Palestinian Sample Research Articles

Just Add a Verse from the Quran: Effects of Religious Rhetoric in Gain- and Loss-Framed Anti-Alcohol Messages with a Palestinian Sample.

This experiment investigated the effects of message framing (gain vs. loss) and religious rhetoric (religious vs. non-religious) on the expression of anti-alcohol civic intentions with a sample (N=80) of Palestinian young adults. Results showed that the main effects of message framing (gain>loss) and religious rhetoric (non-religious>religious) on anti-alcohol civic intentions were significant. Furthermore, the study showed that viral behavioral intentions were strongly and significantly associated with expressing anti-alcohol civic intentions, with larger explanatory power for gain-framed PSAs that used a religious rhetoric. Additionally, a serial mediation model showed that the effect of religious rhetoric on anti-alcohol civic intentions was successfully mediated by the serial combination of attitudes toward the PSA and viral behavioral intention for gain-framed PSAs, but not for loss-framed PSAs. Findings are discussed within the framework of persuasion models.

ABCB1 C3435T and CYP2C19*2 polymorphisms in a Palestinian and Turkish population: A pharmacogenetic perspective to clopidogrel

Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet drug used to prevent recurrent ischemic events after acute coronary syndrome and/or coronary stent implantation. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) such as CYP2C19*2 and ABCB1 C3435T have been found to play a role in different individual responses to clopidogrel. Since the prevalence of these SNPs is generally known to differ from one population to another, the aim of this study was to examine their prevalence in both a Palestinian and Turkish population.One hundred unrelated Palestinian subjects and 100 unrelated Turkish subjects were analyzed for CYP2C19*2 and ABCB1 C3435T polymorphisms by the amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS).Results showed an ABCB1 3435T allele frequency of 0.46 (95% CI 0.391 to 0.529) in the Palestinian sample and 0.535 (95% CI 0.4664 to 0.6036) in the Turkish sample. CYP2C19*2 allele frequency was 0.095 (95% CI 0.0558 to 0.134) in the Palestinian sample and 0.135 (95% CI 0.088 to 0.182) in the Turkish sample.Our results provide information about the prevalence of the polymorphisms related to clopidogrel response in both the Palestinian and Turkish populations, in order to improve the safety and efficacy of clopidogrel through use of genetically guided, individualized treatment. The prevalence of these clinically significant alleles shed light on the importance of testing them before prescribing clopidogrel.

Leukocyte telomere length and coronary artery calcification in Palestinians

ObjectiveShorter leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is associated with higher incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) and increased mortality. We examined the association of LTL with coronary artery calcification (CAC), which reflects the cumulative burden of coronary atherosclerosis, in an urban Arab sample of Palestinians, a population at high risk of CHD. MethodsUsing a cross-sectional design, a random sample of East Jerusalem residents, comprising 250 men aged 45–77 and women aged 55–76 and free of CHD or past stroke, was drawn from the Israel national population register. LTL was measured by Southern blots. CAC was determined by 16-slice multidetector helical CT scanning using Agatston scoring. We applied multivariable logistic modeling to examine the association between sex-specific tertiles of LTL and CAC (comparing scores >100 vs. <100, and the upper third vs. the lower 2 thirds), controlling for age, sex, education and coronary risk factors. ResultsCAC, evident in 65% of men and 52% of women, was strongly associated with age (sex-adjusted Spearman's rho 0.495). The multivariable-adjusted odds ratios for CAC >100 (found in 30% of men and 29% of women) were 2.92 (95% CI 1.28–6.68) and 2.29 (0.99–5.30) for the lower and mid-tertiles of LTL vs. the upper tertile, respectively (Ptrend = 0.008). Findings were similar for CAC scores in the upper tertile (Ptrend = 0.006), and persisted after the exclusion of patients with diabetes or receiving statins. ConclusionsShorter LTL was associated with a greater prevalence of asymptomatic coronary atherosclerosis in an urban Arab population-based sample. Mechanisms underlying this association should be sought.

The Arabic version of the hospital survey on patient safety culture: a psychometric evaluation in a Palestinian sample

BackgroundA growing global interest in patient safety culture has increased the development of validated instruments to asses this phenomenon. The aim of this study is to investigate the psychometric properties of the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (HSOPSC) and its appropriateness for Arab hospitals.MethodsThe 7-step guideline of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality was used to translate and validate the HSOPSC. A panel of experts evaluated the face and content validity indexing of the Arabic version. Data were collected from 13 Palestinian hospitals including 2022 healthcare professionals who had direct or indirect interaction with patients, hospital supervisors, managers and administrators. Descriptive statistics and psychometric evaluation (a split-half validation technique) were then used to test and strengthen the validity and reliability of the instrument.ResultsWith respect to face and content validity, the CVI analysis showed excellent results for the Arab context (CVI = 0.96). As to construct validity, the 12 original dimensions could not be applied to the Palestinian data. Furthermore, three of the 12 original dimensions were not reliable (α <0.6). The split-half technique resulted in an optimal 11-factor model.ConclusionsOur study is the first study in the Arab world to provide an evaluation of the HSOPSC using Arabic data from Palestine. The Arabic translation of the HSOPSC comprises an 11-factor structure showing good validity and acceptable reliability. Despite the similarity between the Arab factor structure of the HSOPSC and that of the original one, and taking into account that our version may be applied in Arabic hospitals, there is a need for caution in comparing HSOPSC data between countries.

