Amal Najjar - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Amal Najjar

Research paper thumbnail of Correlation Between Efficacy of Treatment with Anti-psychotics and Adherence in Schizophrenic Patients: A Cross-sectional Study in Saudi Arabia

Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Education and Research

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of chronic hydroxychloroquine use on COVID-19 risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus: a multicenter retrospective cohort

Journal of International Medical Research

Objective Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has been used during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) p... more Objective Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has been used during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic because of its reported anti-viral activity. This study examined the association of chronic HCQ use with the incidence and complications of COVID-19. Methods This retrospective cohort study included adults with rheumatoid arthritis and/or systemic lupus erythematosus who visited rheumatology clinics in three tertiary hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between January 2019 and December 2020. Patients were categorized into two groups based on HCQ use. Data were obtained from the electronic health record and by interviews with patients. The primary study objective was the incidence of COVID-19 and its complications from March 2020 to February 2021. Results Almost 11% of the study cohort was positive for COVID-19, and the incidence of COVID-19 was similar between HCQ users (11.11%) and nonusers (10.86%). Disease complication rates were similar in the study arms, and they mainly includ...

Research paper thumbnail of Factors Affecting the Incidence, Progression, and Severity of COVID-19 in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

BioMed Research International

Objectives. This study screened for factors affecting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) inciden... more Objectives. This study screened for factors affecting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) incidence in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients, appraised vitamin D’s efficacy in preventing COVID-19, and assessed the effects of clinical characteristics, glycemic status, vitamin D, and hydroxychloroquine administration on COVID-19’s progression and severity in T1DM patients. Methods. This retrospective research on 150 adults was conducted at Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh, KSA. Participants were allocated to three groups (50/group): control, T1DM, and T1DM with COVID-19. Participants’ fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), complete blood count, vitamin D, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, D-dimer, liver and kidney function, and hydroxychloroquine treatment were retrieved and analyzed. Results. The percentages of comorbidities and not takin...

Research paper thumbnail of Preventing the Next Pandemic: Is Live Vaccine Efficacious against Monkeypox, or Is There a Need for Killed Virus and mRNA Vaccines?

Vaccines

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY

Research paper thumbnail of Research Quality Management Policy

International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences

Research paper thumbnail of Research Policy on Cross-Sectional Studies in Pharmacy Practice

International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences

Objectives: This study illustrates the Research policy of Cross-Sectional Studies in Pharmaceutic... more Objectives: This study illustrates the Research policy of Cross-Sectional Studies in Pharmaceutical Care Services as a new initiative in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This article is a narrative review of pharmacy research. Litterateur researched specific research policies and procedures in pharmacy practice using a variety of databases, including PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar. The period covered for the search is from the 1960s to October 2021. The terms used are in the English language and encompasses narrative reviews, systemic reviews, meta-analyses, and guidelines. The search term includes all hospital and community pharmacy-related services. Besides, there are national and international guidelines for conducting general research in hospital practice. The pharmacy research committee was formed and comprised numerous expert members, including clinical pharmacists, pharmacists who specialise in drug information, and clinical research specialists. A member drafted the policy's guidelines, which were then reviewed and corrected by another member. The research specialist made the third revision. The topic emphasises the Pharmacy Research policy of crosssectional studies design. Results: Pharmacy Research's policy on cross-sectional studies design in pharmacy practice covered a variety of topics. This includes an examination of the advantages and disadvantages of cross-sectional studies design, as well as the procedures for conducting cross-sectional research in pharmaceutical care services. Conclusion: A novel initiative in pharmacy practice is the development of a pharmacy research strategy that governs the design of cross-sectional studies. The cross-sectional studies used to develop pharmacy policies increased the number and quality of pharmacy research at public and private healthcare organisations. Thus, the cross-sectional design in pharmacy research policy is a basic foundation to implement in Saudi Arabia.

Research paper thumbnail of Research Policy: Narrative Review in Pharmacy Practice

International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences

Research paper thumbnail of Education and Training Research Policy in Pharmacy Practice

