136 research outputs found
A Study of Wordsworth's Romantic Conception of Nature in Gibrabn Khalil Gibranâs poem Munajat Arwah
Gibran Khalil Gibran  (1883-1931) is a genius Lebanese poet  , who spent most of his life in    the Unit States of America .While living there, he was exposed to the ideologies of English Romanticism , pioneered by some memorable Romantic poets like Wordsworth, Blake , Shelley and   Keats .Together with his subsequent association with Arrabitah group of AL-Mahjer poets , he contributed to the birth of Arabic Romanticism , which came as a reaction against Arabic neo-classical poetry . Romanticism is described as the return to nature. Nature influences the mind of the poet which in its turn provides a returned response colored by the imagination .Thus, nature becomes a dominant theme in the poems of the literary legend and the founder of English Romanticism William Wordsworth. One of the essential manifestation of Wordsworth's fascination with nature is his insistence on shifting the interest from the city life to countryside, a shift that overwhelms Gibran with similar feelings of nostalgia and regret for the latter's distortion by the factory smokes . In his famous work Munajat Arwah (Communion of Spirits ) published in 1914 , Gibran depicts nature in a typically Wordsworthian mannerism . Therefore, this poem is taken to be a case study for illustrating the English Romantic poetâs impact in molding Gibranâs aesthetic vision of natureâs supremacy over the decadent and polluted existence in cities. Keywords: English Romanticism, sublime feelings, restorative forces of nature, nature as a manifestation of Godâs grandeur, nature verses city
A Randomized Controlled Trail Comparing the Efficacy of 0.5% Centbucridine to 2% Lignocaine as Local Anesthetics in Dental Extractions
The development of local anesthesia in dentistry has marked the beginning of a new era in terms of pain control. Lignocaine is the most commonly used local anesthetic (LA) agent even though it has a vasodilative effect and needs to be combined with adrenaline. Centbucridine is a non-ester, non amide group LA and has not been comprehensively studied in the dental setting and the objective was to compare it to Lignocaine. This was a randomized study comparing the onset time, duration, depth and cardiovascular parameters between Centbucridine (0.5%) and Lignocaine (2%). The study was conducted in the dental outpatient department at the Government Dental College in India on patients attending for the extraction of lower molars. A total of 198 patients were included and there were no significant differences between the LAs except those who received Centbucridine reported a significantly longer duration of anesthesia compared to those who received Lignocaine. None of the patients reported any side effects. Centbucridine was well tolerated and its substantial duration of anesthesia could be attributed to its chemical compound. Centbucridine can be used for dental procedures and can confidently be used in patients who cannot tolerate Lignocaine or where adrenaline is contraindicated
Impact of pharmaceutical care on health outcomes in patients with COPD
Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD) treatment goals are often not achieved despite
the availability of many effective treatments. Furthermore,
clinical pharmacist interventions to improve clinical and
humanistic outcomes in COPD patients have not yet been
explored and few randomized controlled trials have been
reported to evaluate the impact of pharmaceutical care on
health outcomes in patients with COPD. Objective The aimof
the present studywas to evaluate the impact of pharmaceutical
care intervention,with a strong focus on self-management, on
a range of clinical and humanistic outcomes in patients with
COPD. Setting Outpatient COPD Clinic at the Royal Medical
Services Hospital. Method In a randomised, controlled, prospective
clinical trial, a total of 133 COPD patients were
randomly assigned to intervention or control group. A structured
education about COPD and management of its symptoms
was delivered by the clinical pharmacist for patients in
the intervention group. Patientswere followed up at 6 months
during a scheduled visit. Effectiveness of the intervention was
assessed in terms of improvement in health-related quality of
life,medication adherence, disease knowledge and healthcare
utilization. Data collected at baseline and at the 6 month
assessment was coded and entered into SPSS software version
17 for statistical analysis. A P value of\0.05 was considered
statistically significant. Main outcome measure The
primary outcome measure was health-related quality of life
improvement. All other data collected including healthcare
utilization, COPD knowledge and medication adherence
formed secondary outcome measures. Results A total of 66
patients were randomized to the intervention group and 67
patients were randomized to the control group. Although the
current study failed to illustrate significant improvement in
health-related quality of life parameters, the results indicated
significant improvements in COPD knowledge (P\0.001),
medication adherence (P\0.05), medication beliefs (P\
0.01) and significant reduction in hospital admission rates
(P\0.05) in intervention patients when compared with
control group patients at the end of the study. Conclusion The
enhanced patient outcomes as a result of the pharmaceutical
care programme in the present study demonstrate the value of
an enhanced clinical pharmacy service in achieving the
desired health outcomes for patients with COPD
Prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in the Palestinian population
We determined the prevalence of hypertension and the level of awareness, treatment and control of hypertension among
Palestinian adults in a population-based cross-sectional survey. Two-stage stratified sampling method was used to select 2077
participants from the general population aged 25 years and over. Trained observers obtained two blood pressure (BP)
measurements from each individual by the use of a standardized mercury sphygmomanometer after a 5-min sitting rest.
Information on sociogeographical factors and antihypertensive medications was obtained using a standard questionnaire.
