Determinants of husbands' violence against women in Jordan. Nursing forum 1(8)
Authors : RAMI MASA’DEH, MUNA ALMOMANI, OMAYMA MASADEH, SAMIHA JARRAH AND NAHLA AL ALI
Abstract : Background Intimate partner violence (IPV) is the most common form of abuse against women. It comes in the form of physical, sexual, emotional, and controlling behaviors abuse, and affects women's physical and psychological well-being. Perceived social support decreases IPV risk. Purpose This study explores the determinants of IPV in J society. Method One hundred and eighty-seven women exposed to IPV were recruited from J Women Unions to take part in this cross-sectional prospective quantitative design, administering the Arabic version of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (AVMSPSS) to 187, who also answered the demographic characteristics data sheet. Results Almost 83% of participants perceived that they received lower to moderate PSS. Based on multiple regression, determinants of IPV were PSS, followed by participant education, husband education, participant age, and financial income (p < .001). The number of children and parental level of education showed no statistical significance. Conclusion The findings highlight the importance of social support systems among IPV women. Alongside socioeconomic development continuing to increase education among both men and women, there is a need to increase societal awareness and foster social support systems to prevent violence against women and offer resources to affected women, targeted at the most at-risk age groups.
Keywords : husband, Jordan, violence, women
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The Effect of Anger Management Program on Perceived Stress of Healthcare Professionals: A Quasi-Experimental Study. Nursing Practice Today 8(4)
Authors : RAMI MASA’DEH, OMAYMA MASADEH, AALIYAH MOMANI, SAMIHA JARRAH, SAMER AL SHABATAT AND SHAHER HAMAIDEH
Abstract : Background & Aim: Healthcare professionals working in Intensive Care Units and Emergency Rooms are at higher risk of violence from patients and their families compared to healthcare professionals working in other units. Healthcare professionals skilled in anger management may de-escalate the situation and stop violence from happening in the first place. This study aims to determine the effect of an aggression management program on perceived stress levels of physicians and nurses working in Intensive Care Units and Emergency Rooms. Methods & Materials: A quasi-experimental design with 158 physicians and 172 nurses recruited from nine hospitals in the three major cities in Jordan was used to assess perceived stress levels with the Arabic Version of Perceived Stress Scale (10-Items). Participants answered the questionnaires twice, before and after attending an aggression management program. Results: Results showed that female healthcare professionals had significantly higher stress levels than males (M=27.33±4.11, M=24.20±3.13; t (328)=2.11, p<0.001). Furthermore, healthcare professionals working in Emergency Rooms reported significantly higher stress levels than those working in Intensive Care Units (M=27.93±4.10, M=24.94±3.03; t (328)=2.04, p<0.001). Additionally, nurses reported significantly higher stress levels compared to physicians (M=28.17±3.92, M=25.20±3.13; t (328)=2.09, p<0.001). There was a strong significant positive relationship between increased stress levels and the number of violent attacks (r=0.73, p<0.001). Most importantly, perceived stress decreased significantly from the pre-intervention level (28.94±3.21) to the post-intervention level (24.20±3.01) (t (229)=2.03, p<0.001). Conclusion: Policymakers may need to consider offering aggression management programs for all healthcare professionals, especially those working in the Emergency Room. This program should decrease their perceived stress levels reflecting improved patient care, outcomes, and satisfaction.
Keywords : aggression; violence; nurses; physician; ICU; Jordan
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Effect of Aggression Management Training on Perceived Stress Levels of Nurses Working in Mental Health Care Settings in Jordan. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services 58 (10)br/>
Authors : RAMI MASA’DEH, OMAYMA MASADEH, SAMIHA JARRAH, MANAR ALAZZAM AND FADWA ALHALAIQA
Abstract : The current study investigated the effect of an aggression management training course on reducing perceived stress levels of nurses working in mental health care settings in Jordan. This quasi-experimental pre/post study included 83 nurses (44 male, 39 female; mean age = 33 years) who completed a sociodemographic characteristics questionnaire and the Arabic Version of the Perceived Stress Scale 10-Items Questionnaire. Participants attended 32 hours of an aggression management training course and then answered the questionnaires for a second time. Female nurses reported significantly higher stress levels than male nurses before and after the training course. Paired-samples t test showed a significant decrease in the mean total score of perceived stress of all nurses after attending the training course. The results of this study highlight the need to design and implement aggression management courses, as such training can improve nurses' mental health and perceived stress levels.
