Displaying all 16 publications

Abstract:
Sort:
  1. Htay MNN, McMonnies K, Kalua T, Ferley D, Hassanein M
    PMID: 32489996 DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_321_18
    CONTEXT: In the era of technology, social networking has become a platform for the teaching-learning process. Exploring international students' perspective on using Twitter would reveal the barriers and potential for its use in higher educational activities.

    AIMS: This study aimed to explore the postgraduate students' perspective on using Twitter as a learning resource.

    SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This qualitative study was conducted as part of a postgraduate program at a university in the United Kingdom. A focus group discussion and five in-depth interviews were conducted after receiving the informed consent. The qualitative data were analyzed by R package for Qualitative Data Analysis software.

    ANALYSIS USED: Deductive content analysis was used in this study.

    RESULTS: Qualitative analysis revealed four salient themes, which were (1) background knowledge about Twitter, (2) factors influencing the usage of Twitter, (3) master's students' experiences on using Twitter for education, and (4) potential of using Twitter in the postgraduate study. The students preferred to use Twitter for sharing links and appreciated the benefit on immediate dissemination of information. Meanwhile, privacy concern, unfamiliarity, and hesitation to participate in discussion discouraged the students from using Twitter as a learning platform.

    CONCLUSIONS: Using social media platforms in education could be challenging for both the learners and the educators. Our study revealed that Twitter was mainly used for social communication among postgraduate students however most could see a benefit of using Twitter for their learning if they received adequate guidance on how to use the platform. The multiple barriers to using Twitter were mainly related to unfamiliarity which should be addressed early in the learning process.

  2. Hassanein M, Echtay AS, Malek R, Omar M, Shaikh SS, Ekelund M, et al.
    Diabetes Res Clin Pract, 2018 Jan;135:218-226.
    PMID: 29183844 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2017.11.027
    AIMS: To compare the efficacy and safety of insulin degludec/insulin aspart (IDegAsp) and biphasic insulin aspart 30 (BIAsp 30) before, during and after Ramadan in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who fasted during Ramadan.

    METHODS: In this multinational, randomised, treat-to-target trial, patients with T2DM who intended to fast and were on basal, pre- or self-mixed insulin ± oral antidiabetic drugs for ≥90 days were randomised (1:1) to IDegAsp twice daily (BID) or BIAsp 30 BID. Treatment period included pre-Ramadan treatment initiation (with insulin titration for 8-20 weeks), Ramadan (4 weeks) and post-Ramadan (4 weeks). Insulin doses were reduced by 30-50% for the pre-dawn meal (suhur) on the first day of Ramadan, and readjusted to the pre-Ramadan levels at the end of Ramadan. Hypoglycaemia was analysed as overall (severe or plasma glucose <3.1 mmol/L [56 mg/dL]), nocturnal (00:01-05:59) or severe (requiring assistance of another person).

    RESULTS: During the treatment period, IDegAsp (n = 131) had significantly lower overall and nocturnal hypoglycaemia rates with similar glycaemic efficacy, versus BIAsp 30 (n = 132). During Ramadan, despite achieving significantly lower pre-iftar (meal at sunset) self-measured plasma glucose (estimated treatment difference: -0.54 mmol/L [-1.02; -0.07]95% CI, p = .0247; post hoc) with similar overall glycaemic efficacy, IDegAsp showed significantly lower overall and nocturnal hypoglycaemia rates versus BIAsp 30.

    CONCLUSIONS: IDegAsp is a suitable therapeutic agent for patients who need insulin for sustained glucose control before, during and after Ramadan fasting, with a significantly lower risk of hypoglycaemia, versus BIAsp 30, an existing premixed insulin analogue.

