Research Title: Impact of associated factors and adherence to Mediterranean diet on insomnia among Arab men living in Jordan

Author: Ghadeer Abdel Razzaq Othman, Published Year: 2024

scientific reports, 14

Faculty: Allied Medical Sciences

Abstract: The detrimental health and economic burdens associated with insomnia have led to investigations examining its prevalence and potential predictors to utilize this information in insomnia prevention/ treatment. Ethnicity, gender, and lifestyle habits are among the important predictors associated with insomnia. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of insomnia and potential predictors of insomnia among Arab men living in Jordan, including Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence. The inclusion criteria of this cross-sectional, correlational study were: (1) being a male; (2) aged 18 and older; and (3) able to read, write, and speak the Arabic language. Online questionnaires were used to assess participants’ sociodemographic information, adherence to the MD, physical activity, and insomnia. Results demonstrated that there was a high prevalence of insomnia (53.9%) among the study’s participants (N=529). Moreover, in the unadjusted model, the study revealed that being unemployed (OR = 1.90, p = 0.018), categorized as dehydrated (OR = 1.20, p = 0.020), overweight (OR = 1.30, p = 0.035), sleeping less than 6 hours/day (OR = 2.10, p < 0.001), and having high adherence to the MD (OR = 1.60, p = 0.010) were predictors of insomnia. Meanwhile, the adjusted multivariate logistic regression model indicated that being married (OR = 1.20, p = 0.020) played a significant protective role against developing insomnia among Arab men. While high adherence to MD (OR = 1.642, p = 0.028) and sleeping less than 6 hours/day (OR = 2.760, p < 0.001) were relative risk factors for experiencing insomnia. The high prevalence of insomnia in this population and the identification of possible predictors associated with insomnia, and the unexpected relationship between adherence to the MD and insomnia warrant further in-depth investigations that may help promote the understanding of the factors associated with insomnia and facilitate the development of interventions to target it.

Keywords: Associated Factors, Mediterranean Diet (MD), Insomnia, Arab Men, Jordan

Research Title: Impact of Parental Support During Health Behavior Classes on Primary School Students' Awareness of Obesity

Author: Hani Jameel Mohammad Hamad, Published Year: 2023

Journal for Re Attach Therapy and Developmental Diversities, 6 (9s)

Faculty: Allied Medical Sciences

Abstract: Introduction: One of the most common disorders worldwide among school-age children is obesity. This paper aims to examine the impact of parent support during health behavior classes on the awareness level of obesity among Primary School students. Methods: A pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design was conducted among 90 obese students. Students were divided into two groups with 45 students in each based on their BMI. A pretest was conducted on both groups by distributing the SPAN scale to both groups. After that, nursing interventions for three months included health behavior classes for both groups (group one with parent support & group two without parent support). Results: The results indicated that there were statistically significant differences between the two groups in mean scores of, posttest and delayed posttest, (t (88) = 6.428, t (88) = 4.127, t (88) = 4.317, p = .001), respectively. The first group achieved a mean score of pre-test, post-test, and delayed post-test of 45.66 (6.618); 51.45 (7.514); and 43.78 (5.678), respectively. The 2nd group achieved a mean score of pre-test, post-test, and delayed post-test 44.78.14 (6.515); 85.45 (8.54); and 86.44 (8.65), respectively. Conclusion: Parent support during health behavior classes is effective in increasing awareness among obese students.

Keywords: Jordan; Obesity; Health behavior; Students; Awareness; Parent; Support

Research Title: Impact of Processing and Preservation Methods and Storage on Total Phenolics, Flavonoids, and Antioxidant Activities of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)