Keywords : aggression, violence, psychiatric, mental health, nurses
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Correlation of selected stress associated factors with vitamin D deficiency in Jordanian men and Women. International Journal of General Medicine, 12 225–233
Authors : ABU-SAMAK, M., ABURUZ, M., MASA'DEH, R., KHUZAI, R., & JARRAH, S.
Abstract : Background: To identify stress associated factors for vitamin D deficiency (VDD) in healthy Jordanian people based on serum 25(OH)D levels. Design: Prospective cohort study. Methods: Three hundred and seventy-one Jordanian men and women aged 17–52 years, who were identified as VD deficient 25(OH)D <30 ng/mL, were eligible to participate in the study. Serum vitamin 25(OH) D was measured using chemiluminescent immunoassay. Cortisol, parathyroid hormone, calcium, phosphate, fasting lipid profile, and blood glucose were also analyzed. Questionnaires were used to collect lifestyles parameters. Anthropometric parameters including: body mass index (BMI), waist (W) and hip (H) circumferences, W/H ratio (WHR) were also calculated. Results: The vast majority (91%) of the participants had vitamin D deficiency (25- (OH) D <30 ng/mL). Positive correlations were observed between vitamin D deficiency and the following anthropometric parameters in all study sample; gender (P=0.010), height (P=0.22), height/hip ratio (P=0.015) and waist/hip ratio (P=0.013). Lifestyle parameters that indicated very weak positive correlations with VDD were number of family members (P=0.011) and insufficient exposure to sunlight (P=0.023). The following clinical parameters showed weak or very weak correlations with VDD; serum cortisol (r=0.318), low density lipoprotein (r=0.246) and total cholesterol (r=0.133). Skin color and water pipe tobacco smoking were added to the multivariable stepwise regression analyses as they have been weakly correlated with VDD. These predictors together explained only 12.2% of the variance in serum cortisol levels in the VDD study sample. Conclusion: A weak positive association between VDD and elevated serum cortisol was observed in this study. Subcutaneous changes may be involved in that association but further studies are needed to clarify a potential role for adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).
Keywords : Vitamin D deficiency, stress, cortisol, smoking, obesity
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Occupational Stress in Psychiatric Nursing. International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences, 9: 115-119
Authors : MASA'DEH, R., JARRAH, S., & ABURUZ, M.,
Abstract : Background: Psychiatric nurses are subject to high level of occupational stress. Studies focused on occupational stress focused only on measuring the level of stress and were limited to Western communities. Aim: The purpose of this study is to measure perceived stress levels of Jordanian psychiatric nurses and find out the factors associated with their high stress levels Methods: Using a non-random convenience sample, 163 nurses working in various psychiatric settings in Jordan representing four different hospitals were included. Psychiatric nurses answered the Arabic Version of Perceived Stress Scale 10-Items Questionnaire (APSS10) and a Characteristic Checklist. Findings: The major results of this study showed that nurses working in psychiatric settings had high stress levels; with those working at inpatient setting had the highest stress levels. Additionally, lack of resources, insufficient training, increased work load and aggression/violence behavior from patients predicted high stress levels for psychiatric nurses. Conclusions: The high stress levels of psychiatric nurses might affect the physical and psychological status of the nurse, lead to dissatisfaction with work and high rates of burnout. Also, it might affect the quality of care provided to patients with psychiatric disorder. Therefore, nurse managers and policy makers in Jordan should pay more attention to the factors affecting stress levels of the nurses and ensure providing them with enough resources and training programs.