The Dynamics of Posttraumatic Growth Across Different Trauma Types in a Palestinian Sample

A Palestinian sample was used to explore the dynamics of posttraumatic growth (PTG) across different trauma types. Cumulative trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, PTG, and stress-related growth (SRG) measures were administered. As predicted, only type I traumas were associated with PTG. Type II traumas were not associated with PTG, while type III collective identity traumas were negatively associated with PTG. Results indicated that PTG was not a significant predictor of any mental health symptoms and that PTG is different from SRG, which seems to describe growth in non-traumatic situations. The results suggest that it is important to analyze trauma profiles rather than single trauma.

Cumulative Effects of Exposure to Violence on Posttraumatic Stress in Palestinian and Israeli Youth

We examine cumulative and prospective effects of exposure to conflict and violence across four contexts (ethnic-political, community, family, school) on posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms in Palestinian and Israeli youth. Interviews were conducted with 600 Palestinian and 901 Israeli (Jewish and Arab) children (ages 8, 11, and 14) and their parents once a year for 3 consecutive years. Palestinian children, males, and older youth were generally at greatest risk for exposure to conflict/violence across contexts. Regression analysis found unique effects of exposure to ethnic-political (Palestinian sample), school (Palestinian and Israeli Jewish samples), and family conflict/violence (Israeli Arab sample) during the first 2 years on PTS symptoms in Year 3, controlling for prior PTS symptoms. Cumulative exposure to violence in more contexts during the first 2 years predicted higher subsequent PTS symptoms than did exposure to violence in fewer contexts, and this was true regardless of the youth's level of prior PTS symptoms. These results highlight the risk that ongoing exposure to violence across multiple contexts in the social ecology poses for the mental health of children in contexts of ethnic-political violence. Researchers and mental health professionals working with war-exposed youth in a given cultural context must assess both war- and non-war-related stressors affecting youth. Based on this assessment, interventions may not be limited to individual-based, war-trauma-focused approaches but also may include school-based, community-based, and family-level interventions.

Lifestyle physical activity among urban Palestinians and Israelis: a cross-sectional comparison in the Palestinian-Israeli Jerusalem risk factor study

BackgroundUrban Palestinians have a high incidence of coronary heart disease, and alarming prevalences of obesity (particularly among women) and diabetes. An active lifestyle can help prevent these conditions. Little is known about the physical activity (PA) behavior of Palestinians. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of insufficient PA and its socio-demographic correlates among urban Palestinians in comparison with Israelis.MethodsAn age-sex stratified random sample of Palestinians and Israelis aged 25-74 years living in east and west Jerusalem was drawn from the Israel National Population Registry: 970 Palestinians and 712 Israelis participated. PA in a typical week was assessed by the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) questionnaire. Energy expenditure (EE), calculated in metabolic equivalents (METs), was compared between groups for moderate to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA), using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test, and for domain-specific prevalence rates of meeting public health guidelines and all-domain insufficient PA. Correlates of insufficient PA were assessed by multivariable logistic modeling.ResultsPalestinian men had the highest median of MVPA (4740 METs-min*wk-1) compared to Israeli men (2,205 METs-min*wk-1 p < 0.0001), or to Palestinian and Israeli women, who had similar medians (2776 METs-min*wk-1). Two thirds (65%) of the total MVPA reported by Palestinian women were derived from domestic chores compared to 36% in Israeli women and 25% among Palestinian and Israeli men. A high proportion (63%) of Palestinian men met the PA recommendations by occupation/domestic activity, compared to 39% of Palestinian women and 37% of the Israelis. No leisure time PA was reported by 42% and 39% of Palestinian and Israeli men (p = 0.337) and 53% and 28% of Palestinian and Israeli women (p < 0.0001). Palestinian women reported the lowest level of walking. Considering all domains, 26% of Palestinian women were classified as insufficiently active versus 13% of Palestinian men (p < 0.0001) who did not differ from the Israeli sample (14%). Middle-aged and elderly and less educated Palestinian women, and unemployed and pensioned Palestinian men were at particularly high risk of inactivity. Socio-economic indicators only partially explained the ethnic disparity.ConclusionsSubstantial proportions of Palestinian women, and subgroups of Palestinian men, are insufficiently active. Culturally appropriate intervention strategies are warranted, particularly for this vulnerable population.

