Jordanian Women Research Articles

The Association of Mammographic Breast Density and Breast Cancer Biology Among Breast Cancer Women in Jordan

Background: A breast mammogram is considered the gold standard modality for breast cancer screening. The sensitivity of breast mammograms is highly linked to mammographic breast density (MBD) which is strongly linked to women's age, ethnicity, and other factors. Higher breast density is considered one of the risk factors for breast cancer development and it can be associated with different pathological and biological features of breast cancer. Methods: This is a retrospective review of 97 women with a diagnosis of breast cancer in a tertiary hospital in Jordan who were diagnosed in the period between 2018 and 2020. We compared patients with a positive status for estrogen (ER) or progesterone (PR) receptors (ER+/PR+) and others with negative receptors (ER-/PR-), in terms of their correlation with MBD. Results: The analysis has included 97 patients. Of which, 87.6% had either a PR+ or an ER+, and 38.1% of patients were positive for HER2/neu protein. The sample mean age was 56.4 and most patients were obese (56.7%). MBD of our cohort was 30.9% (30/97) fatty, 29.9% (29/97) scattered, 23.7% (23/97) heterogeneously dense, and 15.5% (15/97) dense. The ER+/PR+ group was more associated with fatty (35.3% vs 0.0%) and scattered (31.8% vs 25.0%) MBD types than the ER-/PR- group, and less associated with the dense type (9.4% vs 58.3%), and the association was statistically significant (P < 0.001). However, no statistically significant correlation was found between MBD and the HER2/neu protein status. Conclusion: According to our results, ER+/PR+ group patients tend to have fatty and scattered MBD types than the ER-/PR- patients. Larger randomized cohorts should investigate the association between breast cancer biological subtypes and MBD.

Urinary tract infection among pregnant Jordanian women: role of hygiene and sexual practices

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine the association between hygiene and sexual practices and the incidence of urinary tract infection (UTI) among Jordanian pregnant women.MethodsThe cross-sectional data were collected using self- administered survey from October 2018 to January 2019 in central Jordan. A total of 200 pregnant women completed the survey. All of them were married and aged between 18 and 45 years (M = 27.45; SD = 6.06). The measures used were demographics, social, hygiene and sexual practices.ResultsA significant association was found between the incidence of UTI and the educational level of husbands (p = 0.05), history of UTI in previous pregnancies (p = 0.02) and being in the second trimester of pregnancy (p = 0.02). Their sexual and hygiene practices also were significantly associated with the incidence of UTI.ConclusionHistory of UTI in previous pregnancies, hygiene and sexual practices are associated with increased incidence of UTI among Jordanian pregnant women. Appropriate strategies and techniques to promote health and preventive behaviors for pregnant women with UTI should be provided to improve the quality of life among pregnant women and reduces economic burdens on health care system.

Outcomes of COVID-19 in Pregnant Women: A Retrospective Analysis of 300 Cases in Jordan

Background: The impact of COVID-19 on pregnancy remains a critical area of research, with growing evidence suggesting that maternal infection, particularly in the third trimester, may lead to significant complications Aims: The primary aim was to investigate the maternal and neonatal outcome of pregnant Jordanian women with COVID-19. The secondary aim included exploring demographics, obstetrics characteristics, and comorbidities among these women. Methods: A retrospective comprehensive review of the records of 300 cases of pregnant women with COVID-19, who were treated between November 2020 and April 2021 at Queen Alia Military Hospital (a main referral center for patients with COVID-19) in Jordan. All cases were confirmed by the rapid antigen test (RAT) + long polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test used to detect SARS-CoV-2 by amplifying viral RNA from patient samples. Women infected with COVID-19 were categorized into four groups according to the RCOG guidelines for COVID-19 infection in pregnancy: asymptomatic, mild, moderate, and severe cases. All cases were managed following the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists protocol for COVID-19 in pregnancy. Data extracted from patient’s records included demographic information, COVID-19 clinical manifestations, obstetric history, diagnostic findings, treatment plans, comorbidities, gestational age at diagnosis, treatment protocols, and maternal and neonatal outcomes. Results: The mean age was 29.7 years; 98.3% were nonsmokers; 8% had previous miscarriages, and 67.3% had the infection in the third trimester. Iron deficiency anemia affected 30.3%, while 18.3% had comorbidities, mainly hypothyroidism. Most women were asymptomatic 61.7%, but 33% had respiratory symptoms, 4.7% needed intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and 2.7% resulted in maternal deaths. First-trimester and second-trimester miscarriages were recorded in 2.67% and 3.67% of cases, respectively, while preterm labor occurred in 3.0% of pregnancies. Additionally, age and hospitalization duration had a positive correlation with the neonatal outcomes (r = 0.349, p < 0.01), (r = 0.376, p < 0.01), respectively. Furthermore, COVID-19 presentation and treatment options demonstrated a strong positive correlation (p-value <0.01). On the other hand, maternal death had a strong negative correlation with poor neonatal outcomes (r = −0.776, p < 0.01). Conclusion: The study showed that COVID-19 in pregnant women, particularly in the third trimester, is associated with significant neonatal complications, with age, hospitalization duration, and COVID-19 severity strongly impacting outcomes.

