Vol 2 No.1

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Assessing Nutritional Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices and their Association with Body Mass Index Among a Group of Students at Al-Quds University
(Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research, 2020-12-22) Mansour, Iman; Njoom, Njood; Ghrayeb, Afnan; Agha, Hazem
Background: Good nutrition is essential for the growth, development and maintenance of health throughout life. Beyond the negative impact, malnutrition has on socio-economic development, lack of sufficient foods and quality food undermines the quality of health and the wellness of the population of all ages. Development in nutrition science has continued to show a linkage between health and nutrition since the 20th-century discovery on the consequences of malnutrition. Objective: The main objective of the study was to assess the nutritional knowledge, attitude and practices and their association with body mass index among a group of students from Al- Quds University. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted through a self-administered questionnaire given to a group of students from Al-Quds University. The questionnaire was designed based on earlier studies to meet the study objectives. The questions were translated into Arabic. The Inclusion criteria in this study included Bachelors's students from different faculties at Al-Quds University. The exclusion criteria included academic staff, pregnant and lactating females, higher studies students and administrative. The data were analyzed by using the Statistical Package for the Social Software (SPSS) version 20 using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test. Results: Four hundred and nighty out of 500 distributed questionnaires were returned successfully. Over half (50.2%) of them were males. 66.3% of the participants had good nutritional knowledge, 61.8% had a positive attitude regarding healthy eating and 31.2% had good practices regarding healthy eating. The demographic character was not a significant predictor of nutritional attitude. However, there was a significant predictor between demographic character and nutritional knowledge and practices. There was a positive relationship at the level of significance p-value 0.005 or less and the alpha sign between attitude and practices, knowledge and attitude. Most of the students (53.35%) exhibited normal weight. Health professions and medical students had good nutritional knowledge compared to education science and business & economics students. Conclusion: The majority of the sample had good nutritional knowledge and practices. However, most of them shown a negative nutritional attitude regarding healthy eating. The university should develop a nutritional course to be taught as a university requirement course.
Awareness, Perceptions and Beliefs About Physiotherapy Profession Among Orthopedists and Neurosurgeons Working in the Main Hospitals of the Ministry of Health in Gaza Strip
(Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research, 2020-12-22) Alnajjar, Omar O.; Abo Musabeh, Ahmed M.; Hussain, Khald I.; Al Qedra, Ismail K.; Hamdona, Abdallah
Background: - Healthcare professions have rapidly developed due to advancements in technology along with innovations over years, and Physiotherapists are considered as a key-member of collaborative inter-professional teams due to their broad scope of practice. - Increasing disabilities in Palestine due to occupation and other reasons, life expectancy and the special circumstances made it one of the most imperative socioeconomic medical issues in Gaza Strip. This emphasizes the need for the development and recognition of physiotherapy in multidisciplinary healthcare structures. - In order to deliver effective care, communication, cooperation and agreement between physicians and physiotherapist is essential. - If a physician were well informed about physiotherapy abilities in helping the treatments, prevent complications and decrease hospital stays, that would decrease the burden on the healthcare system. - Lack of knowledge about physiotherapy among medical professionals affects several aspects, including patients, the role of physiotherapy as a part of the healthcare teams, and the outcomes. Objectives: - The aim of the study was to identify awareness, perception and believes about physiotherapy among orthopedists and neurosurgeons. Methods: - A cross-sectional study was conducted between January – June 2019 at the three main hospitals of the Ministry of Health in Gaza Strip. The study population included Orthopedists and Neurosurgeons who work according to the settings. - The total collected samples were 67, and participants of the study were recruited through a Non-Probability convenience sample. - Data was collected through a questionnaire, that was designed in English, with four main parts, a total of 30 items, then data analysis using the (SPSS-V.22) and several statistical operations were done including Cross tabulation using chi-squarer with significance value was defined as p≤0.05. Results: - Results of this study showed that the awareness of orthopedists and neurosurgeons about physiotherapy was 95.5%. The study showed that 54.7% of these physicians received their knowledge through their studying. The study showed that 78.1% of physicians believe that the intervention of physiotherapy is in therapeutic exercises, while 57.8% believe that the biggest intervention is the use of electrical modalities, and 60.9% believe that it is manual therapy. The study found that 96.9% of physicians believe that physiotherapy plays an important role in the treatment plan for the patient. And 71.9% of the physicians believe that the physiotherapist has the right to return the patient to the physician due to misdiagnosis. The study indicated that 90.6% of physicians believe it is important to discuss the patient's discharge with a physiotherapist, and shocking result was that 95.3% of physicians say that they write on the referral what should a physiotherapist do to a patient, and that is a huge violation of the physiotherapists right of making their own decision. Conclusions: - There is a close association between orthopedists and neurosurgeons about physiotherapy. The study has shown that they have a clear awareness, perception and beliefs about physiotherapy. - This relationship should be supported and developed to provide the best possible treatment to patients.
