Dr. Yaseen A Hayajneh - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Dr. Yaseen A Hayajneh

The world we live in is a complex system composed of subsystems that interact among each other wi... more The world we live in is a complex system composed of subsystems that interact among each other with each having clearly defined boundaries and coherent dynamics. Systems theory was developed by biologist Ludwig von Bertalanffy in the 1930s to simplify world complexity to human mind and make it more understandable (von Bertalanffy, 1962). The development of the theory came as a result of the author's perceived need for a theory to guide research in multiple fields. His theory helped to provide a common framework that created shared and common language that scientists from different disciplines can use to communicate their findings. Simply put, systems theory is used to understand how things around us work.

European Psychiatry, 2013

Purpose The aim was to identify the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics of UAE ... more Purpose The aim was to identify the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics of UAE women with diabetes and depression and to explore any differences between depressed and non-depressed patients in relation to depression glycemic control. Design and methods One hundred eighty two patients completed the Beck Depression Inventory-II. Glycemic control was assessed by glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Findings Ninety two of patients were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. A statistically significant relationship was found between national status and level of depression among the diabetic sample. At least half of these women showed poor glycemic control (HbA1c levels >7.5). A statistically significant relationship exists between depression status and type of diabetes. There is also a strong relationship between HbA1c level and depression level. Practice implications Early detection of depression among UAE women with diabetes is crucial to enhance treatment regimen adherence and glycemic control.

ANNA journal / American Nephrology Nurses' Association, 1999

The purpose of this study was to evaluate inadequate hemodialysis risk in patients with body weig... more The purpose of this study was to evaluate inadequate hemodialysis risk in patients with body weights in the upper quartile of a sample distribution using the urea reduction ratio (URR). Using a case-control design and a simple random sample (n = 315) of hemodialysis (HD) patients, postdialysis weights were divided into quartiles based with a cut-off value at the upper quartile, which was equal to > 81 kilograms (kg). The dichotomous outcome, URR > 65% and URR < 65% constituted the classification for inadequate dialysis risk. The odds ratio (OR) was used to evaluate inadequate dialysis risk based on this outcome. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to adjust for confounding variables and validated for goodness of fit. Those in the > 81 kg group were given more dialysis session time in minutes and used higher efficiency dialyzers as indicated by the coefficient of ultrafiltration (KUf), yet were more likely to have URRs < 65% compared to other patients in ...

International Journal of Nursing Practice, 2009

The aim of this study is to (i) determine the turnover rate among registered nurses in Jordanian ... more The aim of this study is to (i) determine the turnover rate among registered nurses in Jordanian hospitals; and (ii) compare the turnover rate between (a) male and female registered nurses; (b) northern, middle and southern regions; (c) public, private and university hospitals; (d) rural and urban hospitals; and (e) general and specialized hospitals. A descriptive, cross-sectional retrospective survey design was used. A structured interview method was utilized to collect data. A proportional random sample of 25% of the total number of Jordanian hospitals was taken. The results showed that the overall turnover rate was 36.6%. There were variations according to geographical region, health sector and place of residence. Turnover among registered nurses in Jordanian hospitals is considered a problem that requires effective strategies to deal with. Further research is required to identify the causes, and to explain the differences in the turnover rates according to the different study variables.

International Journal of Nursing Practice, 2010

Hayajneh YA, AbuAlRub RF, Almakhzoomy IK. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2010; 16: 374... more Hayajneh YA, AbuAlRub RF, Almakhzoomy IK. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2010; 16: 374–380 Adverse events in Jordanian hospitals: Types and causesAdverse events in health care have become an important issue for health-care professionals, administrators, health policy-makers, public and patients. Literature on adverse events in Jordan is scarce. The purpose of the study was (i) to identify the common types and major causes of adverse events in Jordanian hospitals from the nurses' perspective; and (ii) to estimate the frequency of adverse events in Jordanian hospitals. Qualitative and quantitative data regarding the perceived types, causes and incidence of adverse events were collected using a web-based questionnaire. A total of 75 valid responses with qualitative and quantitative data were obtained. The results indicated (i) that medication errors, wrong diagnosis, hospital acquired infections, bed sores and falls were the most common types of adverse events; and (ii) that workload and inadequate staffing, technical performance, negligence and poor ethics, poor management, psychosocial job demands and written guidelines were the most common causes of adverse events. On average, participants in the study believed that adverse events occurred in about 28% of all hospital admissions. Nurse and hospital administrators and health policy-makers should develop and institute effective strategies and polices to prevent or minimize the occurrence of adverse events.