Hypertension was defined as a mean systolic BP (SBP) X140mm Hg, diastolic BP (DBP)X90mmHg, and/or use of antihypertensive
medications. The overall prevalence of hypertension was 27.6%, with a higher percentage among men (29.2 vs 26.4%; PŒ0.04).
Hypertension increased with age in both men and women. Among hypertensive patients, 51.0% were aware of their elevated BP,
40.2% had treatment and only 9.5% achieved targeted BP control (o140/90mmHg). Patients under antihypertensive treatment
showed SBP and DBP that were only 3.1mmHg and 2.5mmHg lower than individuals without antihypertensive treatment,
respectively. The data show that hypertension prevalence among Palestinian adults is high, whereas the proportions of awareness treatment and control of hypertension were low. Concerted public health effort is urgently required to improve the detection, treatment and control of hypertension in Palestine.Technical and financial support for this study was made available by the Palestinian
American Research Council. We also wish to thank Dr Asaâd Ramlawi, Head of the
primary care department at the Palestinian Ministry of Health for his support. This
project is Funded by the Palestinian American Research Council
Pharmacovigilance and Adverse Drug Reactions Reporting Process in West-Bank, Palestine
Active national pharmacovigilance programmes are needed to monitor adverse drug reaction (ADR)
data in local populations. The objective of this study was to describe the knowledge, experiences, attitudes
and perceived barriers to reporting of suspected ADRs by community and hospital pharmacists in
West Bank, Palestine. Between December 2014 and March 2015 we conducted a survey about the
knowledge and attitude of pharmacists (n = 270) using a face-to-face questionnaire. The questionnaire
consisted of questions about the sociodemographic characteristics of the pharmacists, their knowledge of
pharmacovigilance and their attitudes towards ADR reporting. Main outcomes measured: The majority of
the pharmacists (62.6%) worked in the community pharmacies and more females responded to the questionnaire
than males (59% vs 41%). only 11.9% could conceptually or actually define
âpharmacovigilanceâ correctly while one quarter of the respondent pharmacist (24.9%) could define ADR
correctly. The hospital clinical pharmacists defined âpharmacovigilanceâ correctly with higher significance
(P<0.001) when compared with community pharmacists. Only 12.2% had ever reported an ADR.
The majority of these reports (85%) done by the hospital pharmacists (p<0.0001). The main reasons that
discourage the pharmacists from reporting ADRs were ââno enough information available from the patient
(76.7%)ââ, and ââthey did not know how to report (66.7%)ââ. The majority of the respondents (92.0%) felt
that reporting ADR was their duty and (82%) participants were interested in participating in the National
Pharmacovigilance Programme in Palestine. The results show that Palestinian pharmacists have poor
knowledge about pharmacovigilance. There is an urgent need for educational programs to train them
about pharmacovigilance and ADR reporting scheme
Evaluating Influenza Vaccination Practices among COPD Patients
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) stands as a global health concern linked to considerable morbidity and mortality. In Jordan, the prevalence of COPD is substantial, but research in this area is limited. Exacerbations of COPD can lead to severe outcomes, including hospitalization and increased cardiovascular risk. Influenza is a significant trigger of exacerbations in COPD patients, and vaccination is recommended. However, studies have shown negative attitudes towards the influenza vaccine. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, practices, and intentions of COPD patients in Jordan regarding influenza vaccination. Data were collected through a custom-designed questionnaire from 300 COPD patients. The study revealed low influenza vaccination rates, with forgetfulness and lack of knowledge about vaccine effectiveness being the main barriers. Higher knowledge and positive attitudes were associated with greater intention to vaccinate. To tackle these challenges, it is recommended to implement customized health education campaigns, foster collaborations with healthcare providers, and engage in community-focused initiatives to enhance acceptance of the influenza vaccine among COPD patients in Jordan. These findings underscore the importance of addressing knowledge gaps and negative attitudes to enhance vaccine uptake and improve health outcomes for COPD patients
Pharmacistsâ Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Towards Herbal Remedies In West Bank, Palestine
Background:
There is an increasing trend towards consumption of
complementary and alternative herbal products in many parts of the
world.
Objectives:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the knowled
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ge and attitudes among pharmacists in West Bank, Palestine towards
the use of herbs.
Methods:
Self-administered questionnaire was designed as the study
instrument and distributed among 350 qualified pharmacists working
in government and private pharmacies in West Bank, Palestine.