Author: Hani Jameel Mohammad Hamad, Published Year: 2023

Foods, 12

Faculty: Allied Medical Sciences

Abstract: Very few studies have thus far evaluated the impact of various processing and preservation techniques (blanching, frying, freezing, dehydration, and sun drying) on the levels of total phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant activities of okra. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different processing and preservation methods on the levels of phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant activities of okra. The ethanolic extracts of each sample were analyzed before and after preservation and storage for a period of three months. The results showed a significant improvement (p < 0.05) in total phenolic content (134.1 mg GAE/100g) and DPPH (1-1-diphenyl1-2- pricrylhydrazyl) scavenging activity (IC50 value of 3.0 mg/mL) in blanched okra when compared to fresh okra (86.35 mg GAE/100g and IC50 value of 3.8 mg/mL, respectively). Fresh okra exhibited the highest flavonoid content (105.75 mg QE/100g), while sun-dried okra samples stored for three months exhibited a decrease in total phenolic content (14.45 mg GAE/100g), total flavonoid contents (13.25 mg QE/100g), reducing power activity (23.30%), and DPPH scavenging activity (IC50 value of 134.8 mg/mL). The DPPH inhibition activities of all okra treatments showed a significant and positive correlation with the okra phenolic and flavonoid content (r = 0.702 and 0.67, respectively). The reducing power activity (%) of okra treatments exhibited a strong correlation (r) with phenolic contents (r = 0.966), and the correlation with flavonoid contents was 0.459. Generally, different processing and preservation methods of okra revealed that the impact on total phenolic and flavonoid contents, as well as antioxidant activities, was slightly significant among samples preserved using the same method during storage. In addition, blanched and frozen okra resulted in the highest retention of phenolic contents and antioxidant activities.

Keywords: okra; phenolic; DPPH; preservation; antioxidant activity

Research Title: Influence of Six Weeks Eye Exercise Program on the Severity of Digital Eye Strain Among Primary School Students

Author: Hani Jameel Mohammad Hamad, Published Year: 2023

Innovations, 74

Faculty: Allied Medical Sciences

Abstract: Problem: Literature suggest that treatment of digital eye strain (DES) prescribed by health professionals is not highly effective in reducing the symptoms of it. This demands an additional management to be prescribed along with the current treatment for DES. Exercise is one of the potential emerging additional strategies in the conservative management of DES. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to estimate the influence of eye exercise (EE)among primary school students with DES. Methodology: A Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire (CVS-Q) score of 6 was used to identify the subjects with DES, followed by ophthalmologist examination. Then, the subjects were allocated into two groups. Group A (n = 15) received conventional therapy (CT) (artificial tears and the 20-20-20 rule) and EE (pencil push-ups, eye-rolling, and palming). Group B (n = 11) received CT. Both groups underwent treatment for a period of six weeks. Before and after treatment, CVS-Q was administered to all participants. Treatment outcome was analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test and the Mann-Whitney U test. Findings: The results revealedtatistical significance within group A (p = 0.001), and across groups (p = 0.006), and statistical non-significant within group B (p = 0.104).These results suggest that exercise is beneficial in lessening the severity of DES among school students. Conclusion: The EE may be prescribed along with the CT to reduce the severity of DES among primary school students.

Keywords: Digital eye strain, eye exercise, computer vision syndrome, primary school students, severity of eye strain

Research Title: Advocacy Brief: understanding the role of nutrition for individuals living with genetic disorders