  3. Tan B, So PN, Krishnan A, Carriazo S, Bahamonde JR, Lamech TM, et al.
    Kidney Med, 2023 Nov;5(11):100724.
    PMID: 37915962 DOI: 10.1016/j.xkme.2023.100724
    Active lupus nephritis (LN) in pregnancy is strongly associated with poor maternal and fetal outcomes and, therefore, has implications on the planning, timing, and management. Prepregnancy evaluation is essential for all LN patients with childbearing potential to ensure pregnancies proceed in a safe and timely manner. Both maternal and fetal risks are communicated to patient during the evaluation. Stratification into different risk profile groups is then made based on disease activity and organ impairment severity. Patients with LN are generally divided into 3 main groups. Patients with LN who become pregnant receive treatments that are nonteratogenic and optimal for fetal and maternal outcomes. Throughout the pregnancy period, these patients are monitored closely under surveillance by a multidisciplinary team of clinicians. The management of patients with LN in pregnancy can be challenging both diagnostically (distinguishing LN from pre-eclampsia and determining the role and timing of kidney biopsy) and therapeutically (LN flares during pregnancy and managing a newly diagnosed LN during pregnancy).
  4. Hassanein M, Al Sifri S, Shaikh S, Raza SA, Akram J, Rudijanto A, et al.
    Diabetes Ther, 2021 Jun;12(6):1703-1719.
    PMID: 33974216 DOI: 10.1007/s13300-021-01067-1
    INTRODUCTION: To analyse the safety and effectiveness of gliclazide modified release (MR) in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus participating in Ramadan from three geographically and culturally different regions of the world included in the DIA-RAMADAN study.

    METHODS: DIA-RAMADAN was a real-world, observational, international, non-comparative study. The global study population was divided into three regional subgroups, with data gathered at inclusion 6-8 weeks prior to Ramadan (V0), during Ramadan (4.5 weeks) and 4-6 weeks after Ramadan (V1). Primary endpoint was the proportion of patients reporting ≥ 1 symptomatic hypoglycaemic events (HE), which were collected using a patient diary along with other adverse events.

    RESULTS: Patient numbers from the three regions were n = 564 (46.5%; Indian sub-continent), n = 354 (29.1%; Middle East) and n = 296 (24.4%; South-East Asia). Patient baseline characteristics, demographics, fasting habits and antidiabetic treatments varied between regions. There were similar proportions of symptomatic HE between regions, with no severe HE. Significant weight reductions were observed in all regions following Ramadan, along with reductions in HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose.

    CONCLUSION: These real-world study data indicate that gliclazide MR is safe and effective for management of type 2 diabetes during Ramadan in all three regions studied as part of DIA-RAMADAN.

    TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT04132934. INFOGRAPHIC.

  5. Hassanein M, Al Sifri S, Shaikh S, Abbas Raza S, Akram J, Pranoto A, et al.
    Diabetes Res Clin Pract, 2020 May;163:108154.
    PMID: 32330510 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2020.108154
    AIMS: To explore the real-world safety and effectiveness of gliclazide modified release (MR) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) fasting during Ramadan.

    METHODS: DIA-RAMADAN (NCT04132934) was a prospective, international, observational study conducted in nine countries. Patients >18 years of age with T2DM (N = 1244) were examined at an inclusion visit (V0) occurring 6-8 weeks before the start of Ramadan. Patients received a diary to report treatment changes, hypoglycaemic events (HEs), and other adverse events. Gliclazide MR was taken once daily for 14-18 weeks. A second visit (V1) was conducted 4-6 weeks after the end of Ramadan. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients reporting ≥1 symptomatic HE. Changes in HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and body weight were secondary endpoints.

    RESULTS: The proportion of patients reporting ≥1 symptomatic HE during Ramadan was low (2.2%) with no reported severe HEs. There was a significant reduction in HbA1c (-0.3%), FPG (-9.7 mg/dL), body weight (-0.5 kg) and body mass index (-0.2 kg/m2) between V0 and V1 (p 

  6. Htay MNN, Marzo RR, Bahari R, AlRifai A, Kamberi F, El-Abasiri RA, et al.
    PMID: 33977169 DOI: 10.1016/j.cegh.2021.100759
    BACKGROUND: The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has a social and psychological impact among healthcare workers worldwide and appropriate coping strategies are essential to avoid the negative mental health effects. This study aimed to investigate the coping strategies among the healthcare workers from different countries and their attitude towards teamwork during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted by using an online, web-based questionnaire, which was distributed to healthcare workers from 32 countries during April and May 2020. The respondents were recruited by the non-random convenience sampling method.