International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences

Objectives: This study explores the Research policy of Research Education and Training in pharmac... more Objectives: This study explores the Research policy of Research Education and Training in pharmacy practice as a new initiative in Saudi Arabia. Methods: The current topic is a narrative review of education and training procedures in pharmacy research. Litterateur was searched in various databases. That includes PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, and academic Microsoft. The period covered for the search is from the 1960s to October 2021. The terms used are in the English language and encompass narrative reviews, systemic reviews, meta-analyses, and guidelines. The search keyword includes all hospital and community pharmacy-related services. Moreover, there are national and international guidelines for conducting general research in research in pharmacy practice. The committee of pharmacy research was formed and comprised numerous expert members, including clinical pharmacists, drug information pharmacists, and clinical research specialists. A member drafted the policy's guidelines, which were then reviewed and corrected by another member. The research specialist made the third revision. The topic emphasizes the Pharmacy Research policy of Research Education and Training. Results: Pharmacy Research's policy on Research Education and Training covered various topics, including the program objectives, admission requirements, teaching, educational methodology, and steps in pharmacy practice involving research, education, and training. Five models were used in research education and training. For instance, skills in searching for and reviewing the literature, research design and methodology, survey design, biostatistics, and research proposal writing. In addition, each model included a description of the module and Learning Objectives, Module Outlines, and Competency Items. Conclusion: The pharmacy research policy is a new initiative and a component of the pharmacy strategic plan. The Research Education and Training pharmacy policy aims to enhance pharmacists' research abilities and encourage pharmacists to conduct various types of research in multiple settings within the public and healthcare sectors. Therefore, the Research Education and Training policy are critical for the pharmacy career in Saudi Arabia.

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment of the effectiveness of a course in major chemical incidents for front line health care providers: a pilot study from Saudi Arabia

BMC Medical Education

Background Mass chemical exposure emergencies are infrequent but can cause injury, illness, or lo... more Background Mass chemical exposure emergencies are infrequent but can cause injury, illness, or loss of life for large numbers of victims. These emergencies can stretch and challenge the available resources of healthcare systems within the community. Political unrest in the Middle East, including chemical terrorist attacks against civilians in Syria and increasing chemical industry accidents, have highlighted the lack of hospital preparedness for chemical incidents in the region. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a course designed to empower frontline healthcare providers involved in mass casualty incidents with the basic knowledge and essential operational skills for mass chemical exposure incidents in Saudi Arabia. Methods A mixed-methods approach was used to develop a blended learning, simulation enhanced, competency-based course for major chemical incidents for front line healthcare providers. The course was designed by experts from different disciplines (disaster...

Research paper thumbnail of Research Policy of the Institutional Review Board in Pharmacy Practice

International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences

Research paper thumbnail of Impact of Iron Deficiency Anemia Treatment on Type 2 Diabetic Complications

Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between the iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and type 2 diab... more Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between the iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and type 2 diabetes, to estimate the effect of the IDA on the level of glucose and glycated hemoglobin (Hb1Ac), and to assess the ameliorating effect of IDA treatment on progression of diabetes and its complications. Subjects and methods: This study included 125 male Saudi adult participants divided into five groups; control subjects (group I), patients with type 2 diabetes (group II), patients with IDA (group III), patients with type 2 diabetes and untreated IDA (group IV), and patients with type 2 diabetes and treated IDA with iron supplementation (group V). Fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1c, CBC, ferritin, iron, and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) were assayed. Results: The HbA1c and FBG levels were significantly higher in groups III and IV compared to group I. The results revealed a significant decline in HbA1c and FBG levels in group V compared to group IV. Negative significant correlations we...

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment of Knowledge and Challenges Toward The Use of Subcutaneous Self-Injecting Insulin Among Diabetes Patients During COVID-19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal, 2021

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has revolutionized the delivery of chronic health care. For diab... more Background The COVID-19 pandemic has revolutionized the delivery of chronic health care. For diabetic patients, maintaining regular contact with healthcare providers and visiting healthcare centers are crucial to patients’ overall ability to control their glycemic status. Objective To assess patients’ knowledge regarding the use of insulin injection devices and the challenges these patients face in obtaining medical advice, as well as to suggest alternative solutions for addressing these challenges among diabetic patients self-administering their injections during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among a sample population (N = 178) of diabetic patients attending Security Forces Hospital–Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from which the Institutional Review Board (IRB) was granted. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire, which was distributed from August to September 2020. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) program (version 21). Significant P-value = < 0.05. Results The majority of patients had good knowledge and practice explained with values 73.6% of total papulation. Sixty-four percent of patients with type 1 diabetes and 59% of patients with type 2 diabetes reported experiencing moderately severe challenges obtaining counseling. There was no correlation between severity of disease and knowledge levels (p-value = 0.36). The most appropriate means of obtaining counseling was determined to be conversations with healthcare providers; this strategy received an overall average score of 4.9 ± 0.4 (p-value < 0.0001). Conclusion Regardless of whether knowledge is high among patients with diabetes, continuous support and counseling from healthcare providers is critical. The creation of innovative approaches to facilitate communication between diabetes patients and healthcare providers is recommended for continued patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Research paper thumbnail of Perceptions and Knowledge of Storing Medications at Home in Al-Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia

International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences, 2019

Objective: Globally people store medications at home, which is also common among the residents of... more Objective: Globally people store medications at home, which is also common among the residents of Al-Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia. They should be stored safely to prevent the accidental ingestion or unintended use. However, the method of storing medications at homes in Al-Qassim region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is unknown. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to explore the perception and knowledge of medications stored at Al-Qassim region, Saudi Arabia. Methodology: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional survey which was conducted through the random distribution of a pre-validated structured questionnaire with the public and private sector employees and with general population from all walks of life above the age of 18 years in Al-Qassim region. The survey was designed electronically through the Survey Monkey system and was distributed through social media. Results: A total of 708 participants responded to this survey. Most of the responders (485 (68.10%)) were females. About half of the responders were in the age group of 18-29 years (393 (58.31%)) with a significantly dominant female population compared to males (p<0.05). Most of the responders checked or almost checked the instructions of storing medications (192 (28.24%) and 273 (40.15%), respectively) without any significant difference between education level (p>0.05). Most of the responders checked the expiry date of stored medications (496 (70.06%)). Most of the responders did not receive instructions on storage of medications from pharmacist or physician (597 (84.32%)). Most of the resources regarding storage of medications were obtained from the physician (388 (54.8%)), drug leaflet (320 (45.2%)) followed by pharmacist (318 (44.92%)) and self-learned (154 (21.75%)). Therapeutic classes of stored medication were analgesics and antipyretics (322 (41.87%)) followed by cardiovascular drugs (64 (8.32%)) and oral anti-diabetic drugs (58 (7.54%)). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that people at Al-Qassim region tend to store medication at home not just over the counter medications but also medications of chronic illnesses. They should be educated on the need of medications, safety of medications and requirements of storing medications at home. Educational activities should be conducted through all possible channels to increase the awareness and to educate people on the proper method of storing medications.

Research paper thumbnail of Medication Storage at Home among People in Al-Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia

International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences, 2019

Research paper thumbnail of Cardiovascular medication therapy during the holy month of Ramadan: a literature review

Pharmacology, Toxicology and Biomedical Reports, 2019

Objectives: To review cardiovascular medication therapy during the Holy month of Ramadan. Methods... more Objectives: To review cardiovascular medication therapy during the Holy month of Ramadan. Methods: In this study, we performed an extensive search of 50 databases through the Saudi Digital Library search engine. We included meta-analysis, randomized controlled studies and observational studies published in English language in May 2017. The search terms included Ramadan, fasting, medication, therapy, type of disease and medication based on therapeutic class. The list of cardiovascular medications and switch from regular days to Ramadan days based on literature revealed that's included comparative safety studies, efficacy and cost of type of medication for each disease studies and national or international evidence-based guidelines of switching short half-life to long half-life. All parenteral dosage form of medication were excluded from this study. All medications should be listed in the Ministry of Health drug formulary. Results: A total of 710 studies were obtained after an extensive search with specific terms. Of those, 104 studies were duplicate studies and 606 studies were included for further evaluation. The evaluation revealed that there were 30 studies published on cardiovascular medications and Ramadan. Seven studies were further evaluated. The authors recommend to have a list of cardiovascular medications that can be switched from regular days to Ramadan days. Conclusion: There were very studies about cardiovascular medications use during the holy month of Ramadan. Suggested usage of the frequency administration single or twice daily is required during fasting. Future investigations of cardiovascular medication intake during Ramadan is highly recommended in Muslim countries.

Research paper thumbnail of Ameliorating effect of anti-Alzheimer's drugs on the bidirectional association between type 2 diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer's disease

Experimental biology and medicine (Maywood, N.J.), Jul 1, 2017

Mild to severe forms of nervous system damage were exhibited by approximately 60-70% of diabetics... more Mild to severe forms of nervous system damage were exhibited by approximately 60-70% of diabetics. It is important to understand the association between type 2 diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer's disease. The aim of the present work is to understand the bidirectional association between type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis, that was monitored by glycaemic status, lipid profile, amyloid beta 40 and 42 (Aβ40 and Aβ42), C-reactive protein, total creatine kinase, total lactate dehydrogenase, D-dimer and magnesium measurements, to assess the association between theses biochemical markers and each other, to estimate the possibility of utilizing the amyloid beta as biochemical marker of T2D in Alzheimer's patients, and to evaluate the effect of piracetam and memantine drugs on diabetes mellitus. This study involved 120 subjects divided into 20 healthy control (group I), 20 diabetic patients (group II), 20 Alzheimer's patients (group III), 20 diabetic Alzheimer...

