Exploring patients' rights awareness and implementations amongst hospitalized patients in Northern Palestine: insights from a local perspective.

Background And Aim: Promoting ethical medical practices and preserving human rights principles require an understanding of patient rights. Studies show varying awareness levels among patients regarding their rights. This study aims to assess the level of awareness among patients in Palestine about their rights and the compliance of healthcare professionals.

Fecal carriage of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing, and carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacteria among hemodialysis patients in a palestinian tertiary care hospital.

The study explores the presence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Gram-negative bacteria (ESBL-GNB) and carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (CR-GNB) in the stool of hemodialysis patients, reflecting a significant concern amid rising antibiotic resistance. This cross-sectional study included 137 outpatients conducted from October to December 2023 at An-Najah National University Hospital. Samples were incubated on appropriate MacConkey-based agar for bacterial analysis, and potential risk factors were evaluated using logistic regression.

Assessment of e-cigarette dependence and influencing factors among Palestinian young adults: a cross-sectional study.

E-cigarette use is a growing public health concern, especially because of the potential health risks it poses. This study focuses on assessing e-cigarette dependence and the factors associated with it among Palestinian young adults. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to May 2023 among university students in the West Bank.

A systematic review of arab community perceptions and awareness of family medicine.

Background: Family medicine, often known as general practice, is the foundation of sustainable and universal healthcare worldwide. As a new specialty in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), it must recruit doctors and gain public acceptability, which has traditionally favored specialists.

Aim: This research examined studies on Arab populations' attitudes toward family medicine and the specialty to discover barriers to creating and embracing this vital specialty.

Lower urinary tract symptoms among male patients on hemodialysis: Prospective and multi-central cross-sectional study.

Background: Lower urinary tract symptoms are common and can significantly impact quality of life, especially in men with co-morbidities and end-stage renal disease. The presence of lower urinary tract symptoms affect the quality of life of patients on hemodialysis.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is assessing the presence and severity of lower urinary tract symptoms among male patients on hemodialysis.

Stress and occupational burnout levels among Palestinian dentists, and associated factors: A cross-sectional study in 2023.

Introduction: Stress and burnout rank among the foremost dentistry-related concerns. Understanding stress and burnout among Palestinian dentists is crucial for developing targeted interventions and support systems. The study aimed to assess stress levels among dentists in Palestine, identify factors contributing to stress, and determine the relationship between stress and burnout in this professional group.

A retrospective study of the predictors of mortality among patients in intensive care units at North West-Bank hospitals in Palestine.

Objectives: The intensive care unit (ICU) mortality rate remains high, especially in developing countries, regardless of the advances in critical management. There is a lack of studies about mortality causes in hospitals and particularly ICUs in Palestine.This study evaluated the demographic and clinical characteristics of critically ill patients and determined the predictors of mortality among patients in the ICU.

Bone mineral density and related clinical and laboratory factors in peritoneal dialysis patients: Implications for bone health management.

Background: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients often experience accelerated bone turnover, leading to osteoporosis and osteopenia. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of osteoporosis in Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) patients using bone mineral density (BMD) measurements obtained through dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan and to explore any possible associations with clinical and biochemical factors.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled 76 peritoneal dialysis patients from the dialysis center at An-Najah National University Hospital in Nablus, Palestine.

Healthcare workers' attitudes toward and factors influencing their acceptance of an annual COVID-19 booster vaccine: a cross-sectional study in Palestine.

Background: The emergence of several SARS-CoV-2 variants may necessitate an annual COVID-19 booster vaccine. This study aimed to evaluate healthcare workers' (HCWs) acceptance of a COVID-19 yearly booster vaccine if recommended and its association with their attitudes and burnout levels.

Methods: We used an online self-administered questionnaire to conduct a cross-sectional study of all HCWs in the West Bank and Gaza Strip of Palestine between August and September 2022.

Factors contributing to the rising prevalence of waterpipe smoking dependence among university students: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Waterpipe smoking (WPS) has been associated with a variety of adverse health effects, consequences, and symptoms of nicotine dependence. This study aims to determine the prevalence of WPS dependence among Palestinian university waterpipe smoking students, their normative beliefs about WPS, and their relationship to dependence.

Methods: A cross-sectional study of current WPS university students at five major Palestinian universities was conducted from September to December 2022.

Exploring the prevalence, knowledge, attitudes and influencing factors of e-cigarette use among university students in Palestine: a cross-sectional study.

Objectives: E-cigarettes have gained popularity, especially among young adults. This study aims to determine the prevalence of e-cigarette smoking, assess knowledge and attitudes and identify associated factors among Palestinian university students.

Design: A cross-sectional study.

Prevalence of depression and anxiety among elderly primary care patients in Palestine.

Background And Objectives: Depression and anxiety are common mental health disorders among the elderly worldwide. In this study, we estimated the prevalence of depression and anxiety and related risk factor among elderly attending Primary Health care (PHC) centers in Palestine.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to July 2021 with a sample size of 380 participants aged ≥60 attending PHC centers in West Bank, using an interviewer-administered questionnaire.

Dapagliflozin in peritoneal dialysis patients: a pilot study evaluating peritoneal membrane function.

Background: Patients taking SGLT-2 inhibitors may experience delayed peritoneal fibrosis, better ultrafiltration of water and toxins, and higher survival rates. We aimed to evaluate the possible effects of Dapagliflozin in changing the peritoneal solute transfer rate, reducing peritoneal glucose absorption, and, hence, increasing ultrafiltration.