Author: Hani Jameel Mohammad Hamad, Published Year: 2024

Faculty: Allied Medical Sciences

Abstract: Nutritionally-managed genetic disorders encompass a wide range of conditions in which dietary interventions play a critical role in managing or mitigating the effects of genetic abnormalities. These disorders range from inborn errors of metabolism, such as glutaric acidaemia, to inherited metabolic diseases and congenital disorders of glycosylation. They often involve autosomal genes and are typically inherited, being passed from one generation to the next. The acute symptoms of genetic disorders, such as intoxication, closely resemble those of other conditions like infections, birth traumas, respiratory issues, cardiac disorders, and endocrine problems, often leading to frequent misdiagnosis and severe outcomes, including death. Key organs affected include the liver, brain, heart, muscles and kidneys, which play critical roles in metabolism and energy regulation. Clinical symptoms, which often relate to the type and toxicity of accumulated metabolites or the absence of essential products, include poor feeding reflexes, vomiting, dehydration, abnormal muscle tone, seizures, neurological impairment, coma and even mortality. Proper management of genetic disorders involves adequate newborn screening, nutritional assessment, nutritional diagnosis, nutritional intervention and consequently nutritional monitoring and evaluation. This guide sheds light on the different categories of genetic disorders (urea cycle disorders (UCDs), organic acidaemias, carbohydrate disorders, amino-acid disorders and fatty acid-oxidation disorders), as well as their main characteristics, biochemical features and clinical symptoms, complications and medical nutrition therapy and management guidelines. The medical nutrition therapy of genetic disorders aims to address the deficiency or inactivity of enzymes by (1) limiting the amount of available substrate; (2) providing more of the end product; (3) supplementing additional enzymatic cofactors; (4) promoting the elimination of toxic metabolites; (5) relying on a combination of these approaches; (6) maintaining appropriate blood levels of pertinent indicators; (7) providing adequate energy and nutrients; (8) ensuring proper growth and development; and (9) treating infections and managing seizures if needed. This document is intended to serve as a resource for policy makers, physicians, healthcare practitioners, parents, family members and caregivers. It also emphasizes the need to have a comprehensive referral system and multidisciplinary care teams to better enhance the management of genetic disorders in the Eastern Mediterranean region. This is not a World Health Organization (WHO) guideline but an updated review of various organizations guidelines in various countries as a desk review of the topic. A preliminary advocacy brief was prepared at the WHO Regional Office and circulated to the various experts from different countries for their feedback and consensus on the contents.

Keywords: nutrition , genetic disorders

Research Title: Effect of Additions of Humic and Fulvic Acids on Soil Properties and Germination Percentage of Cucurbit Plants (Zucchini and Cucumber)

Author: Hani Jameel Mohammad Hamad, Published Year: 2024

Nature Environment and Pollution Technology An International Quarterly Scientific Journal, 23

Faculty: Allied Medical Sciences

Abstract: This research was conducted to study the effect of adding humic and fulvic acids to the irrigation water on soil properties and germination percentage of two cucurbit plants: zucchini and cucumber. The study was conducted in an open field in Sokhna District in the governorate of Zarqa (Jordan). The field soil was transported to calcareous sandy soil. In the beginning, the weeds and stones were removed, and the land was smoothed and plowed. Effort was made to control weeds and insects at all stages of plant growth. Then, an irrigation network was installed. The fulvic acid-humic acid (FA-HA) biostimulant mixture was incorporated with the irrigation water, and irrigation was practiced three days per week for four weeks. During this period, every irrigation round lasted for two to three hours. A mixture of humic acid (8.0%) and fulvic acid (8.0%) was added to the irrigation water. Three treatments were considered, corresponding to three acid mixture concentrations: 0.50 mL.L-1, 1.00 mL.L-1, and 1.50 mL.L-1. The acid mixtures were added continuously at all stages of plant growth until plant maturity and harvest. Four replicates of the experiment were made. The plant growth variables of interest were germination percentage, number of leaves, date of fruition, size of fruit, and overall mass of fruits. Meanwhile, the soil parameters of interest were soil pH and soil salinity (electric conductivity (EC)) before and after adding the FA-HA mixture. The study found that the 0.5 mL.L-1 acid mixture treatment led to the early growth of the zucchini plant seeds and that fruition took place 12 days after planting. In addition, the results showed an increase in plant germination under the 0.5 mL.L-1 acid mixture treatment in light of the increase in the number of male and female plant flowers, with fruiting taking place on time. In conclusion, the relationship between zucchini growth and yield with FA-HA mixture concentration is non-linear. It is also concluded that the optimum acid mixture concentration and application rate are crop-specific. Hence, for each crop, the most appropriate acid mixture concentration should be determined first before the broad-scale application of amendments to the soil to ensure the contribution of this environmentally friendly practice to sustainable agriculture.

