Rawan Mustafa AlAssaf

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Research

Research Title :Foot Reflexology and Pain Intensity Among Patients with Advanced Cancer : A Systematic Literature Review

Authors :AlAssaf, R. M. ., Zeilani, R. ., Qurdahji, B. T. ., & Abu Qbitah, R. S

Abstract :Managing pain for cancer patients is a critical issue that requires investigations of complementaryinterventions to achieve comprehensive pain management. This study investigates whether foot reflexology, as acomplementary intervention, has an effect on pain intensity management amongst patients with advanced cancer. Asystematic literature review focusing on articles published during the period 2019 to 2024, include adult patients withadvanced cancer, and implemented foot reflexology for cancer-related pain management was undertaken using differentdatabases. The studies were screened, and eleven studies, including (2396 patients), were eligible for this reviewpublished in PubMed, Google Scholar, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library databases. Critical appraisal of the studies wasconducted using JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist and the risk assessment was undertaken based on RoB 2, ROBIS, andadapted ROBINS-I tools. Feasibility studies showed that patients generally accept foot reflexology to help with cancer-related pain. Also, foot reflexology is reported to be effective and has significant effects on reducing cancer-related painfor patients with cancer. The results also indicated that the selection of pain assessment tools should consider thespecific clinical context and assessment objectives. In addition, there are some discrepancies in the foot reflexologyprocedures followed by different researchers; nonetheless, the effectiveness of foot reflexology was demonstrated in allthe studies. Foot reflexology is appropriate and can be incorporated to complement cancer patients’ pain managementplans. Existing evidence is limited by study designs and implementation procedures. Further research should addressthese limitations through specific implementation procedures, incorporating diverse populations

Keywords :Cancer pain, Foot reflexology, CAM, Effectiveness, Systematic Review

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Research Title :The Impact of Miswak (Salvadora Persica) on Periodontal Health: A Review

Authors : R. Qurdahji, B., Alassaf, R., Abu Qbitah

Abstract :The importance of periodontal health is being emphasized worldwide, highlighting the need for effective oralhygiene practices. Miswak (Salvadora persica) is a traditional tool with potential oral health benefits. This studyaims to review and assess the evidence regarding the effectiveness of Miswak for maintaining periodontalhealth. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including Wiley, SCOPUS,CINAHL, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library, focusing on studies published from 2019 to 2024. The searchwas methodically carried out to ensure thorough coverage. Inclusion criteria consisted of English-language,peer-reviewed studies that assessed the impact of Salvadora persica (Miswak) on oral health, specificallyconcerning periodontal disease or periodontitis, as directly addressed in original research publications,systematic reviews, or clinical trials published in English. Exclusion criteria involved editorials, opinion pieces,references unrelated to Salvadora persica's effects on oral health, and references not available in full text. Atotal of 97 studies were screened, yielding five eligible studies: one systematic review and meta-analysis, threerandomized controlled trials (RCTs), and one randomized crossover trial. Across the reviewed studies, Miswakdemonstrated notable effectiveness in controlling plaque and gingivitis compared to standard oral hygienemethods. The studies collectively demonstrate the effectiveness of Salvadora persica (Miswak) as an oralhygiene tool, particularly in reducing plaque and gingivitis. In several instances, Miswak performed better thantraditional toothbrushes, as seen in plaque reduction and improvements in gingival health metrics

Keywords : Miswak, Salvadora Persica,Chewing Stick, Periodontalhealth, Periodontal disease

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Research Title :Exploring nurses' knowledge and perceived barriers to carry out pressure ulcer prevention and treatment, documentation and risk assessment

Authors : MSAR Al Kharabsheh, RFAR Alrimawi, R Al Assaf, M Saleh,

Abstract :Aims: The aims of the study were to determine: (1) Jordanian nurses' level of knowledge of pressure ulcer (PU) prevention and treatment of hospitalized patients (2) Perceived barriers to carry out pressure ulcer prevention and treatment, documentation, and risk assessment. Background: Pressure ulcers are common and previous studies have shown education, knowledge and attitude affect implementation of interventions. Methods: A self-reported cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data from nurses who were providing care to patients with pressure ulcer problems between June 2012 and November 2012. We used a questionnaire, which was informed by earlier work and guidelines, to collect data about nurses' knowledge of pressure ulcer prevention and treatment and to assess perceived barriers to carry out PU care. Results/Findings: Knowledge showed no association with most demographic variables. Lack of staff, lack of time and unavailability of clinical PU guidelines were perceived barriers to carry out PU care effectively. Conclusion: Jordanian nurses' knowledge on PU prevention and treatment was inadequate. Further, adequate dissemination of PU prevention and treatment guidelines seems to be a prerequisite to improve quality of PU prevention and treatment. Improving practice requires a multi-faceted approach to assure adequate support to make changes reflected on patients' outcomes and raising awareness of pressure ulcer preventive and treatment interventions using a variety of approaches (education, use of risk assessment tools, grading scores and clinical guidelines) are probably all useful.

Keywords : Pressure ulcers; Knowledge, perceived barriers; pressure ulcer prevention and treatment; Jordan; Nursing

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Dr. Rawan Mustafa AlAssaf

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