Health Policy and Planning, 1997

International Review on Public and Nonprofit Marketing Official Publication of the International Association on Public and Nonprofit Marketing, 2010

International Review on Public and Nonprofit Marketing, Jul 1, 2010

International Review on Public and Nonprofit Marketing, 2010

Higher education environments have become increasingly competitive and institutions have to compe... more Higher education environments have become increasingly competitive and institutions have to compete for students in the recruitment markets. Institutional image is considered a cornerstone which influences the students' choice for an academic institution. The purpose of this study aimed at developing a valid and reliable instrument for institutional image to aid in marketing efforts performed at the University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. Students of the College of Health Sciences at the University of Sharjah were approached in the study. Two hundred and twenty two (222) students voluntarily participated in the study which involved a survey questionnaire based on a five point Likert scale for 18 items included on the questionnaire related to academic institutional image. Principal component analysis using varimax rotation was used for questionnaire validation and categorization of resulting factors. Reliability tests were performed to assess the reliability of the items included in the questionnaire. Tests included test-retest reliability, Cronbach alpha, and split-half reliability coefficients. The image instrument includes the general items stated in the literature as well as items relevant to the University of Sharjah indicating the distinctiveness of the image to be used for marketing activities on behalf of the university.

Anna Journal American Nephrology Nurses Association, Sep 1, 1999

The purpose of this study was to evaluate inadequate hemodialysis risk in patients with body weig... more The purpose of this study was to evaluate inadequate hemodialysis risk in patients with body weights in the upper quartile of a sample distribution using the urea reduction ratio (URR). Using a case-control design and a simple random sample (n = 315) of hemodialysis (HD) patients, postdialysis weights were divided into quartiles based with a cut-off value at the upper quartile, which was equal to &gt; 81 kilograms (kg). The dichotomous outcome, URR &gt; 65% and URR &lt; 65% constituted the classification for inadequate dialysis risk. The odds ratio (OR) was used to evaluate inadequate dialysis risk based on this outcome. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to adjust for confounding variables and validated for goodness of fit. Those in the &gt; 81 kg group were given more dialysis session time in minutes and used higher efficiency dialyzers as indicated by the coefficient of ultrafiltration (KUf), yet were more likely to have URRs &lt; 65% compared to other patients in the sample (p &lt; 0.001). This finding persisted in the logistic regression model when simultaneously fitting both gender and dialysis session time. Patients weighing &gt; 81 kg experienced an increased risk of inadequate dialysis when compared to all others (OR 4.02, 95% CI [confidence interval] 2.217-7.29). A postdialysis weight &gt; 81 kg increased the risk of inadequate dialysis for patients in this sample. This effect was confounded by a dialysis time x weight interaction term. Also, women were found to have a lower inadequate dialysis risk compared to men after adjusting for weight classification. We, therefore, conclude that patients who weigh &gt; 81 kg may experience inadequate dialysis despite longer, more efficient dialysis sessions. Longer dialysis sessions may benefit some patients, but the effect in larger patients may not be a uniform response.

International Journal of Nursing Practice, 2010

Adverse events in health care have become an important issue for health-care professionals, admin... more Adverse events in health care have become an important issue for health-care professionals, administrators, health policy-makers, public and patients. Literature on adverse events in Jordan is scarce. The purpose of the study was (i) to identify the common types and major causes of adverse events in Jordanian hospitals from the nurses' perspective; and (ii) to estimate the frequency of adverse events in Jordanian hospitals. Qualitative and quantitative data regarding the perceived types, causes and incidence of adverse events were collected using a web-based questionnaire. A total of 75 valid responses with qualitative and quantitative data were obtained. The results indicated (i) that medication errors, wrong diagnosis, hospital acquired infections, bed sores and falls were the most common types of adverse events; and (ii) that workload and inadequate staffing, technical performance, negligence and poor ethics, poor management, psychosocial job demands and written guidelines were the most common causes of adverse events. On average, participants in the study believed that adverse events occurred in about 28% of all hospital admissions. Nurse and hospital administrators and health policy-makers should develop and institute effective strategies and polices to prevent or minimize the occurrence of adverse events.

