Omar Almahmoud, a lecturer in pediatric and neonatal nursing with more than 10 years of experience, earned his bachelor's in nursing from Al-QUDS University in 1995 and his master's in pediatric nursing in 2006. Currently, a PhD candidate in nursing (Child Health) at the University of Jordan in Jordan. In a level 4 NICU in Makassed Hospital in East Jerusalem, he had more than 17 years of clinical expertise as senior neonatal intensive care nurse. At Birzeit University- College of Pharmacy, Nursing, and Health Professions-, now works as a faculty member of the nursing department. Almahmoud published a variety of studies on neonatal, pediatric, growth and development, and evidence-based critical care in highly ranked journals focusing on nursing education and practice. Almahmoud vision is to use his knowledge and clinical experiences of nursing to enhance nursing skills and offer future nurses and researchers with evidence-based nursing education to optimize children’s' functioning.
EDUCATION
PhD nursing
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Pediatric nursing, Neonatal Nursing, Critical care nursing, Child Growth and Development, Nursing education, Evidence-based practices.
33
Scopus Publications
395
Scholar Citations
12
Scholar h-index
13
Scholar i10-index
Scopus Publications
Seasonal influenza vaccine knowledge and attitudes among pregnant women: a cross-sectional study in Palestine Omar H. Almahmoud, Shahd Takrouri, Hajar khalaileh, Shahd Joulani, Adila Khawaja BMC Public Health, 2026 Influenza infection poses significant risks to pregnant women, including complications for both the mother and fetus. Despite global recommendations promoting influenza vaccination during pregnancy, uptake remains low in many regions. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of pregnant women in Palestine toward seasonal influenza vaccination and to identify factors associated with these perceptions. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 302 pregnant or previously pregnant women aged 18–55 years across Palestinian governorates. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire consisting of 33 items covering socio-demographic, knowledge, and attitude domains. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and inferential analyses included t tests, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Statistical significance was set at p < .05. The mean knowledge score was M = 2.35 (SD = 1.57) and the mean attitude score was M = 15.32 (SD = 3.20); 75.2% of participants had poor knowledge and 65.9% exhibited negative attitudes. Attitude was significantly associated with the number of prior influenza vaccinations ( p = .018), while knowledge was significantly related to healthcare facility type ( p = .012) and pregnancy trimester ( p = .020). A strong positive correlation was found between knowledge and attitude ( r = .41, 95% CI [0.29, 0.52], p < .001). Pregnant women in Palestine demonstrated limited knowledge and generally negative attitudes toward influenza vaccination. Misconceptions about vaccine safety and a lack of healthcare-provider recommendations were key barriers to vaccine uptake. Integrating influenza vaccination counseling into routine antenatal care and strengthening provider–patient communication may improve awareness and acceptance among this high-risk group.
Human Monkeypox knowledge gaps among nurses: implications for training and outbreak preparedness Imad Asmar, Omar Almahmoud, Mohammad Kahla, Rama Ghazawneh, Hala Obaid, Omar Badaha, Yasmeen Hamed BMC Medical Education, 2026 Monkeypox (MPX) has become a significant global health concern, and the 2022 outbreak highlights weaknesses in healthcare preparedness and international travel safety. The lack of information on medical experts’ awareness emphasizes the necessity for immediate assessment, even though no instances have been documented in Palestine. This study aimed to evaluate Palestinian nurses’ knowledge of MPOX and explore variables that may influence their understanding. Three hundred seventy-nine nurses working in various healthcare facilities in Palestine participated in this cross-sectional study using a validated electronic questionnaire. Sociodemographic information was collected and 30 multiple-choice questions measuring MPOX-related knowledge were rated on a scale of 0 to 10. The average knowledge score of the participants was 5.5 out of 10 (SD = 3.27). Only 33.5% of respondents had a high degree of understanding. Age, education level, location of residence, workplace, clinical experience, and prior attendance at MPOX lectures were significantly associated with higher knowledge scores (all p < 0.001). Attending MPOX lectures (B = 5.595, p < 0.001), having a higher level of education (B = 5.074, p < 0.001), working in closed units (B = 1.764, p = 0.005), and having more clinical experience (B = 0.308, p = 0.018) were significant predictors of higher knowledge. While they show a rudimentary awareness of MPOX, Palestinian nurses are not well-versed in its prevention, treatment, and transmission. Healthcare preparation must be strengthened by addressing urban-rural inequities, implementing thorough training, and incorporating MPOX into nursing curricula. • Overall, nurses demonstrated average knowledge levels of MPOX, with 33.5% showing high knowledge, 23.0% showing moderate knowledge, and 43.5% showing low knowledge. • Greater clinical experience was significantly associated with higher MPOX knowledge. • Nurses who received prior MPOX training scored significantly higher, highlighting the importance of structured educational interventions. • Those working in closed units (e.g., ICU, ER) exhibited significantly better knowledge than nurses in open units. • Urban-residing nurses demonstrated significantly higher MPOX knowledge scores than their rural counterparts.
