METHODS: This retrospective cohort study involved a population of heart failure (HF) patients who visited cardiology clinics at An-Najah National University Hospital and the National Hospital, Palestine. The primary outcome measures of interest were the proportions of patients prescribed guideline-based cardiovascular medications (GBCMs), such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs)/angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), β-blockers, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), and the corresponding optimized doses at ≥ 50 % of targets and the reasons underlying the non-prescription of GDMT.
RESULTS: A total of 70.5%, 56.6%, and 88.6% of patients were on ACEIs/ARBs, MRAs, and β-blockers, respectively. Of all patients, 38.7% were on the triple GDMT regimen.
CONCLUSION: Less than half the patients received the triple combination treatment. Age, diabetes mellitus, chronic renal disease, and admission to the hospital for HF all had significant independent relationships with the reduced utilization and inadequate dosage of GDMT.
OBJECTIVES: This study seeks to assess the effectiveness of a community pharmacist-led point-of-care CRC screening program utilizing fecal immunochemical test (FIT) kits to identify CRC prevalence in high-risk individuals.
METHODS AND MATERIALS: Over the course of a 10-month prospective intervention conducted in UAE community pharmacies, we evaluated the impact of a pharmacist-led point-of-care colorectal cancer screening program. Six pharmacies were selected based on their services and capabilities. Eligible participants were those identified during medication reviews as exhibiting colorectal cancer risk factors. Pharmacists provided communication materials, distributed FIT kits, and implemented reminders. Participants collected samples for hemoglobin analysis, which served as an indicator of colorectal bleeding. Collected data encompassed demographics, lifestyle, and health-related characteristics. Pharmacists performed medication reviews and offered recommendations.
RESULTS: A total of four hundred and one recruited int the study. The mean age of study cohort at baseline was 66.6 ± 11.3 years. In our study with 401 participants, 36.4 % had undiagnosed colorectal cancer (CRC). Univariate logistic regression identified older age, a history of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as significant factors associated with increased CRC prevalence, while aspirin users exhibited a lower likelihood of CRC. In the multivariate regression model, the history of Type 2 DM and IBD remained significant predictors for heightened CRC risk.
CONCLUSION: This study strengthens the plausibility of cause-and-effect relationships between colorectal cancer and demographic variables using epidemiological evidence. The significant relationships found between prevalence of CRC and age, type 2 diabetes, IBD and aspirin use support the effectiveness of using FIT kits in community pharmacist-led point-of-care CRC screening program to identify high-risk individuals. The finding highlights the significance of improving efforts on colorectal cancer prevention and control.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between HRQoL and treatment satisfaction in a sample of Palestinian hypertensive patients.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted, adopting the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM 1.4) for the assessment of treatment satisfaction and using the European Quality of Life scale (EQ-5D-5L) for the assessment of HRQoL. Descriptive and comparative statistics were used to describe socio-demographic and disease-related characteristics of the patients. All analyses were performed using SPSS v 15.0.
RESULTS: Four hundred and ten hypertensive patients were enrolled in the study. This study findings indicate a positive correlation between all satisfaction domains and HRQoL. Significant differences were observed between this study variables (P < 0.001). After adjustment for covariates using multiple linear regression, an increase of one point in the global satisfaction scale was associated with a 0.16 increase in EQ-5D index scores (r = 0.16; P < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: Patients with reportedly higher satisfaction scores have reported relatively higher EQ-5D-5L index values. These study findings could be helpful in clinical practice, mainly in the early treatment of hypertensive patients, at a point where improving treatment satisfaction and HRQoL is still possible.
OBJECTIVE: To assess students' knowledge and attitudes about risks and prevention of consanguineous marriage.
METHODS: Demographic details of the participants and data on knowledge and attitudes concerning the risks and prevention of consanguineous marriage were obtained using an online self-administered questionnaire. The factors associated with good knowledge and attitude toward consanguineous marriage were investigated by logistic regression analysis.
RESULTS: A total of 667 participants enrolled in the study. The average knowledge score about consanguineous marriage risk and prevention was 78.6% with a 95% confidence interval (CI) [77.3, 79.8], and the average attitude was 79.7% with a 95% confidence interval (CI) [79, 80.6]. A better knowledge score was observed in older participants (OR 1.01; 95% CI 1.004-1.024), females (OR 1.69; 95% CI 1.48-1.94), participants with parental history of consanguinity (OR 1.33; 95% CI 1.17-1.52), participants with family history of consanguineous marriage (OR 5.18; 95% CI 2.19-7.10), and participants with family history of inherited disease (OR 1.52; 95% CI 1.25-1.86).
CONCLUSION: In general, the overall level of knowledge and attitudes toward consanguineous marriage risk and prevention was good among university students. To efficiently control and manage the adverse health impacts associated with consanguineous marriage, there is an urgent need to develop and implement evidence-based counseling and screening programs for consanguineous marriage that would significantly reduce the number of at-risk marriages.