International Journal of Nursing Practice, 2009

15: 303-310 Turnover rate among registered nurses in Jordanian hospitals: An exploratory study

Perspectives in Psychiatric Care, 2013

The aim was to identify the relationship between socio-demographic characteristics of United Arab... more The aim was to identify the relationship between socio-demographic characteristics of United Arab Emirates (UAE) women with diabetes and depression and to explore any differences between depressed and nondepressed patients in relation to glycemic control. One hundred eighty-two subjects completed the Beck Depression Inventory-II and a socio-demographic questionnaire (i.e., age, national status, economic status, level of education, and employment status). Glycemic control was assessed by glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C ). Ninety-two subjects were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. A statistically significant higher incidence of depression was found in the subject group with diagnosed diabetes mellitus than in the nondiabetic subject group. A statistically significant relationship was found between depression status and type of diabetes (Type 1). A positive relationship between poor glycemic control and higher levels of depression was identified. A positively significant relationship was found between national status and level of depression among the diabetic sample, among whom at least half showed poor glycemic control (HbA1C levels &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 7.5). Early detection of depression among women with diabetes is crucial to enhance treatment regimen adherence and glycemic control. As the UAE diabetic women are at even greater risk than other diabetic women, they need to be very carefully screened and evaluated for depression.

Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 2010

To search for possible early clinical associations and laboratory abnormalities in children with ... more To search for possible early clinical associations and laboratory abnormalities in children with severe dehydration in northern Jordan. We prospectively evaluated 251 children with acute gastroenteritis. Dehydration assessment was done following a known clinical scheme. Probable clinical associations and laboratory abnormalities were examined against the preassigned dehydration status. Children with severe dehydration had significantly more hypernatremia and hyperkalemia, less isonatremia, and higher mean levels of urea, creatinine, and glucose (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.005). Receiver operating characteristic curves showed statistically significant area under the curve values for laboratory variables. These area under the curve values were 0.991 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.980-1.001) for serum urea, 0.862 (95% CI 0.746-0.978) for sodium, 0.850 (95% CI 0.751-0.949) for creatinine, 0.69 (95% CI 0.555-0.824) for potassium, and 0.684 (95% CI 0.574-0.795) for glucose (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.05 for all). Certain independent serum cutoff levels of urea, creatinine, sodium, glucose, and potassium had high negative predictive value (100%), whereas other cutoff values for each, except potassium, had high positive predictive value (100%) for severe dehydration. Historic clinical characteristics of patients did not correlate to dehydration degree. Serum urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, and glucose were useful independently in augmenting clinical examination to diagnose the degree of dehydration status among children presenting with gastroenteritis. Serum urea performed the best among all. On the contrary, none of the examined historical clinical patterns could be correlated to the dehydration status. Larger and multicenter studies are needed to validate our results and to examine their impact on final outcomes.

Journal of Medical Virology, 2010

Jordan is a country with intermediate endemicity for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection where risk... more Jordan is a country with intermediate endemicity for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection where risk factors for viral transmission and their relative contributions are not well known. A case-control study of 100 hepatitis B virus seropositive patients and another 100 seronegative controls was conducted. Univariate analysis and logistic regression model were performed to examine probable risk factors for acquisition of hepatitis B virus infections. Logistic-regression analysis showed that significant risk factors for acquisition of hepatitis B virus infection were sharing toothbrushes (odds ratio = 10.167; 95% confidence interval, 1.181-87.509), unhygienic dental care (odds ratio = 2.455; 95% confidence interval, 1.294-4.658), and living abroad for at least 1 year (odds ratio = 20.018; 95% confidence interval, 2.268-176.685). The presence of these risk factors emphasizes the need for both increasing the use of hepatitis B vaccines and risk-targeted public health education. Development and enforcement of appropriate infection control guidelines for dental care services are also necessary to curtail HBV transmission. Further research that controls for confounding factors is needed to assess the relative contribution of the identified risk factors in the Jordanian community.

