Background: Caregivers of children with chronic illnesses often experience varying levels of burden, influenced by multiple psychosocial and environmental factors. Understanding the specific sources and determinants of caregiver burden is crucial for developing supportive interventions, particularly in regions where research remains limited. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 352 caregivers to assess the extent and nature of caregiving burden. Burden levels were measured using a validated Arabic version of the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI-A) questionnaire, and associations with sociodemographic factors were examined. Results: The study included 352 caregivers of children with chronic illnesses, with a mean child age of 9.5 years (SD=4.4) and a majority being boys (64.5%). The mean age of the caregivers was 40.3 years (SD=9.2, range: 20–70 years), with most being mothers (83.8%). According to the ZBI-A Score, 38.6% experienced no-to-mild burden, 40.6% reported mild-to-moderate burden and 20.8% faced high burden. The most prominent burden sources were feelings of inadequacy, stress balancing childcare with other responsibilities and insufficient time for self-care (mean: 2.83, 2.61 and 2.47, respectively). Moderate burdens included fatigue, lack of privacy and health deterioration (mean: 2.07, 2.07 and 2.00, respectively), while the lowest level was observed for anger (mean: 1.74). Lower family income and non-attendance of children in school were significantly associated with higher caregiver burden (p=0.04 and 0.02, respectively). Conclusion: Caregiver burden is a significant issue among parents of chronically ill children, shaped by emotional, social and financial stressors. Strengthening school-based support services and addressing financial hardships may substantially reduce caregiver burden and improve family well-being.

Background: Complicated pneumonia (CP) in children presents in various forms—including empyema, necrotizing pneumonia (NP), necrotizing pneumonia with pleural effusion (NP + PE), and parapneumonic pleural effusion (PPE)—and is associated with significant morbidity despite advances in antimicrobial therapy. This study aimed to describe and compare the clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, antibiotic use, and outcomes across different CP subtypes in hospitalized children and to assess the impact of prior antibiotic use on presentation and treatment outcomes. Methods: This retrospective observational study included 58 children admitted with CP to tertiary hospitals in Jordan. Patients were categorized into four subtypes: empyema (n = 4), NP (n = 4), NP + PE (n = 17), and PPE (n = 33). Demographic data, clinical features, laboratory results, antibiotic regimens, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Multivariable regression was used to identify predictors of prior antibiotic use. Results: Fever and cough were the most common symptoms (96.6%). Over 40% of patients had received antibiotics prior to admission. Those pre-treated had significantly longer symptom duration (8.2 vs. 4.5 days, p < 0.001), longer hospitalization (18.2 vs. 14.6 days, p = 0.023), and more frequent chest tube insertion (66.7% vs. 35.3%, p = 0.019). Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most common organism isolated in culture-positive cases. Vancomycin-based regimens were the most frequently used treatments. Univariate regression analysis showed that patients with prior antibiotic use had significantly higher odds of longer hospitalization duration (OR = 1.11, p = 0.028) and chest tube insertion (OR = 3.67, p = 0.021). Conclusions: Complicated pneumonia in children remains a diverse and clinically significant condition. The findings demonstrate that prolonged symptom duration prior to hospitalization and certain clinical interventions were associated with prior antibiotic exposure. These results provide insight into local disease patterns and prescribing behaviors, which may help inform strategies to optimize antimicrobial stewardship and improve care pathways for affected children.

Background: Pediatric lung abscess is an uncommon but potentially serious complication of pneumonia. Limited data exists on its clinical features, diagnostic workup, and outcomes in otherwise healthy children. Objective: To describe the clinical characteristics, management strategies, and outcomes of children diagnosed and treated for lung abscess in Jordan. Methods: We conducted a retrospective descriptive study of 23 pediatric patients diagnosed with and managed for lung abscess in Jordan. Data collected included demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, laboratory findings, treatment regimens, and outcomes. Results: The mean age was 7.2 years (SD 3.1), with 60.9% male and no underlying chronic diseases in any patient. Systemic symptoms such as fever (91%) and hypoactivity (91%) were common. Cough was reported in 87% of cases, with varying patterns (dry, wet, or both). Imaging confirmed that 56.5% of abscesses were located in the left lung and 43.5% in the right lung. TB was systematically excluded using PPD and PCR testing. All patients received initial broad-spectrum antibiotics; 87% required escalation to include piperacillin–tazobactam combined with aminoglycoside (either amikacin or gentamicin). The mean duration of antibiotic use was 4.8 weeks. Only one patient (4.3%) underwent surgical intervention, and two patients (8.7%) required ICU care. Follow-up imaging 1–2 weeks after completion of therapy showed full resolution in 91% of cases. Conclusions: Pediatric lung abscess in otherwise healthy children presents with significant systemic and respiratory symptoms but responds well to prolonged, escalated antibiotic therapy. Conservative management is effective in the majority of cases, with excellent clinical and radiological outcomes and low surgical intervention rates.

Background: Achieving breast symmetry is an important aesthetic goal following reconstruction post-mastectomy; however, little is known about women’s awareness, attitudes, and barriers regarding Contralateral Breast Symmetry Procedures (CBSP) in Jordan. Objectives: To assess awareness, perceptions, and barriers toward contralateral breast symmetry procedures among breast cancer survivors who underwent reconstruction at King Hussein Cancer Center. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from July to Oct 2025 at KHCC, among 314 women diagnosed with breast cancer who had post-breast reconstruction. Data were collected using a structured Arabic questionnaire, which was developed based on existing literature, validated by an expert panel, and piloted on 10 women for clarity and reliability. The final tool demonstrated acceptable internal-consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.712). The questionnaire captured sociodemographic and clinical data and detailed knowledge, attitudes, and barriers related to CBSP. Descriptive statistics summarized the data. Results: Participants’ mean age was 45.8 years; the majority were married (83.8%) and held university degrees (65.6%). Most reconstructions used silicone implants (94.6%). Only 6.4% had undergone CBSP, primarily delayed breast augmentation or mastopexy, with 75% reporting satisfaction. Awareness of CBSP was limited (37.9%), and less than one-third had discussed CBSP options with their surgeon or knew about insurance coverage. While 82.5% valued symmetry for body image, 31.5% viewed it as unnecessary after cancer recovery. Main barriers included satisfaction with current appearance (48.1%), fear of additional surgery (32.2%), financial constraints (37.3%), and lack of physician counseling (27.1%). Trust in medical team recommendations was high (89.2%). Conclusions: Contralateral breast symmetry procedures are under-recognized and infrequently pursued, primarily due to limited awareness, financial concerns, and insufficient counseling. Focused education and enhanced surgeon–patient communication are essential to support women’s aesthetic and psychological needs after reconstruction in Jordan.