. The overall prevalence of anxiety disorders was 28%, with this being significantly higher in girls (33.6%) than boys (17.2%) ( p 0.0001). Participants aged 16 years had higher generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, and social anxiety scores compared with those aged ≥16 years ( p ≤ 0.05). Those from households with a maid had significantly higher generalized anxiety, panic disorder, separation anxiety, and significant school avoidance scores than those without a maid ( p ≤ 0.05). In addition, participants from middle and low economic backgrounds had higher separation anxiety scores compared with children from high economic backgrounds ( p ≤ 0.05). The multivariate analysis showed the main associated factors with anxiety were gender (being female, p 0.001) and caregiver (other than mother and father together, p 0.001). We found a high incidence of anxiety-related disorders among school-aged adolescents in the UAE, with girls being more affected than boys. This suggests that age-appropriate initiatives are urgently needed to reduce the high rate of anxiety-related disorders. It may also be necessary to further investigate the two main associated factors with anxiety identified in this study (being female and non-parental caregivers).
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-2016
DOI: 10.1111/IJN.12450
Abstract: The integration of electronic health records (EHRs) has shown promise in improving health-care quality. In the United Arab Emirates, EHRs have been recently adopted to improve the quality and safety of patient care. A cross-sectional survey of 680 health-care providers (HCPs) was conducted to assess the satisfaction of HCPs in the United Arab Emirates with EHRs' impact on access/viewing, documentation and medication administration and to explore the barriers encountered in their use. Data were collected over 6 months from April to September 2014. High overall satisfaction with EHRs was reported by HCPs, suggesting their acceptance. Physicians reported the greatest overall satisfaction with EHRs, although nurses showed significantly higher satisfaction with the impact on medication administration compared with other HCPs. The most significant barriers reported by nurses were lack of belief in the value of EHRs for patients and lack of adequate computer skills. Given the large investment in technology, additional research is necessary to promote the full utilization of EHRs. Nurses need to be aware of the value of EHRs for patient care and be involved in all stages of EHR implementations to maximize its meaningful use for better clinical outcomes.
Publisher: Mark Allen Group
Date: 02-07-2015
DOI: 10.12968/BJSN.2015.10.6.280
Abstract: The adolescent developmental stage has been described by researchers as a period in which decision-making abilities and independence skills are developed therefore, this period may attract more attention from health-care providers as a key time for establishing healthy life styles and positive adaptive behaviours, such as nutritional behaviours. A quasi-experimental control group, and post-test only design was used. A school-based healthy nutrition educational programme was implemented to improve the nutritional knowledge of adolescents, and to promote a healthy life style among them. The ‘Let's Eat Healthy’ programme was delivered to 150 students in the intervention group, who were compared to another 150 students in the control group where the programme was not delivered. Students that participated in the intervention group were significantly more knowledgeable about healthy nutrition compared to students that didn't participate (P .01). They also scored significantly higher in the dietary behaviours survey, which reflects the adoption of more healthy eating behaviours. The results of the study revealed that such a programme would be effective in promoting more nutritionally healthy life styles, thus preventing obesity and nutrition-related disease among adolescents in United Arab Emirates (UAE) schools.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.PEDN.2015.12.003
Abstract: Measuring the quality of service and user experience is an acknowledged priority for healthcare services however it seems that healthcare systems have to work very hard to achieve this goal as evidenced by reports of gaps and disparities in the quality of care provided to clients, especially within pediatric and adolescent populations. To identify quality determinants for healthcare services for adolescents and young adults with chronic conditions based on the perceptions and the experiences of adolescents and young adults themselves. A sequential exploratory mixed method design guided this study. The initial qualitative phase employed semi-structured in-depth interviews to elicit the elements and determinants of quality of care as identified by adolescents and young adults living with chronic conditions. The second phase employed a questionnaire developed from the data gathered during the qualitative phase to survey the target population. This was distributed to a larger s le of adolescents and young adults with chronic conditions to determine and confirm the relevance of the identified care elements and quality determinants. The study revealed 4 main determinants: the provision of adolescent friendly information relating to all aspects of living with chronic conditions, services that facilitate and encourage independence, services characterized by structure with the capacity to be both dynamic and responsive, and finally health care professionals knowledgeable and skilled in relation to adolescent specific issues.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.PEDN.2017.06.017
Abstract: Uncertainty often accompanies illness and may be a major aversive component of the patients' treatment process. There is evidence that parental uncertainty has a negative impact on their own and on their child's coping strategies and may affect family functioning. Key to the provision of competent care, to address uncertainty, is the use of an appropriate validated assessment tool to understand key parental concerns. The 'Parent Perception of Uncertainty Scale' (PPUS) has been widely used for this purpose. This study reports on the validity and reliability testing of the Arabic version of the Parents Perception of Uncertainty Scale (A-PPUS). The scale was translated to Arabic using the translation-back-translation method. Appropriate statistical tests were performed including measurements of internal consistency, item to total scale correlation, and univariate and multivariate analyses. The study included 240 parents of children with chronic illnesses. Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the whole scale was 0.93. All the items were positively correlated to the total score. The univariate and multivariate analysis supported the previous tests and the assertion that the Arabic version of the PPUS provided a relevant measure of the uncertainty level. This study has identified that the A-PPUS is a reliable tool for parent report of their uncertainty, in the UAE and Arabic population.