Clinical Significance of KRAS Mutation in Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Patients
(Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research, 2020-12-22) Makhamra, Sajeda; Al-Assa, Rawan; Hallak, Hussein
Background: According to 2018 Palestinian statistics, CRC is the second most common type of cancer; it contributes significantly to cancer-related deaths despite the continuous progress in diagnostic and therapeutic methods. One of the advances in CRC is the introduction of EGFRI that increased the treatment options available for a patient with mCRC, two EGFEI agents are approved for the treatment of mCRC: pantinumab and cetiximab. KRAS is the most frequently mutated oncogene in cancer. KRAS gene mutation in CRC is a well-established biomarker for predicting tumor responsiveness towards the use of EGFEI. KRAS gene mutation is available at Palestinian MOH, testing started in 8/2019 for patients at Stage 4 metastatic CRC (because in Stage 1 to 3 even if KRAS mutation was positive this did not result in a change in therapeutic regimen). Oncologists can make the clinical decision regarding therapy according to KRAS test results, where if the result shows wild type KRAS, the therapy is Avastin and/or EGFRI. However, patients with mutant KRAS, EGFRI are known to be not effective. So, all metastatic CRC patients must undergo genetic testing to differentiate between the wild type and mutant KRAS in order to avoid side effects of EGFRI and save drug cost. Objectives: Compare outcome between lab testing results and patient records in order to determine if the input provided from the lab is implemented in patient treatment protocol and to evaluate if international treatment protocols are being implemented in a colon cancer patient with KRAS mutation. Methods: The study involved 88 patients diagnosed with CRC and treated between 2016-2020 in Beit Jala, Alwatani, Refedia and Thabit Hospitals. 40 patients had genetics analysis in the national blood bank Ramallah- Palestine. Results: A total of 88 CRC patients were included in the study, 45 were female, 43 were male. 37.5% of patients were above 60 years old. The study included a random sample of 48 CRC patients, 29/48 (60.42%) received chemotherapy, 6/48 (12.5%) received biological (Avastin) and chemotherapy 8/48 (16.66%) underwent radiotherapy and 29/48 (60.42%) underwent surgery. Out of the 48 randomized CRC patients, 16/48 (33.33%) had metastasis. Out of the 88 CRC patients, 40 had KRAS gene test results, 27 (67.5%) were found to have KRAS mutation; all are Stage 4 metastatic (32.5% metastasis to the liver). 33 patients underwent therapy, 11 of them had wild type KRAS while 22 had mutant KRAS. All treated patients received chemotherapy, 9 of them (27.27%) underwent surgery; 3 (9.09%) underwent radiotherapy. Biological drugs were administered to 21 (63.63%) patients, 7 of them had wild type KRAS (2 patients received bevacizumab (Avastin®), 4 patients received cetuximab and 1 received trasuzumab). The remaining 14 patients had mutant KRAS, 13 patients of them receive Avastin and 1 patient received cetuximab with chemotherapy. Conclusions: The introduction of KRAS mutation test at Palestinian MOH is an important advance in mCRC treatment that can directly influence medical decision-making and selection of the appropriate biological treatment. The data collected also indicates that a high percentage (67.5%) of mCRC Palestinian patients have mutant KRAS.
A Comparative Study of Antipsychotic Drugs Use Among Psychiatric Patients in Palestine Quality of Life (QOL) and Long-acting Injectable (LAI) Assessment
(Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research, 2020-12-22) Sughaiar, Sarah; Alkurde, Basema; Zaro, Ibrahim; Ebido, Hamzeh; Shaheen, Muamar
past decade and were used mainly for long-term treatment of schizophrenia. However, their role in short term intermittent use and for other psychiatric conditions were not elucidated clearly. Objectives: To compare the quality-of-life improvement for patients on LAIs comparing to conventional treatment and whether the improvement was clinical or psychosocial in nature. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was run on psychiatric patients who are taking LAIs and/or conventional treatment at Mohammad Said Kamal hospital for mental illness in Bethlehem and Mental Health Clinic of The Ministry of Health in Hebron city from September 2019 to March 2020. GAF score was calculated for each patient among other mental scale scores such as CGI-S and DIEPSS to determine the quality of life and other aspects of improvement. Patients were categorized into LAIs-taking only or LAIs and conventional treatment groups. A previously used and standardized questionnaire with some modifications was used to collect information about relapse and enhancement of their status. Results: Fifty-one patients were included in this study, 74 % were males, age 30-89 years old (42% were 50-59 years old). Ten percent of patients only were on LAIs alone and the rest were taking a combination of both LAIs and conventional treatment. Patients' GAF scores ranged from 11-20 to 91-100 with a spectrum of patients on all GAF score scale range. Thirty-seven percent of patients fell in the GAF score 51-60; Moderate symptoms (flat affect and circumlocutory speech, occasional panic attacks) or moderate difficulty in social, occupational, or school functioning. Patients were taking one to six drugs at a time. There was a negative relationship between taking many drugs along with LAIs and scoring badly on GAF scale. One patient was on Haloperidol IM depot injection scored 91-100 on GAF and was stable and improving. The main reasons for substitution to LAIs from highest to lowest, were as follows; adherence (24 patients), no reason at all (14), patient dissatisfaction (7), adherence and patient dissatisfaction (3), then side effects, convenience (ease of use), and availability of the drug at the same level (1 patient each). Conclusions: Erratic drug supply especially during crises times (COVID-19) for crucial drugs such as LAIs plays a major role in adherence and prognosis of psychiatric conditions. Dealing with LAIs as emergency use only in some practices was the main reason for relapse and instability in psychiatric conditions and will affect social improvement.