Assessment of digital eye strain and its associated factors among school children in Palestine Omar H. Almahmoud, Khitam Mohammad Mahmmod, Suhyla Amine Mohtaseb, Nagham Jamil Totah, Doaa Fahim Abu Nijem, Abdallah Nehad Hammoudeh BMC Ophthalmology, 2025 BACKGROUND: Digital eyestrain (DES) is a collection of ocular and vision symptoms caused by prolonged use of digital devices that can greatly impact schoolchildren's daily activities and learning. The main purpose of this study is to assess the prevalence of DES among schoolchildren and the associated risk factors in Palestine. METHODS: From the 1st of April 2024 to the 30th of May 2024, a total of 492 school children who met the criteria for DES screening in the selected schools were included in the study. A quantitative, cross-sectional design was utilized with a self-structured questionnaire. The sample consisted of schoolchildren aged 11 to 18 years. The questionnaire is structured into three sections: (1) Sociodemographic information, (2) Information regarding the digital device used, and (3) DES assessment by using the Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire, and the visual acuity was measured using the Snellen chart. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 25 with a 95% CI. RESULTS: The study analysis showed that 44.1% of school children experience DES. Snellen chart test analysis showed that 28.25% of students had results exceeding a score of six for either the right or left eye. For both eyes combined, (14.63%) of students had examination results greater than six. After conducting univariate analysis, statistically significant risk factors (p-value less than 0.05) affecting the development of DES in our study were posture, smartphone use at bedtime, and duration of device use, watching movies, social networking, and screen brightness. Moreover, females, older students, and those using devices closer than 30 cm or owning multiple devices reported higher eyestrain scores. CONCLUSIONS: The current research found that Palestinian school children significantly experience eyestrain, indicating the influence of digital devices on eye health. The study results emphasize the need for early detection to prevent future eye health complications.
Association between omega-3 fatty acid intake and ADHD symptoms among early adolescents aged 10–12 years: a cross-sectional study in Palestine Safaa Muhanna, Hala Jaradat, Nadeen Toukhli, Omar H. Almahmoud International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health, 2025 Objectives Deficits in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have been implicated in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These fatty acids are essential for neurodevelopment and cognitive functioning during childhood and early adolescence. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between ADHD symptoms and dietary omega-3 intake among Palestinian early adolescents aged 10–12 years, with particular attention to socioeconomic determinants. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 211 participants (38 with ADHD, 173 without ADHD). Parents completed a culturally adapted Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) to estimate intake of omega-3–rich foods (e.g., fish, nuts, seeds). ADHD symptoms were assessed by subtype, and socioeconomic factors were recorded. Group differences were tested, and logistic regression evaluated associations between omega-3 intake and ADHD symptoms. Results Children with ADHD reported significantly lower omega-3 intake (mean=0.60 ± 0.68) than their peers without ADHD (mean=0.89 ± 0.72; p<0.001). The hyperactive/impulsive subtype had the lowest intake (mean=0.42 ± 0.62). Logistic regression indicated that each unit increase in omega-3 intake was associated with a 45 % reduction in hyperactive/impulsive symptoms (OR=0.55, p=0.03). Adolescents’ age, gender, parental education, parental employment, and family income were significantly associated with children’s omega-3 intake (p<0.05). Conclusions Lower dietary omega-3 intake is associated with more severe ADHD symptoms, particularly in the hyperactive/impulsive subtype. Socioeconomic disparities further exacerbate nutritional deficiencies, with potential consequences for neurodevelopment and behavioral health. Public health interventions—such as school-based nutrition programs, caregiver education, and subsidies for omega-3–rich foods—may support mental health and cognitive development among children and early adolescents in resource-limited and conflict-affected settings.
