Mohammad Nazzal

Factors related to cognitive function among elementary school children

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate cognitive functioning among elementary school children in Jordan. Methods: A total of 468 children aged 6–12 years were recruited to participate in this study. Cognitive functioning was assessed using the LOTCA battery (Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment; Itzkovich et al., 2000). Information obtained from the parents included demographics, work and income data and childs daily behavior and school achievement. Results: The results of this study showed that the cognitive functioning increased by 3.8 points for each increase in the childs GPA and increased by 2.35 points when the child ate breakfast regularly. By contrast, living in rural areas and smoking by a parent decreased cognitive functioning. Conclusions: Understanding of the childs cognitive abilities is critical to establishing intervention goals and to planning therapeutic activities. Screening of cognitive abilities and associated factors is essential for a comprehensive and accurate understanding of the childs abilities and limitations. Further research is recommended to investigate other factors in different populations.

Parkinson’s disease in Jordan: Barriers and motivators to exercise

ABSTRACT Background: Perceived barriers to engaging in exercise in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) are becoming more defined in countries such as the UK and the US. This, however, may vary by culture and environment. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of exercise and barriers that may affect participation in people with PD from Jordan. Methods: Two focus groups and seven individual interviews were conducted with people with PD. Additionally, individual interviews were conducted with two neurologists. Conversations were digitally recorded and transcribed. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis and validated via researcher triangulation and peer checking. Results: Most of the PD participants lacked previous participation in any disease-specific exercises. Several barriers were perceived by PD participants for such lack of participation. Barriers included difficulty of diagnosis, lack of informational support provided by neurologists, lack of referral to physiotherapy services, disease-specific issues, and setting-related issues. Neurologists indicated a number of barriers in counseling their PD patients on exercise including lack of time and lack of health system resources. Motivators to participate in future exercise included outcome expectations and family support. Conclusions: Findings of the study shed light into large areas of unmet needs of supporting exercise and physiotherapy for people with PD in developing countries as per Jordan. For better patient outcomes, findings of the study suggest that it is crucial to raise awareness among all PD-related stakeholders on the benefits of early referrals to physiotherapy and early engagement in exercise programs.

A pilot study of a minimally supervised home exercise and walking program for people with Parkinson's disease in Jordan

AIM This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and cultural considerations of a minimally supervised, home-based exercise program in Jordan. METHODS Quantitative and qualitative approaches were used. Thirty participants were randomly allocated to either an 8-week intervention group (n = 16), or a standard care group (n = 14). The intervention incorporated the home use of an exercise DVD, walking program and initial instructional sessions and weekly phone calls provided by a physiotherapist. Interviews were used to explore feasibility. Unified Parkinsons disease rating scale (UPDRS-III); balance and walking speed were assessed. RESULTS The retention rate was 86.7% and mean adherence rate was 77%. Personal and sociocultural barriers of adherence to the exercise program were identified. UPDRS-III at follow-up was lower in the intervention group. CONCLUSION A home exercise program was feasible. Sociocultural barriers specific to Arabic culture may affect the uptake of such an intervention in Parkinsons disease in these countries.

Lived experiences of Jordanian mothers caring for a child with disability

Abstract Purpose: Caring for a child with a disability in the family is associated with a major increase in care-giving demands and burden. This qualitative study explores the perspectives, challenges and adaptations of Jordanian mothers living with a child with disability. Methods: Phenomenological qualitative tradition was utilized. Seven Jordanian mothers of children with disability were purposefully selected as having rich experiences for caring for a child with a disability. In-depth interviews were conducted using a semi-structured guide, audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. Interpretive phenomenological analysis was used to extract main themes and subthemes. Results: Mothers’ experiences were reflected into four main themes: (1) increased perceived stigma, (2) fear for the future, (3) increased perceived care-giving burden and (4) adaptations to the child’s disability. Conclusions: This study highlights key gaps in the provision of family-centered services for this population as well as multiple sociocultural issues impacting participation and quality of life. Healthcare professionals must deal with the child’s disability from a family-centered and cultural perspective. Implications for rehabilitation When therapists meet the whole family’s needs through a family-centered approach, the child with disability is less likely to be ignored, maltreated or abused. Family-centered practice adopts a sociocultural model which looks at the child from a wider point of view rather than just the disability itself. It requires therapists to review the context in which the child lives and address the specific needs of parents, siblings and other involved family members. Culture plays a huge role in shaping the family’s perspective on disability and has a huge impact and implications for service delivery and development, quality of life and participation for children with disability and their families. Rehabilitation professionals must accommodate their time schedules to provide families with the communication, education, advocacy and consultations needed.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among Jordanian dental technicians: Prevalence and associated factors

BACKGROUND Dental technology is a profession that requires precise manual skills and dexterous handling of small tools. There is an abundance research on work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) affecting dentists, dental hygienists and dental assistants, yet very few articles investigated WMSDs among dental technicians. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to determine the prevalence of WMSDs among Jordanian dental technicians and their associated factors. METHODS A cross-sectional design was conducted. A sample of Jordanian dental technicians (n = 81) were asked to complete a validated structured self-administrated questionnaire to measure WMSDs and its associated factors. RESULTS A sample of 81 dental technicians completed the survey (50.6% younger than 30 years, 61.7 were males). Pain complains were significantly higher in female, younger technicians, and with increased workload. All participants reported WMSDs in at least one body part in the last 12 months. The most common pain areas reported were in the neck (70.4%) and shoulders (71.6%). CONCLUSION This study found a high prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints in dental technicians. Future studies are indicated to investigate the actual mechanisms causing WMSDs among dental technicians.

Living with Parkinson’s disease: A Jordanian perspective

Abstract Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) has a major impact on mobility, as well as cognition which can consequently impair aspects of individual’s lives. Many studies have examined the living experiences of individuals with PD and its impact on their daily lives. None of these studies have explored the life experiences of Jordanian individuals living with PD. Therefore, the purpose of this qualitative study was to describe the daily living experiences and impact on lives of Jordanian individuals with PD. Methods: A qualitative phenomenological design was used. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Experiences of 8 Jordanian individuals with PD who participated in this study can be categorized in the following major themes: (1) challenging perspectives and (2) adaptations. Challenging perspectives included stigma, emotional drainer, and experience of decreased independence and difficulty in occupational performance. Adaptations included embracing early acceptance and intervention, spiritual experience, and family support. Conclusions: Study provided a wealth of knowledge related to the effect of PD and its intersection with the Arabic Jordanian culture. Such knowledge should aid healthcare professionals involved with providing services to Jordanian individuals with PD to provide better holistic services.