Research Title: Community pharmacists’ knowledge of and attitudes toward antibiotic use, resistance, and self-medication in Jordan

Author: Asma Ahmad El-Shara, Published Year: 2020

Drugs & Therapy Perspectives, 37, 44–53 (2021)

Faculty: Pharmacy

Abstract: Background Antibiotic resistance (AR) is a major global concern. Indiscriminate use of antibiotics may contribute to treatment failure and AR. Data about community pharmacists’ (CPs) knowledge of and behaviour toward antibiotic use and AR are limited. Objective Our objective was to evaluate the knowledge of and attitudes towards antibiotic use and AR in CPs in Jordan. Methods A large cross-sectional face-to-face survey of a random sample of 500 CPs in Jordan was conducted over a 2-month period. A representative sample was collected using the proportionate random sampling technique, which enabled us to geographically categorize the study population. Reliability and validity measures were taken to ensure a comprehensive and appropriate study tool. We used the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS®) version 24 to conduct descriptive analysis and logistic regression. Results The majority (86.6%) of respondents thought it was legal to dispense antibiotics without a prescription in Jordan. Only 24.2% had good knowledge regarding amoxicillin dosages for upper respiratory tract infections, and 66.2% did not know that bacteria are the predominant causative pathogens of acute otitis media. The majority (71.6%) knew that overuse of antibiotics is considered the principal cause of AR. However, only 34.4% were familiar with the definition of cross resistance, and 85.6% had misconceptions regarding patient compliance and its causal relationship with AR. Knowledge of antibiotic use was likely to be better in CPs who worked in urban areas than in those working in rural areas (odds ratio [OR] 1.2; 95% CI 0.74–2.31; p = 0.02) and in CPs with a postgraduate degree than in those without (OR 2.6; 95% CI 1.89–4.56; p = 0.04). Conclusion As many CPs in Jordan have poor knowledge of antibiotics and AR, continual educational interventions to improve this situation are necessary.

Keywords: antibiotic use, antibiotic resistance, attitude, self-medication

Research Title: The Role of Clinical Pharmacy in Preventing Prescribing Errors in the Emergency Department of a Governmental Hospital in Jordan: A Pre-Post Study

Author: Asma Ahmad El-Shara, Published Year: 2020

Hospital Pharmacy, July 2020

Faculty: Pharmacy

Abstract: Abstract Background: Clinical pharmacists have a vital role in intercepting prescribing errors (PEs) but their impact within a Jordanian hospital emergency department (ED) has never been studied. Objective: To evaluate the impact of clinical pharmacy services on PEs and assess predictors of physicians’ acceptance of clinical pharmacists’ interventions. Setting: This study was conducted in the ED of the largest governmental hospital in Jordan. Method: This was a pre-post study conducted in October and November 2019 using a disguised observational method. There were 2 phases: control phase (P0) with no clinical interventions, and active phase (P1) where clinical pharmacists prospectively intervened upon errors. The clinical significance of errors was determined by a multidisciplinary committee. The SPSS software version 24 was used for data analysis. Main Outcome Measure: PEs incidence, type, severity, and predictors for physicians’ acceptance. Results: Of 18003 patients, 8732 were included in P0 and 9271 in P1. PEs incidence decreased from 24.6% to 5.4%. Contraindication, drug selection, and dosage form error types were significantly reduced from 32.6%, 9.1%, and 3.7% (P0) to 12.6%, 0.0%, and 0.0% (P1), respectively. Albeit not statistically significant, drug-drug interaction, drug frequency, and allergy error types were reduced from 4.9%, 3.1%, and 0.1% to 4.5%, 2.5%, and 0.0%, respectively. Significant and serious errors were significantly reduced from 68.7% and 3.0% (P0) to 8.9% and 1.8% (P1), respectively. During P1, most errors were minor (89.3%, 1574/1763), and lethal errors ceased. Predictors for physicians’ acceptance were: significant errors (OR 3.1; 95% CI 2.6-4.3; P = 0.03) and non-busy physicians (OR 2.1; 95% CI 1.6-2.7; P = 0.04). Conclusion: Clinical pharmacists significantly reduced PEs in the ED by 76%; most of interventions were significant. Policymakers are advised to implement active clinical pharmacy in the ED.

Keywords: medication errors, clinical services, medication safety, physician prescribing

Research Title: Investigating prescribing errors in the emergency department of a large governmental hospital in Jordan

