Extensive differences in the osteoporosis epidemiological pattern among geographic and ethnic groups have been reported. The evidence concerning association of multiple pregnancies, lactations, and other menstrual history factors with low bone mineral density (BMD) remains inconclusive. Previous local studies addressing these issues in Jordan are very restricted. We present a cross-sectional study of Jordanian women who visited outpatient clinics between August 2000 and August 2002 at two community hospitals in Amman City. BMD measurement was performed for all subjects, while comprehensive appraisal of clinical issues related to reproductive status and past medical history was carried out using a structured questionnaire administered to 50% of the subjects. We also attempted to examine the current hypothesis of possible influence of hyperlipidemia and thyroid abnormalities on decreased BMD. According to WHO criteria, 119 (29.6%) were identified as having osteoporosis, 176 (43.8%) were osteopenic, and 107 (26.6%) had normal BMD. The multiple-linear regression analyses at different bone sites revealed that age, years of menopause, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) have strong independent associations with decreased BMD at all lumbar and femoral neck regions. The negative effect associated with number of children (live births) and frequency of lactations was only evident at femoral neck. Although years of menstruation, age at menopause, days of menstrual cycle, number of pregnancies, and duration of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) were positively correlated with BMD, they had weaker associations than previous variables. Moreover, in the final multivariable logistic regression model, variables which rendered significantly independent risk factors after adjustment for age and BMI were: current smokers of more that 25 cigarettes/day, postmenopausal women irrespective of HRT use, menopausal years of > or =5 year intervals, natural early menopause, gastrointestinal disease, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, hypertension, and thyroid replacement therapy. Ever-lactation, frequent lactation of 4 or more times, duration of lactation interval of 1-6 months and clinical hyperthyroidism were significant protective factors. Hysterectomy with or without oophorectomy, premature ovarian failure, gravidity, menstrual flow pattern, family history of osteoporosis, clinical hypothyroidism, hyperlipidemia, HRT, and corticosteroids therapy were not independent predictors of osteoporosis among our population. It was concluded that the prevalence of this worldwide public health problem among the Jordanian female population is extremely high, and is even found in younger age categories compared to previous international surveys. Though, the number of pregnancies in our multiparous female population showed a negative impact on femoral neck BMD, no evidence of increased risk of osteoporosis among ever-pregnant women was noted. Conversely, the current data analysis highlight many potential risk factors...

Background Although it can result in serious complications due to its narrow therapeutic index, warfarin is widely used in the treatment and prevention of thromboembolic disorders. However, patients' adherence and knowledge are determinants of therapeutic success. Objective We sought to validate instruments to provide a reliable means of identifying gaps in patient understanding and nonadherence to inform targeted pharmacists' interventions to improve these measures. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted. Patients' knowledge about warfarin was rated using an Arabic-language tool. Medication adherence was assessed using the eight-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). The international normalized ratio (INR) control was quantified by the Rosendaal Method. Setting At the Security Forces hospital anticoagulant clinic (ACC), Riyadh. Main outcome measure Validity of a Knowledge and adherence tool. Results Totally, 101 patients completed the questionnaires. Interestingly, the knowledge tool demonstrated good internal consistency (total Cronbach's alpha = 0.75) and significant concurrent validity with adherence levels. Fifty-two patients were classified as having unsatisfactory knowledge. Deficiency in knowledge was most obvious with respect to the consequences of missing a dose and when to seek immediate medical attention. The MMAS-8 had moderate reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.65); however, its concurrent validity with good INR control was not demonstrated. Conclusions This study revealed high prevalence of nonadherence and poor knowledge in the population visiting the ACC. Given that available knowledge and adherence tools seemed to have little validity in predicting clinical outcomes, structured tools should be designed, considering progression in clinical outcomes with future pharmacists' interventions.