Research paper thumbnail of Cataract induction by administration of nitroglycerin in cardiac patients through imbalance in redox status

Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management, 2016

The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of nitroglycerin in the pathogenesis of cata... more The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of nitroglycerin in the pathogenesis of cataract. Design: Prospective study. Patient and methods: This study was performed in adults from tertiary Saudi Arabian hospitals (34 males and 26 females in each group, aged from 40 to 60 years), who were divided into four groups with an equal number of subjects (control group, cardiac group, idiopathic cataract group, and a group of cardiac patients using nitroglycerin and with cataracts). Fasting glucose concentrations, blood glycated hemoglobin levels, lipid profiles, and levels of nitrite, conjugated dienes (CD), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH) were determined. Results: Treatment of cardiac patients with nitroglycerin produced an imbalance in their systemic redox status, leading to the development of cataracts, which was reflected by a significant increase in the levels of nitrite, CD, and TBARS and a significant decrease in SOD activity and GSH, compared with idiopathic cataract patients. The results of correlation studies and multiple regression analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between different biochemical parameters (GSH, SOD, TBARS, CD, and nitrite) in the blood and lens in both idiopathic cataract patients and cardiac patients treated with nitroglycerin. Conclusion: The study points to the relative and predictive effects of nitric oxide derived from nitroglycerin in the development of cataract in the presence of the oxidative stress induced by nitroglycerin treatment.

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment of medication non-adherence among Saudi old adults patients at security forces hospital program in Riyadh, KSA

The Pharma Innovation Journal, 2019

Objective: The purpose of this study is to explore the medication adherence or non-compliance amo... more Objective: The purpose of this study is to explore the medication adherence or non-compliance among old adult patients ≥50years old. Methods: A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted, with a representative sample of 150individuals, female and male. The data was collected using a questionnaire by personal interviews. It was, then was tabulated and interpreted. Results: Our old adults patients tend to be adherent to their medications and have defects in counseling, especially by pharmacist. They have poor practice in terms of using and buying their medications, however not to a major extent. Conclusion: Old adult population need to be adherent to their medications in order to get the maximum benefits from these medications. The role as pharmacists who work with them must be magnified and a specialty as "elderly clinical pharmacist" must be taken in consideration. Apps in Arabic language can be a good option for them.

Research paper thumbnail of Poisoning Due to Stored Medications at Home in Al-Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia

International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences, 2019

Objective: Storing medications at home is a global practice. By storing medications in an appropr... more Objective: Storing medications at home is a global practice. By storing medications in an appropriate and safe environment, we can prevent accidental poisoning. Information is scarce regarding the storage of different types of medications at homes in Al-Qassim region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to explore the cases of poisoning due to stored medications at home in Al-Qassim region. Methodology: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional survey conducted through the random distribution of a pre-validated structured questionnaire among the public and private sector employees and people from all walks of life above the age of 18 years in Al-Qassim region. The survey was designed electronically through the Survey Monkey system and was distributed through social media. Results: A total of 708 subjects responded to the survey. Most of the responders (485 (68.10%)) were females. About half of the responders were in the age group of 18-29 years (393 (58.31%)) with females being significantly dominant than males (p<0.05). Majority of the responders stored their medications separated from households' chemicals (524 (77.06%)). Most of the responders did not store multiple medications in the same container without any significant difference related to gender or educational level (p>0.05). The total number of poisonous cases were 41 (5.79%) without any significant difference related to gender or educational level (p>0.05). Poisoning due to medications were mostly caused due to the medications stored in refrigerator (15 (40.54%)) and bedroom (10 (27.03%)). Most of the stored medications were disposed into the trash after their expiry dates (463 (65.4%)) while 189 items remained at home (26.69%). A total of 33 different types of stored medications caused poisoning in 44 cases. Paracetamol caused 6 cases of poisoning (18.18%), followed by ibuprofen 3 (9.09%) and multivitamins 3 (9.09%). Conclusion: The results of this study revealed an alarming setting of poisoning cases due to stored medications in Al-Qassim region. Awareness campaigns and more educational sessions should be conducted through social media. By doing so, people can be educated regarding the proper storage of medications to prevent poisoning. Thus, public awareness programs stressing on the safe storage and identification of the right ways to dispose of medication are highly recommended.

Research paper thumbnail of Investigation of Medication Errors in a Tertiary Care Hospitals in the Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND: Medication errors (MEs) have been defined as “any preventable event that may cause or... more BACKGROUND: Medication errors (MEs) have been defined as “any preventable event that may cause or lead to inappropriate medication or patient harm when the medication is in the control of the health care professional, patient, or consumer.” AIM: The aim of this study is to identify, analyze, and compare the common types of errors encountered in prescriptions, as well as the factors associated with the root causes of these errors, in a large tertiary hospital in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. METHODS: The design used is a retrospective cross-sectional analysis conducted in tertiary care hospitals in the Al-Qassim region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. MEs were reported by nurses, pharmacist, and physicians through “hospital-based incident medication error reports” collected from January 2016 to December 2016. RESULTS: During the study period, 2123 MEs were reported for 213,489 prescriptions, of which 1282 (60.38%) were errors by a physician followed by nurses and then pharmacists...