Impact of pain on functional status and quality of life in Jordanian women with breast cancer.

Currently, breast cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer affecting women, and the number of newly diagnosed cases continues to increase both in Jordan and globally. Upon receiving a cancer diagnosis, the suffering experienced by patients intensifies as they grapple with the debilitating side effects that hinder their ability to carry out routine activities. This study aims to assess the impact of cancer pain on functional status and quality of life (QOL) among Jordanian women with breast cancer. A descriptive cross-sectional design and structured interviews were conducted in the Oncology Unit at Al-Bashir Hospital with a sample of 150 eligible Jordanian women with breast cancer who provided data on pain and functional status, and QOL using four Arabic questionnaires (brief pain inventory, functional status SF-12 questionnaire, and quality of life index) to measure pain and functional status and QOL, descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression statistical test were utilized to analyze the study data. A Significant positive correlation (r = 0.342) was found between cancer pain and functional status interference, a significant negative correlation (r = -0.134) between quality of life and functional status interference, and a significant negative correlation (r = -0.211) between pain and quality of life. Patients with higher intensity of cancer pain are more likely to experience low functional status and poor QOL. Breast cancer patients experience alterations in their quality of life as a result of cancer-related pain, which has a detrimental impact on their ability to carry out daily activities and disrupts their functional abilities. Healthcare providers must take these alterations into account and effectively handle them. Understanding the relationship between cancer pain and breast cancer can aid nurses in managing symptoms and providing holistic care, ultimately improving the quality of life.

Type of delivery lacks the association with dietary patterns followed by pregnant women in their third trimester.

Background: Maternal nutrition plays a crucial role in fetal development, women's health, and reproductive capacity. Dietary pattern (DP) is a measure of overall diet and has become widespread in nutrition research as an alternative method to studying individual components of the diet. Aim: this study aims to determine the adopted DPs by Jordanian pregnant women and evaluate their potential associations with the mode of delivery. Methods: A cross-sectional study included 249 healthy Jordanian pregnant women in their third trimester of pregnancy who attended antenatal clinics at Jordan University. Personal information was gathered using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. To investigate dietary patterns, a valid and reliable food frequency questionnaire was employed, and a pregnant physical activity questionnaire was used to estimate physical activity levels. The mode of delivery data was collected from the medical records after delivery. Results: The majority of pregnant women (82.3%) fell within the age range of 20 to 35 years. Notably, 34.5% of the mothers were classified as overweight or obese. Additionally, around one in five deliveries involved emergency cesarean sections. Four distinct DPs were identified and labelled as "fruit and vegetables", "healthy", "traditional", and 'fat and sugar" dietary patterns. However, no significant association was found between these identified dietary patterns and the occurrence of Caesarean section (CS) across all tertiles. Conclusion: The analysis revealed no substantial protective effect of the DPs against the occurrence of CS across all tertiles of dietary patterns. However, further studies are needed to either confirm or challenge our findings.

Awareness, attitude, and acceptance of post placental intra uterine contraceptive device (PPIUCD) among women in Jordan.

