Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 43 in total

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  1. Muhammad BY, Awaisu A
    Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med, 2008 Jan 22;5(2):120-30.
    PMID: 20161927
    The use of natural medicinal products in modern medicine as complementary and alternative therapies is of the increase globally. More so in developing and third world countries where the cost of research and development of synthetic drugs is prohibitive and technological facilities as well as expertise are lacking. These, coupled with the crumbling health care management systems in many of such countries make herbal medicines attractive alternatives. The potential medicinal values of these plant products are not being properly harnessed and research and development (R&D) in this area are lagging behind. R&D and consultancy services span from phytochemical analysis, standardization and quality control of herbs, and dosage forms design to preclinical and clinical trials. This paper tries to highlight all the necessary steps needed to conduct research and development in this area and proposes the nitty-gritty needed to impose statutory regulations on ensuring the quality, safety, efficacy, and commercial distribution of such products. The paper examines these important issues and highlights by way of examples, some of the steps taken and the positive achievements of the people and government of Malaysia towards self reliance in the area of natural medicinal plant research. It is primarily intended to map out strategies on how Nigeria in conjunction with research and academic institutions can be actively involved in natural products R&D, taking the Malaysian experience as a prototype. It is also aimed at urging government's efforts to encourage research in this area and impose regulations for commercial production and distribution of such products.
  2. Qais Alefan, Haniki Nik Mohamad, M., Awaisu, A., Tariq A. Razak, Jamalludin A. Rahman
    MyJurnal
    Institutions of higher learning are working hard to provide effective, high quality educational programs. Meanwhile, potential students are also looking at “quality” as a metric to help make their decisions about which college to join. Mechanisms to evaluate the quality of higher education offered in universities are already available. This study aimed to determine students’ attitudes and opinions regarding the pharmacy curriculum at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). A survey instrument was administered to all final year bachelor of pharmacy (BPharm) students. Forty students (93%) completed and returned the survey. The majority of students (75%) expressed their satisfaction regarding the curriculum in general. Most students (74%) were also satisfied with the courses offered by the department of pharmacy practice. However, students were not satisfied with certain issues such as overlapping of some pharmacy practice courses, and the inclusion of the Malaysian language course in the BPharm curriculum.
  3. Zakaria SF, Awaisu A
    Am J Pharm Educ, 2011 May 10;75(4):75.
    PMID: 21769151
    OBJECTIVE: To implement a shared learning approach through fourth-year students' mentorship of third-year students and to assess the perceptions of the mentored students on the value of their shared learning experience.

    DESIGN: We introduced the shared learning experience in clinical pharmacy and pharmacotherapeutic practice experiences involving 87 third-year and 51 fourth-year students. Both student groups undertook the practice experiences together, with third-year students working in smaller groups mentored by fourth-year students.

    ASSESSMENT: A majority of the students (> 75%) believed that they learned to work as a team during their practice experiences and that the shared learning approach provided an opportunity to practice their communication skills. Similarly, most respondents (> 70%) agreed that the new approach would help them become effective members of the healthcare team and would facilitate their professional relationships in future practice. Almost two-thirds of the students believed that the shared learning enhanced their ability to understand clinical problems. However, about 31% of the pharmacy students felt that they could have learned clinical problem-solving skills equally well working only with peers from their own student group.

    CONCLUSIONS: The pharmacy students in the current study generally believed that the shared-learning approach enhanced their ability to understand clinical problems and improved their communication and teamwork skills. Both groups of students were positive that they had acquired some skills through the shared-learning approach.

