Women with breast cancer, listening to the unheard voices: A qualitative study

Objective: This is a descriptive qualitative study with the aim of examining experiences of women diagnosed with breast cancer. Methods: The semi-structured interviews were conducted in the oncology clinic in Al Basheer Hospital in Jordan and included 15 women. Results: Several themes were identified such as knowledge before and after diagnosis, side effects of treatment, social and economic problems, lockdown and financial challenges in corona pandemic, coping strategies, and disclosure issues. Appropriate knowledge concerning causes of breast cancer, and side effects of administered drugs were lacking. Additionally, women were not comfortable telling others about their breast cancer diagnosis and considered it a private issue. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they faced many difficulties reaching hospitals, financial struggles, and inability to meet with their loved ones during lockdown. Conclusion: This study revealed the diversity of personalities and unique disposition of women regarding all the topics covered in the interviews. These differences should be considered in the support provided to these patients. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Electronic Journal of General Medicine is the property of Modestum Publications and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)

The era of E-learning from the perspectives of Jordanian medical students: A cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Online learning is becoming a crucial part of the educational process worldwide, especially after the recent COVID-19 pandemic. This study was designed to assess medical students' perception toward online learning and their perceived preparedness and barriers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: An electronic-based, cross-sectional survey was used to recruit eligible students in Pharmacy, Doctor of Pharmacy, Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, and Veterinary Medicine programs at various Jordanian universities (public and private). Descriptive and linear regression analysis were conducted using S.P.S.S. software. The perception score was calculated based on a 5-point Likert scale. Results: A total of 939 students agreed to participate in this study. The prominent category was females (n = 691, 73.6%), the median age of students was 22.0 years (IQR = 2.0), and around 56% of the students study in private universities (n = 520, 55.6%). More than half of the students reported that their experiences were unsatisfactory or very unsatisfactory (n = 510, 54.3%). The majority of students preferred face-to-face communication with their professors and colleagues and considered it more effective (n = 682, 72.6%). The median of the mean perception score was 2.4 (IQR = 1.1). Regarding challenges and barriers, more than 70% reported weak internet connection, E-learning boredom, and lack of motivation (n = 723, 77.0%). Conclusion: This study reported inadequate satisfaction and perception towards the current experience in E-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also discussed the barriers and challenges hindering this transition, such as weak internet connection and the lack of motivation, indicating a need for implementing new pedagogies to enhance students' experiences regarding online education.

Pharmacists' perceived barriers towards delivering their emergency roles during the COVID-19 pandemic and perceived policymakers' responsibilities.

RATIONAL: In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus infectious disease as a pandemic referred to as COVID-19. As an essential service, community pharmacists have been enacting a key role in patient counseling and supply of essential medicines and protective equipment. OBJECTIVES: To investigate pharmacists' perspectives of the role of educational institutes and professional pharmacy organizations in supporting them to take on roles during COVID-19 pandemic and to identify barriers to be able to support themselves and their patients. METHODS: This descriptive mixed-method study was conducted via a cross-sectional online survey distributed to pharmacists/pharmacy students in Jordan during the COVID-19 outbreak (15-30 March 2020) using an online questionnaire, followed by an online focus group. Questionnaire items related to participants' perspectives in being prepared for and supported in their roles during the COVID-19 pandemic, and items were tested for face validity. Data were descriptively analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences and triangulated with focus group findings. RESULTS: Considering that fear and anxiety are a consequence of mass social distancing/quarantine, study participants (n = 726, age = 26.9 (SD = 8.0) years, 71.9% females), reported needing training on mental healthcare to be able to support themselves and people during pandemics (90.2%). Most respondents agreed/strongly agreed (59.7%) with the statement around pharmacy educators/educational institutes having a key role in preparing pharmacists for practice during epidemics/pandemics and agreed that their faculties should add a course regarding pandemic preparedness in their curriculum (89.9%). Results were similar regarding roles for the pharmaceutical associations. Focus group findings (n = 7) mirrored the survey findings to a large extent. CONCLUSIONS: Most participants believed that pharmacy educators and pharmaceutical associations have a role in preparing them to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic through online educational workshops/webinars. Online education on mental healthcare is specifically needed.

Pharmacists' perception of their role during COVID-19: a qualitative content analysis of posts on Facebook pharmacy groups in Jordan.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the content available on Facebook pharmacy groups in Jordan regarding the perception of the pharmacists' role during the coronavirus pandemic in Jordan. METHODS: Researchers identified Facebook pharmacy groups through the search engine on the Facebook website. The main search keywords were pharmacy, pharmacist, pharmacists, and Jordan using both Arabic and English. Two researchers analyzed the posts and discussion threads on local pharmacy Facebook groups in a period between March 20th and April 3rd. A total of 184 posts and threads were identified for the purpose of the study. RESULTS: Identified threads and responses resulted in three overarching themes: pharmacists having a positive role during the pandemic, taking additional responsibilities and services, and having passive or negative roles. A positive role was seen in pharmacists acting as first-line healthcare providers, creating public's awareness regarding COVID-19, and being responsible for chronic medication refill during the pandemic. Taking additional responsibilities was summarized in home deliveries and involvement in industrial and corporate efforts to deal with the pandemic. A passive/negative role was seen mostly among hospital pharmacists not being proactive during the pandemic and by pharmacists trying to maximize profits during pandemic time. CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacists perceived their role as a positive role during the coronavirus pandemic. Not only they took responsibilities for their daily services during the crises, but they took additional responsibilities to assure patient safety and satisfaction.