To assess the awareness, attitude, and acceptance of the Post Placental Intra Uterine Contraceptive Device (PPIUCD) as an immediate long-acting contraceptive method among Jordanian women. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at King Abdulla University Hospital among women attending antenatal clinics after 20 weeks of gestation between January 2020 and May 2021. One thousand and 30 women had completed a structured questionnaire in Arabic. Only 41.4% of the sample was aware of the PPIUCD. The attitude toward PPIUCD after a brief introduction was 56.3%. Women who had used interval IUCD were 5.82 times more likely to express a positive attitude toward PPIUCD, while postgraduate women were 1.35 times more prone to show the same attitude. Only 34% accepted PPIUCD if offered, whereas the main barrier to acceptance was the false fear of extra complications in 34.5% of the sample. The rate of unintended current pregnancy was 35.8%, where 53.4% were using natural methods. The rate of awareness of PPIUCD is low among women in Jordan. Antenatal introduction encourages attitude toward PPIUCD.

The point prevalence of stress incontinence among young adult Jordanian women based on activity levels.

Stress Urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common condition among women of all ages. The point prevalence of SUI among young adult Jordanian women is less explored. To examine the point prevalence of SUI among this sample based on activity level, and whether the affected women have shared their complaints with healthcare providers and/or received education related to UI. This was a cross-sectional survey-based study. Participants with diseases that affect the control of micturition were excluded. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-UI Short-Form was used to calculate the point prevalence of UI. The Tegner activity scale was used to classify participants based on their physical activity levels. The participants reported whether they shared their complaints with a healthcare provider or received education about this health problem. Five hundred women (median age=20years, BMI=22) participated (118 competitive athletes, 192 recreational, and 190 sedentary). The overall point prevalence of SUI was 14% (n=61). A chi-square test of independence showed a significant difference in the point prevalence of SUI between women with different activity levels, χ2 (12)=12.07, p<0.01. The point prevalence of SUI among competitive athletes, recreational women, and sedentary women was 21%, 8%, and 11%, respectively. None of those with SUI have shared their complaints with healthcare providers or received education related to SUI. SUI is prevalent among young adult Jordanian women, with the highest prevalence observed in those engaged in competitive athletic activities. The affected women refrain from disclosing their SUI-related concerns to healthcare practitioners and lack sufficient knowledge about this health issue.

Suicidal behaviors among refugee women in Jordan: post-traumatic stress disorder, social support and post-displacement stressors

BackgroundThis paper examines the frequency of suicidal behaviors (suicidal ideation or attempt) among a sample of Syrian refugee women living in non-camp settings in Jordan. We asked several questions surrounding suicide and examined the associations between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social connectedness, post-displacement stressors and suicidal behaviors.MethodsParticipants (n = 507) were recruited using a clinic-based systematic sampling from four health clinics throughout Jordan in 2018. We used a multivariable logistic regression to examine the hypothesis of whether positive screening for PTSD (PCL-5), social isolation (have no friends or family members available to help), and greater number of post-displacement stressors (PMLD Checklist) is associated with suicidal behaviors.ResultsApproximately one-tenth (9.86%) of participants surveyed reported suicidal behaviors (suicidal ideation or attempt) in the past six months. Our hypothesis was partially supported. In the adjusted multivariable analyses, screening positive for PTSD [OR:4.02 (95% CI:1.33, 12.15)] increased odds of suicidal behaviors, while having one friend or family member available to help when in need [OR:0.31 (95% CI:0.13, 0.78)] decreased odds of suicidal behaviors. We did not find any associations between the number of post-displacement stressors and suicidal behaviors in the multivariable model.ConclusionAgencies and practitioners addressing suicidal behaviors among Syrian refugee women should provide interventions that aim to reduce PTSD symptoms and social isolation. Potential intervention includes screening for mental health symptoms and suicidal behaviors during routine visits with service providers, as well as providing proper mental health and psychosocial support services according to the mapping of available services.