Prevalence, awareness, and risk factors affecting hypertension according to 2017 American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association guidelines: A cross-sectional study from a developing country Imad Asmar, Omar Almahmoud, Maram Jaghama Journal of Hypertension, 2025 Background: Hypertension (HTN) is a chronic disease prevalent worldwide, with a significant increase in the number of people diagnosed with HTN. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and awareness of HTN among adults in Palestine according to the 2017 American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association guidelines, and to investigate the risk factors affecting HTN. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between August 2024 and November 2024 among residents of West Bank Palestine. A total of 1420 adults aged 18 years and older were recruited using convenience sampling. Data were collected through blood pressure and anthropometric measurements of BMI and waist circumference. A questionnaire was used to gather sociodemographic information, HTN history, physical activity, antihypertensive drug use, and other family history information. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests and binary logistic regression, were performed. Results: The prevalence of HTN in this study was 60%. Moreover, 46.4% of participants with HTN were unaware of their condition. Several factors were found to be independent predictors of HTN, including smoking [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 8; 95% confidence interval (CI): 5.1–11.1], older age (aOR: 1.022; 95% CI: 1.01–1.04), and living in urban areas (aOR: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.4–2.5). Conversely, normal BMI (aOR: 0.6; 95% CI: 0.4–0.9) and moderate physical activity (aOR: 0.6; 95% CI: 0.6–0.8) were protective against the development of HTN. Conclusion: Three out of five adults in Palestine had HTN, and approximately half of them were unaware of their condition. The study findings indicate the urgent need for appropriate public health interventions to address awareness, early detection, and modifiable risk factors, which will greatly alleviate the regional HTN burden.
Summary of Needlestick Injuries Among Nursing Students and Related Factors A Narrative Review Imad Asmar, Omar Almahmoud, Ayat Abu Zahra, Nadeen Qattousah, Fatima Sumreen, Anfal Mahmoud, Sabreen Maali Infectious Diseases in Clinical Practice, 2025 During clinical training, student nurses are at a higher risk of blood-borne infections due to needlestick injuries (NSIs). Medical sharp instruments like syringe needles, stitches, puncture needles, scalpels, and ampoules can lead to sharp injuries by causing deep skin wounds that result in bleeding. Nursing students must know every facet of NSIs to safeguard themselves from the dangers. Nevertheless, due to their inexperience in handling needles and sharp items in a clinical setting, nursing students are more likely to suffer from NSIs than more seasoned nurses. This review aimed to determine how often and to what degree nursing students understood NSIs. A thorough search was carried out for relevant English research papers released from January 2013 to January 2024 in the databases of Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed, and CINAHL. The research focused on the prevalence, knowledge, and recognition of NSIs among nursing students and associated factors. This analysis showed that the high prevalence rate of NSIs varies widely between 6.2% and 67% worldwide and that nursing students have low to moderate awareness of them. The literature review emphasized many variables that might increase the frequency of NSIs, such as gender, time, education level, training location, characteristics of the injury, educational background, and workload.