Keywords: Humic and Fulvic Acids, Soil, Germination, Cucurbit Plants , Zucchini, Cucumber

Research Title: Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Antidiabetic Activities of Different Extracts from Wild Olive Leaves Grown in United Arab Emirates

Author: Hani Jameel Mohammad Hamad, Published Year: 2025

processes, 13

Faculty: Allied Medical Sciences

Abstract: Olive leaves (Olea europaea L.) are a source of natural bioactive compounds with various health benefits and are often considered agricultural waste. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant, antibacterial, and antidiabetic activities of an infused aqueous extract and ultrasonic-assisted extracts (aqueous, methanol, ethyl acetate, and hexane) from wild olive leaves grown in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The aqueous-infused extract exhibited the highest total phenolic content (TPC; 91.9 mg GAE/g extract), the highest reducing power activity, the lowest IC50 value for diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) inhibition (97.3% and 81.1 μg/mL, respectively), and the highest α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition activities (77.1% and 83.3%, respectively). Meanwhile, the ultrasonic-assisted methanolic extract exhibited the highest total flavonoid content (31.2 mg RE/g extract) and significant α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition activities (61.8% and 77.2%, respectively). The antimicrobial activity of wild olive leaf extracts (WOLEs) at concentrations of 1, 2.5, and 5 mg, tested using the disc diffusion method against Gram-positive and Gramnegative bacterial strains, was weak or ineffective at the studied concentrations. The study concluded that WOLEs are high in total phenolic and flavonoid content and antioxidant and antidiabetic activities, suggesting the potential use of WOLE in folk medicine.

Keywords: DPPH; phenolic compounds; flavonoids; antioxidant; antidiabetic activity; wild olive leaf extract

Research Title: Antioxidant, Physiochemical, and Sensory Properties of Functional Marshmallow Produced from Honey, Strawberry Concentrates, and Hibiscus Extract

Author: Hani Jameel Mohammad Hamad, Published Year: 2025

Foods, 14

Faculty: Allied Medical Sciences

Abstract: Marshmallow candy is a well-known sugar-based confection that is widely consumed among different population groups. However, its high sugar contents and low nutritive value might lead to adverse health outcomes. This study, therefore, aimed to develop optimal formulations for functional marshmallow candy using honey, aqueous hibiscus extract, cow’s milk, and strawberry concentrates with partial replacement of table sugar and glucose syrup. In this regard, six different formulations (F1–F6) were developed, varying in the ratios of key ingredients, such as F1 formulated with honey (9%), sucrose (35%), glucose syrup (33%), milk (4%), and hibiscus extract (1%); F2 containing honey (10%), sucrose (30%), glucose syrup (25%), milk (4%), hibiscus extract (1%), and strawberry concentrate (13%); F3 with honey (15%), sucrose (25%), glucose syrup (20%), milk (4%), hibiscus extract (1%), and strawberry concentrate (16%); F4 formulated with honey (20%), sucrose (20%), glucose syrup (15%), milk (4%), hibiscus extract (1%), and strawberry concentrate (24%); F5 containing honey (30%), sucrose (20%), glucose syrup (5%), milk (4%), hibiscus extract (1%), and strawberry concentrate (24%); and F6 developed with honey (10%), sucrose (30%), glucose syrup (25%), and strawberry concentrate (16%) without milk or Hibiscus extract. These formulations were evaluated for total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, DPPH radical scavenging activity, and textural and sensory characteristics. The results show that all formulations containing functional ingredients had significantly higher total phenolic and flavonoid contents, along with stronger antioxidant activities in a dose-dependent manner compared to the control. Among the formulations, F5 exhibited the highest phenolic and flavonoids contents (89.8 mg GAE/100 g and 1.62 mg RE/100 g, respectively) and reducing power activity (197.8% equivalent to 30 μg vitamin C). Additionally, F3 and F4 showed the strongest DPPH scavenging activity, with IC50 values of 8.0 and 5.1 mg/mL, respectively. In terms of texture, the hardness of all formulations was comparable to the control, except for F1 and F6. The results for sensory analysis show that all modified marshmallows received higher consumer acceptance in overall liking, appearance, softness, elasticity, lightness, and flavor compared to the control. Overall, this study shows that the use of functional ingredients significantly enhanced the total phenolic and flavonoid content and improved antioxidant activities in marshmallow production. This functional candy can provide nutrient-rich health-promoting ingredients for consumers.