Factors associated with awareness of and undergoing Pap smear tests among Jordanian women

Several screening methods are used to detect cervical cancer, with Pap smear test is considered as one of the most reliable screening methods to diagnose cervical cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors associated with awareness of undergoing Pap smear tests among Jordanian women. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 525 Jordanian women attending the outpatient maternity hospital consecutively from February to July 2023. Data encompassed demographic characteristics (age, occupation, and education), awareness of Pap smears, beliefs regarding their importance, sources of information, and the history of undergoing Pap smear tests were collected using a structured questionnaire. Of the total 525 Jordanian women, 87.6% were aware of Pap smears. The awareness varied significantly depending on age and education level. Women aged 41–50 (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 6.0; 95%CI: 2.3–15.3) and with a university education (AOR: 2.6; 95%CI: 1.4–4.8) were associated with increased odds of being aware of Pap smears. Among the women who were aware of Pap smears, the majority (94.1%) expressed belief in the importance of undergoing Pap smear tests and 61.7% reported having undergone the procedure at least once in their lives. In the multivariate analysis, women aged 30–40 years (AOR: 1.7; 95%CI: 1.1–2.8), 41–50 years (AOR: 4.1; 95%CI: 2.3–7.3), and older than 50 years (AOR: 9.8; 95%CI: 4.2–23.0) had a higher likelihood of undergoing Pap smear tests than those of under 30 years old. Being a housewife (AOR: 1.7; 95%CI: 1.1–2.7) and those who believed in the importance of Pap smear testing (AOR: 2.6; 95%CI: 1.1–6.0) were also more likely to have a Pap smear test. Nearly half of the women who had undergone Pap smears reported doing so every 2–3 years, while 25.7% indicated annual screening. Importantly, the overwhelming majority (97.9%) preferred the procedure to be performed by a gynecologist. In conclusion, the majority of women were aware of Pap smears. Two-thirds of women reported having undergone the procedure at least once. Prevention programs targeting cervical cancer and Pap smear tests should be tailored to women with low education, younger than 30 years, and those employed to maximize screening uptake for cervical cancer.

Estrogen Receptor-α rs9340799 Polymorphism Influences Bone Mineral Density in Women Over 60 Years of Age and Women Who are Postmenopausal for More than 10 Years

Background: Osteoporosis is a multifactorial disorder where genetic and environmental factors contribute to changes in bone mineral density. Several genetic polymorphisms are associated with low bone mineral density and osteoporosis risk, including estrogen receptor-α rs2234693 and rs9340799 single nucleotide polymorphisms. Objective: To determine the allele frequencies of these polymorphisms among postmenopausal Jordanian women and to assess their association with low bone mineral density and osteoporosis among studied subjects. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 450 postmenopausal Jordanian women having dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans at the National Center for Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Genetics. The study protocol was approved by this center "Institutional Review Board." The estrogen receptor-α gene sequence containing rs2234693 and rs9340799 polymorphisms was identified by polymerase chain reaction, followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism. Results: The wild-type allele frequencies of rs2234693 (T) and rs9340799 (A) were 54% and 59%, respectively. The rs9340799 GG genotype was significantly associated with lower femoral neck T-scores in women who were postmenopausal for more than 10 years (p = 0.023) and was significantly associated with lower lumbar spine (p = 0.033) and femoral neck (p = 0.002) T-scores in women older than 60 years of age. However, there was no association between rs2234693, rs9340799, or their haplotypes with osteoporosis or bone mineral density T-score values. The two polymorphisms were in Heidy-Weinberg equilibrium and exhibited strong but incomplete linkage disequilibrium. Conclusion: The data suggest that rs9340799 polymorphism may render some women more susceptible to osteoporosis than others.

Unlocking water sustainability: The role of knowledge, attitudes, and practices among women

Following the knowledge, attitude, and practices model (KAP) this research investigates the influence of knowledge of water sustainability (KWS) on the three attitudes of water sustainability (reduce, reuse, recycle) on sustainable water practices (SWP) among women in Jordan. Likewise, this study examines both the direct and water stewardship (WS) on SWP, and the moderation effect of WS on the relationship between three attitudes of water sustainability: reduce (RED), reuse (REU), and recycle (REC) and SWP. Using Structural Equation Modelling, the results reveal that KWS plays a pivotal role in driving positive influence across the three attitudes of water sustainability. Likewise, all three attitudes of water sustainability have positive influence on driving SWP indicating significant mediation effect in the relationship between KWS and SWP. Importantly, the study highlights a quasi-moderation effect of WS as the results indicate both a significant direct effect of WS on SWP and a significant moderation effect of WS on the relationship between the three sustainable water attitudes and SWP. These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers to design context-specific educational programs and cross-sectoral collaborations, ultimately fostering sustainable water practices and contributing to the global effort to address water scarcity and environmental degradation.