Summary of Critical Care Nurses' Understanding, Adherence, and Barriers in Applying Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Prevention Guidelines: A Narrative Review Imad Asmar, Omar Almahmoud, Aya Manassrah, Dalya Moqady, Raneen Abd Al Hamed, Rania Soboh, Mahmoud Fatafta Critical Care Nursing Quarterly, 2025 Both adults and pediatric patients who are on mechanical ventilation face high rates of mortality and morbidity due to ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), which is the most prevalent deadly hospital-acquired infection. Healthcare organizations provide evidence-based guidelines to help nurses decrease VAP in ICUs; however, there are obstacles to putting these guidelines into practice. An extensive investigation was conducted for pertinent English studies published from January 2014 to February 2024 in the databases of Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed, and CINAHL. The study centered on nurses’ understanding, adherence, and obstacles regarding introducing VAP prevention guidelines. The majority of ICU nurses have a basic to intermediate understanding of evidence-based methods to reduce VAP. The nurses in the ICUs typically followed the guidelines for preventing VAP about 60% of the time. A basic analysis of descriptive content identified the obstacles preventing critical care nurses (CCNs) from following VAP PGs. The obstacles were separated into 2 groups: barriers related to nurses (such as education, experience, and training) and barriers related to the work environment (such as lack of supplies, staffing shortage, lack of policies, and ineffective supervision). To improve their skills, CCNs should get frequent updates on courses and seminars related to the VAP PG implementation. Healthcare administrators must be aware of these obstacles and implement work procedures that help CCNs overcome them if they want to increase compliance.
Seasonal influenza vaccine knowledge and attitudes among pregnant women: a cross-sectional study in Palestine OH Almahmoud, S Takrouri, S Joulani, A Khawaja BMC Public Health 26 (1), 27 , 2026 2026
Risk factors for bronchopulmonary dysplasia among preterm infants born before thirty-two weeks of gestation in Palestinian private hospitals MZ Algharabeh, MD Mu'taz, NM Subuh, OH Almahmoud World Journal of Clinical Pediatrics 15 (2) , 2026 2026
Human Monkeypox knowledge gaps among nurses: implications for training and outbreak preparedness I Asmar, O Almahmoud, M Kahla, R Ghazawneh, H Obaid, O Badaha, ... BMC Medical Education , 2026 2026
Childhood trauma among school-age children in Palestine: Maternal awareness and preventive attitudes OH Almahmoud, S Moutan, A Al-Refai, D Khatib, F Jbara, R Shreiteh, ... Journal of Pediatric Nursing 86, 409-417 , 2026 2026
Nursing Students' Satisfaction with Blended Learning in Palestinian Nursing Schools Amidst the COVID-19 Epidemic. O Almahmoud, F Asmar, I Asmar, R Abuhamdeh, M Salah, Y Mustafa, ... International Journal of Practice-based Learning in Health & Social Care 13 (2) , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Association between omega-3 fatty acid intake and ADHD symptoms among early adolescents aged 10–12 years: a cross-sectional study in Palestine S Muhanna, H Jaradat, N Toukhli, OH Almahmoud International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health 37 (5), 325-333 , 2025 2025
Prevalence, awareness, and risk factors affecting hypertension according to 2017 American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association guidelines: a cross-sectional … I Asmar, O Almahmoud, M Jaghama Journal of Hypertension 43 (9), 1561-1569 , 2025 2025
