Sundos Qassim

Bio: Sundos Qassim is an academic researcher from Ajman University of Science and Technology. The author has contributed to research in topics: vitamin D deficiency & Pharmacy. The author has an hindex of 3, co-authored 7 publications receiving 37 citations.

Reporting Adverse Drug Reactions: Evaluations of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice among Community Pharmacists in UAE

Abstract: In United Arab Emirates (UAE), the pharmacovigilance (PV) program is in the stage of initiation therefore the success of such a program depends upon the participation of the health care professionals. No study has been found regarding the role of the community pharmacist as a health care provider in monitoring drug safety after marketing. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practice (KAP) toward adverse drug reactions (ADRs ) reporting among community pharmacists (CPs) in Ajman and Sharjah, UAE. Evaluating the baseline KAP of the CPs regarding ADRs reporting can be useful in providing information for the progress of a PV program in UAE. An interview questionnaire was delivered to 300 CPs in Ajman and Sharjah cities. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 was used for data analysis. Only 4.9% of respondents had good ADRs reporting knowledge, while the majority of pharmacists 93.7% had a positive attitude towards ADRs reporting. Forty four percent of the pharmacists were not alert about ADRs reporting program in UAE. Only 3.6 % of the enrolled pharmacists submitted ADRs report and only 11.2% had good practice score. The results of our study clearly point out that in spite of the community pharmacists positive attitude there was a lack of appropriate knowledge and practice to implement ADRs reporting successfully. The results emphasized the critical need for interventions to support ADRs reporting activity and to maintain CPs positive attitude.

Added sugar: Nutritional knowledge and consumption pattern of a principal driver of obesity and diabetes among undergraduates in UAE.

Abstract: Background Recently, youth intake of added sugar has been growing. The incidence of obesity and type 2 diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) has risen dramatically in parallel with these changes. Excess added sugar is a key risk factor for weight gain and T2DM in many cohort studies. The current study was implemented to examine the nutritional knowledge, attitude and practice pattern among UAE undergraduates. Method Random sampling was used to approach 400 undergraduate students from UAE. The data analysis was performed by using SPSS version 24. A correlation analysis was performed using Pearson and Spearman correlation tests. Statistical analysis was conducted using Chi-square test, T-test, and Kruskal Wallis test. Results Added sugar consumption is widely prevalent among university students in UAE. Only 19% of the enrolled sample scored high nutritional knowledge level and 56% of the students were considered heavy consumers. White sugar was the preferred added sweeteners among 90% of the sample. Conclusion Our study outcomes recommend that strategies that can successfully reduce added sugar might be a significant stage concerning reversing the devastating escalating trends in diabetes, obesity, and promoting health of all populations in UAE.

Public knowledge and attitude toward depression and schizophrenia: findings from quantitative study in uae

Abstract: Objective: The purpose of the current study to assess current attitude and knowledge of UAE population toward mental disorders, and to determine the stigma status of people with schizophrenia and depression. Methods: A represented sample of 430 participants was enrolled in the study. A descriptive qualitative survey was the study tool. The developed questionnaire was designed to be interview-administrated SPSS 24 used in data analysis. A correlation analysis was performed to test association. One-way ANOVA and independent t-test were applied to determine which factors might affect the knowledge and attitude score. p<0.05 was considered significant. Results: The study findings revealed a high level of stigma among UAE population toward people with schizophrenia and depression. 62% (266) had negative attitude score while 38.1% (164) had positive attitude score. 67% of the participants believe that people with schizophrenia and depression are dangerous. 80% (343) had a good knowledge score while 20.2% (87) had poor knowledge score. Conclusion: The negative attitude confirms the importance of increasing mental health literacy. These findings highlight the need to implement national mental health policy to educate the public and reduce the stigma of mental disorders.