Degree of Awareness of Medical Students in Palestinian Universities of Patients' Rights
(Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research, 2020-12-22) Hammad, Abdelrahman Shareef; Hammad, Shareef Ali
The study aims to measure the degree of awareness of medical students in Palestinian universities of patients' rights according to variables: university, gender and level. The researcher used the descriptive analytical approach (questionnaire) in measuring the degree of awareness of medical students in Palestinian universities of patient rights and processing them into quantitative Valuable expressing the degree of knowledge and awareness. Then, a random sample of 132 medical students was chosen from Al-Azhar and Islamic Universities in the Gaza Strip. The results show that the medical student understands the patients' clinical rights with no statistically significant differences between the third and sixth level students in the two universities. As well as there are no statistically significant differences between Males and females. The researcher recommends enriching medical ethics subject with the patients' and doctors' rights and responsibilities. And emphasizing the ethics of the medical profession in colleges before the clinical stage and before graduation. Objectives: Measuring the degree of awareness of medical students in Palestinian universities of patients' rights according to variables: university, gender and level. Methods: Descriptive analytical approach (questionnaire). Results: The results show that the students of the Faculty of Medicine of the third and sixth levels are fully aware of the rights of patients with an estimated average of 2.24 and a standard deviation of 0.317. Moreover, there are no differences between the third level and the sixth level in the degree of awareness of patients' rights where the average of the third level is 4.25 and Standard deviation 0.326 and the 6th level arithmetic average and standard deviation are 4.23 and 0.309 respectively. The difference of universities does not mean a difference in the awareness of medical students of patients' rights, as it appears in the results that state there are no statistically significant differences at the level of (0.05) between the students of the Faculty of Medicine at al-Azhar and Islamic universities in the degree of their awareness of the rights of patients, where the mathematical average of the sample students of Al-Azhar University 4.18 and standard deviation 4.279 also the mathematical average of the sample of students of Islamic University average 4.279 and standard deviation 0.319. The results show there are no statistically significant differences at the level of (0.05) between males and females in awareness of patients' rights, and this emphasizing their sense of belonging to the medical profession and patients, though the researcher attributes this to the Palestinian society and its culture and that the students of the Faculty of Medicine are informed about the rights of patients. Conclusion: Medical student understands the patients' clinical rights with no statistically significant differences between the third and sixth level students in the two universities.
Depression Among Medical Students When Compared to Other Students at West Bank Universities
(Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research, 2020-12-22) Edkaidek, Mayar; Mereb, Beesan; Al-Sharif, Niveen; Rishiq, Aseel; Al-Hleqawi, Alaa’; Idkiedek, Sarah; Khalil, Mohammad Omran; Hamad, Lana Barakat; Hallak, Hussein
Background: Depression has been an inconspicuous yet crucial concern in our society, particularly among medical students, who are the future health care providers. Therefore, our research investigated the following question: “What influence do socio-demographic and academic factors have on depression levels among medical students compared to other students, at West Bank Universities?” Objectives: This research aimed to assess the previous influence, identify and compare the prevalence of depression among medical and non-medical students. More importantly, to investigate whether medical students have the propensity for depression, or it is just a false perception of depression symptoms? Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 714 medical and non-medical students (comparative group), from Al-Quds and Al-Najah Universities. Data was collected using a questionnaire that includes: the investigation of research questions and related factors, and the computations of depression using Beck Depression Inventory. The data were analyzed using SPSS (VER:20). Results: About one-third of our sample’s medical students suffered from some form of depression; in particular, moderate depression appeared to be relatively high (18.7% and 25.5% in medical and control, respectively). At all depression levels, there appeared to be a significant difference, with a lower prevalence of depression in medical students compared to the control group, except that medical students suffered from a higher rate of mild mood disturbances (25.1%) than non-medical students (14.6%). Furthermore, there was a significant relationship (α ≤0.05) between higher prevalence of depression and female gender, lower GPA, low economic status, and lack of psychological support. Other variables, such as accommodation and year of study, showed insignificant relationships with depression. Conclusion: Based on these results, we conclude that the prevalence of depression appears to be high regardless of university or specialty, reflecting the high depression rates in Palestinian society. Higher prevalence of depression among non-medical students can be attributed to medical students’ adaptation to stress from high school, as both universities accept high scores. The researchers recommend medical students to practice their hobbies and participate in extracurricular activities as both factors showed a significant decrease in depression. Finally, the perception of higher depression among medical students seems to be false, according to our results.
Detection of Virulence Gene Profiles of Multi-Drug Resistance (MDR) in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Bacteria in Human
(Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research, 2020-12-22) Abu-Fanar, Aysha; Al-Jabary, Bisan; Hrinat, Maalem; Ishnaiwer, Murad; Al-Razem, Fawzi
The spread of opportunistic bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa in hospitals correlated with several diseases to humans. This bacterium showed high resistance to many antibiotics due to their indiscriminate use, as well as mutations in the pathogenic genes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which are difficult to treat. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is transmitted to humans in hospitals as being special nosocomial bacteria through ventilators, also through food and water contaminated with these bacteria, which causes muscle fatigue, vomiting and nausea. It also weakens the immune system and is more severe in people who suffer from weak immunity, old age and children, and can lead to death. Therefore, scanning virulence genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa helps understand pathogenesis mechanisms. The main objective of this study was to detect three pathogenic genes in these bacteria: ExoS, Apr, and Pich. Bacteriological samples were collected and detected by the Multiplex PCR mechanism. Results showed that the sizes of genes were: 444bp, 1017bp, and 608bp. The study of the reaction of multiplex polymers to detect genes (ExoS, Apr, Pich) in 32 colonies was provided by Al-Ahli Hospital in Hebron, the percentage of each gene was 95%. In addition to 12 samples provided by the Al-Istishari Hospital in the city of Ramallah, and the percentage of the presence of each gene in these samples 100%. In the antibiotic examination of Pseudomonas aeruginosa of 44 samples, the bacteria had antibiotic resistance, 43% and 31% of the bacterial strains were resistant to Gentamicin and Aztreonam, 27% of which were resistant to Meropenem, Ceftazidime and Ciprofloxacin, 18% of which were resistant to tazobactam and 22.7% of which were resistant to Amikacin. The minor objective was to identify MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa from clinical isolates. Isolates were evaluated for their antimicrobial susceptibility to seven antibiotics, Meropenem, Ceftazidime, Amikacin, Azteronam, Ciprofloxacin, Gentamicin and Piperacillin-tazobactam. The results also provided a clear picture of bacterial resistance MDR to these antibiotics by 45.45%.