Author: Asma Ahmad El-Shara, Published Year: 2020

Journal of Pharmaceutical Health Services Research, Volume 11, Issue 4

Faculty: Pharmacy

Abstract: Abstract Background Although prescribing errors (PEs) are the most common type of medication errors and cause morbidity and mortality, they have been rarely studied. Objective The study aimed to investigate PEs incidence, types, severity, causes, predictors, pharmacists’ interventions accepted by doctors and computer-related errors. Setting This study was conducted in the emergency department of the largest governmental hospital in Jordan. Method This was a retrospective observational 4-week study. A validated definition of PEs was adopted, and errors were identified by direct observation of all prescriptions. Structured interviews with doctors to assess the causes of errors were conducted within three days of the prescription date; the severity of PEs was rated by a committee. Main outcome measure Prescribing errors incidence, types, severity, causes, predictors, pharmacists’ interventions accepted by doctors and computer-related errors. Results For 1330 patients, 3470 medication orders were recorded. Almost one in five patients had PEs (n = 288, 21.65%), and the total number of medication orders for patients who had errors was 610. The PEs incidence was 12.5% (95% CI 11.4%–3.5% (n = 450/3597)). Analgesics were the most common medications associated with PEs (232/610, 38.03%). The top two types of PEs detected were wrong drug (165/450, 36.6%) and wrong dose (142/450, 31.5%) respectively. Most PEs were clinically significant errors (342/450, 76%). Doctors refused pharmacists’ interventions on their orders in 132 (45.8%) prescriptions. The most common cause of errors was poor skills of doctors in electronic prescribing system (266/450, 59%). Predictors of PEs were the following: drug with multiple dosage forms (OR 2.998; 95% CI 1.41–6.34; P = 0.004) and a prescription with polypharmacy (OR 1.685; 95% CI 1.25%–2.26%; P = 0.001). Conclusion A national approach for observing, intervening on and correcting PEs is necessary to improve patient safety.

Keywords: health policy; health services research; pharmaco-economics

Research Title: Awareness of Antibiotic Use and Resistance in Jordanian Community

Author: Asma Ahmad El-Shara, Published Year: 2020

Journal of Primary Care & Community Health, Volume 11: 1–8

Faculty: Pharmacy

Abstract: Abstract Background: The public awareness toward the causes and consequences of antibiotic resistance (AR) is crucial to mitigate the inappropriate use of antibiotics (ABs), particularly in the low- and middle-income countries. There was no previous study that assessed the awareness, attitude, and knowledge about antibiotic use and AR among the Jordanian public in affluent and deprived areas. Objective: This study aimed to assess the awareness, attitude, and knowledge about antibiotic use and AR in affluent and deprived areas in Jordan. Setting: The survey was conducted in November 2019 in Amman, the capital of Jordan. Method: A cross-sectional questionnaire was used to survey households in their areas in each of West Amman (affluent region) and East Amman (deprived region), Households were selected using proportionate random sampling method. Results: A total of 620 householders (310 per area) completed the questionnaire. Pharmacists were perceived as strong influencers on householders’ decision, as 80.32% (n = 465/580) of those who used antibiotics in the last year follow pharmacists’ advice. Our results showed poor understanding of antibiotic usage among the Jordanian public, as only 14.2% (n = 44/310) of the sample in West Amman and 2.9% (n = 9/310) in East Amman disagreed with the statement “Antibiotics work on most coughs and colds.” Householders in West Amman showed much better understanding of AR compared to those in East Amman; 82.3% (n = 255/310) of West Amman respondents agreed with the statement “Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria change in some way that reduces or eliminates the effectiveness of the antibiotic.” compared to 31.9% (n = 99/310) of East Amman respondents on the same statement (P < .05). Conclusion: The Jordanian community generally had poor knowledge and awareness toward antibiotics use and AR. Socio-economic factors could influence the public’s attitude toward antibiotics use and AR.

Keywords: antibiotic resistance, attitude, Jordan, self-medicating, public awareness

Research Title: three dimensional analysis of bolted joint member stiffness using frusta method

Author: Muhammad Mustafa Gogazeh, Published Year: 2020

international journal of mechanical engineering and technology IJMET, 11

Faculty: Engineering and Technology

Abstract: analytical analysis of joint member bolt stiffness using frusta method ,,, derive the governing equations and solve them ... and then calculate joint member stiffness,, and compare the results with another methods

Keywords: three dimensional analysis joint member bolt stiffness frustra method

Research Title: Age, gender and climate associations with the seroprevalence of Neospora species infection in horses in Jordan

Author: Marwan Abu-Halaweh, Published Year: 2020

Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Medicine, 29

Faculty: Science

Abstract: A cross-sectional study was carried out on a sample of 379 horses to determine the seroprevalence of Neospora spp. in Jordan using the indirect fluorescent antibody test. Five variables, namely locality (n=10), climatic zone (n=4), age group (n=3), gender, and breed were tested as risk factors for Neospora–immunoglobulin (Ig)G seropositivity at four cutoff titers (1:50, 1:200, 1:400, and 1:800) using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. A total of 122 (32%; 95% CI: 28, 37) sera samples had anti-Neospora–IgG at a cutoff titer of 1:50. Increased Neospora–IgG seropositivity was found in horses in three localities (Madaba, Zarka, and Petra) and was associated with the following variables: cool temperate climate; age >14 years; and female gender. Seropositivity was found among horses from Madaba at all cutoff titers, Zarka at titers >1:200, and Petra at titers <1>14 years were found to be associated with seropositivity at titers ≥1:200. Female gender was associated with high seropositivity at >1:800 (PDF) Age, gender and climate associations with the seroprevalence of Neospora species infection in horses in Jordan. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/341997358_Age_gender_and_climate_associations_with_the_seroprevalence_of_Neospora_species_infection_in_horses_in_Jordan [accessed Jan 13 2021].