Keywords : Jordan; occupation; psychiatric; stress; nurse
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Persistent (Anxiety and Depression) Affected Academic Achievement and Absenteeism in Nursing Students
Authors : Mohannad AbuRuz, Hekmat Alakash and Samiha Jarrah
Abstract : Background: Anxiety and depression are common among nursing students due to different factors. When they are minimal and not persistent, they work as stimuli for good achievement. However, when they are high or persistent they have negative consequences (i.e. low academic achievement and higher absenteeism rates). Objective: The purpose of this study was to check the effect of persistent anxiety and depression on nursing student academic achievement and absenteeism rate. Methods: A prospective observational correlational design with a convenience sample of 170 students enrolled in the undergraduate and graduate programs-college of nursing at a private university in Amman, Jordan. Anxiety and depression were measured twice at the beginning of the semester and then two months later by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Data regarding grade point average, number of absenteeism and the gender of the students; were collected from the electronic system of the university. Results: Persistently anxious group has lower grade point average than persistently non-anxious group (mean [SD], 64.1 [13.8] vs. 73.1 [12.3], P< .001). Moreover, they have higher absenteeism rate than persistently non-anxious group (7.62 [5.7] vs. 4.0 [3.4], P< .001) and higher than transiently anxious group (7.62 [5.7] vs. 4.7 [4.6], P< .05). Persistently depressed group has lower grade point average than persistently non-depressed group (64.0 [13.8] vs. 73.2 [13.0], P< .001) and lower than transiently depressed (64.0 [13.8] vs. 71.7 [10.6], P< .01). Conclusion: Nursing administrators should search for the underlying causes for these negative emotions. Furthermore, setting strategies to control these negative emotions is highly recommended.
Keywords : Anxiety, Depression, Academic achievement, Absenteeism, Collegial life, Education
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Evaluation of Public Awareness, Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Basic Life Support. BMC Emergency Medicine
Authors : Samiha Jarrah, Mahfuz Judeh, Mohannad AbuRuz
Abstract : Background Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is a major cause of mortality worldwide. When basic life support techniques are implemented quickly, the chance of survival is doubled. Therefore, this study evaluated public awareness, knowledge and attitudes towards basic life support in Jordan. Methods A descriptive, cross-sectional design with a convenience sample of 300 Jordanian adults aged over 18 years, recruited from three metropolitan areas in the northern, middle and southern regions. Results A total of 87 participants (29%) stated that they have received training about cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Among them, 20 participants (23%) received their training through the media. The highest response rate for cardiac arrest signs was chest pain (n = 129, 43%). Participants who received training had greater knowledge of the three signs of consciousness evaluation. The numbers of participants who received training and performed chest compression, mouth-to-mouth ventilation, and both compression and ventilation were higher than those who did not receive training. Overall, 256 participants (88.3%) reported that they would perform CPR on someone from their family without hesitation. The most important concern about performing CPR was making a mistake. Conclusions Improving knowledge about cardiopulmonary resuscitation is an important topic, which can be achieved by training the general population. Media can play an important role in this issue.
Keywords : Attitudes, Awareness, Jordan, Knowledge, Life support, Public Abstract
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The Effectiveness of Age-Appropriate Pre-Operative Information Session on the Anxiety Level of School –Age Children Undergoing Elective Surgery in Jordan
Authors : Abeer Shaheen, Omayah Nassar, Ina’am Khalaf, Al-Oballi, Samiha Jarrah, Suhaila Halasa
Abstract : Background Undergoing surgery is an anxious experience for children. Applying anxiety reduction age-appropriate programs by nurses would be beneficial in reducing anxiety to children. Aim To test the effectiveness of age-appropriate preoperative information session in reducing anxiety levels of school-age children undergoing elective surgery in Jordan. Design The study used a quasi-experimental design. Methods One hundred and twenty-six children were recruited from an educational hospital in Amman from January to June 2012 and were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The anxiety levels of children were assessed using the State Anxiety Scale for children, and children's levels of cooperation after surgery were assessed using Children Emotional Manifestation Scale. The heart rate and blood pressure of children were also measured 1 hour before going to operation room. Results The study results revealed that children in the intervention group reported lower anxiety levels and more cooperation than children in the control group. Also, they displayed lower heart rate and blood pressure than children in the control group. Conclusion The application of age-appropriate preoperative intervention for children could be beneficial in decreasing anxiety levels and increasing their cooperation post surgery.
