ABSTRACT
Background:Public awareness about the importance of clinical research (CR) is crucial for patient’s participation in clinical trials. Their enrollmentmay be impacted by their levels of awareness and attitudes toward participation. Our study aimed to assess the Saudi cancer patient’s knowledge and perception about CR, and determine the influencing factors and barriers affecting participation.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in 300 cancer patients attending the Oncology Department at King AbdulAziz Medical City (KAMC) Riyadh between February2011 and February2012 using a survey covering the demographic data, knowledge of clinical research, and attitude toward participation; followed by statistical analysis.Results:A total of 300 patients were enrolled in the study with a median age of 53.6 (42.2-64.01); 62.67% of which were females. The majority of patients (97.31%) were not aware of Institutional Review Board (IRB). However, (75.33%) showed interest in CR participation, if offered. The advanced disease (86.67%), and the lack of other treatment options (85.33%) were the top two encouraging factors, while fear of adverse side effects (58.33%), and the unknown efficacy of treatment (58.32%) were the top two barriers against participation. Respondents younger than 45 years, and educated ones were significantly more interested in participation in CR with Pvalues P=0.0136 and P=0.0239 respectively. Conclusions: There is an apparent gap in cancer patient’s awareness about CR. However, there is an obvious interest in participation in CR especially in younger and educated patients. Enhancing public awareness is crucial to improve participation in CR
ABSTRACT
The cardinal effect of erythropoitin is the induction of division and differentiation of marrow stem cells into recognisable erythroblast precursors. Iron deficiency anaemia is common among HD patients due to frequent blood loss and or poor absorption if not counteracted by the removal of haem synthesis inhibitors. Recombinant erythropoitin [r-HuEpo] administration was tried in six HD patients for one year. The effect of treatment on clinical condition was perfect although non significant improvement of Hb, Ht, reticulocyte and platelet count was found. Also elevation of serum iron, transferrin saturation and ferritin was quite little. Should all HD patients with iron deficiency anaemia receive r-HuEpo. The decision will not only depend on the cost, but will be influenced by the effect of treatment on improvement of the clinical and laboratory findings
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Anemia/etiology , Anemia/drug effects , Renal Dialysis , Kidney Failure, ChronicABSTRACT
This study aimed to identify and compare differences in self-esteem between patients, with end stage renal disease on maintenance hemodialysis, who complied with therapeutic regimen and those who did not. The study utilized forty subjects at two hemodialysis units from both health Insurance Hospitals. Data were collected using a modified self-esteem scale that measured overall level of self- esteem scale that measured overall level of self-esteem for the subjects. The results indicated a significant differences between compliant and non compliant subjects in all sociodemographic variables. No statistically significant differences between compliant and noncompliant subjected were demonstrated on the self- esteem mean scores [T = 0.16]. The results implied that in order to provide comprehensive care to patients on hemodialysis, nurses should emphasize the psychosocial as well as the physical aspects of the patients care