Development of an In-House Indirect ELISA Kit for Detection and Identification of Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) Antibodies
(Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research, 2020-12-22) Maraqa, Deema; Abu Rmaileh, Hidaya; Hoshiyah, Islam; Rasheed, Ameena; Abu Ghazaleh, Robin
Infectious bronchitis virus is fatal and highly contagious. Despite the vaccination of industrialized poultry, it causes serious losses in commercial poultry worldwide. Several studies proved that ELISA is more accurate, sensitive, rapid and less technically demanding than Haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test when used to detect antibody titers against IBV. However, commercial ELISA kits against IBV are very expensive. The development of an in-house indirect ELISA kit will be challenging to standardized but offer the potential of providing a cost-effective tool for local vaccine efficacy testing that will be easier to use than HI testing. The setup of an in-house indirect ELISA will go through several main stages. Firstly, antigen production will rely upon obtaining the virus from a live vaccine, which will then be inoculated in eggs allantoic fluid in order to get a large amount of NDV. Secondly, purification and quantification steps will be done and verified by Haemagglutination test, spectrophotometry and SDS-PAGE. After validation of antigen preparation, ELISA plates will be coated with antigens and tested using serial diluted serum samples. In sucrose gradient purification, purified virus band is expected to form between 40%-50% sucrose gradient. According to literatures, we expect to have roughly 6 polypeptides with molecular weight ranged from 12 KDa to 160 KDaas a result of SDS-PAGE. Moreover, we predict to have a highly sensitive and specific indirect ELISA kit for the detection of IBV infection.
The Educational, Emotional and Physical Effects of Lock-Down Due to COVID-19 on Palestinian Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
(Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research, 2020-12-22) Amer, Saif; Hamad, Khalil; Idrees, Fatima; Almasri, Kamal; Kateeb, Elham
Background: Corona-virus pandemic has affected millions of people worldwide. On March 5th, 2020, the first cases were identified in Palestine, and a partial lockdown including schools was imposed and then being followed by a total lockdown from March 22nd until May 26th. Students stayed home and switched to online learning, for almost two months with restrictions on many aspects of their lives. Therefore, this study aimed to explore how the lockdown related to the current pandemic impacted the lives of a convenient sample of Palestinian students. Methods: An online survey using google forms were sent out to a convenient sample of students participating in extracurricular programs offered by Al Nayzak Palestine, and Code Palestine. Fifteen questions asked about the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown imposed in the period between March 5th and May 26th on students’ physical activity, emotions, social relationships and education. Gender and grade level data were also collected. Parental consent was obtained for all participants. Results: One-hundred and four students completed the survey in September 2020. 39% were boys and 40% were in 11th grade, 30% in 9th grade and 24% were in 10th grade. Sixty-four percent did a little or no form of physical activity during this period and 61% increased their screen time due to gaming and online learning. Forty-two percent did not care about the Corina virus and 35% were worried, mainly because of the fear that their family may get infected. 30% reported that they had less contact with family and friends and 49% missed them very much during the lockdown. 30% percent thought that the current pandemic affected their learning a lot and 21% thought they should not go back to schools in person until the pandemic has completely gone away. Conclusion: Data from this survey suggests that there is a significant physical, emotional and educational impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students. Parents and teachers should be encouraged to discuss these major issues with students to address their challenges. Students’ opinions and feelings need to be addressed in any future plan of changing the learning format in response to the current pandemic worries.
Emotional Intelligence Among Medical Students in Palestine A Cross-Sectional Study
(Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research, 2020-12-22) Ewaiwi, Bashair Imad; Hijazi, Bassel Yaser; Attiyeh, Rania Khaleel; Niroukh, Effat Ayman; Adawi, Samer Osama; Al-Qaissi, Heba Saleem; Faris, Khaled Jamal; Darras, Osama Majed; Zuhour, Afnan Ibraheem; Khalil, Nabil Carlo Nabil; Hammad, Shorouq Yosef; Al-Masri, Tabark Abd Al-Raheem; Hallak, Hussien
Background: Emotional intelligence (EI) is defined as a pro-social behavior that deals with recognizing, understanding, influencing and managing our own and other’s emotions. In medical education and clinical practice, EI has been related to improves the doctor-patient relationship. Objectives: Measure EI among Palestinian medical students in two stages of their studies, clinical and basic sciences, and assessing the factors that may affect it. Moreover, compare medical students of Al-Quds and Al-Najah Universities regarding EI score and detect possible differences. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based, online survey was conducted among 692 medical students in Al-Quds and Al-Najah universities in Palestine. Emotional intelligence was evaluated using a 33-item scale as an index introduced by Schutte et al. (1998). Data was analyzed in a quantitative manner using SPSS (VER.20). Results: 745 students filled the questionnaire with a response rate of 92.88%. A total of 692 were sampled which were representative of the student population. The mean score of EI is 3.83 PalStudent Journal Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed tothe mentioned authors at the mentioned institutes. Copyright © 2020 Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research. All rights reserved. E-mail: research@admin.alquds.edu Palestine, Abu Dis, Al-Quds University (SD=0.41) out of a maximum possible score of 5 with 69.1% of the sample having high EI. Statistics showed that EI decreased significantly at α≤0.05 among basic and clinical stages of study with a negative correlation between EI and academic year (PCC= -0.086). This indicates that as the academic year increases, EI decreases (p=0.023). Moreover, EI is affected significantly at α≤0.05 in a positive manner by having a hobby or doing extracurricular activities. In addition, students who indicate they always regret studying medicine tend to relate to lower EI, this may reflect the lack of interest to study this field. Conclusion: Medical students, both male and female, have a relatively high level of emotional intelligence in the universities that were studied. Students in the clinical stage have lower EI than basic sciences medical students, which indicates that students have a conflict between objectivity and humanity while training clinically. Therefore, emotional support during clinical years would serve in improving EI. Moreover, EI is affected by having a hobby or extracurricular activities, indicating that EI can be modulated through the encouragement of such activities.