Keywords : Jordan; anxiety; nursing care; preoperative period; school-age children; surgery
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Jordanian Adolescents’ Health Behavior and School Climate, Journal of Research in Nursing, 2018
Authors : Omayah Nassar,Abeer Shaheen, Samiha Jarrah , Mary Norton, ,Ina’am Khalaf, Khaldon Hamdan
Abstract : Aim This study was conducted to assess the occurrence of physical activity, nutritional habits, tooth brushing and seat belt use behaviour among adolescent school students in Jordan, and to examine the effect of psychosocial aspects of school on these behaviours. Method A cross-sectional descriptive correlational design was used to draw a sample of in-school adolescents aged between 11 and 15 years. The final sample included 1166 adolescents from five public and two private schools. Study participants filled in a translated version of the health behaviour in school aged children questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, correlational (point biserial), and bivariate analyses (chi-square tests) were used to analyse the data. Results Among the study sample 34.5% of the adolescents practised exercise outside school hours once a week or less frequently, and only 53.1% of them brushed their teeth more than once a day. Regarding seat belt use, 44.7% of the adolescents used them rarely or never. Concerning carbonated sugary drinks and sweets consumption, about 64% and 83.3% of the adolescents, respectively, consumed them once a day or more often. The percentages of adolescents who never drank low fat or whole fat milk were 43.1% and 38.2%, respectively. Conclusions The study concluded that school adolescents do engage in unhealthy behaviour. Psychosocial aspect of schools were associated with students’ physical activity, nutritional habits, tooth brushing and seat belt use behaviours.
Keywords : adolescents, nutritional habits, peer support, physical activity, school climate, seat belt use, teacher support, tooth brushing
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Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Parents of Children With Cancer in Jordan. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 31 (1): 8-12
Authors : MASA'DEH, R. & JARRAH, S.,
Abstract : Aim To investigate levels of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) of those parenting children with cancer and make a comparison between mothers and fathers. Background Parenting a child with cancer is traumatic. Maternal and paternal roles and responsibilities change after the cancer diagnosis of their child, adding more stress to the lives of all concerned. The gender of the parent may have an effect on their PTSD. However, there is a lack of studies in Arabic countries on the differences between parents in their PTSD levels. Methods A sample of 416 biological parents (comprising 207 mothers and 209 fathers) of children with cancer in Jordan completed a demographic checklist and the PTSD Checklist Civilian (PCLC). Results There was a significant difference in PTSD levels between mothers and fathers, with mothers having significantly higher PTSD levels than fathers. The mean PTSD levels for mothers was (M = 59.68, SD = 4.86) compared to (M = 52.76, SD = 5.81) for fathers. The magnitude of the differences in the means was very large (eta squared = 0.29). Additionally, results indicated that there was a significant negative correlation between parental PTSD levels with their age and the time since their child was diagnosed with cancer (r = −0.68, r = −0.62 respectively and p < 0.001). An increase in parental PTSD levels was associated with a decrease in parental age and short time duration since the cancer diagnosis of the child. Conclusion The study concluded that parenting children with cancer is traumatic and mothers were at higher risk of PTSD than fathers. Risk of PTSD was found to decrease with time. Implications for nursing EBP Investigating differences in PTSD between mothers and fathers in Jordan may be helpful when designing interventions to reduce the risk of PTSD. An individual parental support program is important, taking into consideration that mothers are at higher risk of PTSD, and both parents need thorough attention and care.
Keywords : gender, Jordan, parent, PTSD
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Occupational Stress in Psychiatric Nursing. International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences, 9: 115-119
Authors : MASA'DEH, R., JARRAH, S., & ABURUZ, M.,
Abstract : Background: Psychiatric nurses are subject to high level of occupational stress. Studies focused on occupational stress focused only on measuring the level of stress and were limited to Western communities. Aim: The purpose of this study is to measure perceived stress levels of Jordanian psychiatric nurses and find out the factors associated with their high stress levels Methods: Using a non-random convenience sample, 163 nurses working in various psychiatric settings in Jordan representing four different hospitals were included. Psychiatric nurses answered the Arabic Version of Perceived Stress Scale 10-Items Questionnaire (APSS10) and a Characteristic Checklist. Findings: The major results of this study showed that nurses working in psychiatric settings had high stress levels; with those working at inpatient setting had the highest stress levels. Additionally, lack of resources, insufficient training, increased work load and aggression/violence behavior from patients predicted high stress levels for psychiatric nurses. Conclusions: The high stress levels of psychiatric nurses might affect the physical and psychological status of the nurse, lead to dissatisfaction with work and high rates of burnout. Also, it might affect the quality of care provided to patients with psychiatric disorder. Therefore, nurse managers and policy makers in Jordan should pay more attention to the factors affecting stress levels of the nurses and ensure providing them with enough resources and training programs.