Genotypes analysis and antifungal susceptibility of Candida albicans strains isolated from women with vaginal candidiasis in Jordan using PCR targeting 25SrDNA and ALT repeat sequences of the RPS.

Genotypic identification of the etiologic agents of vaginal candidiasis (VC) is of significance in epidemiologic studies and in the establishment of adequate treatment protocol. The aim of this study was to determine the antifungal susceptibility and gene diversity of C. albicans isolated from a group of Jordanian women with VC. A total of 312 isolates of candida species, recovered from women with vaginal candidiasis who attended gynecology clinics affiliated to three major private hospitals in Amman over a period of five months (July 2020 to December 2020) were included in this study. The isolated Candida were characterized by phenotypic and genotypic means. Genotypic studies were performed using specific PCR primers of the rDNA and RPS genes. Susceptibility testing of all C. albicans isolates was conducted following the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards and E-test strips. Candida albicans was the most dominant Candida spp. that caused VC among the studied population. C. albicans isolates were found to be of three different subtypes at the 25S rDNA gene. All isolates belonged to genotypes A, B and C while genotypes D and E were not detected. The diversity of C. albicans was higher on the basis of RPS region where the use of two markers (P-I and P-II) resulted in the identification of nine distinct C. albicans subtypes. The sensitivity testing revealed variations in the susceptibility of various genotypes to different antifungal drugs. Genotype A isolates were more susceptible to fluconazole, flucytosine and ketoconazole than genotypes B and C. Candida albicans incriminated as etiologic agents of vaginitis among Jordanian women exhibited relationship between various genotypes and antifungal drugs.

Variations in Depression and Anxiety among Jordanian Women Undergoing Mastectomy and Reconstruction Surgery: Impact of Familial Support.

Depression and anxiety are common among breast cancer patients, due to the ongoing mental distress during illness. This study examines the impact of family support on depression and anxiety changes in Jordanian women undergoing mastectomy and reconstruction surgery. We conducted a cross-sectional study to investigate the effect between family support and depression/anxiety levels in women post-mastectomy in Jordan. Participants included breast cancer patients who had undergone mastectomy surgery, meeting specified inclusion criteria. We collected data on socio-demographic variables via a questionnaire between October 2023 and January 2024. Depression and anxiety levels were assessed using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale - 21 Items (DASS-21), while social support was evaluated using the Social Support Survey. A significantly negative correlation was observed between the DASS-21 score and social support, indicating that higher levels of social support were associated with lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress (p-value: 0.001). Additionally, analyzing the correlation between physical therapy, social support (median scores: 76 vs. 90, p = 0.021), and DASS-21 (median scores: 25 vs. 11, p < 0.001) revealed significant findings. Specifically, individuals who had received physical therapy exhibited significantly lower DASS-21 scores and higher social support scores. Our study underscores the significant role of family support in alleviating depression and anxiety levels among women with breast cancer. Strong family support emerges as a key factor in improving the emotional well-being of these individuals.

Experiences of Academic Women in Jordan on Their Return to Work After Childbirth

ObjectiveTo describe the experiences of women living in Jordan returning to work at their academic positions after giving birth to their first newborns. DesignQualitative descriptive phenomenological design. SettingVarious schools within a governmental university in Jordan. This study describes the challenges women in academia experience in the context of Jordan’s Arabic patriarchal communities. ParticipantsA purposive sample of 15 women returning to their academic positions. MethodsUnstructured, face-to-face, in-depth interviews of women returning to their academic positions within 3 months after giving birth to their first newborns. The recorded interviews were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis process. ResultsThree major themes emerged: Living in Chaos, The Urgent Need for Transitional Time, and Calling for Help andSupport. Participants described their return to work as a period marked by a sense of chaos and instability, in which they felt a loss of control over their lives. They expressed a pressing need for a transitional period before resuming full-time academic roles, highlighting the importance of a gradual return. Finally, participants shared their struggles with the extra demands added to their daily routine. As working mothers, participants experienced extreme distress while attempting to fulfill their daily responsibilities. They emphasized the lack of adequate support in this challenging period. ConclusionWomen returning to their academic work after giving birth to their first newborns need to be prepared physically and emotionally for the changes and responsibilities of their new life. A longer period of maternity leave or a transitional period may help women working in academia to manage the demands of multiple maternal roles alongside their professional commitments. These findings highlight the absence of formal policies needed to support women in academia in their return to work after maternity leave.