Research paper thumbnail of Correlation Between Efficacy of Treatment with Anti-psychotics and Adherence in Schizophrenic Patients: A Cross-sectional Study in Saudi Arabia

Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Education and Research

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of chronic hydroxychloroquine use on COVID-19 risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus: a multicenter retrospective cohort

Journal of International Medical Research

Objective Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has been used during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) p... more Objective Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has been used during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic because of its reported anti-viral activity. This study examined the association of chronic HCQ use with the incidence and complications of COVID-19. Methods This retrospective cohort study included adults with rheumatoid arthritis and/or systemic lupus erythematosus who visited rheumatology clinics in three tertiary hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between January 2019 and December 2020. Patients were categorized into two groups based on HCQ use. Data were obtained from the electronic health record and by interviews with patients. The primary study objective was the incidence of COVID-19 and its complications from March 2020 to February 2021. Results Almost 11% of the study cohort was positive for COVID-19, and the incidence of COVID-19 was similar between HCQ users (11.11%) and nonusers (10.86%). Disease complication rates were similar in the study arms, and they mainly includ...

Research paper thumbnail of Factors Affecting the Incidence, Progression, and Severity of COVID-19 in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

BioMed Research International

Objectives. This study screened for factors affecting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) inciden... more Objectives. This study screened for factors affecting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) incidence in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients, appraised vitamin D’s efficacy in preventing COVID-19, and assessed the effects of clinical characteristics, glycemic status, vitamin D, and hydroxychloroquine administration on COVID-19’s progression and severity in T1DM patients. Methods. This retrospective research on 150 adults was conducted at Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh, KSA. Participants were allocated to three groups (50/group): control, T1DM, and T1DM with COVID-19. Participants’ fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), complete blood count, vitamin D, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, D-dimer, liver and kidney function, and hydroxychloroquine treatment were retrieved and analyzed. Results. The percentages of comorbidities and not takin...

Research paper thumbnail of Preventing the Next Pandemic: Is Live Vaccine Efficacious against Monkeypox, or Is There a Need for Killed Virus and mRNA Vaccines?

Vaccines

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY

Research paper thumbnail of Research Quality Management Policy

International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences

Research paper thumbnail of Research Policy on Cross-Sectional Studies in Pharmacy Practice

International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences

Objectives: This study illustrates the Research policy of Cross-Sectional Studies in Pharmaceutic... more Objectives: This study illustrates the Research policy of Cross-Sectional Studies in Pharmaceutical Care Services as a new initiative in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This article is a narrative review of pharmacy research. Litterateur researched specific research policies and procedures in pharmacy practice using a variety of databases, including PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar. The period covered for the search is from the 1960s to October 2021. The terms used are in the English language and encompasses narrative reviews, systemic reviews, meta-analyses, and guidelines. The search term includes all hospital and community pharmacy-related services. Besides, there are national and international guidelines for conducting general research in hospital practice. The pharmacy research committee was formed and comprised numerous expert members, including clinical pharmacists, pharmacists who specialise in drug information, and clinical research specialists. A member drafted the policy's guidelines, which were then reviewed and corrected by another member. The research specialist made the third revision. The topic emphasises the Pharmacy Research policy of crosssectional studies design. Results: Pharmacy Research's policy on cross-sectional studies design in pharmacy practice covered a variety of topics. This includes an examination of the advantages and disadvantages of cross-sectional studies design, as well as the procedures for conducting cross-sectional research in pharmaceutical care services. Conclusion: A novel initiative in pharmacy practice is the development of a pharmacy research strategy that governs the design of cross-sectional studies. The cross-sectional studies used to develop pharmacy policies increased the number and quality of pharmacy research at public and private healthcare organisations. Thus, the cross-sectional design in pharmacy research policy is a basic foundation to implement in Saudi Arabia.

Research paper thumbnail of Research Policy: Narrative Review in Pharmacy Practice

International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences

Research paper thumbnail of Education and Training Research Policy in Pharmacy Practice