Journal of Applied Sciences, 2008

The world we live in is a complex system composed of subsystems that interact among each other wi... more The world we live in is a complex system composed of subsystems that interact among each other with each having clearly defined boundaries and coherent dynamics. Systems theory was developed by biologist Ludwig von Bertalanffy in the 1930s to simplify world complexity to human mind and make it more understandable (von Bertalanffy, 1962). The development of the theory came as a result of the author's perceived need for a theory to guide research in multiple fields. His theory helped to provide a common framework that created shared and common language that scientists from different disciplines can use to communicate their findings. Simply put, systems theory is used to understand how things around us work.

European Psychiatry, 2013

Purpose The aim was to identify the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics of UAE ... more Purpose The aim was to identify the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics of UAE women with diabetes and depression and to explore any differences between depressed and non-depressed patients in relation to depression glycemic control. Design and methods One hundred eighty two patients completed the Beck Depression Inventory-II. Glycemic control was assessed by glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Findings Ninety two of patients were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. A statistically significant relationship was found between national status and level of depression among the diabetic sample. At least half of these women showed poor glycemic control (HbA1c levels >7.5). A statistically significant relationship exists between depression status and type of diabetes. There is also a strong relationship between HbA1c level and depression level. Practice implications Early detection of depression among UAE women with diabetes is crucial to enhance treatment regimen adherence and glycemic control.

ANNA journal / American Nephrology Nurses' Association, 1999

The purpose of this study was to evaluate inadequate hemodialysis risk in patients with body weig... more The purpose of this study was to evaluate inadequate hemodialysis risk in patients with body weights in the upper quartile of a sample distribution using the urea reduction ratio (URR). Using a case-control design and a simple random sample (n = 315) of hemodialysis (HD) patients, postdialysis weights were divided into quartiles based with a cut-off value at the upper quartile, which was equal to > 81 kilograms (kg). The dichotomous outcome, URR > 65% and URR < 65% constituted the classification for inadequate dialysis risk. The odds ratio (OR) was used to evaluate inadequate dialysis risk based on this outcome. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to adjust for confounding variables and validated for goodness of fit. Those in the > 81 kg group were given more dialysis session time in minutes and used higher efficiency dialyzers as indicated by the coefficient of ultrafiltration (KUf), yet were more likely to have URRs < 65% compared to other patients in ...

International Journal of Nursing Practice, 2009

The aim of this study is to (i) determine the turnover rate among registered nurses in Jordanian ... more The aim of this study is to (i) determine the turnover rate among registered nurses in Jordanian hospitals; and (ii) compare the turnover rate between (a) male and female registered nurses; (b) northern, middle and southern regions; (c) public, private and university hospitals; (d) rural and urban hospitals; and (e) general and specialized hospitals. A descriptive, cross-sectional retrospective survey design was used. A structured interview method was utilized to collect data. A proportional random sample of 25% of the total number of Jordanian hospitals was taken. The results showed that the overall turnover rate was 36.6%. There were variations according to geographical region, health sector and place of residence. Turnover among registered nurses in Jordanian hospitals is considered a problem that requires effective strategies to deal with. Further research is required to identify the causes, and to explain the differences in the turnover rates according to the different study variables.

International Journal of Nursing Practice, 2010

Hayajneh YA, AbuAlRub RF, Almakhzoomy IK. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2010; 16: 374... more Hayajneh YA, AbuAlRub RF, Almakhzoomy IK. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2010; 16: 374–380 Adverse events in Jordanian hospitals: Types and causesAdverse events in health care have become an important issue for health-care professionals, administrators, health policy-makers, public and patients. Literature on adverse events in Jordan is scarce. The purpose of the study was (i) to identify the common types and major causes of adverse events in Jordanian hospitals from the nurses' perspective; and (ii) to estimate the frequency of adverse events in Jordanian hospitals. Qualitative and quantitative data regarding the perceived types, causes and incidence of adverse events were collected using a web-based questionnaire. A total of 75 valid responses with qualitative and quantitative data were obtained. The results indicated (i) that medication errors, wrong diagnosis, hospital acquired infections, bed sores and falls were the most common types of adverse events; and (ii) that workload and inadequate staffing, technical performance, negligence and poor ethics, poor management, psychosocial job demands and written guidelines were the most common causes of adverse events. On average, participants in the study believed that adverse events occurred in about 28% of all hospital admissions. Nurse and hospital administrators and health policy-makers should develop and institute effective strategies and polices to prevent or minimize the occurrence of adverse events.

