University of Jordan

About: University of Jordan is a education organization based out in Amman, Jordan. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Medicine. The organization has 7796 authors who have published 13764 publications receiving 213526 citations.

Ocrelizumab: a step forward in the evolution of B-cell therapy.

Abstract: Recent advances in our understanding of B-cell dysregulation and its important link to autoimmunity have brought about a radical change in the management of autoimmune diseases. Over the past few years, encouraging data from several clinical trials of rituximab, a chimeric anti-CD20 antibody, have led to its approval for use in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). These data, regarding clinical efficacy, safety, improved patient-reported outcomes and cost-effectiveness with the use of rituximab in patients with RA, have led to the exploration of other agents targeting B-cell functions. Ocrelizumab, a novel humanized anti-CD20 antibody, has shown clinical efficacy and safety in a recently reported trial in patients with RA. Future clinical trials will help evaluate further the role of ocrelizumab in RA and its potential use in other autoimmune diseases. This review describes current understanding of B-cell therapy, the role of rituximab in the treatment of RA and the evolving role of ocrelizumab as a B-cell-targeted...

Prevalence of Internet Addiction and Its Association With Psychological Distress and Coping Strategies Among University Students in Jordan.

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this study was to measure the prevalence of Internet addiction (IA) and its association with psychological distress and coping strategies among university students in Jordan. Design and Methods A descriptive, cross-sectional, correlational design was used with a random sample of 587 university students in Jordan. The Perceived Stress Scale, Coping Behavior Inventory, and Internet Addiction Test were used. Findings The prevalence of IA was 40%. IA was associated with high mental distress among the students. Students who used problem solving were more likely to experience a lower level of IA. Practice Implications This study should raise awareness in nurses and other healthcare providers that IA is a potential problem for this population.

Depression among adults with diabetes in Jordan: risk factors and relationship to blood sugar control.

Abstract: Objectives The aims of this study were to estimate the prevalence of undiagnosed depression among adults with diabetes mellitus in Jordan and to determine the factors that may indicate the presence of depression and to examine the relationship between depression and blood sugar control among Jordanian subjects with diabetes. Methods A systemic random sample of 649 type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients aged 18–75 years was selected during the period from July 2009 to January 2010. A prestructured questionnaire was used for collecting the information about sociodemographic data and clinical characteristics. Depression was evaluated using the Patients' Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8). A PHQ-8 score ≥10 has been recommended as a cutoff point for depression. Self-care management behaviors and barrier to adherence were collected. Weights and heights were measured. Glycated hemoglobin was abstracted from each patient directly after the interview. Result Of the 649, 128 (19.7) have depression according to the PHQ-8 scores. According to the multivariate analysis, females are more likely to develop depression than males with [odds ratio (OR), 1.91; P =001] and low-educated people versus educated people (OR, 3.09; P ≤.002). Being on insulin treatment also has a significant association with depression (OR, 3.31; P =.001). Not following eating plans as recommended by dietitians, lacking self-monitoring blood glucose and increased barriers to adherence scale scores were also associated with depression among the subjects with diabetes. Conclusion The prevalence of depression among Jordanian subjects with type 1 and type 2 diabetes is high compared with some developed countries. This was associated with gender, educational level, insulin treatment, low self-management behaviors and increased barriers to adherence. This result shows the urgent need to include the routine screening of depression during outpatient visit, which might help prevention, early detection and management of depression.