Use of interrupted time series methods in the evaluation of the Jordanian National Strategy for Women Empowerment (JNSWE) from 2013 to 2017 and its gender action plan for STEM field

AbstractEven though we have varied backgrounds, experiences, roles, and privileges in the community research field, we are all committed to studying equity theory and associated literature in educational contexts. The purpose of this evaluation is to assess the Jordanian national strategy for women's empowerment from 2013 to 2017 and its gender equality program in its efforts to increase Jordanian women's representation in scientific studies, achieve gender equality, and empower all women and girls, in addition to the goals related to other objectives. This analysis considers interrupted time series methods (randomized controlled trials) to measure the impacts of Jordanian National Strategy for Women Empowerment (JNSWE). Pre‐ and post‐policy periods were compared. Trend, regression analysis, r and r2, and the Mann–Whitney U test were utilized. The impact of this strategy delivers impressive results. This evaluation indicates that between 2013 and 2017, the JNSWE was effective in increasing Jordanian women's presence in STEM studies due to addressing gender inequality, the gender pay gap, and training deficiencies in the field. The first hypothesis was accepted (Z = −2.812, P &gt; .005, df = 11), and the JNSWE's implementation from 2013 to 2017 increased the number of Jordanian women in science. The execution of the JNSWE (2013–2017) supported the representation of Jordanian women in telecommunications more than before, and Hypothesis H2 was accepted (Z = −2.892, P &gt; .004, df = 11). Ultimately, Hypothesis H3 was approved (Z = −2.254, P &gt; .024, df = 11), and the JNSWE's implementation from 2013 to 2017 increased the number of Jordanian women pursuing careers in engineering and mathematics. In this sense, this evaluation is innovative and responsive to the rising calls and concerns of feminists to empirically address the low presence of Jordanian women in scientific studies science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, known by the acronym STEM, and seeks to eliminate all forms of gender bias against women in the public spheres, including pay inequality. Included are the study's recommendations for further research.

Unpacking Education as Migration Driver among Young Jordanian Women: A Study on Gender, Agency, and Sociocultural Transformations in Jordan

This paper explores young Jordanian women’s desire to migrate, uncovering often-unacknowledged factors influencing their decision to leave their home country. By delving into their dreams, aspirations, and expectations, this research uncovers why they firmly aspire and creatively plan to migrate, shedding light on the intricate interplay of agency and gender in shaping their migration choices. It theorizes that these women employ a co-optation strategy, whereby they reinterpret and leverage the inner meaning(s) of gendered expectations regarding education, to facilitate their journey abroad and enact more desired life trajectories. This paper argues that young Jordanian women’s desire to migrate stems from shifting sociocultural values and norms, mirroring evolving understandings of femininity, gender roles, and social hierarchies. Within this framework, migration emerges as a consequence of the country’s inability to address its young population’s aspirations for change. By addressing these dynamics, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the underlying drivers behind the migration aspirations of a significant segment of Jordan’s youth—a pressing issue the country is facing. Ultimately, the insights offer a valuable perspective on migration as a lens through which ongoing sociocultural transformations can be comprehended.

