Workplace violence (WPV) against healthcare providers is a serious problem that carries health, safety, and legal consequences. Healthcare providers working in emergency departments (ED) are more susceptible to WPV compared to other healthcare settings. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of physical and verbal violence against ED physicians and nurses in public hospitals in Amman, Jordan, and to explore the relationship between WPV and the socio-demographic characteristics of the participants. A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study design was used to assess physical and verbal violence against ED physicians and nurses. A self-administered questionnaire was completed by 67 physicians and 96 nurses from three public hospitals in Amman. In the past year, 33% and 53% of the participants experienced physical and verbal violence, respectively. Compared to their female counterparts, males were more frequently physically (43.7% vs. 2.3%, p-value < 0.001) and verbally (61.3% vs. 29.5%, p-value < 0.001) abused. The main perpetrators of physical and verbal violence were the patients’ relatives. Out of 53 physical and 86 verbal abuse incidents, only 15 cases (10.8%) were followed up with legal persecution. In conclusion, there is a widespread occurrence of physical and verbal violence against ED physicians and nurses in the public sector hospitals in Jordan. A collaborative effort by all stakeholders should be instituted to ensure the safety of the physicians and nurses and to improve the quality of the healthcare provided.

Given the role of the placenta in maintaining maternal-fetal equilibrium, changes in maternal sodium levels affect the fetus. Clinicians must also account for the direct impact of maternal conditions and medications on the neonate. Gestational hyponatremia develops in approximately one-third of mothers with preeclampsia with severe features. Additionally, the use of selective antidiuretic (V2 receptor) agonist 1-deamino-8-D-arginine-vasopressin, commonly known as DDAVP, during pregnancy leads to maternal hyponatremia by inhibiting maternal diuresis. We present a case of severe hyponatremia in a premature infant born to a mother with preeclampsia with severe features who was taking DDAVP for von Willebrand Disease (VWD). A preterm female infant was born at 34 weeks gestation to a mother with pre-eclampsia with severe features treated with magnesium sulfate, and the use of DDAVP for VWD was found to have severe hyponatremia (122 mmol/L). Causes of hyponatremia were explored, such as mineralocorticoid deficiency, renal tubular dysfunction, inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH), and renal failure. Initial investigation of the neonatal hyponatremia prompted obtaining a maternal serum sodium level, which also demonstrated severe hyponatremia (122 mmol/L), identical to the infant’s serum sodium level. The infant was managed with fluid restriction and close monitoring of serial serum and urine chemistries. Gradually, serum sodium levels increased and normalized by day 4 of life. We speculate that severe maternal hyponatremia induced by preeclampsia with severe features, along with the use of DDAVP during pregnancy, led to fetal and neonatal hyponatremia. DDAVP during pregnancy to treat VWD is associated with maternal hyponatremia and subsequent neonatal hyponatremia. It is important to monitor electrolytes in neonates born to mothers treated with DDAVP to promptly correct electrolyte abnormalities.

Aims: Several food poisoning outbreaks in Jordan were due to Salmonella species isolated from chicken shawerma. This study aimed to assess the food safety knowledge among chicken shawerma food handlers in Jordan. Methods: Forty chicken shawerma restaurants in Amman were selected randomly and 120 food handlers (Egyptians 53%, Jordanians 26% and Syrians 19%) were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive and multivariate data analysis was conducted to assess their knowledge about food safety. Results: Low overall mean score of food safety knowledge (40%); the mean percent of correct answers about transportation, receiving of chicken shawerma, storage, preparation, selling, and controlling microorganisms were: 63%, 54%, 45%, 31%, and 26%, respectively. Ninety percent of the participants had no previous training in food safety concepts. Better food safety knowledge was significantly associated (p > 0.05) with higher educational levels, receiving special training in food safety and having a Jordanian nationality. Conclusions: This study recommends establishing a comprehensive food safety program in Jordan to build the capacity of the food handlers and enforce periodic evaluation of their food safety knowledge and evidence-based best practices.