Emotional Intelligence Among Medical Students in Palestine A Cross-Sectional Study
(Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research, 2020-12-22) Ewaiwi, Bashair Imad; Hijazi, Bassel Yaser; Attiyeh, Rania Khaleel; Niroukh, Effat Ayman; Adawi, Samer Osama; Al-Qaissi, Heba Saleem; Faris, Khaled Jamal; Darras, Osama Majed; Zuhour, Afnan Ibraheem; Khalil, Nabil Carlo Nabil; Hammad, Shorouq Yosef; Al-Masri, Tabarak Abedlnaser; Hallak, Hussien
Background: Emotional intelligence (EI) is defined as a pro-social behavior that deals with recognizing, understanding, influencing and managing our own and other’s emotions. In medical education and clinical practice, EI has been related to improves the doctor-patient relationship. Objectives: Measure EI among Palestinian medical students in two stages of their studies, clinical and basic sciences, and assessing the factors that may affect it. Moreover, compare medical students of Al-Quds and Al-Najah Universities regarding EI score and detect possible differences. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based, online survey was conducted among 692 medical students in Al-Quds and Al-Najah universities in Palestine. Emotional intelligence was evaluated using a 33-item scale as an index introduced by Schutte et al. (1998). Data was analyzed in a quantitative manner using SPSS (VER.20). Results: 745 students filled the questionnaire with a response rate of 92.88%. A total of 692 were sampled which were representative of the student population. The mean score of EI is 3.83 (SD=0.41) out of a maximum possible score of 5 with 69.1% of the sample having high EI. Statistics showed that EI decreased significantly at α≤0.05 among basic and clinical stages of study with a negative correlation between EI and academic year (PCC= -0.086). This indicates that as the academic year increases, EI decreases (p=0.023). Moreover, EI is affected significantly at α≤0.05 in a positive manner by having a hobby or doing extracurricular activities. In addition, students who indicate they always regret studying medicine tend to relate to lower EI, this may reflect the lack of interest to study this field. Conclusion: Medical students, both male and female, have a relatively high level of emotional intelligence in the universities that were studied. Students in the clinical stage have lower EI than basic sciences medical students, which indicates that students have a conflict between objectivity and humanity while training clinically. Therefore, emotional support during clinical years would serve in improving EI. Moreover, EI is affected by having a hobby or extracurricular activities, indicating that EI can be modulated through the encouragement of such activities.
Emotional Intelligence Among Medical Students in Palestine A Cross-Sectional Study
(Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research, 2020-12-22) Ewaiwi, Bashair Imad; Hijazi, Bassel Yaser; Attiyeh, Rania Khaleel; Niroukh, Effat Ayman; Adawi, Samer Osama; Al-Qaissi, Heba Saleem; Faris, Khaled Jamal; Darras, Osama Majed; Zuhour, Afnan Ibraheem; khalil, Nabil carlo nabil; Hammad, Shorouq Yosef; Al-Masri, Tabark Abd Al-Raheem; Hallak, Hussien
Background: Emotional intelligence (EI) is defined as a pro-social behavior that deals with recognizing, understanding, influencing and managing our own and other’s emotions. In medical education and clinical practice, EI has been related to improves the doctor-patient relationship. Objectives: Measure EI among Palestinian medical students in two stages of their studies, clinical and basic sciences, and assessing the factors that may affect it. Moreover, compare medical students of Al-Quds and Al-Najah Universities regarding EI score and detect possible differences. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based, online survey was conducted among 692 medical students in Al-Quds and Al-Najah universities in Palestine. Emotional intelligence was evaluated using a 33-item scale as an index introduced by Schutte et al. (1998). Data was analyzed in a quantitative manner using SPSS (VER.20). Results: 745 students filled the questionnaire with a response rate of 92.88%. A total of 692 were sampled which were representative of the student population. The mean score of EI is 3.83 PalStudent Journal Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed tothe mentioned authors at the mentioned institutes. Copyright © 2020 Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research. All rights reserved. E-mail: research@admin.alquds.edu Palestine, Abu Dis, Al-Quds University (SD=0.41) out of a maximum possible score of 5 with 69.1% of the sample having high EI. Statistics showed that EI decreased significantly at α≤0.05 among basic and clinical stages of study with a negative correlation between EI and academic year (PCC= -0.086). This indicates that as the academic year increases, EI decreases (p=0.023). Moreover, EI is affected significantly at α≤0.05 in a positive manner by having a hobby or doing extracurricular activities. In addition, students who indicate they always regret studying medicine tend to relate to lower EI, this may reflect the lack of interest to study this field. Conclusion: Medical students, both male and female, have a relatively high level of emotional intelligence in the universities that were studied. Students in the clinical stage have lower EI than basic sciences medical students, which indicates that students have a conflict between objectivity and humanity while training clinically. Therefore, emotional support during clinical years would serve in improving EI. Moreover, EI is affected by having a hobby or extracurricular activities, indicating that EI can be modulated through the encouragement of such activities.