The use of multivitamins within a pharmaceutical setting has been the subject of considerable debate.ObjectiveThis research aimed to provide a platform for assessing and evaluating knowledge, attitudes and professional practices of Jordanian community pharmacists in counselling patients about the safe consumption of vitamins.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2009 and May 2010. Data collection was carried out using a 44-item semi-structured self-administrated questionnaire. Setting: Community pharmacies in Amman with target sample of 400 pharmacists.ResultsA total of 388 pharmacists participated in this study. The majority (77.8%) of pharmacists believed that a balanced diet is more achievable by eating healthily than by vitamins supplements. 78.1% of participants believed that vitamins deficiency would not shorten life spans, while 80.7% agreed that vitamin supplements could be toxic or might contain unlabelled harmful ingredients. Less than half of pharmacists were aware that some antioxidant vitamins have been verified to be of unproven value, or may even cause cancer. While over 80% of pharmacists would recommend vitamins on a regular basis without prescription, the majority agreed that counselling on vitamin supplements is part of their role in pharmaceutical care (93.3%), in addition to providing relevant information to other healthcare professionals (78.4%). Moreover, responses to specific knowledge questions, such as the interactions of vitamins with drugs or the recommended dietary allowance of vitamins for infants, children, and pregnant women, were negative. Furthermore, only a minority of pharmacists would recheck the accuracy of dose regimens in prescriptions and symptoms of true vitamins deficiency or would follow up patients to record any consequences of vitamins consumption.ConclusionsThe questionnaire revealed satisfactory awareness of community pharmacists about their role in counselling; however, further programmes to update their knowledge are mandatory to emphasise the importance of vitamin supplements as part of complementary medicine, and their exclusion from being considered as merely over the counter (OTC) products.

Introduction: Quality of life (QoL) in adolescent patients suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has not been thoroughly explored in Saudi Arabia. Herein, we aimed to measure the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adolescent patients suffering from T2DM and explore the correlation between adolescents' self-and parent-reporting of QoL scores, and glycaemic control (HbA 1c ). Material and methods: A retrospective multi-centre cohort study was conducted at 4 hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQLTM) Diabetes Module 3.0 was completed by children and their parents in a confidential and anonyms manner through a phone interview. Results: We recruited 49 paediatric patients for this study (mean age: 18.45 years; male: 55%). Both children and parents reported low cumulative mean scores for PedsQL™ (58.65 and 57.38, respectively) as compared to previous international studies. The lowest obtained score was noted for the diabetes symptoms domain (53.4). Comparing the magnitude of discrepancy between the adolescents' and parents' subscale scores revealed a non-significant difference, except for the 'worry' subscale, in which parents reported significantly higher mean scores (76.73 vs. 60.54, p = 0.02). Comparison of mean scores reported by adolescents who met the target HbA 1c goal (<7%) and their counterparts revealed a nonsignificant difference, suggesting an irrelevant impact of this parameter on their perspectives or experiences. Conclusions:The study findings emphasized the need to initiate further intensive awareness programs concerning this disease and its clinical implications in T2DM children to improve treatment adherence and symptoms, and consequently improve the perception of the patient and the family for HRQoL.

Background: There is an elevated rate of hereditary hemoglobinopathies in Arab populations. To address this, the Saudi government has implemented a mandatory premarital screening (PMS) program. Nevertheless, reports have shown that 48% of genetically incompatible partners have decided to marry. To address this, more information is needed on people's beliefs on these issues. Aim: To investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Taif University students toward the national PMS program. Materials and Methods: Using a questionnaire, a cross-sectional study was conducted during April-May 2016 on a random sample of university students in Taif City. It was administered electronically and primarily distributed through the social media. Results: Most participants (97.4%) were aware that genes may transmit hereditary diseases and had heard about the PMS program. Most participants who partook in the PMS justified it based on preventing disease transmission to their offspring and ensuring their partner's health. A fair number (82.9%) were willing to change their decision to marry in the case of receiving incompatible results. Moreover, the majority of the participants (91.8%) demanded the implementation of a law that prohibits incompatible marriages. Conclusion: Most Taif University students have a generally positive attitude and good intended practices toward PMS. However, targeted educational programs about the importance of PMS are strongly recommended to eliminate all factors that may affect the success of the PMS program.