    RESULTS: A total of 2166 respondents responded to the survey and the majority were working in low- and middle-income countries. Among them, 36% were doctors, 24% were nurses and 40% worked in other healthcare sectors. More than 70% of the respondents answered that "getting family support" and "positive thinking" were coping methods for them during the COVID-19 pandemic. Approximately half of the respondents worshiped according to their belief and conducted prayers (58.4%) and had adequate sleep and food intake (48.2%). The significant associations were observed between attitude score towards interprofessional teamwork and gender (p = 0.009), age (31-45 years) (p 

  7. Hassanein M, Alamoudi RM, Kallash MA, Aljohani NJ, Alfadhli EM, Tony LE, et al.
    Diabetes Res Clin Pract, 2021 Feb;172:108626.
    PMID: 33321160 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2020.108626
    OBJECTIVES: The DaR Global survey was conducted to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the intentions to fast and the outcomes of fasting in <18 years versus ≥18 years age groups with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

    METHODS: Muslim people with T1DM were surveyed in 13 countries between June and August 2020, shortly after the end of Ramadan (23rd April-23rd May 2020) using a simple questionnaire.

    RESULTS: 71.1% of muslims with T1DM fasted during Ramadan. Concerns about COVID-19 were higher in individuals ≥18 years (p = 0.002). The number of participants who decided not to fast plus those who received Ramadan-focused education were significantly higher in the ≥18-year group (p 

  8. Hassanein M, Al-Arouj M, Hamdy O, Bebakar WMW, Jabbar A, Al-Madani A, et al.
    Diabetes Res Clin Pract, 2017 Apr;126:303-316.
    PMID: 28347497 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2017.03.003
    Ramadan fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam and is compulsory for all healthy Muslims from puberty onwards. Exemptions exist for people with serious medical conditions, including many with diabetes, but a large number will participate, often against medical advice. Ensuring the optimal care of these patients during Ramadan is crucial. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and Diabetes and Ramadan (DAR) International Alliance have come together to deliver comprehensive guidelines on this subject. The key areas covered include epidemiology, the physiology of fasting, risk stratification, nutrition advice and medication adjustment. The IDF-DAR Practical Guidelines should enhance knowledge surrounding the issue of diabetes and Ramadan fasting, thereby empowering healthcare professionals to give the most up-to-date advice and the best possible support to their patients during Ramadan.
  9. Hassanein M, Hussein Z, Shaltout I, Wan Seman WJ, Tong CV, Mohd Noor N, et al.
    Diabetes Res Clin Pract, 2021 Mar;173:108674.
    PMID: 33493579 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2021.108674
    OBJECTIVES: The DAR Global survey of Ramadan-fasting during the COVID-19 pandemic aimed to describe the characteristics and care in participants with type 2 diabetes (T2D) with a specific comparison between those <65 years and ≥65 years.

    METHODS: Participants were consented to answer a physician-administered questionnaire following Ramadan 2020. Impact of COVID-19 on the decision of fasting, intentions to fast and duration of Ramadan and Shawal fasting, hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia events were assessed. Specific analysis comparing age categories of <65 years and ≥65 years were performed.

    RESULTS: Among the 5865 participants, 22.5% were ≥65 years old. Concern for COVID-19 affected fasting decision for 7.6% (≥65 years) vs 5.4% (<65 years). More participants ≥65 years old did not fast (28.8% vs 12.7%, <65 years). Of the 83.6%, participants fulfilling Ramadan-fasting, 94.8% fasted ≥15 days and 12.6% had to break fast due to diabetes-related illness. The average number of days fasting within and post-Ramadan were 27 and 6 days respectively, regardless of age. Hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia occurred in 15.7% and 16.3% of participants respectively, with 6.5% and 7.4% requiring hospital care respectively. SMBG was performed in 73.8% of participants and 43.5% received Ramadan-focused education.

    CONCLUSION: During the COVID-19 pandemic, universally high rates of Ramadan-fasting were observed regardless of fasting risk level. Glycemic complications occurred frequently with older adults requiring higher rates of acute hospital care. Risk stratification is essential followed by pre-Ramadan interventions, Ramadan-focused diabetes education and self-monitoring to reduce and prevent complications, with particular emphasis in older adults.