Keywords : Jordan; occupation; psychiatric; stress; nurse
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Eating Habits and Associated Factors among Adolescent Students in Jordan
Authors : Dalky F. Heyam, Al Momani, H. Maysa, Al- Drabaah, Kh. Taghreed, Samiha Jarrah
Abstract : The study aimed to assess adolescent patterns of eating habits, determine factors influencing these patterns, and identify male and female differences related to eating habits. Using a cross-sectional study approach, a sample of adolescents (N = 423) in randomly selected clusters chosen from government and private schools in the south of Jordan completed self-administered questionnaires relating to socio-demographic data and personal eating habits. Results showed that parents, peers, and mass media are contributing factors, with peer pressure likely outweighing parental guidance. Males were more likely to be influenced by peers than females, whereas females were more likely to be influenced by media-based advertising. Lower body mass indices correlate with eating breakfast, which a majority of adolescents reported they do not do. Interventions targeted toward improving eating and active behaviors should involve peers as well as parents.
Keywords : adolescent, eating habits, parent, media, peer, Jordan
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The use of Home Remedies by Pregnant Mothers as a treatment of Pregnancy Related Complaints: an exploratory study
Authors : Hedayat Amasheh, and Samiha Jarrah
Abstract : Abstract Data related to the use of home remedies as a treatment of pregnancy related complaints are scarce in the communities. There is very limited information regarding herbal medicines practice during pregnancy among Jordanian mothers. The aim of this study is to assess the magnitude of this practice. Therefore develop strategies to improve health related practices. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used to determine the use of home remedies during pregnancy among Jordanian women. A convenient sample of 332 Jordanian pregnant women attending the MCH centers (antenatal clinic for follow-up) in Amman city; capital of Jordan, were interviewed by a semi-structured questionnaire in the period from October 2009 to January 2010. About three quarter of the participants (73.8%) have used home remedies because they considered it better than medications. The majority of users (90.2%) perceived that the effect of home remedies on their pregnancy complaints was total improvement. Fluid herbal remedies are the most common used, more than sixty one percentage of the participants reported the source of information was the mother and mother-in-low. The use of home remedies had no significant relationship with mother’s age, educational level, and job status of participants as well as family size. The majority of the participants in the study used home remedies during pregnancy as part of their traditional practices. As there is very limited information about the safe use of home remedies; the mothers need education to avoid the use of home remedies during pregnancy. The study recommended the need to include safety information about the use of home remedies by obstetrician and maternity nurses as a routine during antenatal assessment.
Keywords : Home remedies – Traditional practices – Jordanian mothers – Pregnancy complaints
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Attitudes and Practices of school aged girls towards menstruation. International Journal of Nursing Practice
Authors : Samiha Jarrah, Andaleeb Abu kamel
Abstract : The purpose of this study was to (i) investigate attitude and menstruation-related practices in Jordanian school-aged girls; (ii) identify the influence of premenstrual preparation on girls' attitude and menstruation-related practices. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. Data was collected from a convenience sample of 490 school-age girls (12–18 years) from different districts in Jordan. Self-report instruments [Menstrual Attitude Questionnaire (MAQ), and Menstrual Practices Questionnaires (MPQ)] were used to assess the study variables. Descriptive statistics, correlation and chi-square tests were used to analyze the data. It was found that menstrual attitude and practices were positively correlated. Poor attitude toward menstruation and low menstrual practices were significantly associated with inadequate premenstrual preparation. There is a need to prepare girls for menstruation before menarche. The role of the schools and teachers should be reinforced through formal and well planned reproductive health educators for girls and their mothers.
Keywords : attitudes, Jordan, menstruation, practices, school-age girls abstract
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Jordanian Mothers’ Caring Practices of Infants’ Health Problems in the Postpartum Period, Archive Des Sciences
Authors : Samiha Jarrah, Reema Safadi, Sheren AlAshhab
Abstract : This descriptive study explored the level of knowledge and infants‟ caring practices of Jordanian mothers during the postpartum period. A quota sampling method was used to represent the geographical regions (center, north and south) in Jordan. The sample (n= 240 mothers) was selected from the maternal and child health care centers and face-to-face interviews were conducted between January and April 2009. A specifically designed structured tool that included eight infants‟ health problems with 39 appended items of possible caring practices was used for the purpose of data collection. Responses ranged from 1 (disagree) to 3 (agree), where (3) denoted a correctly harmless caring practice. 461 ISSN 1661-464X Archives Des Sciences Vol 65, No. 7;Jul 2012 The findings showed that mothers had moderately low level of knowledge (60%) and a combination of traditional and biomedical infants‟ caring practices. Some of the traditional (using herbs) and biomedical (using un-prescribed medicine) practices are considered harmful. Moreover, mothers used problem solving strategies to solve infants‟ health problems before asking for doctors‟, mothers‟ and mothers-in-law‟s help. It also showed that there were a limited significant differences of infants‟ caring practices (n=8) in relation to mothers‟ parity, level of education, and family income. It is concluded that nurses need to understand mothers‟ healthcare practices of their infants‟health problems and develop health education programs and policies to avert harmful practices and enforce beneficial ones.
