The use of e-cigarettes has been increasing in popularity among people, especially young adults. Assessing young individuals’ perceptions of e-cigarettes can help to identify factors that may influence their decision to use e-cigarettes. To examine prevalence, perceptions, and knowledge of e-cigarettes among university students in Jordan, an observational cross-sectional study using an online self-administered questionnaire was conducted among students from public and private universities between October 2020 and January 2021. A total of 1259 university students completed the questionnaire. Approximately, 11% of participants reported e-cigarettes use. Among users, 26.5% used it for the purpose of smoking cessation, while 22% of them used it out of curiosity, and 20.5% used it as they believed it is less harmful than other tobacco products. Multivariate analysis showed that conventional cigarette smokers were independently associated with a better knowledge about e-cigarettes (OR = 1.496, 95CI% = 1.018–2.197, p-value = 0.040). In addition, medical students showed a significantly better knowledge compared to non-medical students (OR = 1.710, 95CI% = 1.326–2.204, p-value = <0.001). In Jordan, e-cigarettes use is less popular compared to other countries. Nonetheless, educational interventions are needed to correct misconceptions about e-cigarettes among young adults.

Aim of Study Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common infections affecting individuals of different ages worldwide. Antimicrobial agents are usually the first-line treatment for UTIs, and the use of the prescribed antibiotic is escalating, resulting in increased rates of bacterial resistance and UTI recurrence. The current study aimed to identify the causative bacteria in Jordan, to explore their resistance pattern to antibiotics, and to describe drug-related problems associated with UTI management. Methods This prospective, descriptive study was conducted in two major health institutions in two cities in Jordan over a period of six months. The study population included inpatients and outpatients diagnosed with UTIs. Patients' data were collected directly from patients using data collection sheet and from patients’ charts. Results A total of 273 patients were included, of whom 56.4% were women. Urine cultures were obtained from 81% of the patients. E. coli was the most common causative pathogen (50.6%), followed by K. pneumonia (10.8%). Extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing E.coli was the most commonly detected organism across all types of UTIs. Ceftriaxone and imipenem/cilastatin were most commonly administered to hospitalized patients, whilst ciprofloxacin and co-triamzaxole were the most commonly prescribed in outpatient clinics. The susceptibility results for parenteral antibiotics showed high rates of resistance to cefazolin and ticarcillin. Additionally, high rates of resistance to fluoroquinolones were identified. Further, several drug-related problems were identified. High rates of resistance to commonly prescribed antibiotics were detected. Drug-related problems (i.e., inappropriate antibiotic dosage, unnecessary antibiotic prescribing, inappropriate duration of therapy, and prescribing of ineffective antibiotics) were relatively common. Conclusion The present study highlights the need for clinical pharmacists to manage the high level of drug related problems by providing updated information about proper drug selection, rational drug use, and patient education and counselling.

Pharmacy Practice is a free full-text journal with a scope on the practice of pharmacy. Pharmacy Practice covers pharmaceutical care, social pharmacy, pharmacy education, process and outcome research, health promotion and education, health informatics, pharmacoepidemiology

Background/Objectives: Seasonal influenza is a significant global health concern, causing substantial morbidity and mortality, particularly among high-risk groups such as children under five years old. There is scarce local evidence from developing countries such as Jordan on the burden of influenza, which has limited preventive measures. This multi-center national cross-sectional study aimed to assess the epidemiological and clinical burden of influenza among hospitalized children under five years old in Jordan. Methods: Data were collected from 1000 participants across four hospitals between November 2022 and April 2023. Nasopharyngeal specimens were analyzed using multiplex RT-PCR to determine positivity for influenza A and B. Results: We found a 9.9% positivity rate, predominantly influenza A (8.4%), while influenza B was positive among 1.5% of the participants. Positivity rates were higher in older age groups, particularly children older than 2 years. Influenza-positive cases exhibited longer fever durations and higher rates of sore throat. There were no positive influenza cases among participants if they or any of their family members received the influenza vaccine, highlighting the vaccine’s protective role. Logistic regression analysis identified maternal smoking during pregnancy as a significant predictor of influenza positivity. Conclusions: The findings of this study underscore the need for enhanced vaccination efforts and public health policies targeting young children and pregnant women in Jordan. Expanding vaccination uptake could significantly mitigate the burden of influenza and its complications in this vulnerable population.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has been recognized as a highly important cause of morbidity and mortality among children and adults. A cross-sectional study at representative sites in Jordan was undertaken to provide an assessment of the epidemiology and health and economic burdens of RSV and influenza infections in Jordan amongst hospitalized children under 5 years old for the period between 15 November 2022 and 14 April 2023. This study involved 1000 patients with a mean age of 17.10 (SD: 16.57) months. Of these, half (n = 506, 50.6%) had positive results for RSV. Furthermore, 33% and 17.4% of the participants had positive results for RSV-B and RSV-A, respectively. The findings underscore the severity of RSV infections, where a significant proportion of the children experienced severe respiratory distress, which led to bronchiolitis and pneumonia. This study meticulously documented the clinical outcomes, including the need for intensive care, mechanical ventilation, and prolonged hospital stays. There was no statistically significant difference in the financial burdens between the RSV-positive and RSV-negative patients. This study revealed the urgent need for preventive measures to control the substantial burden of RSV among children under 5 years old in Jordan.

Background Antibiotics’ rational prescribing is a major goal of the World Health Organization's (WHO) global action plan to tackle antimicrobial resistance. Evaluation of antibiotic prescribing patterns is necessary to guide simple, globally applicable stewardship interventions. The impact of antimicrobial resistance is devastating, especially in low-income countries. We aimed to introduce ambulatory data on patterns of paediatric antibiotic prescribing in Jordan, which could be used to guide local stewardship interventions. Methods A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted by selecting a random sample of paediatric patients, who attended ambulatory settings in 2018. Records of outpatients (age ≤18 years) receiving at least one antibiotic were included. The WHO’s model of drug utilisation was applied, and all prescribing indicators were included. Multiple linear regression was performed to examine factors influencing the ratio of prescribed antibiotics to overall medications per encounter. Results A total of 20 494 prescriptions, containing 45 241 prescribed drugs, were obtained. The average number of prescribed drugs per prescription was (2.21 ± 0.98). Approximately 77.5% of overall ambulatory prescriptions accounted for antimicrobials. Only 0.6% of total prescriptions were for injectables. All antimicrobials (100%) were prescribed by generic names and from the essential drug list. Antibiotics were most commonly prescribed for respiratory tract infections. Age, gender, season and facility type were significant predictors of prescribed antibiotics to overall medications ratio. Conclusions This is the first study of antibiotic prescribing patterns among outpatient paediatrics that covers wide regions in Jordan. Results indicate high rates of antibiotics use among outpatient paediatrics. Such findings necessitate more focussed efforts and regulations that support rational utilisation of drugs.