Emotional Intelligence Among Medical Students in Palestine A Cross-Sectional Study
(Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research, 2020-12-22) Ewaiwi, Bashair Imad; Hijazi, Bassel Yaser; Attiyeh, Rania Khaleel; Niroukh, Effat Ayman; Adawi, Samer Osama; Al-Qaissi, Heba Saleem; Faris, Khaled Jamal; Darras, Osama Majed; Zuhour, Afnan Ibraheem; Ibraheem, Nabeel Karlo; Hammad, Shorouq Yosef; Al-Masri, Tabark Abd Al-Raheem; Hallak, Hussien
Background: Emotional intelligence (EI) is defined as a pro-social behavior that deals with recognizing, understanding, influencing and managing our own and other’s emotions. In medical education and clinical practice, EI has been related to improves the doctor-patient relationship. Objectives: Measure EI among Palestinian medical students in two stages of their studies, clinical and basic sciences, and assessing the factors that may affect it. Moreover, compare medical students of Al-Quds and Al-Najah Universities regarding EI score and detect possible differences. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based, online survey was conducted among 692 medical students in Al-Quds and Al-Najah universities in Palestine. Emotional intelligence was evaluated using a 33-item scale as an index introduced by Schutte et al. (1998). Data was analyzed in a quantitative manner using SPSS (VER.20). Results: 745 students filled the questionnaire with a response rate of 92.88%. A total of 692 were sampled which were representative of the student population. The mean score of EI is 3.83 (SD=0.41) out of a maximum possible score of 5 with 69.1% of the sample having high EI. Statistics showed that EI decreased significantly at α≤0.05 among basic and clinical stages of study with a negative correlation between EI and academic year (PCC= -0.086). This indicates that as the academic year increases, EI decreases (p=0.023). Moreover, EI is affected significantly at α≤0.05 in a positive manner by having a hobby or doing extracurricular activities. In addition, students who indicate they always regret studying medicine tend to relate to lower EI, this may reflect the lack of interest to study this field. Conclusion: Medical students, both male and female, have a relatively high level of emotional intelligence in the universities that were studied. Students in the clinical stage have lower EI than basic sciences medical students, which indicates that students have a conflict between objectivity and humanity while training clinically. Therefore, emotional support during clinical years would serve in improving EI. Moreover, EI is affected by having a hobby or extracurricular activities, indicating that EI can be modulated through the encouragement of such activities.
Evaluation of Infection Control Adherence Among Health Care Workers at Hemodialysis Units
(2020-12-22) Elmanama, Abdelraouf A.; Abu Sedo, Nour Maher; Alshami, Salsabeel Ehab; Al-Reefi, Mariam
Background: Patients with chronic renal insufficiency suffer from abnormalities of the immune system, making them more susceptible to infections. Renal disease patients and health care workers are at high risk for infection due to frequently repeated exposure to contaminants in dialysis units. The microbiological monitoring used for hemodialysis is extremely important, especially because of the debilitated immune system of patients suffering from chronic renal insufficiency. Objectives: The purpose of this study to investigate Infection Control Adherence among Health Care Workers at Hemodialysis Units. Methods and Materials: The study was performed from Jun 2019 to 2019. Environmental and air samples were collected. The media used were nutrient agar for the total bacterial count, MacConkey agar for Gram-negative count. Colonial morphology, Gram staining and biochemical test were used for the identification and characterization of the microorganisms. Demographic, environmental, behavioral and some risk factors associated with the patients (N=205) and the HCW (N=32) in haemodialysis units were recorded in a separate questionnaire. Results: The isolates were predominantly gram-negative bacteria, with Enterobacter being the most common followed by Staphylococcus spp. One isolate each of Klebsiella pneuminiae, Salmonella sp. and Citrobacter diversus was obtained. Only 80% of haemodialysis patients received hepatitis B vaccine. Adherence to infection control measures among health care workers was low in 31.2%, moderate in 34.4% and high in 34.4%. Conclusion: The study showed low adherence to infection control measures among patients receiving maintenance HD and HCW in Gaza Strip.
Food Addiction and its Association with BMI, Stress and Emotional Eating in a Group of Students at Al –Quds University
(Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research, 2020-12-22) Radaydeh, Salsabeel; Sbaih, Ala’a; Farraj, Nermeen
Background: Food addiction is a behavioral addiction that is characterized by the compulsive consumption of palatable foods (e.g., high fat and high sugar), which markedly activate the reward system in humans despite adverse consequences. The goal of this study is to assess the Food addiction and its association with BMI, stress and emotional eating in a group of students at Al-Quds University. Goal: The goal of this study is to assess the Food addiction and it's association with BMI, stress and emotional eating in a group of students at Al-Quds University. Objectives: To investigate the relationship between food addiction and both stress and emotional eating in a group of students at Al-Quds University. To assess the association between BMI and each of food addiction, stress and emotional eating in a group of students at Al-Quds University. Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional study that included 472 students (343 females and 129 males) aged 18-25 years at Al-Quds University. A set of questionnaires were used (general questionnaires,Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) version 2.0, Emotional Eating Questionnaire (EEQ) and Stress Questionnaire). In addition, weight scale and stadiometer (In Body BSM370, bio space, Korean) for anthropometric measurement (weight, height and BMI). Results: Food addiction was found to be significantly associated with body mass index, stress and emotional eating. When there is food addiction, it will affect the body mass index. No significant association between stress and BMI was found. There is a significant association between stress and emotional eating. Conclusion: People who are most prone to stress tend to be addicted to food. Also, those who eat emotionally tend to have an addiction to food. Moreover, people who are overweight or obese tend to have a food addiction.
