Aim: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a major long-term complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). Given the paucity of data on DKD in Jordan, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence, characteristics and correlates of DKD in Jordanian patients with type 2 DM. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 1398 adult patients with type 2 DM who sought medical advice in the endocrinology clinic between March and September 2019. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were reviewed. DKD was defined as reduced eGFR, and/or albuminuria. Three regression models were constructed to identify factors associated with CKD stages, albuminuria and DKD. Results: Overall, 701 (50.14%) patients had DKD, with a median age of 59.71 ± 11.36 years. Older age, high triglycerides, and low high-density lipoprotein were associated with DKD (multivariable odds ratio [OR]: 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–1.03, p < 0.01; OR: 1.1, 95% CI: 1.01–1.2; and OR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.97–0.99, p < 0.01 respectively). Metformin and renin-angiotensin system blockers were negatively associated with albuminuria and chronic kidney disease stages (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that approximately one half of patients with type 2 DM had DKD. Further studies are necessary to understand this high prevalence and the underlying factors. Future research are needed to assess implementing targeted community-based intervention.

(1) Background: Earthquakes are natural disasters that often result in significant loss of life and property. The objective of this study is to explore the frequency of symptoms associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), levels of meaning in life (ML), and perceived social support (SS) among university students in the aftermath of the earthquake that occurred in Turkey and Syria in 2023. (2) Methods: This study utilizes a cross-sectional correlation design to achieve its objectives among 603 university students from two public universities using an online survey (via Google Forms). The survey was launched one month after the earthquake in Turkey and Syria and concluded on 6 April 2023. (3) Results: The results indicate that a total of 158 university students, constituting 26.20% of the sample, reported extreme symptoms of PTSD. The results also indicate that 184 students (30.51), and 140 students (23.22%) reported low levels of ML and SS, respectively. Female students were significantly more vulnerable to experiencing PTSD symptoms, as well as difficulties in finding ML and SS. Finally, results revealed that students who were pursuing postgraduate studies had a greater likelihood of exhibiting symptoms indicative of PTSD. (4) Conclusions: It is recommended that universities provide support services and resources for students experiencing PTSD symptoms.

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common condition affecting both men and women and has been shown to affect the quality of life. We conducted this study to estimate the prevalence of OAB, and to incorporate symptom severity, symptom bother and health-related quality of life (HRQL) in the assessment of OAB and evaluate associated factors. A total of 940 participants were categorized into non-OAB and OAB using the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS). HRQL and symptom bother were measured using the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire - Short Form (OAB-q SF). Descriptive analyses and multivariable regression analyses were performed. The prevalence of OAB among our population was 27.4%. Patients with older age (Odd ratio [OR] = 2.26, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.6-3), higher body mass index (BMI) (OR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.8-3.8), comorbidities (OR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.9-3.5) and history of recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) s (OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.4-2.6) were significantly associated with increased risk of OAB (p < 0.001). The mean OAB symptom bothers score was 35.7 + 22.9 and increased significantly across OAB severity groups (p < 0.001). The mean HRQL score was 73.3 + 22 and a significant decreased across OAB severity groups (p < 0.001). All OAB symptoms showed significant positive correlation with increased symptom bother (p < 0.001) in addition to significant inverse correlation with HRQL (p < 0.001). OAB is a prevalent condition in our population and the associated symptoms negatively affect HRQL. In this study, the detrimental effect is not exclusive to UUI and can be attributed to the other elements in the symptom spectrum of OAB. Screening for OAB should be considered during routine clinical visits using validated and reliable measures for early detection of symptoms and possible modification of risk factors to improve the outcome.

Background: The adherence to antihypertensive therapy plays a significant role in determining the clinical outcomes of hypertension. We aim to evaluate the level of adherence to antihypertensive medications among patients and to assess the effect of different sociodemographic factors on the level of adherence using the Hill-Bone scale for indirect assessment. Methodology: In this cross-sectional study, we utilized a validated, face-to-face interview questionnaire to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics, participants’ attitudes, and disease knowledge. The Hill-Bone questionnaire was employed to assess treatment adherence. The statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 28.0, where mean, standard deviation, and range were utilized for variability analysis. Results: A total of 390 patients were included in this study. The sample comprised 56.9% of females and 56.4% of participants aged 60 years or older. Approximately 80% of participants were currently married, and 46.7% had a higher education level. The average Hill-Bone CHBPTS score was 21.23± 4.95 and indicated good adherence in 63.8% of participants. The findings showed that several factors were significantly associated with higher adherence rates, including older age (COR = 3.41, 95% CI = 1.10– 10.54, p = 0.03), higher educational level (COR = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.05– 2.83, p = 0.03), regular blood pressure monitoring (COR = 1.90, 95% CI = 1.10– 3.30, p = 0.03), and knowledge about their medications (COR = 2.12, 95% CI = 1.14– 3.94, p = 0.02). Conclusion: The medication adherence within our population falls below the desired level. Enhanced counselling and further research are necessary to identify additional factors influencing adherence and develop effective strategies for promoting adherence to antihypertensive medications.

Background: This study sought to determine the prevalence of carotid artery calcifications (CACs) and pulp stones detected on panoramic radiographs (PRs) and ascertain their correlation. Methods: A total of 2013 digital PRs were retrospectively retrieved and thoroughly examined to determine the prevalence of CACs and pulp stones, their correlation with patient age and gender, and the relationship between the presence of pulps stones and radiographically detectable CACs. Results: The prevalence of CACs on PRs was 2.0%; the prevalence of pulp stones was 4.6%. There was no statistical relationship between pulp stones and CACs (p = 0.714). Older patients exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of CACs than younger patients (p < 0.001); pulp stones were statistically more prevalent in younger patients than older patients (p = 0.001). There were no significant differences between male and females in terms of the prevalence of either CACs or pulp stones (p = 0.087 and p = 0.278, respectively). Conclusions: Dentists should be trained to detect CACs on PRs belonging to patients older than 40 to exclude the presence of CACs. Moreover, pulp stones do not function as a diagnostic marker for CACs.

Objectives. Few reports of lupus nephritis (LN) from Jordan and the Middle East exist. This study assessed the demographic, clinical, and basic laboratory characteristics of Jordanian patients with LN and correlations with the histological class of LN. Methods. This was a retrospective study of all patients who underwent kidney biopsy between 2007 and 2018 at a tertiary medical center in Jordan. Patients’ demographic, clinical, laboratory, and pathological data were reviewed. Results. In total, 79 patients were included in this study [mean age, 29.95 ± 12.16 years; 11 men (13.9%), 68 women (86.1%)]. Asymptomatic proteinuria and hematuria were the most common presentations in LN patients at biopsy (59.5%). The study revealed a significant difference in frequency of nephritic syndrome (p= 0.01) between sexes (10.3% female vs. 45.5% male). Class IV was the most common pathological class of LN [37 (46.8%)], followed by class V [15 (19%)] and class III [10 (12.7%)]. Post hoc analysis of the associations between laboratory values and histopathological patterns revealed a significant correlation between class IV lupus and renal failure (p= 0.018) and class IV lupus and anti-DNA antibodies p= 0.030). End-stage renal disease (ESRD) occurred in 25% of lupus nephritis cases. There was an increased likelihood of ESRD among men than women (45% vs. 22%). Overall mortality was 10%. Conclusion. Although some clinical and laboratory findings correlate with histological types of LN, clinical and laboratory parameters of Jordanian patients with LN are not predictive of the histological type, although differences with regional studies were noted.