  4. Albaroodi KA, Syed Sulaiman SA, Shafie AA, Awaisu A, Lajis R
    Value Health, 2014 Nov;17(7):A590.
    PMID: 27202012 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2014.08.2023
    Widespread evidence has demonstrated the negative effects of tobacco smoking in patients with diabetes. Although many studies have explored the prevalence of tobacco smoking in the general population, data are lacking regarding its prevalence in a specific population with a chronic disease such as diabetes.
    Objectives: This study aims to determine the prevalence of tobacco smoking among patients with diabetes in Hospital Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
    Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted to study diabetic patients who attended the endocrine clinic at Hospital Pulau Pinang in Malaysia from March to August 2012. All the diabetic patients who attended the endocrine clinic during that period were asked about their smoking status, and their medical records were reviewed. A total of 1,118 patients with diabetes were reviewed to determine the prevalence of tobacco smoking in diabetic patients at the endocrine clinic of Hospital Pulau Pinang.
    Results: The majority of the study population was male, with Malay and Chinese patients in almost equal proportions and a smaller proportion of Indian patients. Most of these patients had started smoking before they were diagnosed with diabetes. Among the 1,118 diabetic patients, only 108 patients smoked; therefore, the prevalence of tobacco smoking in our patients with diabetes was 9.66%.
    Conclusions: A low prevalence of tobacco smoking was estimated in this study. This prevalence is close to the corresponding value in the general population in Malaysia.
    Study site: Endocrine clinic, Hospital Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
  5. Matalqah L, Radaideh K, Yusoff ZM, Awaisu A
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2011;12(6):1549-53.
    PMID: 22126497
    BACKGROUND: Breast cancer has been increased in South East Asia countries, but there are limited data for breast cancer risk factors in these countries. To clarify the risk for breast cancer among the Malaysian women, a matched case-control study was conducted.

    METHOD: Between October 2009 and April 2010, a survey was prospectively conducted among women admitted to clinics of Penang General Hospital for examination and/or treatment by using a questionnaire. Therefore, characteristics of patients diagnosed with breast cancer (n=150) were compared with control cases (n=150) admitted to hospital for non-neoplastic, non-hormone related diseases.

    RESULTS: Family history of a distant relative with breast cancer (OR=2.84), history of first-degree relatives with breast cancer (OR=2.95), history of benign breast disease (OR=2.43), menstrual irregularity (OR=4.24), and use of oral contraceptive pills (OCP) (OR=2.15) were found to be significant risk factors for breast cancer in our population. Furthermore, education more than 11 years (OR=0.40), breastfeeding (OR=0.50), being employed (OR=0.45) and practicing low fat diet (OR=0.53) were strongly protective against breast cancer development.

    CONCLUSION: The results emphasize the importance of conducting a series of awareness campaigns that highlights the protective role of longer breastfeeding period against breast cancer and the negative relationships between OCP use and high fat diet with this disease.

  6. Permala J, Hassali MA, Awaisu A, Shafie AA
    Pediatr Int, 2010 Apr;52(2):290-5.
    PMID: 19744224 DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-200X.2009.02958.x
    BACKGROUND: In many countries, the most readily accessible drug information resources, such as the Monthly Index of Medical Specialties (MIMS), lack information concerning use in children. We reviewed the product information (PI) of medications in the most widely used drug information reference in Malaysia in an effort to determine the extent and the nature of available information related to pediatric dosing.
    METHODS: The products listed in the 2007 Malaysian MIMS Annual were reviewed for PI on pediatric use as per inclusion and exclusion criteria. The dosing information for each PI was extracted according to age groups. Product information that claimed suitability for use in pediatrics was further evaluated for information on pediatric dosage formulations.
    RESULTS: A total of 421 PI items from seven categories of therapeutic classes were reviewed. Of these, 69% gave inadequate pediatric dosing information. The proportions, for each age group of PI items that gave adequate pediatric dosing information were: neonates (13.1%), infants (23.3%), and children (32.2%). Therapeutic classes of drugs differed significantly in terms of dosing information adequacy for all pediatric age groups (P < 0.05). Most PI reviewed under all legal categories provided inadequate pediatric dosing information, but suitable pediatric formulations were commonly (70.1-85.5%) available where the dosing information existed. Overall, category B (prescription only) products did not differ significantly from category C (pharmacy only medicine) products in terms of pediatric dosing information adequacy, except for children.
    CONCLUSION: This study has managed to contribute substantial additional information regarding the extent of pediatric dosing information and dosage formulations available in the MIMS Annual, stressing that the majority of PI for the products reviewed did not provide adequate dosing information for pediatric patients, subjecting this population to a therapeutically disadvantaged status.
  7. Abdul Hadi M, Hassali MA, Shafie AA, Awaisu A
    Med Princ Pract, 2010;19(1):61-7.
    PMID: 19996622 DOI: 10.1159/000252837
    The objective of this study was to assess and compare the knowledge and perception of breast cancer among women of various ethnic groups in the state of Penang.
  8. Hadi MA, Hassali MA, Shafie AA, Awaisu A
    Pharm Pract (Granada), 2010 Jan;8(1):29-34.
    PMID: 25152790
    Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer death among women of all ethnic and age groups in Malaysia.

    OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the knowledge of breast cancer risk factors, symptoms and methods of screening among female university students and their perception towards the disease treatment outcomes.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from February to March 2008 at Universiti Sains Malaysia. Two hundred participants from 10 randomly selected faculties were interviewed face to face by a trained pharmacist using a validated questionnaire. In addition to their demographic characteristics, participants were required to answer 22 questions concerning knowledge of breast cancer and five questions related to their perception of breast cancer management and treatment outcomes. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 15.

    RESULTS: The mean age of the respondents was 26.7 (SD=1.9) years. The results showed that the vast majority of the female university students had inadequate knowledge of breast cancer. The mean total knowledge score of the students was 60.7%. Indian students had significantly less knowledge of breast cancer compared to their Chinese and Malay counterparts (p<0.05). However, more than two third of the students were aware of breast self examination (BSE) and clinical breast examination (CBE) recommendations. Furthermore, the students had positive perceptions towards the treatment outcomes of breast cancer.

    CONCLUSION: This study has highlighted the need of a breast cancer awareness campaign, which should also stress the importance of early detection and reporting of breast cancer.
  9. Ahmad Hassali MA, Awaisu A, Shafie AA, Saeed MS
    Malays Fam Physician, 2009;4(2-3):71-6.
    PMID: 25606167 MyJurnal
    AIM: This pilot study aimed to explore the perceptions of general medical practitioners (GPs) towards the professional training and roles of community pharmacists.
    METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to all private clinics (n=160) run by GPs in a northern state of Malaysia. The instrument contained questions to evaluate the practitioners' level of agreement using a 5-point Likert-type scale.
    RESULTS: Of 160 GPs, 80 returned the questionnaire (response rate 50%). The respondents agreed that: GPs should consider the community pharmacists' recommendations whenever there is/are any problem(s) with the prescriptions given by them (46.3%); community pharmacists are the best healthcare professionals to educate patients about safe and appropriate use of medications (52.5%); the pharmacy profession had undergone a major metamorphosis from a product-oriented profession to a more patient-centred and outcome-oriented one (61.3%); if dispensing separation is implemented, they will work closely with the community pharmacists in monitoring patients' pharmacotherapeutic outcomes (77.5%).
    CONCLUSION: The current findings suggest that GPs would support an extension of the role of the community pharmacists in number of activities of patient care activities such as medication counselling. Thus, suggesting potential collaborative care between GPs and community pharmacists towards patient care and the needs to develop and incorporate topics on inter-professional relationship in the current medical and pharmaceutical education curriculums.
    KEYWORDS: Community pharmacists; general practitioners; perceptions; roles; training
  10. Ping CC, Hassan Y, Aziz NA, Ghazali R, Awaisu A
    J Clin Pharm Ther, 2007 Feb;32(1):101-7.
    PMID: 17286794
    To report a case of early-decompensated liver cirrhosis secondary to discontinuation of penicillamine therapy in a patient with Wilson's disease.
  11. Awaisu A, Mohamed MH, Al-Efan QA
    Am J Pharm Educ, 2007 Dec 15;71(6):118.
    PMID: 19503702
    OBJECTIVES: To assess bachelor of pharmacy students' overall perception and acceptance of an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE), a new method of clinical competence assessment in pharmacy undergraduate curriculum at our Faculty, and to explore its strengths and weaknesses through feedback.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted via a validated 49-item questionnaire, administered immediately after all students completed the examination. The questionnaire comprised of questions to evaluate the content and structure of the examination, perception of OSCE validity and reliability, and rating of OSCE in relation to other assessment methods. Open-ended follow-up questions were included to generate qualitative data.