Keywords: Neospora spp., horse, seroprevalence, risk factors, climate, Jordan

Research Title: The Effect of Board of Directors and CEO on Audit Quality: Evidence from Listed Manufacturing Firms in Jordan

Author: Qasim Ahmad Alawaqleh, Published Year: 2021

Journal of Asian Finance,Economics and Business, Volume 8 Issue 2 , F

Faculty: Business

Abstract: Abstract This study aims to examine (1) the association between the chief executive officer tenure and audit quality, (2) the relationship between chief executive officer duality and audit quality, (3) the association between board independence and audit quality, (4) the relationship between board size and audit quality, and (5) the role of controlling variables (client size, leverage debt, and business complexity) in controlling these relationships. The research sample includes 325 financial reports from manufacturing firms listed in Amman Stock exchange over the 2014-2018 period. The study relationships are tested by using logistic regression. The results revealed a negative relationship, but not significant between CEO tenure and independent directors with audit quality. In addition, the results showed there is a negative effect of CEO duality on audit quality; also the results revealed that there is a statistically significant effect on the board of directors (board size) on the AQ. In general, the coefficient estimates of controlling variables show that client size and leverage debt positively affect audit quality, and on the contrary, business complexity has an insignificant positive relationship with audit quality. The summary of the study findings play an active role to external auditor opinion on business practice in towered the corporate governance system.

Keywords: Keywords: Audit Quality, Corporate Governance, Chief Executive Officer Tenure, Chief Executive Officer Duality, Board Independence, Board Size

Research Title: Relationship between the application of IFRS and the accounting information quality in Jordan

Author: Qasim Ahmad Alawaqleh, Published Year: 2020

Investment Management and Financial Innovations, Volume 17, Issue 4,

Faculty: Business

Abstract: Abstract The study aimed to find out the relationship between the application of international financial reporting standards (IFRS) and the accounting information quality (AIQ) in Jordan. The research data was collected from 59 industrial companies listed on the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) between 2010 and 2018. Panel data was used to measure an independent variable (the application of IFRS), and a questionnaire (a 5-point Likert scale) was applied to measure a dependent variable (AIQ). Multiple regression was used to test hypotheses. The study concluded that the application of IFRS in terms of earnings management and trading volume had a positive relationship with AIQ. Finally, the study recommended validating the transparency of financial reporting to improve the efficiency of the Jordanian financial market.

Keywords: Keywords IFRS, AIQ, ASE, Jordan

Research Title: The Impact of Audit Committee Performance and Composition on Financial Reporting Quality in Jordan

Author: Qasim Ahmad Alawaqleh, Published Year: 2021

International Journal of Financial Research, Vol. 12, No. 3, Spec

Faculty: Business

Abstract: Abstract The corporate governance literature indicates efforts to investigate the role of the audit committee (AC) in improving the financial reporting quality (FRQ) after the emergence of financial scandals in many countries in the world, inclusive Jordan. To date, empirical findings are inconclusive enough to address all audit committee characteristics regarding its competency and responsibilities by employing a questionnaire to collect data about this relationship. Thus, this study measures the correlation between AC (performance and composition) and FRQ of manufacturing corporations registered on the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE). To test this impact empirically, the target population was financial managers, audit committee members, and internal audit managers who are working in manufacturing corporations listed on the (ASE). According to the coefficient (β), the independent variables (Audit Committee Performance and Audit Committee Composition influence the dependent variable FRQ. This research recommends that firms enhance the audit committee work performance and composition to ensure audit committee members effectively enhance the FRQ audit committee is a vital mechanism of the firm's corporate governance system.

Keywords: Keywords: audit committee, financial reporting quality, ASE, Jordan, audit committee performance, audit committee composition

Research Title: Impact of Accounting Information System on Internal Audit Quality: Mediating Role of Organizational Culture

Author: Qasim Ahmad Alawaqleh, Published Year: 2021

International Journal of Financial Research, Vol. 12, No. 1;

Faculty: Business

Abstract: Abstract This study advances the Accounting Information System (AIS) study by exploring the relationship between the AIS internal audit quality. It develops a model based on literature and considers one significant variable of mediation that is organizational culture. The AIS is expected to influence internal audit quality in different contexts, particularly in developing countries. The research model validated using AMOS and SPSS version 25. Based on a sample of 183 internal auditors in Jordanian industrial SMEs, empirical findings support the relationship between AIS and internal audit quality; however, the impact is direct while the organizational culture partially mediates this relationship. The results indicate that the AIS help enhance internal auditors' quality and the organizational culture, ultimately improving internal audit quality. The implications are useful for academics, administrators, and policymakers interested in evaluating the impact of intervening variables on the AIS and the internal audit quality relationship.

Keywords: Keywords: accounting information system, internal audit quality, organizational culture, industrial SMEs, Jordan