International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences

Objectives: This study explores the Research policy of Research Education and Training in pharmac... more Objectives: This study explores the Research policy of Research Education and Training in pharmacy practice as a new initiative in Saudi Arabia. Methods: The current topic is a narrative review of education and training procedures in pharmacy research. Litterateur was searched in various databases. That includes PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, and academic Microsoft. The period covered for the search is from the 1960s to October 2021. The terms used are in the English language and encompass narrative reviews, systemic reviews, meta-analyses, and guidelines. The search keyword includes all hospital and community pharmacy-related services. Moreover, there are national and international guidelines for conducting general research in research in pharmacy practice. The committee of pharmacy research was formed and comprised numerous expert members, including clinical pharmacists, drug information pharmacists, and clinical research specialists. A member drafted the policy's guidelines, which were then reviewed and corrected by another member. The research specialist made the third revision. The topic emphasizes the Pharmacy Research policy of Research Education and Training. Results: Pharmacy Research's policy on Research Education and Training covered various topics, including the program objectives, admission requirements, teaching, educational methodology, and steps in pharmacy practice involving research, education, and training. Five models were used in research education and training. For instance, skills in searching for and reviewing the literature, research design and methodology, survey design, biostatistics, and research proposal writing. In addition, each model included a description of the module and Learning Objectives, Module Outlines, and Competency Items. Conclusion: The pharmacy research policy is a new initiative and a component of the pharmacy strategic plan. The Research Education and Training pharmacy policy aims to enhance pharmacists' research abilities and encourage pharmacists to conduct various types of research in multiple settings within the public and healthcare sectors. Therefore, the Research Education and Training policy are critical for the pharmacy career in Saudi Arabia.

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment of the effectiveness of a course in major chemical incidents for front line health care providers: a pilot study from Saudi Arabia

BMC Medical Education

Background Mass chemical exposure emergencies are infrequent but can cause injury, illness, or lo... more Background Mass chemical exposure emergencies are infrequent but can cause injury, illness, or loss of life for large numbers of victims. These emergencies can stretch and challenge the available resources of healthcare systems within the community. Political unrest in the Middle East, including chemical terrorist attacks against civilians in Syria and increasing chemical industry accidents, have highlighted the lack of hospital preparedness for chemical incidents in the region. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a course designed to empower frontline healthcare providers involved in mass casualty incidents with the basic knowledge and essential operational skills for mass chemical exposure incidents in Saudi Arabia. Methods A mixed-methods approach was used to develop a blended learning, simulation enhanced, competency-based course for major chemical incidents for front line healthcare providers. The course was designed by experts from different disciplines (disaster...

Research paper thumbnail of Research Policy of the Institutional Review Board in Pharmacy Practice

International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences

Research paper thumbnail of Impact of Iron Deficiency Anemia Treatment on Type 2 Diabetic Complications

Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between the iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and type 2 diab... more Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between the iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and type 2 diabetes, to estimate the effect of the IDA on the level of glucose and glycated hemoglobin (Hb1Ac), and to assess the ameliorating effect of IDA treatment on progression of diabetes and its complications. Subjects and methods: This study included 125 male Saudi adult participants divided into five groups; control subjects (group I), patients with type 2 diabetes (group II), patients with IDA (group III), patients with type 2 diabetes and untreated IDA (group IV), and patients with type 2 diabetes and treated IDA with iron supplementation (group V). Fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1c, CBC, ferritin, iron, and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) were assayed. Results: The HbA1c and FBG levels were significantly higher in groups III and IV compared to group I. The results revealed a significant decline in HbA1c and FBG levels in group V compared to group IV. Negative significant correlations we...

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment of Knowledge and Challenges Toward The Use of Subcutaneous Self-Injecting Insulin Among Diabetes Patients During COVID-19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal, 2021

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has revolutionized the delivery of chronic health care. For diab... more Background The COVID-19 pandemic has revolutionized the delivery of chronic health care. For diabetic patients, maintaining regular contact with healthcare providers and visiting healthcare centers are crucial to patients’ overall ability to control their glycemic status. Objective To assess patients’ knowledge regarding the use of insulin injection devices and the challenges these patients face in obtaining medical advice, as well as to suggest alternative solutions for addressing these challenges among diabetic patients self-administering their injections during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among a sample population (N = 178) of diabetic patients attending Security Forces Hospital–Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from which the Institutional Review Board (IRB) was granted. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire, which was distributed from August to September 2020. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) program (version 21). Significant P-value = < 0.05. Results The majority of patients had good knowledge and practice explained with values 73.6% of total papulation. Sixty-four percent of patients with type 1 diabetes and 59% of patients with type 2 diabetes reported experiencing moderately severe challenges obtaining counseling. There was no correlation between severity of disease and knowledge levels (p-value = 0.36). The most appropriate means of obtaining counseling was determined to be conversations with healthcare providers; this strategy received an overall average score of 4.9 ± 0.4 (p-value < 0.0001). Conclusion Regardless of whether knowledge is high among patients with diabetes, continuous support and counseling from healthcare providers is critical. The creation of innovative approaches to facilitate communication between diabetes patients and healthcare providers is recommended for continued patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Research paper thumbnail of Perceptions and Knowledge of Storing Medications at Home in Al-Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia

International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences, 2019

Objective: Globally people store medications at home, which is also common among the residents of... more Objective: Globally people store medications at home, which is also common among the residents of Al-Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia. They should be stored safely to prevent the accidental ingestion or unintended use. However, the method of storing medications at homes in Al-Qassim region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is unknown. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to explore the perception and knowledge of medications stored at Al-Qassim region, Saudi Arabia. Methodology: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional survey which was conducted through the random distribution of a pre-validated structured questionnaire with the public and private sector employees and with general population from all walks of life above the age of 18 years in Al-Qassim region. The survey was designed electronically through the Survey Monkey system and was distributed through social media. Results: A total of 708 participants responded to this survey. Most of the responders (485 (68.10%)) were females. About half of the responders were in the age group of 18-29 years (393 (58.31%)) with a significantly dominant female population compared to males (p<0.05). Most of the responders checked or almost checked the instructions of storing medications (192 (28.24%) and 273 (40.15%), respectively) without any significant difference between education level (p>0.05). Most of the responders checked the expiry date of stored medications (496 (70.06%)). Most of the responders did not receive instructions on storage of medications from pharmacist or physician (597 (84.32%)). Most of the resources regarding storage of medications were obtained from the physician (388 (54.8%)), drug leaflet (320 (45.2%)) followed by pharmacist (318 (44.92%)) and self-learned (154 (21.75%)). Therapeutic classes of stored medication were analgesics and antipyretics (322 (41.87%)) followed by cardiovascular drugs (64 (8.32%)) and oral anti-diabetic drugs (58 (7.54%)). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that people at Al-Qassim region tend to store medication at home not just over the counter medications but also medications of chronic illnesses. They should be educated on the need of medications, safety of medications and requirements of storing medications at home. Educational activities should be conducted through all possible channels to increase the awareness and to educate people on the proper method of storing medications.

Research paper thumbnail of Medication Storage at Home among People in Al-Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia

International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences, 2019

Research paper thumbnail of Cardiovascular medication therapy during the holy month of Ramadan: a literature review

Pharmacology, Toxicology and Biomedical Reports, 2019

Objectives: To review cardiovascular medication therapy during the Holy month of Ramadan. Methods... more Objectives: To review cardiovascular medication therapy during the Holy month of Ramadan. Methods: In this study, we performed an extensive search of 50 databases through the Saudi Digital Library search engine. We included meta-analysis, randomized controlled studies and observational studies published in English language in May 2017. The search terms included Ramadan, fasting, medication, therapy, type of disease and medication based on therapeutic class. The list of cardiovascular medications and switch from regular days to Ramadan days based on literature revealed that's included comparative safety studies, efficacy and cost of type of medication for each disease studies and national or international evidence-based guidelines of switching short half-life to long half-life. All parenteral dosage form of medication were excluded from this study. All medications should be listed in the Ministry of Health drug formulary. Results: A total of 710 studies were obtained after an extensive search with specific terms. Of those, 104 studies were duplicate studies and 606 studies were included for further evaluation. The evaluation revealed that there were 30 studies published on cardiovascular medications and Ramadan. Seven studies were further evaluated. The authors recommend to have a list of cardiovascular medications that can be switched from regular days to Ramadan days. Conclusion: There were very studies about cardiovascular medications use during the holy month of Ramadan. Suggested usage of the frequency administration single or twice daily is required during fasting. Future investigations of cardiovascular medication intake during Ramadan is highly recommended in Muslim countries.

Research paper thumbnail of Ameliorating effect of anti-Alzheimer's drugs on the bidirectional association between type 2 diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer's disease

Experimental biology and medicine (Maywood, N.J.), Jul 1, 2017

Mild to severe forms of nervous system damage were exhibited by approximately 60-70% of diabetics... more Mild to severe forms of nervous system damage were exhibited by approximately 60-70% of diabetics. It is important to understand the association between type 2 diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer's disease. The aim of the present work is to understand the bidirectional association between type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis, that was monitored by glycaemic status, lipid profile, amyloid beta 40 and 42 (Aβ40 and Aβ42), C-reactive protein, total creatine kinase, total lactate dehydrogenase, D-dimer and magnesium measurements, to assess the association between theses biochemical markers and each other, to estimate the possibility of utilizing the amyloid beta as biochemical marker of T2D in Alzheimer's patients, and to evaluate the effect of piracetam and memantine drugs on diabetes mellitus. This study involved 120 subjects divided into 20 healthy control (group I), 20 diabetic patients (group II), 20 Alzheimer's patients (group III), 20 diabetic Alzheimer...