    RESULTS: Over 80% of the students found the OSCE to be helpful in highlighting areas of weaknesses in their clinical competencies. Seventy-eight percent agreed that it was comprehensive and 66% believed it was fair. About 46% felt that the 15 minutes allocated per station was inadequate. Most importantly, about half of the students raised concerns that personality, ethnicity, and/or gender, as well as interpatient and inter-assessor variability were potential sources of bias that could affect their scores. However, an overwhelming proportion of the students (90%) agreed that the OSCE provided a useful and practical learning experience.

    CONCLUSIONS: Students' perceptions and acceptance of the new method of assessment were positive. The survey further highlighted for future refinement the strengths and weaknesses associated with the development and implementation of an OSCE in the International Islamic University Malaysia's pharmacy curriculum.

  12. Hassan Y, Awaisu A, Aziz NA, Aziz NH, Ismail O
    J Clin Pharm Ther, 2007 Dec;32(6):535-44.
    PMID: 18021330
    To highlight therapeutic controversies, and present a critical review of the most recent evidence on the management of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT).
  13. Hassan Y, Awaisu A, Aziz NA, Ismail O
    Pharm World Sci, 2005 Feb;27(1):16-9.
    PMID: 15861930
    Phenytoin has been reported to have major interactions with warfarin. Phenytoin induces warfarin's metabolism. However, there are many case reports which provide conflicting conclusions. Here, we report a case of a 65-year-old man with mechanical heart valve on chronic warfarin therapy who experienced persistent fluctuations of INR and bleeding secondary to probable warfarin-phenytoin interactions. The patient's anticoagulation clinic visits prior to hospitalization were thoroughly evaluated and we continued to follow-up the case for 3 months post-hospitalization. The reported interaction could be reasonably explained from the chronology of events and the pattern of INR fluctuations whenever phenytoin was either added or discontinued from his drug regimen.
  14. Chua GN, Hassali MA, Shafie AA, Awaisu A
    Health Policy, 2010 May;95(2-3):229-35.
    PMID: 20044165 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2009.11.019
    OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the general practitioners' (GPs') knowledge and perceptions towards generic medicines in a northern state of Malaysia.
    METHOD: A postal cross-sectional survey involving registered GPs in Penang, Malaysia was undertaken. A 23-item questionnaire was developed, validated and administered on the GPs. Eighty-seven GPs responded to the survey (response rate 26.8%).
    RESULTS: The majority of the respondents (85.1%) claimed that they actively prescribed generic medicines in their practice. On the other hand, only 4.6% of the respondents correctly identified the Malaysia's National Pharmaceutical Control Bureau's bioequivalence standard for generic products. There were misconceptions among the respondents about the concepts of "bioequivalence", "efficacy", "safety", and "manufacturing standards" of generic medicines. GPs in this survey believed that a standard guideline on brand substitution process, collaboration with pharmacists, patient education and information on safety and efficacy of generic medicines were necessary to ensure quality use of generics. Furthermore, advertisements and product bonuses offered by pharmaceutical companies, patient's socio-economic factors as well as credibility of manufacturers were factors reported to influence their choice of medicine.
    CONCLUSION: Although it appeared that GPs have largely accepted the use of generic medicines, they still have concerns regarding the reliability and quality of such products. GPs need to be educated and reassured about generic products approval system in Malaysia concerning bioequivalence, quality, and safety. The current findings have important implications in establishing generic medicines policy in Malaysia.
  15. Makki M, Hassali MAA, Awaisu A, Chemaitelly H
    Saudi Pharm J, 2021 Jul;29(7):648-655.
    PMID: 34400858 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2021.04.026
    Background: Unused medications in homes pose significant health, economic, and environmental risks. Patients are the medications end users and their knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) play an important role towards medication use, unuse and wastage. Thus, a valid instrument to reliably measure patients' KAP towards unused medications in homes may help manage the associated risks.