Keywords : Caring practices, Jordan, Mothers‟ knowledge, Postpartum practices, Traditional practices
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Smoking Patterns among Jordanian Health Professionals: A Study about Impediments to tobacco control in Jordan
Authors : Kawkab Shishani, Hani Nawafleh, Samiha Jarrah, Erika Foelicher
Abstract : Background: Little is known about Arab health professionals' smoking practices. Aim: This is the first study to examine smoking practices among Arab health professionals. Methods: Background: Little is known about Arab nurses and physicians' smoking patterns. Aim: This study aims to examine smoking patterns among Arab nurses and physicians. Methods: A total of 918 nurses and physicians participated in this study. Data were collected using the Global Professional Health Survey. Results: About 38.8% are current smokers. The smoking percentages for male nurses and male physicians were high (83.8%, 94.6% respectively) compared to female nurses and female physicians (16.2%, 5.4% respectively). Approximately 53.8% wanted to quit and 60.6% had made previous quit attempts that lasted for more than two days. About 64.1% believed that nurses and physicians who smoke were less likely to advise patients to stop smoking. The predictors of smoking were: age when tried first cigarettes OR=6.36, 95% CI=4.48, 9.04; father smokes OR=1.95, 95% CI=1.40, 2.72; mother smokes OR=1.99, 95% CI=1.18, 3.39; shift work OR=1.45, 95% CI=1.04, 2.03; and the interaction (gender and profession) OR=1.82, 95% CI=1.55, 2.14. Discussion: Effective interventions often begin with and/or depend on nurses and physicians being committed to smoking cessation. Given the very high smoking rates among nurses and physicians a key priority must be to provide quit smoking programs and to enable them to become effective champions of smoking cessation nationwide.
Keywords : Global health, Smoking, Waterpipe, Nurses, Physicians, Training
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Early Detection of Cardio Vascular Diseases (CVDs) Risk Factors among Jordan University Students
Authors : Samiha Jarrah, Nada Yasien, Wasileh Petro, Omayyah Nassar
Abstract : Understanding the extent of risk factors of cardiovascular diseases among university youth students is essential for early detection and prevention. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of risk factors of cardiovascular diseases among the university students. This quantitative exploratory study has been carried out with a convenience sample of 403 undergraduate students at the University of Jordan. The results showed that male students were overweight and more obese than females [22% and 10.6%, respectively], students consume more tea and coffee, smoke, exercised irregularly, had stress and 17% of females had irregular sleep. The study concluded that the majority of university students are exposed to risk factors contributing to the disease
Keywords : Risk factors, university students, lifestyle and cardiovascular diseases
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Influence of nurses' characteristics and education on their attitudes towards death and dying: A review of literature
Authors : Khaled Abdallah Khader; Samiha Suhail Jarrah, Jafar Alasad
Abstract : Nurses working in cancer centers deal frequently with the phenomenon of death and dying during the daily care of patients. Their demographic and experiential characteristics and previous educational background can shape their attitudes toward care for dying patients. To review relevant literature related to nursing care at the end of life and nurses’ attitudes towards death and dying, a literature search was conducted utilizing Medline, Elton B Stephens Company, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature. The descriptor words were: death, dying, death experience, nursing, palliative care, attitudes, attitudes toward care of the dying, attitude change, and end-of-life. The review showed that certain standardized education programs, like end of life nursing education consortium, can change nurses' attitudes toward death and dying. By using several education methods, including role playing, case studies, reflection and open discussion, such programs help nurses reflect on their emotions and cope with the scene and thoughts of death and dying. Moreover, for change to occur, adequate duration of education is necessary. End of life education is vital for nursing curricula and inservice education to improve nurses' attitude toward death and dying and consequently improve quality of nursing care of dying patients.