Evaluation of facial soft tissue parameters for Palestinians using Holdaway analysis

The aims of this study were to evaluate soft-tissue measurements for a Palestinian sample population with normal occlusion by Holdaway's analysis, and to check the applicability of Holdaway values to the Palestinian population. Normal Holdaway values for Palestinians will be established if their parameters do not match those of Holdaway. Cephalometric radiographs of 93 Palestinian university students with normal occlusion (63 women, mean age: 20.1±2.1years; 30 men, mean age: 20.2±2.4years) were traced and evaluated. Cephalometric landmarks were located according to Holdaway analysis. Ten linear and two angular measurements were produced on each radiograph. The soft-tissue measurements for the Palestinians were similar to the Holdaway norms, except for the soft-tissue convexity angle and soft-tissue chin thickness, which were larger than the Holdaway averages. The Palestinian sample had a narrower range for normal nose prominence, as well as thicker lips, deeper superior and inferior sulci, and thicker soft-tissue chins than the Holdaway values. We determined normal values for the Holdaway soft-tissue analysis for Palestinians, which are appropriate for use in orthodontic practices in these territories.

Dispositional and situational coping and mental health among Palestinian political ex-prisoners

We examined, first, differences in dispositional and situational coping, and psychological distress between political ex-prisoners and their matched controls, and second, coping effectiveness in protecting mental health from impacts of imprisonment and military trauma. Thirdly, we tested the hypothesis that compatibility (“goodness of fit”) between dispositional and situational coping would predict low psychological distress. Participants were 184 men recruited from a Palestinian community sample, 92 were former political prisoners and 92 non-prisoners. The dispositional coping was assessed as a general response style to hypothetical stressors and situational coping as responses to their own traumatic experiences. Psychological distress was measured by SCL-90-R, and posttraumatic stress disorder, depression and somatoform symptoms by scales based on CIDI 2.1 diagnostic interview. The results showed that, compared to non-prisoners, the political ex-prisoners employed less avoidant, denying, and emotion-focused coping strategies. Military trauma was associated with avoidant and denying coping only among non-prisoners. The ex-prisoners showed more mental health and medical problems, especially when exposed to military trauma. None of the coping styles or strategies were effective in protecting the mental health in general or in either groups. However, main effect results revealed that the high level of active and constructive and low level of emotion-focused coping were associated with low levels of psychiatric symptoms and psychological distress.

Does war beget child aggression? Military violence, gender, age and aggressive behavior in two Palestinian samples

We examined, first, the relations between children's exposure to military violence and their aggressive behavior and the role of age and gender in that relation in two Palestinian samples. Second, we tested parenting practices as a moderator of the relation between exposure to military violence and aggressive behavior, and third, whether exposure to military violence of different nature (direct victimization versus witnessing) has specific associations with different forms of aggression (reactive, proactive and aggression-enjoyment). Study I was conducted in a relatively calm military-political atmosphere in Palestine-Gaza, and included 640 children, aged 6-16 years whose parents (N=622) and teachers (N=457) provided reports. Older children (> or =12 years) provided self-reports (N=211). Study II included 225 Palestinian children aged 10-14-year, who participated during a high-violence period of the Al Aqsa Intifada characterized by air raids, killing and destruction. Results showed that witnessing severe military violence was associated with children's aggressive and antisocial behavior (parent-reported) in study I, and with proactive, reactive and aggression-enjoyment (child-reported) in the study II. As hypothesized, good and supporting parenting practices could moderate the link between exposure to military violence and aggressive behavior. Aggr.

Death Obsession in Palestinians

The authors explored death obsession level and correlates among a sample (N = 601) of Palestinians living in the city of Beit Jala, the village of Al-Khader, and the Aida refugee camp in the Bethlehem area. They live in war conditions; the houses of half of them have been demolished. The Death Obsession Scale (DOS) was administered. Its alpha reliability was .92, denoting high internal consistency. Among women, it yielded 1 factor, (General Death Obsession), whereas among men it yielded 3 factors: Death Rumination, Death Dominance, and Death Idea Repetition. Palestinian men and women attained significantly lower DOS mean scores than participants from 4 Arab countries: Egypt, Kuwait, Syria, and Lebanon in 7 out of 8 comparisons. However, Palestinian women had significantly higher DOS mean score than their Spanish, American and British counterparts, whereas Palestinian men had significantly higher mean DOS score than Spanish peers. The low DOS scores of Palestinians, in proportion to other Arab samples, may reflect their adaptation to strife and violence.