Health Policy and Planning, 1997

International Review on Public and Nonprofit Marketing Official Publication of the International Association on Public and Nonprofit Marketing, 2010

International Review on Public and Nonprofit Marketing, Jul 1, 2010

International Review on Public and Nonprofit Marketing, 2010

Higher education environments have become increasingly competitive and institutions have to compe... more Higher education environments have become increasingly competitive and institutions have to compete for students in the recruitment markets. Institutional image is considered a cornerstone which influences the students' choice for an academic institution. The purpose of this study aimed at developing a valid and reliable instrument for institutional image to aid in marketing efforts performed at the University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. Students of the College of Health Sciences at the University of Sharjah were approached in the study. Two hundred and twenty two (222) students voluntarily participated in the study which involved a survey questionnaire based on a five point Likert scale for 18 items included on the questionnaire related to academic institutional image. Principal component analysis using varimax rotation was used for questionnaire validation and categorization of resulting factors. Reliability tests were performed to assess the reliability of the items included in the questionnaire. Tests included test-retest reliability, Cronbach alpha, and split-half reliability coefficients. The image instrument includes the general items stated in the literature as well as items relevant to the University of Sharjah indicating the distinctiveness of the image to be used for marketing activities on behalf of the university.

Anna Journal American Nephrology Nurses Association, Sep 1, 1999

The purpose of this study was to evaluate inadequate hemodialysis risk in patients with body weig... more The purpose of this study was to evaluate inadequate hemodialysis risk in patients with body weights in the upper quartile of a sample distribution using the urea reduction ratio (URR). Using a case-control design and a simple random sample (n = 315) of hemodialysis (HD) patients, postdialysis weights were divided into quartiles based with a cut-off value at the upper quartile, which was equal to &gt; 81 kilograms (kg). The dichotomous outcome, URR &gt; 65% and URR &lt; 65% constituted the classification for inadequate dialysis risk. The odds ratio (OR) was used to evaluate inadequate dialysis risk based on this outcome. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to adjust for confounding variables and validated for goodness of fit. Those in the &gt; 81 kg group were given more dialysis session time in minutes and used higher efficiency dialyzers as indicated by the coefficient of ultrafiltration (KUf), yet were more likely to have URRs &lt; 65% compared to other patients in the sample (p &lt; 0.001). This finding persisted in the logistic regression model when simultaneously fitting both gender and dialysis session time. Patients weighing &gt; 81 kg experienced an increased risk of inadequate dialysis when compared to all others (OR 4.02, 95% CI [confidence interval] 2.217-7.29). A postdialysis weight &gt; 81 kg increased the risk of inadequate dialysis for patients in this sample. This effect was confounded by a dialysis time x weight interaction term. Also, women were found to have a lower inadequate dialysis risk compared to men after adjusting for weight classification. We, therefore, conclude that patients who weigh &gt; 81 kg may experience inadequate dialysis despite longer, more efficient dialysis sessions. Longer dialysis sessions may benefit some patients, but the effect in larger patients may not be a uniform response.

International Journal of Nursing Practice, 2010

Adverse events in health care have become an important issue for health-care professionals, admin... more Adverse events in health care have become an important issue for health-care professionals, administrators, health policy-makers, public and patients. Literature on adverse events in Jordan is scarce. The purpose of the study was (i) to identify the common types and major causes of adverse events in Jordanian hospitals from the nurses' perspective; and (ii) to estimate the frequency of adverse events in Jordanian hospitals. Qualitative and quantitative data regarding the perceived types, causes and incidence of adverse events were collected using a web-based questionnaire. A total of 75 valid responses with qualitative and quantitative data were obtained. The results indicated (i) that medication errors, wrong diagnosis, hospital acquired infections, bed sores and falls were the most common types of adverse events; and (ii) that workload and inadequate staffing, technical performance, negligence and poor ethics, poor management, psychosocial job demands and written guidelines were the most common causes of adverse events. On average, participants in the study believed that adverse events occurred in about 28% of all hospital admissions. Nurse and hospital administrators and health policy-makers should develop and institute effective strategies and polices to prevent or minimize the occurrence of adverse events.

