ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES@#The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of obesity in Jordan, to assess related trends, and to determine associated factors and comorbidities. @*METHODS@#A multipurpose national household survey of Jordanian adults was conducted over a 4-month period in 2017. Data were collected using a structured validated questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements including waist circumference (WC; measured midway between the iliac crest and the lower rib margin), body mass index (BMI), hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio were obtained to categorize participants with regard to overweight and obesity. @*RESULTS@#This study included 4,056 persons (1,193 men and 2,863 women) aged 18 years to 90 years (mean±standard deviation, 43.8±14.2 years). According to the International Diabetes Federation WC criteria, the age-standardized prevalence of obesity was 60.4% among men and 75.6% among women, while approximately three-quarters of men and women were overweight or obese as defined by BMI. The age-adjusted odds of obesity in 2017 were approximately twice those in 2009 in men (odds ratio [OR], 1.98) and women (OR, 1.96). In the multivariate analysis, age, region of residence, and marital status were significantly associated with obesity in both genders. Obesity was significantly associated with increased odds of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, elevated triglycerides, and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol after adjusting for age. @*CONCLUSIONS@#The rate of obesity in Jordan is high and increasing, and obesity is associated with other metabolic abnormalities. Well-defined programs to control and prevent obesity, as well as intersectoral action, are urgently required to reverse current trends.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES@#The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of obesity in Jordan, to assess related trends, and to determine associated factors and comorbidities. @*METHODS@#A multipurpose national household survey of Jordanian adults was conducted over a 4-month period in 2017. Data were collected using a structured validated questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements including waist circumference (WC; measured midway between the iliac crest and the lower rib margin), body mass index (BMI), hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio were obtained to categorize participants with regard to overweight and obesity. @*RESULTS@#This study included 4,056 persons (1,193 men and 2,863 women) aged 18 years to 90 years (mean±standard deviation, 43.8±14.2 years). According to the International Diabetes Federation WC criteria, the age-standardized prevalence of obesity was 60.4% among men and 75.6% among women, while approximately three-quarters of men and women were overweight or obese as defined by BMI. The age-adjusted odds of obesity in 2017 were approximately twice those in 2009 in men (odds ratio [OR], 1.98) and women (OR, 1.96). In the multivariate analysis, age, region of residence, and marital status were significantly associated with obesity in both genders. Obesity was significantly associated with increased odds of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, elevated triglycerides, and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol after adjusting for age. @*CONCLUSIONS@#The rate of obesity in Jordan is high and increasing, and obesity is associated with other metabolic abnormalities. Well-defined programs to control and prevent obesity, as well as intersectoral action, are urgently required to reverse current trends.
ABSTRACT
Background: Anaemia is a global public health problem particularly in low- and middle-income countries and may be associated with serious health consequences. Limited studies, if any, have examined the prevalence and risk factors of anaemia in Jordan at the national level.
Aims: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of anaemia in Jordan for both sexes at the national level and to identify high-risk population subgroups.
Methods: A national population-based household sample was selected from the 12 governorates of Jordan in 2017. A total of 1125 males and 2797 females aged between 18 and 90 years were included. The prevalence of anaemia, overall and among subgroups of the population was estimated using Hb level as per WHO definition.
Results: Results showed prevalence of anaemia to be 4.9% in males, 19.3% in non-pregnant females, and 27.4% in pregnant females. The age standardized prevalence rates were 4.9% in males and 19.3% in females. The age standardized prevalence rates were 4.9% in males and 19.3% in females. Anaemia was predominantly mild (males: 81%, non-pregnant females: 57%, and pregnant females: 65.2%). Sex, age, region, marital status, and education were significantly associated with anaemia. Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) accounted for 68% of anaemic females and 38% of anaemic males.
