14 research outputs found
Reproducibility and rigor in rheumatology research
No full textThe pillars of scientific progress in rheumatology are experimentation and observation, followed by the publication of reliable and credible results. These data must then be independently verified, validated, and replicated. Peer and journal-specific technical and statistical reviews are paramount to improving rigor and reproducibility. In addition, research integrity, ethics, and responsible conduct training can help to reduce research misconduct and improve scientific evidence. As the number of published articles in rheumatology grows, the field has become critical for determining reproducibility. Prospective, longitudinal, randomized controlled clinical trials are the gold standard for evaluating clinical intervention efficacy and safety in this space. However, their applicability to larger, more representative patient populations with rheumatological disorders worldwide could be limited due to time, technical, and cost constraints involved with large-scale clinical trials. Accordingly, analysis of real-world, patient-centered clinical data retrieved from established healthcare inventories, such as electronic health records, medical billing reports, and disease registries, are increasingly used to report patient outcomes. Unfortunately, it is unknown whether this clinical research paradigm in rheumatology could be deployed in medically underserved regions
The Economics of Tobacco Use in Jordan
No full textThis dissertation examines the economics of tobacco use in Jordan. Jordan as a low-middle income country with a small economy and limited resources is experiencing a wide spread of tobacco use. The overarching aim of this research is to provide the first important insights about economics of tobacco use and the demand analysis in Jordan. The heart of this analysis is to conduct a global survey called the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) that can be compared to other countries, from which the prevalence of tobacco use in Jordan, exposure to second hand smoke, quit attempts for those aged 15 and above, Gender differences of tobacco use and elasticity of demand for cigarettes can be estimated. The results from the GATS showed that the overall prevalence of tobacco use for those aged 15 years old and above in 2011 was 42.2 %. By Gender men prevalence of smoking is estimated to be 55.9% and women is 23.7%. By type of tobacco The overall prevalence of cigarettes use is 35.2 % , water pipe is 15.2 %, and other types like hand rolled ciagreets, pipes and cigars is 1.5%. With respect to the age of smoking initiation, approximately 42% of smokers started smoking cigarettes between the ages of 15 and 18,whereas 29% of respondents began smoking between the ages of 19-23. The least likely time to begin smoking in Jordan is between the ages of 7-9 and over the age of 60 (2% and3% of respondents, respectively). The average price of a pack of cigarettes is estimated to be 1.4 Jordanian Dinar and an average quantity of approximately 8 packs per week. With respect to water pipe approximately 29% of water pipe smokers initiate smoking between the ages of 19-23. Similar to cigarette smoking, people are least likely to begin smoking between the ages of 7-9 and over 60 years. Our results show that the average time it takes to smoke a water pipe in Jordan is 2.2 hours (range, 30 minutes to 5 hours). On average, 2 people share the same pipe (range, 0 to 6 people). The average number of rocks smoked while participating in the session was 2.1 (range, 1-4 rocks). Of water pipe smokers, 52% use flavored tobacco while 48% uses unflavored tobacco. Most water pipe smoking is done at home (87%), followed by coffee shops (12%), restaurants (0.9%), bars and nightclubs (0.1%). Approximately half of all respondents (48%) mix something with their tobacco, such as lemon or alcohol. According to the GATS survey in Jordan, 2% of the sample consisted of former smokers. We found that 27.4% of Jordanian current smokers tried to quit smoking during the past 12 months, whereas 72.6% did not. Those who tried to stop smoking tried for several days, weeks, and months with no success. We found that smoking is allowed inside the home by 45% of all respondents. Another 22.6% of Jordanians allow some smoking in the home with some exceptions. Only 11.2% of respondents reported that smoking is never allowed at home. Other than those persons just described, another 8.4% have no rules about smoking in their homes and 12.8% don’t know if smoking is allowed in their home. In addition to household smoking, of the people interviewed, 42% work outside their home and 50% don’t work outside the home, and 8% did not answer. A little more than one-fourth of respondents (26.2%) work indoors, 7.1% work outdoors, and 9% work both indoors and outdoors. Smoking is allowed in all areas of the work place for 13.2% of respondents. Another 16.1% of interviewees reported that their workplaces allowed smoking only in some indoor areas. Only 6.6% of respondents stated that smoking is not allowed in any indoor areas, whereas 2.2% reported that there is no smoking policy at their work. And 64.1% don’t know. The majority of respondents (81%) know that breathing other people’s secondhand smoke causes serious illnesses in non-smokers. By gender advertising where sometimes noticed more by female than their male Counterparts. For example females noticed advertisements more than males on television (17.4% and 15.6% respectively), billboards (12.4% and 5.8 respectively), cinema (10.5% and 5.9%, respectively) and elsewhere like text messages (5.6% and 4.8 % respectively). 6% of females reported getting free samples of cigarettes compared to 2.2% of males. Females reporting getting cigarettes at sale prices were 7.8% compared to 5.5 %, while females report getting free gifts when buying cigarettes by 6.7% compared to men 6.4 %. Females are also getting clothing with cigarettes brand name or logo (8.9%) more than males (7.7%). (Abstract shortened by UMI.