Keywords : Death, near-death experience, nursing care, palliative care, end-of-life, attitude to death, education
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Association of Parental History of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with Leptin Levels in Jordanian Male Youth; Saudi Medical Journal
Authors : Mohammad O.Abu-Hasheesh,Mahmoud S. Abu-Samak, Hisham Y. Al-Matubsi, Malak S.Jaradeh,Samiha S. Jarrah5,Rula F.Khuzaie
Abstract : Objectives: To investigate the association between high level serum leptin in male youths in relation to parental history of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and body mass index (BMI). Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out at the Department of Medical Technology, Applied Science University, Amman, Jordan during the period from January to April 2009. One hundred and sixteen Jordanian male nursing students aged 18-24 years were divided into 4 groups according to parental history of T2DM and BMI. Fasting blood samples were measured for blood glucose, lipid profile, and serum leptin. Results: Serum leptin levels in overweight and obese male youth diabetic patients with parental history of T2DM were significantly higher than in those overweight and obese without parental history. Of the 116 subjects, 83 (71.6%) had a positive parental history of T2DM. Compared with other groups, significant elevation was observed in the mean cholesterol and triglyceride levels of obese T2DM. No significant differences were detected in high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and blood glucose levels among all study groups. High levels of leptin in overweight and obese Jordanian male youths were more likely associated with a positive parental family history of T2DM than BMI factor
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Obesity Indices and their Relationship to Cardio Vascular Risk Factors in young adult group
Authors : Nada Yasien, Samiha Jarrah, Wasileh Petro,Muayyad Ahmad,Ruba Jaber,Noor Terzi,Erika Foelicher, Emad Khawajah
Abstract : To study the prevalence of obesity and its relationship to cardiovascular disease [CVD] risk factors among young university students. A total of 403 medical students [273 males and 130 females] aged 20.8[ +/- 1.8] years, from Jordan University during 2007. Anthropometric measures and blood chemistry were obtained. Multivariate analysis was carried out between obesity indices body mass index [BMI], waist circumference [WC], waist-to-hip ratio [WHpR], and waist-to-height ratio [WHtR] and CVD risk factors blood pressure [BP], fasting blood sugar [FBS],and serum lipoproteins. Among the study population, 32.6% of males and 19.2% of females had BMI >/= 25kg/m[2]. Central obesity [WC >/= 102cm, WHpR >/= 0.95, WHtR >/= 0.5]among males wasfound in 4.4%, 4.4%, and 29.7% respectively. Among females, central obesity [WC >/= 88cm, WHpR >/= 0.85, and WHtR >/= 0.5] was observed in 3.8%, 3.8%, and 14.6% respectively. Students above the obesity indices cut-off points had significantly higher values of CVD risk factors. BMI and WC were the most strongly related indices to hypertension for males. On the other hand, WC was related to elevated serum triglycerides level in females. A substantial proportion of a sample of Jordan University students was overweight or obese. Obesity indices were good markers for the presence of hypertension and dyslipidemia in both males and females.Simple anthropometric indices can be used to identify these CVD riskfactors.Larger epidemiological studies are required to confirm these findings. Furthermore, health promotion programs are urgently needed to reduce the CVD risk factors in young university students, and in the general population with similar risk profiles
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Jordanian Nursing Student’s Knowledge of Osteoporosis
Authors : Huda Amre, Reema Safadi, Samiha Jarrah, Rasmieh Al-Amer and Erika Froelicher
Abstract : The aim of this study was to explore baccalaureate nursing students' knowledge of osteoporosis for beginning practice in the community. A cross-sectional study design was used. Students were selected by convenience sampling (n = 85) from one University in Jordan in the final of 4 years. Students were asked to complete a 23-item-knowledge questionnaire based on two earlier published studies of osteoporosis. Results indicated poor level of knowledge of osteoporosis on all dimensions: prevention (11 items) 62.6%; SD 14.2; general (5 items) 59.5%; SD 20.6; and the pathophysiology (7 items) 39.6%; SD 15.6, and an overall mean grade of 54.9%; SD 10.3. This result provides information that graduating nursing students have limited knowledge to undertake the role of health promotion and disease prevention in the community.