Conclusions: The prevalence of anaemia in Jordan is lower than previously reported by WHO and the majority of anaemia was mild. Iron deficiency anaemia was the the most common type of anaemia, particularly in females. Flour fortification with iron and folic acid could have accounted for the decline of anaemia in Jordan
ABSTRACT
Objectives: This study aimed to assess the value of prophylactic cervical cerclage in prolonging higherorder multiple pregnancies
Methods: This retrospective study included all women with higher-order multiple pregnancies beyond 24 gestational weeks treated at the King Abdullah University Hospital in Irbid, Jordan, and King Fahad Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between February 2014 and January 2015. Selected maternal characteristics and obstetric outcomes were compared between women who received prophylactic cervical cerclage and those who did not
Results: A total of 146 women with higher-order multiple pregnancies were included in the study; of these, 94 [64.4%] underwent a prophylactic cervical cerclage insertion procedure and 52 [35.6%] women did not. No significant difference was found between the two groups with regards to maternal age, parity or number of fetuses. However, the mean gestational age at delivery was significantly higher for women without compared to those with prophylactic cervical cerclage [32.9 weeks versus 31.7 weeks] according to both univariate and multivariate analyses [P = 0.013 and 0.046, respectively]. Additionally, 40.4% of women without and 14.9% of women with prophylactic cervical cerclage gave birth after 34 gestational weeks [P = 0.003]
Conclusion: Overall, prophylactic cervical cerclage was not associated with prolongation of the pregnancy among women with higherorder multiple pregnancies in the current study
ABSTRACT
Objective: This study was conducted to assess the knowledge and attitudes regarding organ donation among Jordan University of Science and Technology students and assess their willingness to donate
Methods: A total of 389 students of both sexes in Jordan University of Science and Technology were included in this cross-sectional study. A questionnaire was used to collect information about the degree of knowledge concerning organ donation and their likelihood to donate, factors and obstacles that may influence their decisions, and whether they prefer a certain category of recipients. The content validity was ascertained from a feedback from of three experts. Chi-square test was used to test the significance of the association between willingness to donate an organ and the sociodemographic factors
Results: Only 8.3% of students reported that are highly informed about organ donation. Two thirds [68.5%] reported that they are not willing to donate an organ during their life and 33.9% reported that they are not willing to donate an organ after death. None of the studied socio-demographic factors were significantly associated with the willingness to donate an organ during life or after death. The most common reason for not being willing to donate an organ during their life was fear of deterioration of health [34.7%]. Of those who were willing to donate organs after death, 68.2% reported they were more likely to donate kidney. Of those who were willing to donate during their life, 77% reported that they more likely to donate kidney followed by cornea [30.0%] and bone marrow [27.0%]
Conclusions: Two thirds and one third of students were not willing to donate an organ during their life and after death, retrospectively. The most common reasons for not being willing to donate an organ during their life was fear of deterioration of health and the want of the body to remain complete. Religious belief was a common reason for not being willing to donate an organ after death
ABSTRACT
Maternal obesity adversely affects perinatal outcome through increasing rates of hypertensive disease during pregnancy, diabetes, cesarean section and fetal macrosomia. To investigate the prevalence of prepregnancy over weight and obesity and their impact on pregnancy and perinatal outcomes in Jordan. A prospective study comparing prepregnancy BMI categories with pregnancy and perinatal outcomes. University teaching hospital. Singleton term babies [>37 weeks] born in the year 2009. A total of 2129 newborns were categorized according to their mothers self reported body mass index [BMI] into three groups [normal, over weight and obese]. Multivariate regression analysis was performed. The main outcomes were pregnancy induced hypertension, gestational diabetes, mode of delivery, birthweight, neonatal admission and death. A total 2129 newborns were identified. The incidence of overweight and obese mothers was 33.6% and 12.5%, respectively. In comparison to mothers with normal BMI, overweight and obese mothers were older and more likely to be multiparious. Their pregnancy was at a significantly higher risk for pregnancy-induced hypertension, gestational diabetes, Cesarean delivery, induction of labor, giving birth to a macrocosmic baby and neonatal admission. Obese women were less likely to have instrumental delivery. Babies born to overweight and obese mothers were not at a higher risk of having other short adverse perinatal outcomes. Increasing prepregnancy BMI was associated with increased risk of adverse outcomes. Effective Interventional programs are important implications for health policy for counseling mothers during antenatal, postnatal and primary health care visit
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Obesity , Perinatal Care , Prevalence , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Outcome , Prospective Studies , Body Mass Index , MothersABSTRACT
Objective: The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of the adverse pregnancy outcomes among Jordanian women
Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in five major hospitals in the north of Jordan. Women who gave birth in the five Hospitals during the period from April to June 2007 were included in the study. Data were collected within 24 hours of delivery; the mother answered a pilot tested structured questionnaire administered by trained personnel on the maternity ward through face to face interview, which lasted for 10 to 15 minutes
Result: This study included a total of 3,269 women. More than half of them [57%] were living in urban areas, and 41.3% had an education of higher than high school. Only 1% gave birth to a very low birth weight baby and 10.9% gave birth to a moderately low birth weight baby. The prevalence of low birth weight baby was the highest for women aged above 40 years. Only 1.4% gave stillbirth with the rate being the lowest for those aged between 20 and 34 years. Prevalence of giving birth with any congenital anomaly was more evident for the oldest age group where about 40% of cases occurred among women aged above 40 years
Conclusions: Adverse pregnancy outcomes including preterm delivery, low birth weight delivery, congenital anomalies, and stillbirth are common among Jordanian women compared with those in developed countries. Older women [age > 40] are at high risk of such adverse pregnancy outcomes
ABSTRACT
Western studies have shown that TIMI [Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction] risk scores predict adverse events in patients with non ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome [NSTEACS] and ST-elevation myocardial infarction [STEMI]. Whether this also applies to Jordanian patients is largely unknown. We prospectively followed up 656 patients with ACS for total mortality, combined events of death, nonfatal MI or urgent coronary revascularization up to one year after admission. Of the whole group, 472 patients [72%] had NSTEACS, and 184 patients [28%] had STEMI. Among NSTEACS patients, 31.0% had a low risk score [total points 0 - 2 of 7], 43.5% had an intermediate risk score [total points 3 - 4], and 25.5% had a high risk score [total points 5 - 7]. In-hospital mortality was not different in the respective risk score groups [1.4%, 0.5%, and 3.4%, p = 0.123]. At 1 year, mortality was significantly higher in the high risk score group [12.8%] compared with the intermediate [4%] and low [1.4%] risk groups [p = 0.001]. Among STEMI patients, 58.6% had a low risk score [total points 0 - 3 of 13 - 14], 31.0% had a low intermediate risk score [total points 4 - 6], 8.0% had a high intermediate score [total points 7 - 9], and 2.4% had a high risk score [total points > 10]. In-hospital mortality rate was significantly higher in the two intermediate risk score groups [7.4%, 14.3%, respectively] and the high risk score group [50%] compared with the low risk score group [1.0%, p = 0.001]. The high risk and the two intermediate risk groups also had higher one-year mortality [75%, 28.6% and 16.7%, respectively] than the low risk group [3.9%, p = 0.001]. Similarly, composite events occurred at a significantly higher rate in patients with high risk scores than intermediate or low risk scores among NSTEACS and STEMI patients. TIMIRisk Scores and Prognosis in Jordan. Ayman J. Hammoudeh et al. In Jordanian ACS patients, high TIMI risk scores were associated with a high risk of cardiovascular events. Such patients are candidates for early aggressive therapeutic strategies
ABSTRACT
To estimate the stillbirth and hospital early neonatal death rates at the main referral hospital in the north of Jordan [King Abdullah University Hospital]. All infants born at the King Abdullah University Hospital [KAUH] over a 5-year period from January 1. 2005 to December 31, 2009 were identified retrospectively. Medical records of the patient who were considered stillbirth or died in the first week of life were reviewed. The following data: age. gestational age, birth weight, maternal medical and obstetric history, duration of stay and cause of death were collected and analyzed .The main cause of death was taken from death certificates. A total of 10,030 newborns were included in this study. There were 89 stillbirths and 102 early neonatal deaths. Stillbirth rate was 9.0 per 1000 births and early neonatal mortality rate was 10.3 per 1000 live births. Of the early neonatal deaths, 79.4% were born premature, 77.5% were born with low birth weight, 28.4% of them were born of mothers with hypertensive disorders and 17.6% were born of mothers with diabetes. Almost half of deaths [52.9%] occurred in the first day of life and 20.6% of deaths occurred in the second day of life. The most common cause of early neonatal death was respiratory distress syndrome [50.0%] followed by multiple congenital anomalies [19.6%] and sepsis [12.7%]. The three causes together contributed to 82.3% of deaths. In a referral tertiary center in the north of Jordan, stillbirth rate was 9.0 per 1000 births and early neonatal mortality rate was 10.3 per 1000 births. About half of early neonatal deaths occur in the first day of life. Prevention and treatment of prematurity, prevention of sepsis and better understanding of congenital anomalies may help to decrease early neonatal death. Attention to prevention and treatment of respiratory distress syndrome is warranted
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Hospitals, Teaching , Stillbirth , Cause of DeathABSTRACT
