Asmaa M Namoos

Dr. Asmaa M Namoos

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

6Years (2021-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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9 August 2021 in Journal of Urban Health
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
PDF file
VSVanessa B. Sheppard
Vanessa B. Sheppard
ASArnethea Sutton
Arnethea Sutton
EHEsther Holmes
Esther Holmes
MEMegan Edmonds
Megan Edmonds
MPMichael A. Preston
Michael A. Preston
MTMaria D. Thomson
Maria D. Thomson

1 January 2025 in European Journal of Cancer Care
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
ANAsmaa M Namoos
Asmaa M Namoos
NTNicholas Thomson
Nicholas Thomson
COCarol Olson
Carol Olson
VSVanessa Sheppard
Vanessa Sheppard
MAMichel Aboutanos
Michel Aboutanos
Background: Breast cancer survivors face a dual burden of physical and psychological challenges, which may persist long after treatment. This study aims to evaluate the physical impairments and psychological outcomes among breast cancer survivors compared to individuals without breast cancer. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from 3650 breast cancer survivors and 145,280 individuals without breast cancer from the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System (VCUHS) between January 2024 and 2025. Data were extracted through the TriNetX platform using ICD‐10 codes to identify relevant diagnoses and outcomes. Physical outcomes included abnormalities of gait and mobility, unsteadiness on feet, and falls. Psychological outcomes assessed were depression, stress‐related disorders, and anxiety following falls. Risk differences, risk ratios (RR), and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to compare outcomes between groups. Results: Breast cancer survivors exhibited a higher risk of physical impairments compared to nonbreast cancer individuals. The risk of gait and mobility abnormalities was 2.725% in breast cancer survivors versus 1.741% in the comparison group (RR: 1.565; 95% CI: 1.285–1.906; p < 0.0001). Unsteadiness on feet was more prevalent among breast cancer survivors (0.817%) compared to 0.296% in non‐cancer individuals (RR: 2.762; 95% CI: 1.91–3.993; p < 0.0001). Additionally, breast cancer survivors had a higher risk of falls (1.644%) compared to nonbreast cancer patients (1.081%) (RR: 1.521; 95% CI: 1.178–1.964; p = 0.0012). Psychologically, breast cancer survivors who experienced falls were more likely to suffer from depression (28.57% vs. 13.1%, p = 0.0002), stress‐related disorders (14.29% vs. 3.49%, p < 0.0001), and anxiety (28.57% vs. 15.72%, p = 0.0040) compared to fallers without breast cancer. Conclusion: Functional limitations such as unsteadiness and falls are significantly more common among breast cancer survivors and are strongly associated with psychological distress. These findings support mobility impairments as a potential pathway linking cancer treatment to adverse mental health outcomes. Future research should integrate structured ICD‐10 data with unstructured oncology notes to enhance fall prediction models and guide personalized survivorship care.

7 December 2021 in Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
ANAsmaa M Namoos
Asmaa M Namoos
NANour Eldin Abosamak
Nour Eldin Abosamak
MAMaryam Abdelkarim
Maryam Abdelkarim
RRRana Ramadan
Rana Ramadan
BPBriona Phillips
Briona Phillips
TGTamas S. Gal
Tamas S. Gal
Muslim women often find their religious customs at odds with their healthcare needs, such as regular gynecological check-ups and cervical cancer screenings, especially before marriage. Religious beliefs may also affect beliefs about gender roles, illness and death, affecting seeking healthcare services. This retrospective study explored the differences in care-seeking related to cancer between Muslim women and the general female population at the Virginia Commonwealth University in the United States between 2010 and 2019. There were major differences in insurance status between the two cohorts. Muslim women were less likely to have government-sponsored health insurance and were much more likely to be uninsured than non-Muslim women. We also found that preventable female cancers were more prevalent among Muslim women than among non-Muslim women and was also diagnosed at more advanced stages.

18 December 2024 in Advances in Geriatric Medicine and Research
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
ANAsmaa M Namoos
Asmaa M Namoos
NTNicholas Thomson
Nicholas Thomson
COCarol Olson
Carol Olson
MAMichel Aboutanos
Michel Aboutanos
Falls among older adults significantly increase the risk of physical injuries, loss of independence, and social isolation, contributing to psychological conditions such as depression. This study explores the association between falls and the risk of developing depression among older adults, comparing psychological outcomes between those with initial and recurrent falls. It also examines demographic factors such as age, sex, and race that may influence depression risk. We retrospectively analyzed electronic health records from the TriNetX network at Virginia Commonwealth University Health System (VCUHS) during 2023. Older adults aged 65 to 89 were classified into two cohorts: initial falls (n = 2710) and recurrent falls (n = 1050). Statistical analyses, including risk ratios, survival analysis, and proportional hazards models, were used to evaluate associations between falls and depression risk. Recurrent fallers exhibited a higher prevalence of depression (25.7%) compared to initial fallers (16.6%), with a significant association (p < 0.000). Recurrent fallers were 48.8% more likely to develop depression (HR = 1.488). Among younger adults aged 65 to 69, females had a higher prevalence of depression than males (30.5% vs. 20.1%). Anxiety disorders tripled the risk of depression following falls (HR = 3.036). Recurrent falls are significantly associated with an increased likelihood of depression among older adults, highlighting the need for comprehensive interventions. Preventing falls not only reduces the risk of physical injuries but also alleviates associated mental health challenges, including depression and other comorbidities such as postoperative cognitive decline and dementia. Tailored prevention strategies, such as balance training, cognitive therapy, and home safety modifications, can foster better recovery and enhance the quality of life for this vulnerable population.

14 August 2023 in Journal of Religion and Health
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
PDF file
ANAsmaa M Namoos
Asmaa M Namoos
VSVanessa Sheppard
Vanessa Sheppard
MAMaryam Abdelkarim
Maryam Abdelkarim
NANourEldin Abosamak
NourEldin Abosamak
RRRana Ramadan
Rana Ramadan
TGTamas Gal
Tamas Gal

19 July 2024 in Research Square
Verified
Preprint
Open access
PDF file
ANAsmaa M Namoos
Asmaa M Namoos
NTNicholas Thomson
Nicholas Thomson
SBSarah Bradley
Sarah Bradley
MAMichel Aboutanos
Michel Aboutanos
Introduction: Falls among older adults are more than mere accidents; they are a silent epidemic, profoundly impacting the health and well-being of millions of older adults worldwide. This study examines the incidence and prevalence of falls among individuals aged 65 and above, focusing on the influence of demographic factors and comorbid conditions such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cancer, and obesity. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from the TriNetX network at Virginia Commonwealth University Health System (VCUHS) from 2019 to 2023. The study population included 16,400 individuals aged 65 and above who presented with fall-related trauma. Data on demographics, clinical diagnoses, procedures, and comorbid conditions were analyzed using descriptive statistics to evaluate the incidence and prevalence of falls. Results: The mean age of the study population was 77.3 years, with a higher proportion of females (60.97%) compared to males (39.02%). Despite the larger number of female participants, incidence and prevalence of falls were highest among individuals aged 65-69 years, and fall rates were notably higher among males compared to females. This suggests that while fewer in number, males in our study experienced falls more frequently. Patients with hypertension had the highest incidence proportion (56.67%) and prevalence (75.75%) among comorbid conditions. Conclusions: Falls among older adults are significantly influenced by demographic factors and comorbid conditions. Hypertension, in particular, is associated with the highest fall risk. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to manage comorbidities and reduce fall risks among older adult patients.