A Mixed-Methods Feasibility Study of a Novel AI-Enabled, Web-Based, Clinical Decision Support System for the Treatment of Major Depression in Adults

Abstract: The objective of this paper is to discuss perceived clinical utility and impact on physician-patient relationship of a novel, artificial-intelligence (AI) enabled clinical decision support system (CDSS) for use in the treatment of adults with major depression. Patients had a baseline appointment, followed by a minimum of two appointments with the CDSS. For both physicians and patients, study exit questionnaires and interviews were conducted to assess perceived clinical utility, impact on patient-physician relationship, and understanding and trust in the CDSS. 17 patients consented to participate in the study, of which 14 completed. 86% of physicians (6/7) felt the information provided by the CDSS provided a more comprehensive understanding of patient situations and 71% (5/7) felt the information was helpful. 86% of physicians (6/7) reported the AI/predictive model was useful when making treatment decisions. 62% of patients (8/13) reported improvement in their care as a result of the tool. 46% of patients (6/13) felt the app significantly or somewhat improved their relationship with their physicians; 54% felt it did not change. 71% of physicians (5/7) and 62% of patients (8/13) rated they trusted the tool. Qualitative results are analyzed and presented. Findings suggest physicians perceived the tool as useful in conducting appointments and used it while making treatment decisions. Physicians and patients generally found the tool trustworthy, and it may have positive effects on physician-patient relationships.

Pharmacovigilance: pharmacists' perspective on spontaneous adverse drug reaction reporting.

Abstract: Globally, adverse drug reactions (ADRs), one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality, will continue to pose a threat to public health as long as drugs are being used to treat various ailments. Prompt ADR reporting is crucial in ensuring drug safety. The aim of this narrative review was to highlight the role of pharmacists in pharmacovigilance and to identify barriers and facilitators toward ADR reporting documented in the literature. The perspective of pharmacy students on pharmacovigilance and ADR reporting has also been discussed with an aim to highlight the need to improve content related to ADR reporting and pharmacovigilance in undergraduate pharmacy curriculum. Globally, although the role of pharmacists within national pharmacovigilance systems varies, it is very well recognized. In general, pharmacists acknowledge that ADR reporting is part of their professional responsibility and have a positive attitude toward reporting ADRs. However, current research evidence suggests that there are still critical knowledge gaps with regard to ADR reporting among pharmacists, especially in countries where the role of pharmacists within the health care system is limited. These knowledge gaps can be fulfilled through continuous professional development programs and reinforcing theoretical and practical knowledge in undergraduate pharmacy curriculums. Without adequately identifying and fulfilling training needs of pharmacists and other health care professionals, the efficiency of national pharmacovigilance systems is unlikely to improve which may compromise patient's safety.

Quality Parameters and Consumer Acceptance of Jelly Candies Based on Pomegranate Juice "Mollar de Elche".

Abstract: There is an upward trend towards reducing or suppressing additives in foods, as well as reducing the use of E-numbers in labels providing clean label foods. Therefore, the development of confectionary products based exclusively on natural ingredients with antioxidant properties may offer valuable solutions to the confectionery industry. Fruit juices and purees may provide functional and organoleptic properties in jelly candies in a natural way. The consumption of pomegranate fruit and derivative products has increased due to their association with health benefits. The aim of this study was to determine consumer insights about pomegranate-based jellies, cultivar “Mollar de Elche”, as affected by formulation (100% pomegranate juice or 50%–50% pomegranate juice–apple puree) and type of sweetener (sugar or honey), and to link affective and descriptive data from sensory studies. The most valued quality parameter of pomegranate products, red color (measured by the green–red coordinate, a*), was not negatively affected by jelly preparation. It was determined that the main liking drivers for pomegranate jellies were intense red color and high brightness. The results might be used by pomegranate processing companies to improve their manufacturing protocols and to develop successful products meeting consumer demands and needs. The formulation containing 20% gelatin, pure “Mollar de Elche” pomegranate juice, 1% citric acid, and sucrose as sweetener provided the best quality of jellies in terms of color, texture, antioxidant capacity, and sensory attributes.

Effect of an educational intervention on knowledge and attitude regarding pharmacovigilance and consumer pharmacovigilance among community pharmacists in Lalitpur district, Nepal.