  10. Al Saleh Y, Al Busaidi N, Al Dahi W, Almajnoni M, Mohammed AS, Alshali K, et al.
    Adv Ther, 2023 Jul;40(7):2965-2984.
    PMID: 37233878 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-023-02529-7
    Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension are leading risk factors for death and disability in the Middle East. Both conditions are highly prevalent, underdiagnosed and poorly controlled, highlighting an urgent need for a roadmap to overcome the barriers to optimal glycaemic and blood pressure management in this region. This review provides a summary of the Evidence in Diabetes and Hypertension Summit (EVIDENT) held in September 2022, which discussed current treatment guidelines, unmet clinical needs and strategies to improve treatment outcomes for patients with T2DM and hypertension in the Middle East. Current clinical guidelines recommend strict glycaemic and blood pressure targets, presenting several treatment options to achieve and maintain these targets and prevent complications. However, treatment targets are infrequently met in the Middle East, largely due to high clinical inertia among physicians and low medication adherence among patients. To address these challenges, clinical guidelines now provide individualised therapy recommendations based on drug profiles, patient preferences and management priorities. Efforts to improve the early detection of prediabetes, T2DM screening and intensive, early glucose control will minimise long-term complications. Physicians can use the T2DM Oral Agents Fact Checking programme to help navigate the wide range of treatment options and guide clinical decision-making. Sulfonylurea agents have been used successfully to manage T2DM; a newer agent, gliclazide MR (modified release formulation), has the advantages of a lower incidence of hypoglycaemia with no risk of cardiovascular events, weight neutrality and proven renal benefits. For patients with hypertension, single-pill combinations have been developed to improve efficacy and reduce treatment burden. In conjunction with pragmatic treatment algorithms and personalised therapies, greater investments in disease prevention, public awareness, training of healthcare providers, patient education, government policies and research are needed to improve the quality of care of patients with T2DM and/or hypertension in the Middle East.
  11. Mackenzie SC, Dickson J, Mehar S, Yusof BNM, Alselmi A, Aksi B, et al.
    Prim Care Diabetes, 2024 Mar 15.
    PMID: 38493066 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcd.2024.03.002
    AIMS: Ramadan-focused diabetes education is critical to facilitate safer Ramadan fasting amongst Muslim people living with diabetes. We present the design, delivery, and evaluation of two parallel massive open online courses (MOOCs) in Ramadan-focused diabetes education for people with diabetes and HCPs.

    METHODS: Two Ramadan-focused diabetes education MOOCs were developed and delivered for Ramadan 2023: one for HCPs in English, and another for people with diabetes in English, Arabic and Malay. A user-centred iterative design process was adopted, informed by user feedback from a 2022 pilot MOOC. Evaluation comprised a mixed-methods evaluation of pre- and post-course user surveys.

    RESULTS: The platform was utilised by people with diabetes and their family, friends and healthcare professionals. Overall, a total of 1531 users registered for the platform from 50 countries, 809 started a course with a 48% subsequent completion rate among course starters. Qualitative analysis showed users found the course a user-friendly and authoritative information source. In the HCP MOOC, users reported improved post-MOOC Ramadan awareness, associated diabetes knowledge and ability to assess and advise patients in relation to their diabetes during Ramadan (p<0.01).

    CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate the potential of MOOCs to deliver culturally tailored, high-quality, scalable, multilingual Ramadan-focused diabetes education to HCPs and people with diabetes.

  12. Hassanein M, Binte Zainudin S, Shaikh S, Shaltout I, Malek R, Buyukbese MA, et al.
    Curr Med Res Opin, 2024 Sep;40(9):1515-1523.
    PMID: 39076065 DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2024.2385057
    BACKGROUND: Managing diabetes during Ramadan fasting is a challenge due lifestyle changes. We described the characteristics and patterns of care for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) during Ramadan 2020 and 2022.

    METHODS: Our study included multinational Muslims with T2DM who were during routine consultation. We collected data on demographics, fasting characteristics, and complications. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and multiple testing were performed.