Keywords: DPPH; flavonoid; phenolic content; reducing power; texture analysis;marshmallow

Research Title: Development of Functional Jelly Gums Using Blueberry Concentrate and Honey: Physicochemical and Sensory Analysis

Author: Hani Jameel Mohammad Hamad, Published Year: 2025

Processes, 13

Faculty: Allied Medical Sciences

Abstract: The production of functional candies has garnered significant attention due to the growing consumer demand for healthier confectionery options. This study investigates the production of functional jelly gum by replacing table sugar and glucose syrup with honey and blueberry concentrate. Various formulations were developed and tested for phenolic and flavonoid content, antioxidant activity, textural properties, and consumer acceptance. Results showed that the addition of functional ingredients increased the phenolic and flavonoid content compared to the control. The modified jelly gums exhibited strong antioxidant activities, as evidenced by the DPPH assay, with significant differences (p < 0.05) from the control. The DPPH radical scavenging activity correlated strongly with phenolic content (R2 = 0.88) and flavonoid content (R2 = 0.89). Reducing power ranged from 32.31% to 78.45%, with the T5 sample (containing 30 g honey and 60 g blueberry concentrate) showing the highest activity. The reducing power of all treatments correlated significantly with flavonoid content (R2 = 0.75) and phenolic content (R2 = 0.83). Sensory analysis revealed that the T4 sample (containing 30 g of honey and 30 g of blueberry concentrate) was the most favorably received by consumers. These findings highlight the potential of using natural ingredients to develop healthier confectionery products that meet consumer demand for confectionery that is both nutritious and appealing.

Keywords: functional jelly gums; phenolics; flavonoids; blueberry concentrate; antioxidant activity; textural analysis

Research Title: Household food insecurity and nutritional status of pre-school children following relaxation of corona virus disease-2019 (COVID-19) restrictions

Author: Hani Jameel Mohammad Hamad, Published Year: 2025

Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, 66

Faculty: Allied Medical Sciences

Abstract: Background & Aims: Studies found a high prevalence of household food insecurity (HFI) and malnutrition and an association between them during the movement restriction period of the corona virus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This nutritional status should have improved by now as movement restrictions, including quarantine, have been lifted. Therefore, the goal of this cross-sectional study was to determine the current prevalence of HFI and malnutrition and their associations and contributing factors among pre-school children (i.e., children under the age of 5 years) following relaxation of the COVID-19 restrictions in Jordan. Methods: A sample of 386 children (197 boys and 189 girls) in Irbid, Jordan, were recruited in this study following the simple random sampling method. The levels of HFI and malnutrition were assessed using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES) and the World Health Organization (WHO) growth reference values, respectively. Relevant information were managed and measurements made and employed to calculate four major anthropometric indicators for the sample children (weight for height (WHZ), height for age z-score (HAZ), weight for age z-score (WAZ) and body mass index (BMI)-for-age z-score. Results: The results of analysis pointed out that prevalence of food security among the sample children was 58.2%, where 19.9% of the kids were experiencing moderate food insecurity and 38.3% were suffering from severe food insecurity. On the other hand, prevalence of malnutrition among those children was 1.81%, where 1.55% of the kids were emaciated and 1.26% were severely emaciated. The results also indicated that mother’s age, number of children in the family, income of the family, monthly expenses on food and beverages and the energy expenses contributed significantly (p<0.05) to food insecurity. Moreover, the study found that HFI had negative correlations with WHZ (r=0.272, p=0.000), WAZ (r=0.193, p=0.000) and BMI-for-age z-score (r=0.263, p=0.000) and a positive correlation with HAZ (r=0.041, p=0.00). Conclusions: The study reports high prevalence of HFI among children under the age of 5 years in Jordan, even after relaxation of the COVID-19 restrictions on mobility. However, prevalence of malnutrition among this group of the population is low. These results spotlight the continued impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the financial statuses of households.

Keywords: Food Insecurity, COVID-19, Nutritional Status, Child, Preschool, Cross-Sectional Studies, Jordan