    Objective: To develop, translate, and validate a questionnaire for the assessment patients' KAP towards unused medications in Qatar homes (i.e., QUM-Qatar).

    Setting: This cross-sectional validation study was conducted among randomly selected outpatients visiting various public and private pharmacies in Qatar between September 2019 and February 2020.

    Method: Nine experts in the field of pharmacy practice with Qatar contextual background established the content validity of the instrument. The validity was quantified using content validity index (CVI). Furthermore, construct validity was performed using principal component analysis (PCA), whereas internal consistency reliability of items was determined using Cronbach's alpha. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA 15 statistical software.

    Main outcome measure: The psychometric properties of the QUM-Qatar assessment instrument.

    Results: An English/Arabic questionnaire was developed and validated. Content validity in the form of scale-level-CVI (S-CVI)/Average and S-CVI/UA was 0.88 and 0.84, respectively, suggesting adequate relevant content of the questionnaire. Variation explained by the multivariate model was 85.0% for knowledge, 94.8% for attitude, and 89.8% for practice. Cronbach's alpha coefficients were 0.68, 0.82, and 0.84, for knowledge, attitude, and practice domains, respectively. From the psychometric results obtained, the questionnaire's validity and reliability were attained.

    Conclusion: The QUM-Qatar instrument has acceptable psychometric properties and has the potential for future use in research and practice to assess KAP towards unused medications in Qatar and elsewhere. It may consequently help in improving medication use and mitigating the negative health, economic, and environmental impacts of unused medications.Impacts on practice.•There is now a valid and reliable English/Arabic language questionnaire to assess patients' KAP towards unused medications.•Policymakers can utilize this questionnaire to develop evidence-based policies and strategies for managing unused medications and their disposal.•To improve medication use review, rational use of medicines, and adherence, it is necessary to consider patient-reported outcomes that may eventually reflect on saving health, economic resources, and environment.

  16. Jatau AI, Shitu Z, Khalid GM, Yunusa I, Awaisu A
    Ther Adv Drug Saf, 2019;10:2042098619852552.
    PMID: 31258886 DOI: 10.1177/2042098619852552
    Background: The burden of adverse drug event (ADE)-related emergency department (ED) visits is increasing despite several preventive measures. The objective of this paper was to develop and validate a conceptual model for a better understanding of ADE-related ED visits and to guide the design and implementation of effective interventions.

    Methods: The development of the model involved a systematic review of the literature using PubMed and Embase databases. Studies reporting the risk factors associated with ADE-related ED visits were included. The methodological qualities of the included studies were assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). The model was mapped and validated using face and content validity by an expert panel. Deficiencies and targeted interventions were identified, and steps for the design and implementation were recommended.

    Results: The literature search generated 1361 articles, of which 38 were included in the review; 41 risk factors associated with ADE-related ED visits were identified. All factors were mapped, and the model was validated through face and content validity. The model consisted of six concepts related to sociodemographic factors, clinical factors, ADE-related to ED visits, ADE while in the ED, outcomes, and consequences. Interventions could be targeted at the factors identified in each concept to prevent ADE-related ED burden.

    Conclusion: A conceptual model to guide the successful design and implementation of strategies to prevent ADE-related ED visits and the occurrence of ADE at ED was developed. Clinicians should take these factors into consideration to prevent untoward events, especially when treating high-risk patients.