Holistic Assessment of Community Palliative Care Needs Among Palestinian Cancer Patients
(Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research, 2020-12-22) Groof, Majeda; Joulani, Bayan; Abu Hamad, Bassam; Jebrini, Nidal; Abu Fardi, Sali; Abu Hbees, Aseel; Abu Issa, Huda; Kharroubi, Akram; Rimawi, Atef; Al-Sharabati, Wasim; Aljafari, Tamer; Abu Seir, Rania
Background: Palliative care focuses on improving the quality of life of terminally ill patients and their families. Objectives: This cross-sectional study aims to assess the level of community palliative care among terminally ill Palestinian cancer patients and the needs of their families in the West-Bank and Gaza strip. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among cancer patients. Patients were recruited through five hospitals that provide cancer care in the West Bank and Gaza Strip (Al-Hussein Hospital, Beit Jala; Augusta Victoria Hospital, Jerusalem; Istishari Arab Hospital, Ramallah; European Hospital and Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rantisi Hospital; Gaza). Data were collected using an interview-based questionnaire. The questionnaire focused on assessment of physical, psychosocial, emotional, and spiritual components of palliative care. In addition, the questionnaire assessed caregiver’s needs. Results: A total of 238 patients were interviewed. The mean age of the participants was 53.8±15 years. The most common types of cancer among patients were breast cancer (51 [21.4%]) and colorectal cancer (33 [13.9%]). Fifty percent of the patients had their children as their primary caregivers. Overall, the majority of the patients had good psychosocial, spiritual, and emotional scores. On the other hand, >80% had moderate to poor physical functioning scores. Psychosocial and emotional scores decreased significantly as the disease progressed. More than 33% of the patients reported that their caregivers were in need of financial, legal, and work-related support. In addition, other commonly reported unmet needs included support in understanding what to expect in the future and dealing with the feelings and worries of the patient. Conclusions: Cancer patients suffer mostly from their physical symptoms in addition to financial problems. On the other hand, assessment of the emotional, spiritual and psychological functioning of Palestinian patients indicates that the strength of religious beliefs and the support of the family and the friends in the Palestinian community had a great impact on the patients and help reduced the gap in palliative care services.
Human Rights and International Law
(2020-12-22) Far'oun, Batool; Al-Shamali, Ru's; Tarteer, Safia
The declaration of the United Nations General Assembly in 1947 to divide Palestine into two Arab and Jewish states had its tragic effects as it inflicted injustice on the Palestinian people and caused suffering to the Palestinian families, especially children, in order for the Zionist movement to carry out its brutal actions against the Palestinian people, which represent massacres, killings against them and displacement of the Palestinian people to neighboring countries to fall under the war crimes, the war against humanity and ethnic cleansing. After that date, Israel occupied the Arab lands in 1967 and the occupation authorities confiscated and exempted Palestinian political and civil rights and economic and social, foremost of which is their right to self-determination, the establishment of their independent state with Jerusalem as its capital, and the denial of the right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes, which led to the multiplication of the suffering of the Palestinian people. Israel continued to suppress the Palestinian people, and this is what happened in its last peaceful uprising, where it suppressed demonstrators and committed killings and violence. It reaches the level of war crimes against the Palestinians, such as willful killing, assassinations, bombing of homes and houses, and the Israeli occupation authorities also follow the policy of imposing a siege on Palestinian cities, villages, and camps to cut them off and isolate them from each other, which caused the uncle to not reach for their places of work and students for their schools, which paralyzed the movement of Palestinians within Palestinian cities. (United Nations). Objective: This study aims to know the rules of international law for children during wars and armed conflicts in time of war and to know who is responsible for protecting children in light of these conflicts and whether adequate protection is available for the Palestinian child under the Israeli occupation and to know the violations of the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian child in the occupied Palestinian territories. Scope of the study: This study was conducted specifically on the Palestinian child and his assumed rights under international law and international human rights conventions in Palestine and many interviews were conducted with people in the towns of Al-Eizariya and Abu-Dis about the situation of the Palestinian child and the results of the interview questions were almost identical is that the Palestinian child is a persecuted child practiced against him in the harshest types Torture, oppression and deprivation by the Israeli occupation is prohibited from playing, teaching, expressing opinion, traveling, and other rights that the children of the world enjoy. Significant of the study: This study will show the rights of the Palestinian child in light of international law and human rights conventions, including the conventions of the rights of the child. It will also show that the Palestinian child is a child deprived of these rights on his land and country due to the Israeli occupation practices that affected people, trees and stone. This study can also help The Palestinian child is entitled to some of his rights, when the whole world knows that he is a persecuted child deprived of his rights, then these countries can demand that Israel guarantee the right of the Palestinian child to a fair life on his land and country.