Publisher: Mark Allen Group
Date: 09-07-2020
DOI: 10.12968/BJON.2020.29.13.762
Abstract: Adolescents with long-term health conditions may be at risk of developing psychological comorbidities and adopting ineffective coping mechanisms if they are not adequately supported at home or school. To understand the strategies adolescents use when dealing with challenging health situations, and gain an in-depth understanding of the characteristics of their preferred care environment if they have unexpected health crises. The study used a concurrent mixed-methods design, with data gathered between January and May 2019. Descriptive and non-parametric tests were used to analyse quantitative and qualitative data. ‘Problem-focused disengagement’ was the most-often used coping strategy. The second and third most common strategies were ‘problem-focused engagement’ and ‘emotion-focused engagement’. Finally, girls tended to adopt more negative coping strategies than boys. The analysis revealed that most adolescents preferred home over school as the care environment because these caring agents were close and available, knew how to care for them and had the resources to provide or access care, and listened and understood them. Adolescents adopted disengagement and negative coping strategies early in their attempts to cope with stressful events before adopting more positive strategies. This is alarming, especially as school health services are not sufficiently supportive of adolescents at times of stress and illness. Adolescents often perceive school providers as unavailable and lacking knowledge about their health needs.
Publisher: World Health Organization Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (WHO/EMRO)
Date: 09-2018
Abstract: Nursing in Egypt has evolved over recent decades. Development has accelerated following recent government recognition of the contribution nurses make to healthcare access, quality and delivery. A vision to enhance nursing capacity resulted in a recent mandate requiring all nursing curricula to be competency based. Concurrently, the Educational Development Fund of the Egyptian Cabinet of Ministers drafted a nursing educational plan including a strategy to develop and implement a contextually congruent educational model with proven success comparable to international standards. This report discusses the 4-year curriculum development project designed to upgrade the current technical-level nursing curriculum to a consistent competency-based model. The competency-based educational model will be trialled in 3 technical institutes before nationwide rollout and implementation. Details of the project plan are described, including an overview of curriculum development considerations. This report provides insights for policy-makers and educators embarking on similar health workforce reform and capacity development initiatives.