Chromosomes in sexual populations of Notostracan and Con-chostracan taxa (Crustacea, Branchiopoda)

Branchiopods reproductive mechanisms range from gonochorism to unisexuality, passing through an- drodioecy. In order to contribute to still lacking or controversial basic knowledges, we analyzed the karyotype of the main Italian taxa: the Notostracan living fossils Triops cancriformis (parthenogenetic) and Lepidurus apus lubbocki (bisexual), and the Conchostracan Eoleptestheria ticinensis (bisexual). Also one male obtained from a supposedly hermaphroditic Austrian population of T. cancriformis was checked. In T. cancriformis a diploid number of 12 chro- mosomes is observed in both females and male; this is in line with previous results on other Italian populations, but contrasts with observations on European samples. The richness of normal meiotic pictures indicates that the male specimen is able to produce sperms. L. apus lubbocki shows a diploid number of 10 chromosomes; in male specimens the mispairings during meiosis I could explain the haploid number of 6 chromosomes obtained from diakinetic plates in Palestinian samples of the same subspecies found in literature. Irregular meiotic divisions also highlight the ultrastructurally observed abortive spermatogenesis. Finally, in the presently analyzed population of E. ticinensis, the adult females show 10 chromosomes as diploid number, while males present 10 or 11 elements; in the nauplii, chro- mosome numbers range from 8 to 12, differing among unrelated individuals, between nauplii produced by the same female and even within the same nauplius. B elements are taken into account.

Determinants of Reconciliation and Compromise Among Israelis and Palestinians

This joint Palestinian-Israeli study stresses the importance of public opinion in reconciliation processes. It was conducted in the wake of the Arafat-Barak Camp David summit and intended to set up a baseline for sentiments of compromise and reconciliation among Israelis and Palestinians at the peak of the Palestinian-Israeli peace process. The study is based on surveys of representative samples of the Israeli adult population ( n = 525) and the Palestinian adult population in the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem ( n = 1,259). It focuses on the role of expectations for lasting peace and democracy in shaping attitudes towards reconciliation and political compromise. Both publics felt that there is no room for further compromise on the most critical issues of the conflict; the majority in both samples believed that their delegations have made too much of a compromise already. A reliable reconciliation scale was devised from a range of steps listed in the reconciliation literature as prerequisites for successful reconciliation following protracted conflicts. Palestinians overwhelmingly supported reconciliation steps, which promise normalization and a chance for economic well-being. They were more reluctant to support steps towards political alliance and ethos-transforming steps. Israelis' support for all reconciliation measures except for open borders was noticeably higher. Expectations were found to account for reconciliation and compromise sentiments beyond demographic and political-orientation variables for both the Israeli and Palestinian samples.

Factor structure and reliability of burnout among Emirati and Palestinian teachers.

To assess the construct validity and magnitude of burnout among Emirati and Palestinian teachers, a total of 357 Emirati and 261 Palestinian teachers responded to the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Separate exploratory factor analyses clearly identified four factors for the Emirati sample and three factors for the Palestinian sample but with more complex structure than that for the Emirati sample. Confirmatory factor analyses confirmed the four-factor model for Emirati sample and the three-factor structure for the Palestinian sample but some difficulty arose with Items 5, 15, and 22. Coefficients alpha for the four subscales ranged from .59 to .85 for Emirati teachers and from .58 to .88 for the Palestinian sample. Palestinian teachers reported stronger feelings of emotional exhaustion than Emirati teachers did. The two groups of teachers reported similar feelings about personal success and similar attitudes toward their students and their jobs.

Understanding of and Attitudes Towards Self-Help

ABSTRACT This paper compares Palestinian and Israeli members of self-help groups regarding their understanding of the concept “self-help” as well as their attitudes towards participation in self-help groups. While both samples are similar in terms of the meanings they associate with the concept “self-help,” they are different in their attitudes towards participation in self-help groups. Given the unique situation of Palestinians living in Israel, this research contributes to the understanding of self-help organization in cultural and political minority groups. The analysis is based on two samples of convenience: 60 Israeli and 213 Palestinian members of self-help groups. The Israeli sample was recruited using a “snowball” method from groups all over Israel. The Palestinian sample was recruited in East Jerusalem via social welfare agencies. Data was collected by filling out a short, mostly open-ended questionnaire. The Israeli participants received the questionnaire in Hebrew and completed it in Hebrew. For the Palestinian participants, the questionnaire was translated into Arabic and filled out in Arabic. Their responses were then back-translated into Hebrew. The questionnaires were content analyzed, and the same three main themes emerged for both the Israeli and Palestinian samples, albeit in a different order. The Israeli members understood the concept “self-help” as implying self-help groups, non-professional help, and problem solving. The Palestinian members understood the concept as implying non-professional help, self-help groups, and problem solving. While the Israelis were more positive regarding general participation in self-help groups, the Palestinians were more positive towards personal involvement in such groups. The significance of the findings is discussed within the framework of the unique situation of Palestinians living in Israel, as well as cultural and political differences between minority and majority communities.