  17. Yun LS, Hassan Y, Aziz NA, Awaisu A, Ghazali R
    Patient Educ Couns, 2007 Dec;69(1-3):47-54.
    PMID: 17720351 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2007.06.017
    Objective: The primary objective of this study was to assess and compare the knowledge of diabetes mellitus possessed by patients with diabetes and healthy adult volunteers in Penang, Malaysia.
    Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted from 20 February 2006 to 31 March 2006. We randomly selected 120 patients with diabetes mellitus from a diabetic clinic at the General Hospital Penang, Malaysia and 120 healthy adults at a shopping complex in Penang. Each participant was interviewed face-to-face by a pharmacist using a validated questionnaire, and they were required to answer a total of 30 questions concerning knowledge about diabetes mellitus using Yes, No or Unsure as the only response.
    Results: The results showed that patients with diabetes mellitus were significantly more knowledgeable than the healthy volunteers about risk factors, symptoms, chronic complications, treatment and self-management, and monitoring parameters. Educational level was the best predictive factor for diabetes mellitus and public awareness.
    Conclusion: Knowledge about diabetes mellitus should be improved among the general population.
    Practice implications: This study has major implications for the design of an educational programme for diabetics and a health promotion programme as a primary prevention measure for the healthy population in general, and especially for those at high risk. The results could be useful in the design of future studies for evaluating patients' and the general public's knowledge about diabetes mellitus.
  18. Ibrahim AKA, Syed Sulaiman SA, Awaisu A, Shafie AA
    J Int Med Res, 2023 Oct;51(10):3000605231208598.
    PMID: 37890143 DOI: 10.1177/03000605231208598
    OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the impact of a brief smoking cessation intervention among patients with diabetes.

    METHODS: This randomized interventional clinical trial involved patients with diabetes who smoked tobacco and attended the outpatient diabetes clinic at Penang Hospital, Malaysia. Participants were randomized into a control group that usual care for patients with diabetes, or an intervention group that received a 5-minute physician-delivered brief counseling session on tobacco cessation using the 5A's strategy, in addition to usual care. Primary outcome measures were assessed over three visits (every 3-4 months) including mean glycated hemoglobin level, quitting rate, blood pressure, and mean number of cigarettes smoked per day.

    RESULTS: In total, 126 participants were finally enrolled in the study, with 63 patients each in the intervention and control groups. There was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to glycemic control, blood pressure, and quitting rate. However, patients in both groups reduced their cigarette consumption.

    CONCLUSIONS: The present brief smoking cessation intervention did not result in better glycemic control, blood pressure, or quitting rates among patients with diabetes. This patient group may require more intensive guidance for better outcomes.Trial registration: This study is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04864327); https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?pg=1&load=cart&id=NCT04864327.

  19. Hassan Y, Awaisu A, Al-Meman AA, Aziz NA
    Malays J Med Sci, 2008 Apr;15(2):3-13.
    PMID: 22589618
    Our objectives were to discuss a general overview on the description and recognition of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) and present a critical review of the traditional and most recent advances in its pharmacotherapy. Computerized searches were done on MEDLINE and Iowa Drug Information Service (IDIS) databases from June 2001 until June 2007 and from May 2005 until May 2007, respectively. Search terms used included 'heparin-induced thrombocytopenia', 'heparin-associated thrombocytopenia', therapeutics, HIT, HAT. We largely selected publications within the timeframe above, but did not exclude commonly referenced and highly regarded older publications. The commonly referenced published articles were obtained through manual searches derived from bibliographic citations and retrievals from the authors' personal files. Pertinent literatures (89 key articles) that were thought to have substantially contributed new information to the therapeutics of HIT within the last 6 years were identified, reviewed and presented. The following limits were used for the MEDLINE and IDIS searches: 'human', drug therapy', 'review', 'meta-analysis', 'clinical trial', and case reports. The therapeutics of HIT is rapidly evolving and needs to consider an evidence - based approach. It is imperative that practitioners be aware of the associated risk and be up-to-date with the current advances in the management of this fatal clinical condition.
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