Publisher: F1000 Research Ltd
Date: 26-05-2022
DOI: 10.12688/F1000RESEARCH.121783.1
Abstract: Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death globally, mostly in low- and middle-income countries. It is estimated that 6.5% of Jordanians under 50 and 37.5% of those over 70 years of age are affected. The country's air pollution levels surpass recommended levels, increasing the disease incidence and burden on in iduals and the health system. COPD is a long-term, severe, and exhausting condition. In Jordan, patients are highly dependent and frequent users of the healthcare services therefore, their Quality of Life (QoL) is highly influenced by the health care they receive. The QoL of COPD patients must be studied to devise interventions that can help patients cope with this disease and for healthcare systems to improve their service. Method: A cross-sectional correlational study of 200 COPD patients. The Arabic WHO Quality of Life Questionnaire Short Form was used to collect data. Results: The mean COPD patient QoL score was 10.66 (SD=1.58), showing poor QoL perception. The physical domain had the lowest perceived QoL (10.232, SD=1.912), while the environmental domain had the highest (10.948, SD=1.636). Unmarried, non-smokers, and employed had better QoL (M=11.04, M=10.92, M=12.04). Age categories 50-61 exhibited greater mean QoL than age category 61 or higher (M=11.44, M=10.84, M=10.08). Private health services are characterized by short waiting times, availability of different diagnostic and treatment services, and skilled staff was related to better QoL. Conclusions: QoL for COPD patients seems to be an area requiring urgent attention from Health service providers and planners. Patients should be adequately supported and cared for to have a good QoL. In Jordan, COPD patients' QoL is highly influenced by lack of physical activity, emotional distress, and anxiety. Therefore, better health care services is needed to address all these areas adequately.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-07-2023
DOI: 10.1111/BIRT.12746
Abstract: Adverse birth outcomes, such as preterm birth and low birth weight (LBW), are leading causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality. In this study, we aimed to estimate the association between inter‐pregnancy interval (IPI) and the risks of adverse birth outcomes in a subsequent pregnancy. We conducted a retrospective analysis involving 630 mothers who delivered a singleton live infant at a leading tertiary hospital in northern Jordan from March to August 2021. Outcome variables were preterm birth ( weeks of gestation) and LBW ( .5 kg). Using multivariable logistic regression, the association between IPI and these two adverse birth outcomes was investigated. The rates of preterm birth and LBW were 12.4% and 16.8%, respectively. Compared with an optimal IPI (24–36 months), a short IPI ( months) was positively associated with preterm birth (aOR: 4.09 95% CI: 1.48–6.55) and LBW (aOR: 3.58 95% CI: 1.57–5.15). Infants conceived after a long IPI (≥ 60 months) had increased odds of preterm birth (aOR: 3.78 95% CI: 1.12–5.78) and LBW (aOR: 2.65 95% CI: 1.67–4.03). Preterm delivery was also significantly associated with the mother's age (aOR: 1.10 95% CI: 1.04–1.17), history of multiple cesarean births (aOR: 2.67 95% CI: 1.14–4.29), prolonged rupture of membranes (aOR: 2.46 95% CI: 1.10–5.52), and perinatal death (aOR: 3.42 95% CI: 1.10–5.49). A mother's history of prior LBW (aOR: 4.39 95% CI: 1.08–6.80), hypertensive disorders (aOR: 1.95 95% CI: 1.03–3.89), and multiple cesarean births (aOR: 4.35 95% CI: 2.10–6.99) was associated with LBW. Both short and long IPIs were related to preterm delivery and LBW. Optimal birth spacing is recommended to improve birth outcomes and must be considered when designing effective family planning programs.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 12-2020
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2020-038667
Abstract: To estimate the prevalence and predictors of obesity among adolescents in the United Arab Emirates. Cross-sectional study. Private and public secondary schools. Adolescents aged 13–19 years 434 (46.6%) from private schools and 498 (53.4%) from public schools. Self-report questionnaires were used to assess adolescents’ sociodemographic factors, fruit/vegetable (F/V) intake and physical activity. Participants’ weight, height, waist circumference (WC), hip circumference and body fat percentage (%BF) were measured, and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and body mass index (BMI) were calculated. Overweight/obesity was determined by BMI ≥85th percentile for age, abdominal obesity (AO) (WC, WHtR and WHR) and %BF. A total of 34.7% of participants were overweight/obese (BMI ≥85th percentile) and 378 (40.6%) had high %BF. AO was noted in 47.3%, 22.7% and 27.1% of participants, based on WC, WHR and WHtR, respectively. Significantly more participants from public schools were overweight/obese (37.8% vs 31.1%) and had greater AO (based on WC, WHR, WHtR) compared with those from private schools. Predictors of obesity based on BMI were: consuming less than five servings of F/V (adjusted OR (AOR) 2.41, 95% CI: 1.73 to 3.36), being physically inactive (AOR 2.09, CI: 1.36 to 3.22) and being men (AOR 3.35, 95% CI: 2.20 to 5.10). Predictors of AO were being men (WC: AOR 1.42, 95% CI: 1.01 to 2.00 WHtR: AOR 2.72, 95% CI: 1.81 to 4.08) studying at public school (WHR: AOR 1.67, 95% CI: 1.06 to 2.66) being Emirati (WHR: AOR 0.62, 95% CI: 0.43 to 0.90) consuming less than five servings of F/V (WC: AOR 1.71, 95% CI: 1.27 to 2.30 WHtR: AOR 1.46, 95% CI: 1.05 to 2.03), and being physically inactive (WC: AOR 1.63 95% CI: 1.13 to 2.35). Focused interventions are needed to combat obesity while considering AO indicators and BMI to diagnose obesity in adolescents.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 18-12-2022
DOI: 10.1111/INR.12817