Dietary diversity and iron deficiency anemia among a cohort of singleton pregnancies: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundIron deficiency anemia (IDA) is considered one of the most common medical disorders observed during pregnancy. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), anemia and micronutrients deficiencies among pregnant women are associated with low consumption of animal products, monotonous starchy-diets, and seasonal consumption of vegetables and fruits.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with 198 pregnant mothers aged between 19–45 years who visited the antenatal care clinics in Northern Jordan to document the prevalence of IDA and to describe the associations between dietary diversity, diet quality scores and oral iron supplementation with the pregnant women iron status. Participants were stratified into three groups by gestational age (n = 66 women per group). Gestational age, blood parameters, minimum dietary diversity score (MDD-W), and prime diet quality score for healthy (PDQSHF) and unhealthy foods (PDQSUF) were assessed using 24- hour dietary recall.ResultsPrevalence of mild to moderate anemia was 27.8% among pregnant women. Third-trimester pregnant women were most affected. 52.5% have depleted iron stores (ferritin < 15 ng/ml), of them 30.8% have iron deficiency, and 21.7% have IDA. The (M ± SD) of the MDD-W, PDQSHF, and PDQSUF were 4.8 ± 1.6, 12.8 ± 3.9, and 7.2 ± 2.8 respectively. 52.5% achieved the MDD-W, 68% consumed < 4 servings/week of healthy food groups, and 50% consumed > 4 servings/week of unhealthy food groups. Mothers with higher MDD-W and PDQS had higher Hb and serum concentrations. Those taking iron supplements had significantly (p = 0.001) higher means of Hb, serum ferritin, and gestational weight gain. Significant differences were also found between PDQSHF, PDQSUF and the first and third trimester.ConclusionsMild to moderate IDA is prevalent among pregnant mothers, especially in the third trimester. However, the prevalence of IDA among Jordanian pregnant women is lower than the global average. A high-quality, diverse diet, combined with oral iron supplementation and food fortification with iron, will help improve iron status, prevent anemia, and reduce its prevalence.

Polymorphisms in MicroRNA Biogenesis Genes and the Risk of Preeclampsia in Jordan

Abstract Background: Preeclampsia (PE) is a serious pregnancy condition with a complex etiology involving both environmental and genetic factors. This study investigated the association between polymorphisms in the microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis genes DICER (rs3742330) and RAN (rs14035) and the risk of PE among Jordanian women. Methods: A total of 224 pregnant Jordanian women were recruited. Genotypes of rs3742330 and rs14035 were determined using polymerase chain reaction techniques. This was a cross-sectional case–control study conducted in Jordan. Genotype and allele frequencies were compared using Chi-square tests, and hematological parameters were compared using t-tests. Results: The G allele and AG/GG genotypes of rs3742330 were more frequent in the PE group than controls (P &lt; 0.05). However, no association was found between rs14035 and PE. Higher body mass index (BMI) was associated with increased PE risk (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: The DICER rs3742330 polymorphism and increased BMI were associated with PE in Jordanian pregnant women. This suggests that genetic variations in miRNA biogenesis pathways may contribute to the development of PE.

Understanding Miscarriage Prevalence and Risk Factors: Insights from Women in Jordan.

Background and Objectives: Miscarriage is a complication that is influenced by many risk factors that have been reported in different studies and that vary among countries. Despite the influence of various known risk factors for miscarriage, 30% to 50% of miscarriages are from unidentified causes. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of miscarriages in Jordan and the associated risk factors. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in Jordan among married women to investigate the prevalence of miscarriages and identify potential risk factors. Results: Women (n = 704) were surveyed, and 17.9% reported a history of miscarriage. The identified risk factors were being an active smoker during pregnancy, having more than four children, having a family history of miscarriage, having fertility problems, receiving medical assistance for conception, and traveling by air during pregnancy. Conclusions: The results suggest that there are both modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for miscarriages in Jordan and that a proportion of these may be preventable. The findings can be used to enhance patient awareness and inform policy development to decrease the incidence of miscarriage in the country.

Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 and hs-CRP are Correlated with Anti-TPO Antibodies in Jordanian Non-Pregnant Women with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. This research investigates the complex interaction between HT and cardiovascular risk in adult Jordanian non-pregnant women aged 20-50. Through a study involving 50 HT subjects and 40 healthy subjects, the levels of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (PLA2), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies were compared using ELISA methods and enzymatic colorimetric assays for lipid profiles. The results revealed significantly higher serum levels of hs-CRP, PLA2, and Anti-TPO in Hashimoto's patients, coupled with elevated cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. Conversely, reduced levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were observed in Hashimoto’s patients compared to healthy subjects. The study establishes a noteworthy correlation between thyroid autoimmunity, thyroid disease, PLA2, hs-CRP, and lipid profile, underscoring an increased cardiovascular risk in individuals with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. The findings emphasize the prevalence of Anti-TPO antibodies in adult Jordanian non-pregnant women with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.