Biomedical subjects

Laeth S Nasir

Publications and source records attributed to Laeth S Nasir.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

Introducing Arabic language patient education materials in Jordan.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the development and introduction of patient education materials in a primary care setting in Jordan. METHODS: During the 2003-2004 academic year, the authors collaborated to produce more than 25 Arabic language written patient education materials designed to conform to cultural and social norms and expectations. RESULTS: Patient education materials were frequently shared with friends and family members. Readability of materials was judged to be excellent when materials were presented at approximately a sixth grade reading level. CONCLUSIONS: Patient education materials are greatly needed in Jordan. A thorough understanding of the culture facilitates alignment of the health message with social norms and establishment of credibility with the target audience. The materials developed were well received by patients and physicians. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The routine integration of patient education into all medical consultations in Jordan is an important goal. Practice based research will be vital in identifying and eliminating barriers to the introduction of patient education in the clinical setting.

Arabs↗

PubMed2002

Acupuncture.

With the increasing availability of acupuncture in the United States, it is possible that patients will increasingly seek and use acupuncture for diverse indications. Research into acupuncture is still in its infancy, and much of the scientific evidence surrounding it is fragmentary and often contradictory. As is the case even in well-researched therapies, physicians often have to make decisions about patient care based on a mixture of available scientific evidence, anecdote, and patient preference. As investigations into this therapy continue, and patients, practitioners, and the medical system become more familiar with its integration into mainstream medical treatment settings [108], the role of acupuncture in the treatment of disease will become clearer.

Acupuncture Analgesia↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Barriers to the diagnosis and treatment of depression in Jordan. A nationwide qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Depression is one of the most common causes of morbidity in developing countries. It is believed that there are many barriers to diagnosis and treatment in the primary care setting, but little research exists. METHODS: Five focus groups were conducted with the goal of exploring themes related to barriers to the diagnosis and treatment of depression, with a purposeful nationwide sample of 50 primary health care providers working in the public health clinics of the Jordanian Ministry of Health (MOH). Participant comments were transcribed and analyzed by the authors, who agreed on common themes. RESULTS: Lack of education about depression, lack of availability of appropriate therapies, competing clinical demands, social issues, and the lack of patient acceptance of the diagnosis were felt to be among the most important barriers to the identification, diagnosis, and treatment of patients with depression in this population. CONCLUSIONS: Continuing medical education for providers about depression, provision of counseling services and antidepressant medications at the primary care level, and efforts to destigmatize depression may result in increased rates of recognition and treatment of depression in this population. Systematizing traditional social support behaviors may be effective in reducing the numbers of patients referred for medical care.

Adult↗