Abstract: To report participants’ and facilitators’ experiences of mental health promotion, prevention, and early‐intervention training program targeted at school nurses in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UAE school healthcare service is staffed by full‐time nurses and part‐time doctors and linked to primary healthcare centers. This service supports children's physical and mental well‐being. However, school nurses’ capacity to realize the potential of this service, particularly regarding mental health, has not yet been explored. We used an exploratory qualitative approach with data triangulation. Data were drawn from school nurses that participated in a targeted mental health promotion, prevention, and early‐intervention training program. Data were gathered through focus group interviews with participating school nurses, written reflections, and notes recorded by the program designers and trainers. All school nurses who participated in the training program ( N = 15) were included in this study. This study adhered to the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research. Nurses’ narratives encompassed three main themes, which indicated the program was an enjoyable professional and personal journey that allowed professional discovery/development and personal growth. Program organizers/facilitators indicated the training program was important, but challenging to implement. Four themes emerged from their reflections that covered the structure of school nursing services, participants’ competency and education, the UAE context, and teaching style. A well‐structured professional development program can contribute to improving mental healthcare in schools. Improved service structure and regulations to support this goal are essential. School nurses benefit professionally and personally from targeted mental health training, which also improves the care students receive. School healthcare service managers should consider increasing such training opportunities for nurses and focus on measuring service outcomes and evaluating effectiveness. It is also necessary to reassess the minimum qualification requirement for school nurses. Specific professional development programs for school nurses will improve their clinical practice and support the recruitment of competent and prepared staff.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 07-2015
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 16-07-2021
DOI: 10.1111/JONM.13407
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2017
Publisher: Sciedu Press
Date: 05-03-2015
DOI: 10.5430/JNEP.V5N5P35
Publisher: RCN Publishing Ltd.
Date: 06-2013
DOI: 10.7748/NCYP2013.06.25.5.29.E175
Abstract: Aim To develop relevant and feasible guidelines for transition care, based on the perspectives of stakeholders. Methods A sequential exploratory mixed method design: the first, qualitative phase used focus group interviews with healthcare professionals. The second, quantitative phase used a questionnaire, based on the results of the interviews, to survey a larger s le of adolescent clients and healthcare professionals. Findings The group interviews recommended a systematic approach to transition care, in an environment appropriate to each in idual's stage of development, and training of healthcare professionals in issues related to adolescence and the transition process. Survey participants agreed on the relevance and feasibility of 36 of the guidelines extracted from the interviews. Conclusion The proposed guidelines reflect the elements of care essential to a secure transition from child to adult health services. They go some way to meeting the erse needs of young people living with a chronic life-limiting illness.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 04-03-2023
DOI: 10.1155/2023/3666224
Abstract: Background. There is an agreement on the importance of measuring work-life balance, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the available tools to do so are not sufficient to address all dimensions, contexts, and professions. Aim. The article reviews existing instruments that have been widely utilised to tap into the breadth and depth of work-life balance. Evaluation. This is a perspective scoping review guided by PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Articles reporting on the measurement of work-life balance were reviewed. The authors performed the review based on agreed-upon search terms, inclusion and exclusion criteria, search databases, and the data extraction process. Key Issues. The existing tools appear to have ergent underpinning theoretical models, factors, structural sychometric properties, and the number of accumulated citations. The existing tools also varied in terms of their target sector, with limited tools available for the analysis of work-life balance among healthcare professionals. We argue that while the existing tools provide a general base for the work-life balance measurement, it would be imperative to adjust those tools to the specific cultural and professional contexts. Future work-life balance measures should consider the changes imposed by atypical or disruptive events that have the potential to alter work-life balance, such as in the case of the COVID-19 pandemic. The onus is on researchers and policymakers to work collaboratively in each context to adapt, implement, and evaluate those tools as they become integrated into the matrix of labour market assessments in the future. Conclusions. The article highlighted current gaps and improvement opportunities in the work-life balance measurement field. Implications for Healthcare and Nursing Management. The maintenance of work-life balance will remain an issue for years to come. Ensuring comprehensive and context-specific measurements would be essential to guide the evidence-based recommendations necessary to support the workforce across the various sectors of the economy in the future.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 05-2023
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2022-067115