Smoking Behavior among Jordanians: Physical, Psychological, Social, and Economic Reasons
No full text
The economic burden of obesity in 2024: a cost analysis using the value of a statistical life
No full textIn 2024, the economic burden of obesity remains a paramount global concern due to its escalating prevalence, which imposes substantial pressures on healthcare systems, hampers productivity, and detracts from the quality of life. This paper explores the evolving obesity epidemic and its economic ramifications, emphasizing the necessity of precise measurement techniques to inform policy development and resource allocation. The study adopts the Value of a Statistical Life (VSL) methodology, which provides an innovative approach to quantifying the monetary value of mortality risk reductions associated with obesity-related health conditions. This approach surpasses traditional cost analyses that focus on direct medical expenses by incorporating a willingness-to-pay metric, reflecting societal preferences for risk mitigation. Our findings present a comprehensive cost analysis for the year 2024, utilizing both total deaths and Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) within the VSL framework, highlighting the importance of such an approach in understanding the full economic impact of obesity on a global scale
Factors Affecting Risk Management in Industrial Companies in Jordan
No full textThis study aims to identify and rank the critical factors affecting risk management from the perspective of top and Lower Management in Jordanian industrial companies. Based on a rigorous literature review, critical factors affecting risk management are factors related to (1) flexibility and adaptation in the economic environment; (2) company characteristics; (3) external audit quality; (4) government rules and regulations; (5) top management and the board of directors; (6) organizational structure; (7) internal audit effectiveness; (8) trust; (9) human resources efficiency and training (10); communications (11); information technology (12); and the company's culture. Quantitative research methods were used. A questionnaire was developed and distributed to a random sample of senior managers of industrial companies in Jordan. Kendall and Mann-Whitney tests, RII, and EFA were used to analyze the acquired data. The results show that all discussed factors have an effect on risk management, and there is no difference between top and Lower Management's opinions regarding the ranking of the importance of those factors on risk management. This study provides an original perspective on the concept of risk management and the factors that impact it. These findings have important implications for Jordanian industrial companies' decision makers. Companies should apply the results to their strategies and policies to reduce risks
Correction to: Toward a comprehensive view of cancer immune responsiveness: A synopsis from the SITC workshop (Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer (2020) 7 (131) DOI: 10.1186/s40425-019-0602-4)
No full textFollowing publication of the original article [1], the author reported that an author name, Roberta Zappasodi, was missed in the authorship list. The correction has been implemented in the original article as well. The publisher apologized for any inconvenience this might has caused
From Acute Infection to Prolonged Health Consequences: Understanding Health Disparities and Economic Implications in Long COVID Worldwide
No full textThe COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a growing number of patients experiencing persistent symptoms and physiological changes after recovering from acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, known as Long COVID. Long COVID is characterized by recurring symptoms and inflammation across multiple organ systems. Diagnosis can be challenging, influenced by factors like demographics, comorbidities, and immune responses. Long COVID impacts various organ systems and can have neuropsychological effects. Health disparities, particularly related to race, contribute to a higher burden of infection and ongoing symptoms in minority populations. Managing Long COVID entails addressing a spectrum of symptoms that encompass physical, cognitive, and psychological aspects. The recovery period for patients with Long COVID can vary significantly, influenced by factors like the severity of the disease, hospitalization, comorbidities, and age. Currently, there are no universally effective treatments, although certain interventions show promise, necessitating further research. Self-management and rehabilitation programs can provide relief, but more research is needed to establish their effectiveness. Preventive measures such as vaccination and the use of antiviral medications and metformin. It is imperative to conduct further research to develop evidence-based guidelines and gain a better understanding of the long-term implications of COVID-19. Long COVID could have substantial economic impact on the labor market, productivity, healthcare expenditures, and overall economic growth. To address the challenges patients with long-term complications face, there is a focus on strategies like promoting telework and flexible work arrangements to accommodate diverse symptoms, particularly chronic fatigue and other Long COVID effects. In conclusion, this review emphasizes the multifaceted complexity of Long COVID and the ongoing need to address its potential long-term health and economic impacts
Correction to: Toward a comprehensive view of cancer immune responsiveness: a synopsis from the SITC workshop
No full textFollowing publication of the original article [1], the author reported that an author name, Roberta Zappasodi, was missed in the authorship list