Keywords : health promotion, Jordan, nursing students, osteoporosis knowledge, osteoporosis
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The Impact on mothers of bringing up a child with intellectual disabilities: Across – cultural study
Authors : Roy McConkey, Maria Truesdale-Kennedy, Mei Ying Chang, Samiha Jarrah, Raghda Shukri
Abstract : Background: Most research into the impact on mothers of having a child with an intellectual disability has been done in Western cultures. These mothers are at increased risk of stress, along with poorer health and weakened family relationships. Nurses are well placed to support these mothers. Objectives: (1) To describe across three different cultures—Irish, Taiwanese and Jordanian—the inter-relationships among three indicators of maternal well-being. (2) To identify the coping strategies of mothers and the professional and informal supports available to them. (3) To identify the variables that have a negative impact on maternal well-being and possible moderating influences on them. Design: A survey approach with three groups of self-selected mothers. Participants: The characteristics of the child determined the inclusion criteria; namely aged 5–18 years with a diagnosis of intellectual disability of such severity that the children attended special schools or centres. In each country, the special services within particular geographical areas were approached and all families known to them were given the opportunity to participate. In all 206 mothers agreed to participate. Methods: Mothers were interviewed individually at home or in the day centre attended by their child. They completed various rating scales of known reliability and validity. In addition they described in their own words, the impact the child had on their lives and how they coped. Results: In all three countries, mothers experienced poor mental health, increased levels of child-related stress and poorer family functioning which the qualitative data further illuminated. Their child’s behaviour problems were a major factor in this. The impacts on mothers’ well-being were not alleviated by access to professional supports or use of coping strategies. Conclusions: Health professionals need to adopt family-centred approaches that embrace the support needs of mothers. Similar strategies would apply across all cultures although they must be responsive to individual need.
Keywords : Intellectual disability; Mothers; Culture; Stress; Well-being Abstract
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Jordanian Women's postpartum beliefs: An exploratory study
Authors : Samiha Jarrah and Elaine Bond
Abstract : This study was aimed to determine the beliefs among Jordanian women regarding 10 selected postpartum behaviours. Following Human Subjects approval, a descriptive quantitative questionnaire was administered to 40 postpartum women, 20 from two rural communities and 20 from two urban communities. The majority believed, incorrectly, in prolonged bed rest, that the baby's exhalation on the mother's breast can lead to infection, that kofaleyas (tightly secured wraps around the baby) do not harm newborns, that observation by others while nursing might ‘steal’ the mother's milk, and that a belt around the mother's abdomen will tighten muscles. The majority correctly believed that dieting affects breast-feeding. Most postpartum women could benefit from increased education about postpartum practices. Educational programmes can help women differentiate between helpful postpartum practices and those which might have adverse effects on the health of a mother and her newborn.
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Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) perceptions & Dietary Iron Intake among Young Women & Pregnant women in Jordan.
Authors : Samiha Jarrah, Jehad Halabi, Elaine Bond and JoAnn Abegglen
Abstract : To determine Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) perceptions and iron dietary practices of Jordanian female students and pregnant women, a descriptive quantitative questionnaire was administered to 271 participants: 206 female students and 65 pregnant women. This pilot study found that most participants can identify foods containing iron, but lack appropriate iron intake, because of eating habits and finances; more than 50% report daily symptoms of IDA, including dizziness, fatigue, depression, headaches, and loss of concentration and memory. There are no statistically significant differences in IDA perceptions and iron-related dietary practices based on education, and relatively few based on where participants live, their available financial resources, or their position (pregnant women or young women). Culturally sensitive intervention research, which addresses application of IDA education principles, temporary supplementation, and adequate income for dietary modification and long-term iron supplementation to prevent IDA is warranted.
Keywords : Iron Deficiency Anemia; Jordanian women’s beliefs/practices
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Iraqi Refugees in Jordan: Assessment of Health Needs
Authors : Samiha Jarrah, Omayah Nassar and Huda Amre
Abstract : This study aimed at assessing health needs of Iraqi refugees at Al-Ruwayshed and Al-Karama camps in Jordan. Eighty families were selected through a systematic r and om sampling method. Data were collected using a survey tool, which was prepared for the study. Descriptive statistics in terms of frequency, percentages and mean were utilized for analyzing the data. The findings showed that 85% of the sample evaluated health services as poor. Urinary tract infection was the most common disease among the refugees [42%]. Additionally, they experienced bad living conditions, including bad tents, bad quality and quantity of food, inadequate healthy water [65%] with poor quality [94%], bad heat source [82%] and bad light source [80%], all of which affect health. Based on the findings, health education is needed to address health needs of the refugees, while more attention is needed from health care providers, social welfare services and camps organizers
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