Summary of Needlestick Injuries Among Nursing Students and Related Factors: A Narrative Review I Asmar, O Almahmoud, AA Zahra, N Qattousah, F Sumreen, A Mahmoud, ... Infectious Diseases in Clinical Practice 33 (4), e1469 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Prevalence, knowledge, and awareness of needle stick injuries among nursing students in Palestine and associated factors I Asmar, O Almahmoud, N Qattousah, F Sumreen, A Mahmoud, S Maali Infection, Disease & Health 30 (2), 132-142 , 2025 2025 Citations: 5
Summary of Critical Care Nurses’ Understanding, Adherence, and Barriers in Applying Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Prevention Guidelines: A Narrative Review I Asmar, O Almahmoud, A Manassrah, D Moqady, R Abd Al Hamed, ... Critical Care Nursing Quarterly 48 (2), 151-159 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Assessment of digital eye strain and its associated factors among school children in Palestine OH Almahmoud, KM Mahmmod, SA Mohtaseb, NJ Totah, DFA Nijem, ... BMC ophthalmology 25 (1), 81 , 2025 2025 Citations: 17
Assessment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder signs among Palestinian school-age children OH Almahmoud, HS Abdallah, AA Ahmad, IM Judieh, DN Kayed, ... Journal of Pediatric Nursing 79, 83-90 , 2024 2024 Citations: 2
Burnout among nurses working in critical care units during the COVID-19 pandemic O Almahmoud, I Asmar, A Kahala, N Awadallah, W Awad, N Sarhan, ... Critical Care Nursing Quarterly 47 (3), 257-268 , 2024 2024 Citations: 3
Assessment of mothers' awareness of sudden infant death syndrome and safe infant sleep practices in Palestine OH Almahmoud, IN Yaghmour, HI Shamasna, GD Hijazi, ZS Shalan, ... Journal of Neonatal Nursing 30 (3), 214-220 , 2024 2024 Citations: 2
Diabetes knowledge, attitudes and practices among university students in a developing country I Asmar, O Almahmoud, B Qoud, M Assaf, AD Saleh, A Alyan, N Dahabrah J Diabetes Nurs 28 (3), 1-7 , 2024 2024 Citations: 7
The Effect of Self-esteem on Stress and Coping Mechanisms among Nursing Students during Clinical Training in Palestinian Universities. MM Dreidi, DA Abed, HZ Salameh, IK Abu Sbeih, SA Asmar, SA Salameh, ... International Journal of Practice-based Learning in Health & Social Care 12 (1) , 2024 2024 Citations: 15
Developmental delay and its demographic and social predictors among preschool-age children in Palestine OH Almahmoud, L Abushaikha Journal of pediatric nursing 74, 101-109 , 2024 2024 Citations: 5
Assessment of idiopathic scoliosis among adolescents and associated factors in Palestine OH Almahmoud, B Baniodeh, R Musleh, S Asmar, M Zyada, H Qattousah Journal of Pediatric Nursing 74, 85-91 , 2024 2024 Citations: 5
Overview of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and associated factors: a scoping review OH Almahmoud, B Baniodeh, R Musleh, S Asmar, M Zyada, H Qattousah International journal of adolescent medicine and health 35 (6), 437-441 , 2023 2023 Citations: 34
Knowledge and practices of choking first aid skills among Palestinian mothers of children under five I Asmar, O Almahmoud, M Dreidi, F Jebara, N Jaber, A Kahala, ... Journal of Neonatal Nursing 29 (5), 728-734 , 2023 2023 Citations: 6
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Predictors of intensive care unit nurses’ practice of evidence-based practice guidelines A Abuejheisheh, O Tarawneh, JAS Qaddumi, O Almahmoud, ... INQUIRY: The Journal of Health Care Organization, Provision, and Financing … , 2020 2020 Citations: 61
Incidence and risk factors of retinopathy of prematurity in three neonatal intensive care units in Palestine MT Akkawi, MM Shehadeh, ANA Shams, DM Al-Hardan, LJ Omar, ... BMC ophthalmology 19 (1), 189 , 2019 2019 Citations: 53
Overview of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and associated factors: a scoping review OH Almahmoud, B Baniodeh, R Musleh, S Asmar, M Zyada, H Qattousah International journal of adolescent medicine and health 35 (6), 437-441 , 2023 2023 Citations: 34