AIM: To conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the literature on RCTs involving the gut microbiota.
METHODS: Using bibliometric tools, a descriptive cross-sectional investigation was conducted on scholarly publications concentrated on RCTs related to gut microbiota, spanning the years 2003 to 2022. The study used VOSviewer version 1.6.9 to examine collaboration networks between different countries and evaluate the frequently employed terms in the titles and abstracts of the retrieved publications. The primary objective of this analysis was to identify key research areas and focal points associated with RCTs involving the gut microbiota.
RESULTS: A total of 1061 relevant articles were identified from the 24758 research articles published between 2003 and 2022. The number of publications showed a notable increase over time, with a positive correlation (R2 = 0.978, P < 0.001). China (n = 276, 26.01%), the United States (n = 254, 23.94%), and the United Kingdom (n = 97, 9.14%) were the leading contributing countries. Københavns Universitet (n = 38, 3.58%) and Dankook University (n = 35, 3.30%) were the top active institutions. The co-occurrence analysis shows current gut microbiota research trends and important topics, such as obesity interventions targeting the gut microbiota, the efficacy and safety of fecal microbiota transplantation, and the effects of dietary interventions on humans.
CONCLUSION: The study highlights the rapid growth and importance of research on RCTs that involve the gut microbiota. This study provides valuable insight into research trends, identifies key players, and outlines potential future directions in this field. Additionally, the co-occurrence analysis identified important topics that play a critical role in the advancement of science and provided insights into future research directions in this field.
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate UAE community pharmacists' knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) concerning metformin XR.
METHODS: This is a cross-sectional research study conducted amongst licensed community pharmacists. The survey took place via a questionnaire and physical interviews were held. The survey used in this study included questions on demographics and questions on the participants' attitudes, knowledge and practices concerning metformin XR. The factors influencing KAP regarding metformin XR were examined via simple logistic regression analysis.
RESULTS: Threehundred fifty-three (n = 353) participants were recruited in the study. Independent pharmacies constituted 57.5% of this study sample and 42.5% were chain pharmacies. The average knowledge score about metformin XR tablets was 42.5% with a confidence interval (CI) of 95% [37.3%, 47.4]. Better knowledge scores on metformin XR tablets was observed in respondents aged ⩾40 years (OR 2.97, 95% CI 1.63-5.4), having greater than 10 years in terms of experience (OR 2.28; 95% CI 1.25-4.16) and pharmacist graduated from Regional or international universities (OR 2.08; 95% CI 1.34-3.24). About 78% (n = 275) of the participants believed that metformin XR tablets have better efficacy and 63.2% (n = 233) indicated that metformin IR was associated with greater adverse effects.
CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated a distinct gap in knowledge, attitude and practice pertaining to metformin XR among community pharmacists in the UAE. The community pharmacists need to enhance their practice by receiving accurate and reliable data to support their decision-making on the prescribing of metformin XR. The implementation of novel guidelines and evidence dissemination strategies may help bridge this gap.
OBJECTIVES: This study involves a bibliometric quantitative analysis of academic literature to evaluate OTC vending machines in terms of their evolution, current trends, and potential areas for future research.
METHODS AND MATERIALS: The Scopus database was searched using its advanced search tool, focusing on papers that included the search query in their titles, abstracts, and keywords. Data analysis included bibliometric indicators such as publication counts, citation trends, and co-authorship networks, which were visualized using VOSviewer software (version 1.6.20) to highlight key research themes and collaboration patterns.
RESULTS: A total of 399 publications on OTC vending machines were found between 1833 and 2024. Over the last 20 years, there has been an annual increase in the number of publications related to OTC vending machines, rising from 1 in 2001 to 31 in 2023. The United States (n = 118; 29.57 %) led in productivity, followed by the United Kingdom (45; 11.27 %), India (30; 7.51 %), Australia (27; 6.76 %), Canada (16; 4 %), Italy (15; 3.75 %), and China (15; 3.75 %). A total of 35 institutions have been involved in research on OTC vending machines. The Dubai Municipality contributed the highest percentage of articles (n = 3, 0.75 %), followed by the Emirates Health Services (n = 3, 0.75 %), Al Ain University (n = 2, 0.5 %), and Baystate Medical Center (n = 2, 0.5 %). Before 2016, much of the research on OTC vending machines focused on terms related to healthcare policy and health promotion, indicating the early exploration of this field. Present trends highlight terms associated with pharmacy practice, such as pharmacists, pharmacy, and prescription-related subjects.
CONCLUSIONS: This study emphasises the practical necessity for enhanced regulatory structures to mitigate risks such as medication abuse, unfavourable drug interactions, and incorrect dispensing practices. Additionally, the study highlights the need for interdisciplinary collaboration among technologists, policymakers, and healthcare professionals to maximize the benefits of OTC vending machines while addressing consumer behaviour and safety issues.