International Journal of Nursing Practice, 2009

15: 303-310 Turnover rate among registered nurses in Jordanian hospitals: An exploratory study

Perspectives in Psychiatric Care, 2013

The aim was to identify the relationship between socio-demographic characteristics of United Arab... more The aim was to identify the relationship between socio-demographic characteristics of United Arab Emirates (UAE) women with diabetes and depression and to explore any differences between depressed and nondepressed patients in relation to glycemic control. One hundred eighty-two subjects completed the Beck Depression Inventory-II and a socio-demographic questionnaire (i.e., age, national status, economic status, level of education, and employment status). Glycemic control was assessed by glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C ). Ninety-two subjects were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. A statistically significant higher incidence of depression was found in the subject group with diagnosed diabetes mellitus than in the nondiabetic subject group. A statistically significant relationship was found between depression status and type of diabetes (Type 1). A positive relationship between poor glycemic control and higher levels of depression was identified. A positively significant relationship was found between national status and level of depression among the diabetic sample, among whom at least half showed poor glycemic control (HbA1C levels &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 7.5). Early detection of depression among women with diabetes is crucial to enhance treatment regimen adherence and glycemic control. As the UAE diabetic women are at even greater risk than other diabetic women, they need to be very carefully screened and evaluated for depression.

Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 2010

To search for possible early clinical associations and laboratory abnormalities in children with ... more To search for possible early clinical associations and laboratory abnormalities in children with severe dehydration in northern Jordan. We prospectively evaluated 251 children with acute gastroenteritis. Dehydration assessment was done following a known clinical scheme. Probable clinical associations and laboratory abnormalities were examined against the preassigned dehydration status. Children with severe dehydration had significantly more hypernatremia and hyperkalemia, less isonatremia, and higher mean levels of urea, creatinine, and glucose (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.005). Receiver operating characteristic curves showed statistically significant area under the curve values for laboratory variables. These area under the curve values were 0.991 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.980-1.001) for serum urea, 0.862 (95% CI 0.746-0.978) for sodium, 0.850 (95% CI 0.751-0.949) for creatinine, 0.69 (95% CI 0.555-0.824) for potassium, and 0.684 (95% CI 0.574-0.795) for glucose (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.05 for all). Certain independent serum cutoff levels of urea, creatinine, sodium, glucose, and potassium had high negative predictive value (100%), whereas other cutoff values for each, except potassium, had high positive predictive value (100%) for severe dehydration. Historic clinical characteristics of patients did not correlate to dehydration degree. Serum urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, and glucose were useful independently in augmenting clinical examination to diagnose the degree of dehydration status among children presenting with gastroenteritis. Serum urea performed the best among all. On the contrary, none of the examined historical clinical patterns could be correlated to the dehydration status. Larger and multicenter studies are needed to validate our results and to examine their impact on final outcomes.

Journal of Medical Virology, 2010

Jordan is a country with intermediate endemicity for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection where risk... more Jordan is a country with intermediate endemicity for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection where risk factors for viral transmission and their relative contributions are not well known. A case-control study of 100 hepatitis B virus seropositive patients and another 100 seronegative controls was conducted. Univariate analysis and logistic regression model were performed to examine probable risk factors for acquisition of hepatitis B virus infections. Logistic-regression analysis showed that significant risk factors for acquisition of hepatitis B virus infection were sharing toothbrushes (odds ratio = 10.167; 95% confidence interval, 1.181-87.509), unhygienic dental care (odds ratio = 2.455; 95% confidence interval, 1.294-4.658), and living abroad for at least 1 year (odds ratio = 20.018; 95% confidence interval, 2.268-176.685). The presence of these risk factors emphasizes the need for both increasing the use of hepatitis B vaccines and risk-targeted public health education. Development and enforcement of appropriate infection control guidelines for dental care services are also necessary to curtail HBV transmission. Further research that controls for confounding factors is needed to assess the relative contribution of the identified risk factors in the Jordanian community.

Journal of Applied Sciences, 2008