Research paper thumbnail of Cataract induction by administration of nitroglycerin in cardiac patients through imbalance in redox status

Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management, 2016

The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of nitroglycerin in the pathogenesis of cata... more The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of nitroglycerin in the pathogenesis of cataract. Design: Prospective study. Patient and methods: This study was performed in adults from tertiary Saudi Arabian hospitals (34 males and 26 females in each group, aged from 40 to 60 years), who were divided into four groups with an equal number of subjects (control group, cardiac group, idiopathic cataract group, and a group of cardiac patients using nitroglycerin and with cataracts). Fasting glucose concentrations, blood glycated hemoglobin levels, lipid profiles, and levels of nitrite, conjugated dienes (CD), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH) were determined. Results: Treatment of cardiac patients with nitroglycerin produced an imbalance in their systemic redox status, leading to the development of cataracts, which was reflected by a significant increase in the levels of nitrite, CD, and TBARS and a significant decrease in SOD activity and GSH, compared with idiopathic cataract patients. The results of correlation studies and multiple regression analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between different biochemical parameters (GSH, SOD, TBARS, CD, and nitrite) in the blood and lens in both idiopathic cataract patients and cardiac patients treated with nitroglycerin. Conclusion: The study points to the relative and predictive effects of nitric oxide derived from nitroglycerin in the development of cataract in the presence of the oxidative stress induced by nitroglycerin treatment.

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment of medication non-adherence among Saudi old adults patients at security forces hospital program in Riyadh, KSA

The Pharma Innovation Journal, 2019

Objective: The purpose of this study is to explore the medication adherence or non-compliance amo... more Objective: The purpose of this study is to explore the medication adherence or non-compliance among old adult patients ≥50years old. Methods: A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted, with a representative sample of 150individuals, female and male. The data was collected using a questionnaire by personal interviews. It was, then was tabulated and interpreted. Results: Our old adults patients tend to be adherent to their medications and have defects in counseling, especially by pharmacist. They have poor practice in terms of using and buying their medications, however not to a major extent. Conclusion: Old adult population need to be adherent to their medications in order to get the maximum benefits from these medications. The role as pharmacists who work with them must be magnified and a specialty as "elderly clinical pharmacist" must be taken in consideration. Apps in Arabic language can be a good option for them.

Research paper thumbnail of Poisoning Due to Stored Medications at Home in Al-Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia

International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences, 2019

Objective: Storing medications at home is a global practice. By storing medications in an appropr... more Objective: Storing medications at home is a global practice. By storing medications in an appropriate and safe environment, we can prevent accidental poisoning. Information is scarce regarding the storage of different types of medications at homes in Al-Qassim region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to explore the cases of poisoning due to stored medications at home in Al-Qassim region. Methodology: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional survey conducted through the random distribution of a pre-validated structured questionnaire among the public and private sector employees and people from all walks of life above the age of 18 years in Al-Qassim region. The survey was designed electronically through the Survey Monkey system and was distributed through social media. Results: A total of 708 subjects responded to the survey. Most of the responders (485 (68.10%)) were females. About half of the responders were in the age group of 18-29 years (393 (58.31%)) with females being significantly dominant than males (p<0.05). Majority of the responders stored their medications separated from households' chemicals (524 (77.06%)). Most of the responders did not store multiple medications in the same container without any significant difference related to gender or educational level (p>0.05). The total number of poisonous cases were 41 (5.79%) without any significant difference related to gender or educational level (p>0.05). Poisoning due to medications were mostly caused due to the medications stored in refrigerator (15 (40.54%)) and bedroom (10 (27.03%)). Most of the stored medications were disposed into the trash after their expiry dates (463 (65.4%)) while 189 items remained at home (26.69%). A total of 33 different types of stored medications caused poisoning in 44 cases. Paracetamol caused 6 cases of poisoning (18.18%), followed by ibuprofen 3 (9.09%) and multivitamins 3 (9.09%). Conclusion: The results of this study revealed an alarming setting of poisoning cases due to stored medications in Al-Qassim region. Awareness campaigns and more educational sessions should be conducted through social media. By doing so, people can be educated regarding the proper storage of medications to prevent poisoning. Thus, public awareness programs stressing on the safe storage and identification of the right ways to dispose of medication are highly recommended.

Research paper thumbnail of Investigation of Medication Errors in a Tertiary Care Hospitals in the Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND: Medication errors (MEs) have been defined as “any preventable event that may cause or... more BACKGROUND: Medication errors (MEs) have been defined as “any preventable event that may cause or lead to inappropriate medication or patient harm when the medication is in the control of the health care professional, patient, or consumer.” AIM: The aim of this study is to identify, analyze, and compare the common types of errors encountered in prescriptions, as well as the factors associated with the root causes of these errors, in a large tertiary hospital in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. METHODS: The design used is a retrospective cross-sectional analysis conducted in tertiary care hospitals in the Al-Qassim region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. MEs were reported by nurses, pharmacist, and physicians through “hospital-based incident medication error reports” collected from January 2016 to December 2016. RESULTS: During the study period, 2123 MEs were reported for 213,489 prescriptions, of which 1282 (60.38%) were errors by a physician followed by nurses and then pharmacists...