Abstract: Approximately 0.5 million fatalities per year are attributed to substance use disorder (SUD). SUD is refractory to therapy and has a high relapse rate. Cognitive deficits are also common in patients with SUD. Cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) is a promising treatment that may build resilience and reduce relapse among people with SUD. Our planned systematic review aims to clarify the effect of CBT on resilience and the relapse rate in adult patients with SUD compared with treatment as usual or no intervention. We will search the Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Medline, Cochrane, EBSCO CINAHL, EMBASE and PsycINFO databases from inception to July 2023 for all relevant randomised controlled or quasiexperimental trials published in English. The follow-up period of included studies must be at least 8 weeks. The PICO (Population, intervention, control, and outcome) format was used to develop the search strategy. Search terms will be combined using boolean operators and have been customised for different databases. The Cochrane tool for randomised controlled trials will be used to assess the risk of bias in included studies. Extracted data will include bibliographic data, s le size, intervention method, summary of the findings, follow-up duration and effect sizes with standard errors. A random effects model will be used to combine effect measures. Subgroup analyses will be performed by CBT type, sex and SUD subtype, as applicable. I 2 statistics will be used to evaluate heterogeneity, and funnel plots will be used to address publication bias. If we detect significant heterogeneity, the findings will be reported as a systematic review without a meta-analysis. Ethical approval is not required for this study. The findings will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. CRD42022344596.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 17-08-2019
DOI: 10.3390/NU11081939
Abstract: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a cyclical late luteal phase disorder of the menstrual cycle whereby the daily functioning of women is affected by emotional and physical symptoms substantially interfering with their quality of life. Little is known about PMS in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study aimed to determine the prevalence and severity of PMS among university students in Sharjah, UAE, and clarify its associations with dietary habits, lifestyle behaviors, and anthropometric factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted on female college students at the University of Sharjah, UAE. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires and anthropometric assessments. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. Participants were 300 adult university students aged 18–24 years (mean age 20.07 ± 1.53 years). In total, 95% of participants reported at least one PMS symptom during their menstrual period. The prevalence of PMS was 35.3%, with mild symptoms being the most commonly reported. Multiple regression analysis showed that smoking was associated with increased risk of reporting psychological (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.1–5.8 p 0.05) and behavioral symptoms (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.0–4.9 p 0.05), while high calorie/fat/sugar/salt foods intake was associated with increased risk of reporting physical symptoms (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.4–7.3 p 0.05). However, fruit consumption (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.125–0.92 p 0.05) was associated with a decreased risk of reporting behavioral symptoms. A high prevalence of PMS was reported among university students, with smoking and high calorie/fat/sugar/salt food consumption identified as strong risk factors for PMS.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2023
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 14-12-2022
DOI: 10.3390/EN15249501
Abstract: The use of solar thermal systems (STSs) has recently reached a significant edge. The increasing research on developing an alternative power supply for limiting fossil fuel usage and climate change are the driving forces of STSs. The current work explores the recent progress in STSs’ applications, including PV/T or “photovoltaic/thermal” systems, zero-energy buildings, greenhouse solar thermal applications, solar thermal for pumping water, solar thermal refrigerators, solar chimneys, water desalination, and solar collectors, along with the benefits and challenges of these applications. Then, the potential contribution of STSs in achieving the various SDGs or “Sustainable development goals”, including barriers and research gaps, are elaborated. In brief, STSs significantly contribute to the seventeen SDGs’ achievement directly and indirectly. Recent developments in the engineering applications of STSs are strongly based on the materials of construction, as well as their design, process optimisation, and integration with multidisciplinary sciences and technologies such as modelling, nanoscience/nanotechnology, and artificial intelligence.
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 06-10-2023
Publisher: Springer Publishing Company
Date: 16-11-2021
Abstract: Applying strategies that improve sense of coherence (SOC) may positively affect adolescents’ wellbeing. This may be particularly beneficial for those with chronic conditions. Therefore, having a valid measurement tool for SOC is important. This study assessed the validity and reliability of the Arabic version of the SOC questionnaire (A-SOC). Secondary objectives were to establish baseline data on SOC levels in a population of adolescents in the United Arab Emirates. We used a cross-sectional correlational design. The A-SOC was found to be a valid tool, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.75. The mean A-SOC score in the study s le was 57.38. Following an initial assessment of children’s SOC, healthcare professionals could implement strategies that improve SOC for this population, thereby improving their general wellbeing.
No related grants have been discovered for Nabeel Al-Yateem.