Results:
The response rate was 82.9% (290/350). The mean age of
the pharmacists was 32.9 (SD=6.5) years. The majority of the phar
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macist 238 (82.1%) worked in the community pharmacies and their
experience in practice ranged from 1 to 26 years. Product package
instructions and product representative were the most consulted by
the pharmacists (128; 44.2% and 73; 25.2% respectively). General
health tonic preparations were the most widely dispensed drugs (142;
48.9%), followed by cough preparations (55; 19.0%) and slimming
agents (64; 22.1%). The Majority of pharmacists (195; 67.2%) belie
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ved herbal remedies were effective; however, about fifty percent of
the pharmacists had concern about their safety. The knowledge of
respondents about the indications of herbal medicine was good, but
their awareness of interactions, contraindications and adverse effects
was inadequate. The majority of Pharmacists (255; 87.9%) believed
that herbal product should undergo increased regulation and (215;
74.9%) believed that information available about herbal and natural
product isn't adequate
Pharmaceutical care for adult asthma patients: A controlled intervention oneâyear followâup study
Asthma is a clinical problem with social, psychological and economic burdens. To
improve patient disease management, different education programmes have been
developed. Challenges in asthma management may be partially attributed to nonadherence
or improper use of inhalers. This study aimed to implement and assess
hospitalâbased pharmaceutical care services for asthmatic patients. A 12âmonth, singleâ
centre, randomized, controlled study was initiated in asthmatic adult patients who
had been divided into either a control or intervention group. Patients in the control
group received the usual care, and patients in the intervention group received patient
counselling per study protocol that covered asthma knowledge, control, adherence to
treatment and inhalation techniques. The main variables compared measurements at
baseline with those at 6 and 12 months. A total of 192 patients completed the study
protocol: 90 in the control group and 102 in the intervention group. The control
group included 90 patients, and the intervention group included 102 patients. Over
the course of the 12âmonth followâup period, a significant difference was observed
between intervention and control groups with respect to asthma control (38.2%
vs 10.0%; P < .001), mean correct inhalation technique (confidence interval [CI]:
8.1, 7.8â8.5 vs CI: 6.1; 5.6â6.6; P = .01) and good medication adherence (60.7% vs
50.0%, P = .02). There were 34% and 25% decreases in emergency room visits and
hospital admissions, respectively, in the intervention group compared to the control
group. This study emphasizes the importance of patient counselling in asthma management
and the significant contribution that the pharmacist's intervention can have
on asthma control
Assessment of the inhalation technique and adherence to therapy and their effect on disease control in outpatients with asthma
Objectives The objective of this study was to assess correct use of inhaler devices,
adherence to inhaler corticosteroid treatment and their effects on asthma control.
Methods This study was a prospective, single-centre, observational study conducted
between July and February 2016 at Al-Makased Hospital, respiratory outpatient clinic.
Inhaler technique of asthma patients using pressurized metered-dose inhalers or dry powder
inhalers (Turbuhaler (TH) and Accuhaler DiskusTM (ACC)) were assessed against
published inhaler technique checklists. Asthma control variables measured using Asthma
Control Test (maximum 25, higher score corresponding to better asthma control) were
assessed, and adherence to asthma medications was assessed by Morisky adherence scale.
Key findings Two hundred and twenty patients were recruited in the study. The mean
age was 42.3 15.2 years and 59.1% were male. One hundred and seventeen (53.2%)
were using TH, 60 (27.3%) were using ACC and 43(19.5%) were using MDIs. Only 22
(10%) were smoker and only 48 (21.8%) patients were their asthma controlled (ACT
score >20). The devices were used correctly by 79.1% of patients using MDI, 69% of
ACC and 55.6% of TH users (P > 0.001). The most common improper step was âforceful
inhalationâ (65.4%) made by the MDI users, âNot exhaling to residual volumeâ (58.7%)
made by ACC users and âNot inhaling deeply enoughâ (52.2%) made by TH users. Multivariate
analysis showed that the likelihood of having controlled asthma was significantly
higher in those with correct inhaler techniques (OR 2.3; 95% CI: 1.08â4.77; P = 0.028),
high adherence to medications (OR 2.37; 95% CI: 1.05â4.92; P = 0.03) and having a
higher level of education (OR 2.58; 95% CI: 1.19â3.63; P = 0.018).
Conclusions It was found that asthma control was better among correct users. Repetitive
training about using devices may contribute improving inhaler technique.This research received no specific grant from any funding
agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors
A qualitative assessment of the pediatric content in pharmacy curricula adopted by pharmacy schools in Jordan
Objective: The present study aimed to explore faculty (i.e., professors of various ranks) opinions and views regarding the pediatric content in courses taught to pharmacy students in Jordan.
Methods: Purposeful sampling was used to identify faculty from ten pharmacy schools. Participants were identified through their institutionsâ websites. After obtaining required approvals, twelve in-depth interviews were conducted, recorded, transcribed and analyzed using NVivo 11 Software. Interviews followed a previously prepared and validated interview guide. The interview guide covered various aspects of pediatric undergraduate education and training.
Results: Twelve professors (eight assistants and four associate professors) agreed to take part in the study. Qualitative analysis revealed four themes each with regard to respondentsâ knowledge of the pediatric content and their studentsâ competency in dealing with pediatric patients. The emerging themes were: the lack of pediatric content in their current curriculum, the need for exposing students to more courses teaching pediatrics, and future aspirations to deal with this, and implications on practice.
Conclusions: This study highlights the deficiency of pediatric courses in pharmacy curriculum in Jordan. Respondent believed that this will have negative implications on pediatric pharmaceutical care and treatment efficacy and safety. It was thought that adding more pediatrics topics to undergraduate curricula, offering pediatric specialized postgraduate education, and implementing pre-registration training could alleviate the current situation
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