Isolation of bacteria that are able to digest keratin as an alternative to harmful chemicals used in tanning industries
(Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research, 2020-12-22) Bheis, Dalia; Abu Sbaih, Naheda; Najjar, Nedaa; Harahshe, Ienas; Al-Razem, Fawzi; Ishnaiwer, Murad
Abstract:Macroccocus is a bacteria that was isolated from a soil sample containing decaying hair and It was found to contain keratinase enzyme due to its high ability to digest keratin protein. The isolated bacteria by this study can be used as an alternative to harmful chemicals tanning processes represents a safe and, clean technology that achieves economic feasibility in the process of skin soaking and hair removal. Background: Leather tanning is considered one of the ancient professions that Hebron has been known for hundreds of years which is the only source of raw materials for Palestinian factories thatdepends on this commodity. In the past, the industry relied on environmentally friendly natural materials in tanning, but today they have become a source of pollution of soil and groundwater, especially after the entry of chemicals in this craft, such as chromium and some acids that infect humans and destroy the Palestinian environment because of the toxic gases that result from the process of soaking and hair removal. Objectives: 1. To Isolate keratinolytic bacteria from soil sample 2. To test the bacterial effectiveness for hair degradation 3. To identify and characterize of bacteria by sequencing tool. Methods: Soil sample containing decaying hair was collected from the industrial area in Hebron city and processed in the lab, bacteria were isolated by using spreading and streaking plate technique, their ability for hair degradation was tested by incubating bacterial colony, hair and water for several days, after the bacterial ability for hair degradation appeared bacterial isolate was identified by sequencing tool and the type of bacteria was determined by bioinformatics tool. Results: Isolated a bacterial strain that is able to digest keratin and was tested on several samples and proved to be effective in degrading hair. It has been welcomed by the Modern Leather Tanning Company (MLTC-Hebron), which has cooperated with us in this project. The strain was genotyped and appeared to belong to macroccocus, this is the first report to find an industrial value for such bacteria which is also safe for human and the environment. Conclusions: Among microbial isolate screened for keratin digestion by using soil sample, a newly isolated Macroccocusequipercicuswas found with a greater ability for hair degradation, the use of such bacteria as an alternative to harmful chemicals tanning processes represents a safe and, clean technology that achieves economic feasibility in the process of skin soaking and hair removal. but in the same time, the full sequence of these strains of bacteria is unknown and not significantly studied. Therefore, additional researches have to be done for characterization of this type of bacteria
Israel Methodologies on Palestinian Properties
(Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research, 2020-12-22) Satari, Anaghim Ibrahim Salama; Alkurd, Maher
Palestinians suffer since 75 years from the apartheid system that Israel applies as a method to dominate the land. This study highlights the importance of international law and international humanitarian law in the Palestinian case and analyzes the relation between occupying power and people under occupation. So, Israeli builds methodologically expropriate Palestinian properties in contravention of international law and human rights. Also, its expropriation police are branching for different aspects. The project will begin with colonization methodological on Palestinian properties since the beginning of the Zionist movements and the first conference in 1897. Israeli settlements began to be manifested in a settlement of Bitah Tikfa - The first Israeli settlement built on Palestine - and the point of view of the international law and conventions, such as Huge 1907, Fourth Geneva 1949, Security Council and General Assembly resolutions. In the third part, the project will review how Oslo accords in 1993 and Tramp’s Deal of the century legitimize the right of the expropriation of Palestinian properties by Israel and partition the land between Israel and Palestine. Fourthly: How Israel applies the law of Absentee properties as the right to ownership by applying Ottoman law to serve its interests. Lastly: What is the role of international law in the protection of the right of propriety for refugees and displacement people (in camps and the Diaspora) with reference to the convention on refugee's convention in 1951 and the Fourth Geneva Convention in 1949. The research includes criticism of the extreme and barbaric methodology of domination by using claims based on ancient history, and demonstration to collect documentations and secondary sources of information: websites, books, films, magazines, and articles, the primary sources are interviews with first-generation refugees and political figures and activists, interviews with people who have had their properties expropriated. The research design is a historical review; the methodology is qualitative, which gives a mixed method, this design gives a multi-level of perspectives, interpretations, and practices or examines it in real-life. The method of research is more illustrative, using maps and historical documents, it is necessary to present a political message that the world should understand. On one hand, I will capture what history narrative, and see this methodology from a political perspective without an emotional aspect. On the other hand, build a strong point of the rights of properties and give the reader more approach to think more politically. Also, this research project is useful because people lack knowledge and analysis to have critical points by using laws and evidence; so, the project will provide a wide explanation of colonization methodology. The research project will end with a conclusion and a set of recommendations.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Using Dental Floss Among Dental Students at Al-Quds University
(Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research, 2020-12-22) Saleh, Raghad; Khrishie, Hiba; Nieroukh, Ruba; Danadneh, Mayar; Kateeb, Elham
Introduction: Dental plaque is one of the major factors in the initiation and progression of dental caries, gingivitis and periodontal diseases. It has been reported that tooth brushing alone can clean only 3 surfaces of the tooth's five surfaces. Thus combining tooth brushing with interdental cleaning is crucial. Dental floss is one of the most effective interdental interventions that remove plaque between the teeth. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess knowledge, attitude and practices related to the use of dental floss among dental students at Al-Quds University, Palestine. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted among dental students from the Faculty of Dentistry at Al Quds University from first to the fifth year, to assess knowledge about the use of dental floss, attitude towards the importance of the use of dental floss and students' practice related to the use of dental floss. In addition, socio-demographic information was collected. Results: 292 students completed the survey, the sample was composed of 18.2% in 1st year, 16.1% in the 2nd year, 18.2% in the 3rd year, 22.3% in the 4th and 25.3% in the 5th year. Students who use dental floss, 33.3% believes that modern toothbrush is similar to dental floss, the relation of dental floss use with students who believed that modern toothbrushes with advanced bristle design remove interdental plaque similar to dental floss it was less, X2=6.2, p=0.01. Students who believed that the use of dental floss beside toothbrush daily is important to gingival health 55.2%, in relation of the use of dental floss X2 =5.6, p=0.02. 35% of students who use dental floss believed that the use of dental floss is difficult, with the use of dental floss X2 =20, p=0.05. 48.5% of students who use dental floss believe that dental floss is not given adequate importance in dental education, with the use of dental floss X2 =4.2, p=0.04. For knowledge results 58.2% of students who use dental floss know how to use dental floss with X2 =25, p<0.05. For practice results, students who use mouthwash, used dental floss more, X2=10.8, p=0.001. Conclusions: Al-Quds University dental students have adequate knowledge on how effective is using the floss as an adjunct to the toothbrush, we still should encourage the community and students to do so.

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