Factors associated with perceived resilience among undergraduate nursing students: findings of the first cross-sectional study in Palestine A Alkaissi, NB Said, S Qadous, M Alkony, O Almahmoud BMC nursing 22 (1), 148 , 2023 2023 Citations: 26
Pressure ulcers prevalence and potential risk factors among intensive care unit patients in governmental hospitals in Palestine: a cross-sectional study JAS Qaddumi, O Almahmoud The Open Public Health Journal 12 (1) , 2019 2019 Citations: 25
Systematic review and meta-analysis: prevalence of hypertension among adolescents in the Arab countries OH Almahmoud, DH Arabiat, MY Saleh Journal of Pediatric Nursing 65, e72-e79 , 2022 2022 Citations: 23
Big data can help prepare nurses and improve patient outcomes by improving quality, safety, and outcomes M Ahmad, SHB Hani, MA Sabra, O Almahmoud Frontiers of Nursing 10 (2), 241-248 , 2023 2023 Citations: 21
Prevalence and risk factors of developmental disabilities among preschool children in the Arab world: a narrative literature review OH Almahmoud, L Abushaikha Child Health Nursing Research 29 (2), 101 , 2023 2023 Citations: 19
Assessment of digital eye strain and its associated factors among school children in Palestine OH Almahmoud, KM Mahmmod, SA Mohtaseb, NJ Totah, DFA Nijem, ... BMC ophthalmology 25 (1), 81 , 2025 2025 Citations: 17
The Effect of Self-esteem on Stress and Coping Mechanisms among Nursing Students during Clinical Training in Palestinian Universities. MM Dreidi, DA Abed, HZ Salameh, IK Abu Sbeih, SA Asmar, SA Salameh, ... International Journal of Practice-based Learning in Health & Social Care 12 (1) , 2024 2024 Citations: 15
Nurses' attitude, behavior, and knowledge regarding protective lung strategies of mechanically ventilated patients IT Asmar, BM Alrajoub, OH Almahmoud, DN Nakhleh, SI Makharzeh, ... Critical Care Nursing Quarterly 43 (3), 274-285 , 2020 2020 Citations: 13
Personal characteristics and behavioral factors that promote resilience among nurses: a cross-sectional study A Alkaissi, N Said, O Almahmoud, LM Zabin, R Zaitoun Palestinian Medical and Pharmaceutical Journal (Pal. Med. Pharm. J.) 4 (2 … , 2019 2019 Citations: 13
Prevalence and Features of Pressure Ulcers among Patients in ICU Department of Governmental Hospital in Palestine: Cross Sectional O Almahmoud International journal of nursing 5 (2), 72-80 , 2018 2018 Citations: 11
Competency in electrocardiogram interpretation among registered nurses in private and government hospitals in Nablus, Palestine JA Qaddumi, OM Almahmoud, MS Alamri, JD Maniago Majmaah Journal of Health Sciences 7 (3), 70-70 , 2020 2020 Citations: 8
Diabetes knowledge, attitudes and practices among university students in a developing country I Asmar, O Almahmoud, B Qoud, M Assaf, AD Saleh, A Alyan, N Dahabrah J Diabetes Nurs 28 (3), 1-7 , 2024 2024 Citations: 7
Physiological and psychosocial stressors among Palestinian hemodialysis patients: A cross-sectional study JAS Qaddumi, M Al-Tell, O Almahmoud, DTN Issa, MS Alamri, ... Saudi Journal for Health Sciences 9 (1), 50-55 , 2020 2020 Citations: 7
Knowledge and practices of choking first aid skills among Palestinian mothers of children under five I Asmar, O Almahmoud, M Dreidi, F Jebara, N Jaber, A Kahala, ... Journal of Neonatal Nursing 29 (5), 728-734 , 2023 2023 Citations: 6
Prevalence, knowledge, and awareness of needle stick injuries among nursing students in Palestine and associated factors I Asmar, O Almahmoud, N Qattousah, F Sumreen, A Mahmoud, S Maali Infection, Disease & Health 30 (2), 132-142 , 2025 2025 Citations: 5
Developmental delay and its demographic and social predictors among preschool-age children in Palestine OH Almahmoud, L Abushaikha Journal of pediatric nursing 74, 101-109 , 2024 2024 Citations: 5
Assessment of idiopathic scoliosis among adolescents and associated factors in Palestine OH Almahmoud, B Baniodeh, R Musleh, S Asmar, M Zyada, H Qattousah Journal of Pediatric Nursing 74, 85-91 , 2024 2024 Citations: 5