    RESULTS: 12,529 patients participated. Mean age was 55.2 ± 11.8 years; 52.4% were females. Mean diabetes duration was 9.9 ± 7.4 years; 27.7% were with HbA1c >9% (75 mmol/mol) and 70% had complications. Metformin was the most used medication followed by insulin. 85.1% fasted ≥1 day; fasting mean duration was 27.6 ± 5.6 days. Hypoglycemia occurred in 15.5% of whom 11.7% attended emergency department or were hospitalized; this was significantly associated with age and/or duration of diabetes. Hyperglycemia occurred in 14.9% of whom 6.1% attended emergency department or were hospitalized and was also associated with age or duration of diabetes. 74.2% performed SMBG during fasting. 59.2% were educated on Ramadan fasting, with 89.7% receiving it during routine consultation.

    CONCLUSIONS: Ramadan fasting in T2DM is high. Multidisciplinary approach is required to mitigate complications. Our findings support current recommendations for safe fasting.

  13. Alamoudi RM, Aljohani NJ, Alfadhli EM, Alzaman N, Alfadhly AF, Kallash MA, et al.
    Diabetes Metab Syndr, 2023 Jan;17(1):102676.
    PMID: 36463695 DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2022.102676
    BACKGROUND AND AIMS: To compare Saudi Arabia with other countries regarding patient attitudes towards fasting Ramadan and complications related to fasting during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    METHODS: Data collected from Saudi Arabia and 12 other mostly Muslim majority countries, via physician administered questionnaire within post Ramadan 2020.

    RESULTS: 1485 Type1 diabetes (T1DM) patients analyzed; 705 (47.5%) from Saudi Arabia vs. 780 (52.5%) from other countries. 1056 (71.1%) fasted Ramadan; 636 (90.2%) of Saudi patients vs. 420 (53.8%) of other countries. Experiencing Ramadan during the COVID-19 pandemic did not affect the Saudi T1DM patients' decision to fast while it significantly influenced their decision in other countries (1.4 vs 9.9%, P 

  14. Hassanein M, Yousuf S, Ahmedani MY, Albashier A, Shaltout I, Yong A, et al.
    Diabetes Metab Syndr, 2023 Jul;17(7):102799.
    PMID: 37301008 DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2023.102799
    BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The DaR Global survey was conducted to observe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the intentions to fast and the outcomes of fasting in people with diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD).

    METHODS: Muslim people with diabetes and CKD were surveyed in 13 countries shortly after the end of Ramadan 2020, using a simple Survey Monkey questionnaire.

    RESULTS: This survey recruited 6736 people with diabetes, of which 707 (10.49%) had CKD. There were 118 (16.69%) people with type1 diabetes (T1D), and 589 (83.31%) were with type2 diabetes (T2D). 62 (65.24%) people with T1D and 448 (76.06%) people with T2D had fasted with CKD. Episodes of hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia were more frequent among people with T1D compared to T2D, 64.52% and 43.54% vs 25.22% and 22.32% respectively. Visits to the emergency department and hospitalization were more frequent among people with CKD, however no significant difference was found between people with T1D and T2D.

    CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic had only a minor effect on the intention to fast during Ramadan in people with diabetes and CKD. However, hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia were found to be more frequent, as well as emergency visits and hospital admissions among people with diabetic kidney disease. Prospective studies are needed in future to evaluate the risk indicators of hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia among fasting people with CKD, especially in the context of different stages of kidney disease.

  15. Hassanein M, Afandi B, Yakoob Ahmedani M, Mohammad Alamoudi R, Alawadi F, Bajaj HS, et al.
    PMID: 35016991 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2021.109185
    Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory for all healthy Muslims from the age of puberty. Though individuals with some illness and serious medical conditions, including some people with diabetes, can be exempted from fasting, many will fast anyway. It is of paramount importance that people with diabetes that fast are given the appropriate guidance and receive proper care. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and Diabetes and Ramadan (DaR) International Alliance have come together to provide a substantial update to the previous guidelines. This update includes key information on fasting during Ramadan with type 1 diabetes, the management of diabetes in people of elderly ages and pregnant women, the effects of Ramadan on one's mental wellbeing, changes to the risk of macrovascular and microvascular complications, and areas of future research. The IDF-DAR Diabetes and Ramadan Practical Guidelines 2021 seek to improve upon the awareness, knowledge and management of diabetes during Ramadan, and to provide real-world recommendations to health professionals and the people with diabetes who choose to fast.
Related Terms
Filters
Contact Us

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links