Since the extent of elevation of liver transaminases in type 2 diabetics in Jordan and most of the Middle East is unknown, we estimated the prevalence of elevated liver transaminase levels among patients with type 2 diabetes and determined associated risk factors. This study was performed on 1014 consecutive type 2 diabetic outpatients who attended the National Center for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Genetics in Amman, Jordan. The patients' age ranged between 26-85 years with a mean age of 56.8 [+9.8]. Three- hundred and fifty three [54.5%] were males with a median age of 58 years [ranging between 26-82 years], and four hundred and sixty one [45.5%] were females with a median age of 57 years [ranging between 28-85 years]. Body mass index, waist circumference, lipid profile, and hepatic transaminase levels were recorded. Ultraonography was performed in those with elevated alanine transaminase levels. Overall, the prevalence of elevated alanine transaminase [ALT] level was 10.4% [n=105] with the gender-wise prevalence being 12.8% [n=71] in men and 7.4% [n=34] in women. The prevalence of elevated aspartate transaminase [AST] levels was 5.4% [n=56] with the gender-wise prevalence being 5.6% [n=31] in men and 5.4% [n=25] in women. Only 4.5% [n=44] showed elevated levels of both ALT and AST. Male gender [OR=2.35, Cl: 1.5-3.8] and high waist circumference [OR=1.9, Cl: 1.2-3.2] were associated with increased risk of elevated ALT levels. Younger patients had a higher tendency to have elevated ALT compared to those over 65 years [OR=12.4 for patients aged 25-45years, and OR=5.8 for those who were 45-65 years old]. Non-insulin use was associated with a high odds ratio for elevated ALT levels [OR=1.7, Cl: 1.1 -2.9]. Elevated ALT and AST levels are found in 10.4% and 5.4% of our type 2 diabetic patients respectively. Male gender, younger age, higher waist circumference; as an indicator of central obesity, as well as non insulin use are independent predictors of elevated liver transaminase levels
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Middle Aged , Aged , Prevalence , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/blood , Sex Factors , Age Factors , Waist CircumferenceABSTRACT
This study was conducted to assess how common is the use of antibiotics in the treatment of acute upper respiratory tract infections by primary health care providers in north of Jordan, and the appropriateness of that use. Furthermore, to assess antibiotic use in relation to patients and physician characteristics. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among patients with acute upper respiratory tract infections attending primary health centers in Irbid governorate in north of Jordan. All patients with upper respiratory infections above the levels of the bronchioles were eligible for inclusion in this study. Accordingly, 234 patients were included. Each patient was first seen and treated by the health center general practitioner and re-examined and evaluated independently by a family medicine consultant during the same visit. The mean age of patients was 17.1 years [SD=16.4] and more than half of them [56%] were children < 15 years old. General practitioners prescribed antibiotics to 61% of the patients, and these prescriptions were inappropriate in 86% of the cases. Patients' characteristics such as age, sex and education showed no role on the antibiotic prescribing decision of their physicians. Antibiotic use for upper respiratory tract infections in Jordan is common and largely inappropriate, and the characteristics of patients did not influence antibiotic prescribing by physicians. We recommend further investigations of this important issue, to find out the reasons of overusing antibiotics by physicians in these illnesses
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Respiratory Tract Infections/drug therapy , Acute Disease , Primary Health Care , Physicians, FamilyABSTRACT
The study aimed to study the demographic features, rates of negative appendectomies and rates of perforation in all patients submitted to appendectomy in a 10 -year period. A retrospective review of 3894 patients submitted to appendectomy in the period 1997-2006, in three teaching hospitals in north of Jordan was conducted. The analysis included the variables: age, sex, presence of inflammations, perforation or other pathological findings. The negative appendectomy rate was 23.2%. It was more in females [30.4%] compared to males [16.3%]. The perforation rate was 14.5%, which was found to be higher in males [16.5%] compared to that in females [12.1%], and was high in elderly patients [38.2%] and children below 11 years [21.7%].Our negative appendectomies and perforations are considered high [although it compares with many studies in literature]. This reinforces the need to rely more in ultrasonography, computerized tomography and laparoscopy
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Appendicitis/diagnosis , Appendicitis/complications , Appendectomy , Retrospective Studies , Age Distribution , Sex Distribution , Intestinal PerforationABSTRACT
Jordan has witnessed a noticeable increase in women education and employment. A descriptive study of the traditional care practices of mothers for their newborn babies is exhibited here. Household Cross- sectional population survey in the north of Jordan was conducted over a 4-week period in July, 2004. Mothers of children less than five years of age at time of questionnaire were selected using systematic random sampling technique till the required sample of mothers was completed. Four common issues were studied including; circumcision, umbilical cord care, swaddling the baby in relation to Developmental Dislocation of the Hip [DDH] and care of a newborn baby with jaundice. These four issues were studied in relation to level of education and socio-economic status. Around 90% were circumcised by the age of one year. Circumcision was mainly performed by ritual circumcisers and mainly for religious reasons. For umbilical care, 40% used sulfa powder, 13% used alcohol swabs and 25% used traditional methods such as salty water, cigarette ash and coins. There was no statistical difference in the rate of developmental dislocation of the hip between swaddled and non-swaddled babies. Mothers used home light [37%], sugared water [18%], garlic necklaces [15%] and sun exposure [21%]. Only 50% of the mothers realized that jaundice may have future disability effect on babies. Traditional ways are still common in Jordan. Medical consequences of these practices are not clear and need further studies