Methodology: A pilot pre-post interventional study was used to evaluate 20 patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) enrolled in a one-month self-controlled study [Trial#: NCT04923295].

Exploring the relation between Interleukin-6 and high-sensitive cardiac troponin T in asymptomatic hemodialysis patient: A cross-sectional study.

Background: High-sensitive cardiac troponin T (h-cTnT), which serves as a marker for myocardial damage, has also been linked to adverse outcomes in asymptomatic hemodialysis patients. This study aims to explore the correlation between interleukin-6 (IL-6) and h-cTnT in asymptomatic hemodialysis patients to unravel the relationship between inflammation and cardiovascular risk.

Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 81 patients was conducted from November 2022 to March 2023 at An-Najah National University Hospital in Palestine.

The Impact of Polypill on Adherence and Cardiovascular Outcomes: A Comprehensive Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Polypills, containing various combinations of medications for primary and secondary CVD prevention, have been developed to enhance medication adherence and reduce the healthcare burden of CVD. However, their effectiveness compared to usual care remains uncertain.

Adolescents' electronic devices use during the COVID-19 pandemic and its relationship to anxiety and depression levels: a cross-sectional study.

Background: The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms among adolescent students in the West Bank region of Palestine, with a particular focus on the impact of electronic device usage on their mental well-being.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included a representative sample of 1,140 adolescents enrolled in governmental secondary schools. We targeted schools located in Nablus, Ramallah, and Hebron districts, which, respectively, represent the northern, central, and southern regions of the West Bank.

Potentially inappropriate medication uses and associated factors among elderly primary health care clinics attendees: A call to action.

Background: Polypharmacy is a significant risk factor for using potentially inappropriate medication (PIM), which is using drugs with more risks than benefits, especially for elders. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of PIM using Beers Criteria, polypharmacy, and their related risk factors.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in West Bank primary health care clinics (PHC)from December 2021 to March 2022.

Exploring Anatomical Variations of Abdominal Arteries Through Computed Tomography: Classification, Prevalence and Implications.

Background And Aims: Variations in the branches of the abdominal aorta are relatively prevalent and can impact certain surgeries. The accurate identification and differentiation of these variations pre- and intraoperatively are crucial to avoid negative clinical sequelae. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of variations in some branches of the abdominal aorta and to identify the most frequent variants as well as any rare variants not previously classified in the existing classification systems.

Comprehensive Assessment of Colistin Induced Nephrotoxicity: Incidence, Risk Factors and Time Course.

Purpose: In recent years, the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) microorganisms had caused the resurgence of colistin use after it was previously abandoned due to its side effects, nephrotoxicity in particular. However, the specific incidence of colistin-induced nephrotoxicity varies in reports with different populations. This study aims to assess the incidence of colistin-associated nephrotoxicity and the associated risk factors.

Palestinian physicians' self-reported practice regarding antibiotic use for upper respiratory tract infections in primary healthcare.

Background: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial therapy knowledge, attitudes, and practices of primary care physicians in the West Bank and Gaza.

Methods: Between January and April 2021, this cross-sectional survey was conducted. A link to the online survey was sent confidential email lists to 336 primary care physicians who treated patients in Ministry of Health clinics.

A prospective cohort study assessing the relationship between long-COVID symptom incidence in COVID-19 patients and COVID-19 vaccination.

Current studies about the long-term effects of COVID-19 show a wide range of symptoms. This prospective cohort study aimed to find the incidence of long-COVID symptoms and the associated risk factors. We followed 669 confirmed COVID-19 patients.

The association between renal impairment and polypharmacy among older Palestinian patients: a multi-center cross-sectional study.

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the association between renal impairment and polypharmacy among older Palestinian patients visiting primary healthcare centers and to examine potentially inappropriate medications among older patients.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among PHC clinic attendees aged 65 and older. We used medical records and an interviewer-administered questionnaire for data collection.

Growing a peritoneal dialysis program in Palestine from zero to 178 patients in 5 years: a single-center experience.

Introduction: Kidney failure is rapidly rising in Palestine, as the number of patients receiving maintenance dialysis has quadrupled in the last 15 years. In this study, we share an overview of our experience growing a peritoneal dialysis (PD) program from zero to 178 patients in 5 years at An-Najah National University Hospital in Palestine, presenting some challenges and ways to overcome them.

Methods: This was a single-center retrospective study of patients treated with PD from November 2016 to December 2021.

The Mental Health Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Healthcare Workers in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: A Scoping Review.

This scoping review is to investigate the existing literature on the mental health of Healthcare workers, including stress or distress, anxiety, depression, burnout, insomnia, and fear or phobia within the different countries in the Eastern Mediterranean region (EMR) during the COVID-19 pandemic. We systematically searched to consolidate studies across EMR countries regarding the mental health morbidity studied, the scales, and the methodology used. The review focused on peer-reviewed academic literature published from March 2020 to November 2021.

Vitamin D level, pain severity and quality of life among hemodialysis patients: a cross-sectional study.

This cross-sectional study aims to find the prevalence of chronic pain and its correlation with the quality of life and vitamin D levels among hemodialysis patients in Palestine. We used the brief pain inventory, the medical outcomes study 36-item short-form health survey, and Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D to assess chronic pain, quality of life, and vitamin D levels, respectively. The study included 200 patients, 38.