Abstract: Pharmacovigilance activities are in a developing stage in Nepal. ADR reporting is mainly confined to healthcare professionals working in institutions recognized as regional pharmacovigilance centers. Community pharmacists could play an important role in pharmacovigilance. This study was conducted among community pharmacists in Lalitpur district to examine their knowledge and attitude about pharmacovigilance before and after an educational intervention. Knowledge and attitude was studied before, immediately after and 6 weeks following the intervention among 75 community pharmacists. Responses were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. A pretested questionnaire having twelve and nine statements for assessing knowledge and attitude were used. The overall scores were obtained by adding the ‘knowledge’ and ‘attitude’ scores and ‘overall’ scores were summarized using median and interquartile range. Wilcoxon signed-rank test for repeated samples was used to compare the differences between knowledge and attitude of the pharmacists before and after the educational program. Knowledge scores [median (interquartile range)] improved significantly between pre-test [39 (44–46)], post-test [44 (44–44)] and retention period of 6 weeks after the intervention [46 (43–46)]. Knowledge score improved immediately post-intervention among both males [44 (41–47)] and females [44 (43–45)] but the retention scores (after 6 weeks) were higher [46 (42–48)] among males. Attitude scores improved significantly among females [46 (44–48)]. The overall scores were higher among pharmacists from rural areas. Knowledge and attitude scores improved after the educational intervention. Further studies in other regions of the country are required. The national pharmacovigilance center should promote awareness about ADR reporting among community pharmacists.

Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Practices Among United Arab Emirates Pharmacists and Prescribers.

Abstract: Background: Underreporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) has placed a heavy financial burden on health care resources worldwide. Realizing the importance of proper ADR reporting is paramount for implementing better patient care. Objective: This study was designed to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of ADR reporting among United Arab Emirates (UAE) health care professionals to clarify their present strategies and identify steps to avoid underreporting. Methods: A self-administered cross-sectional questionnaire was designed and randomly distributed to different health care personnel (n = 150). All participants were briefly informed about the aim of the study and given sufficient time to respond. The responses were collected over 6 months. The data were statistically analyzed for each reporter category (community pharmacist, hospital pharmacist, and doctors) using the chi-square test. Results: We found that 81%, 83%, and 83.3% of doctors, community pharmacists, and hospital pharmacists, respectively, were not aware of the existence of a reporting center and 56%, 60%, and 72% were not aware of a reporting procedure. Poor ADR reporting practices were shown by responders; only 19%, 14%, and 12.1% of doctors, community pharmacists, and hospital pharmacists reported ADRs. Conclusion: This study showed poor KAP results among health care professionals. Proper educational intervention strategies should be established in different health care settings for better patient care. With proper guidance, objectives in all health care settings should be targeted to positively change the concept of health care to consider ADR reporting as a common accepted daily routine practice.

A Look Behind the Scenes at COVID-19: National Strategies of Infection Control and Their Impact on Mortality.

Abstract: (1) Background: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) began spreading across the globe in December and, as of 9 July 2020, had inflicted more than 550,000 deaths. Public health measures implemented to control the outbreak caused socio-economic havoc in many countries. The pandemic highlighted the quality of health care systems, responses of policymakers in harmony with the population, and socio-economic resilience factors. We suggest that different national strategies had an impact on mortality and case count. (2) Methods: We collected fatality data for 17 countries until 2 June 2020 from public data and associated these with implemented containment measures. (3) Results: The outcomes present the effectiveness of control mechanisms in mitigating the virus for selected countries and the UAE as a special case. Pre-existing conditions defined the needed public health strategies and fatality numbers. Other pre-existing conditions, such as temperature, humidity, median age, and low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations played minor roles and may have had no direct impact on fatality rates. (4) Conclusions: Prevention, fast containment, adequate public health strategies, and importance of indoor environments were determining factors in mitigating the pandemic. Development of public health strategies adapted to pre-existing conditions for each country and community compliance with implemented policies ensure the successful control of pandemics.