Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practices towards the usage of antidiabetic drugs for weight loss among Lebanese population Dima Kreidieh, Rouba Ballout, Rana Abutaima, Samer A. Kharroubi, Fatima A. Saleh BMC Public Health, 2026 More individuals are turning to self-medication with weight-loss drugs, including antidiabetics, without seeking medical advice, often relying on unreliable information from social media, thus posing significant health risks. Another concern in developing countries, like Lebanon, is the easy access to medications without a prescription, thus increasing their availability. This study seeks to assess the Lebanese population's knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards the usage of antidiabetic drugs for weight loss, as well as the factors influencing their knowledge and attitude. A cross sectional survey was conducted among the general Lebanese population via different social media platforms. Six hundred thirteen participants out of 617 were included in the final analysis. The majority of the participants demonstrated limited knowledge, with a score of 1.79 ± 1.147. However, respondents portrayed an acceptable attitude, with nearly two-thirds agreeing that there is insufficient supervision in Lebanon regarding the dispensing of antidiabetic medications for weight loss, and emphasizing the necessity for medical supervision upon use. In our study, 11.7% of respondents reported using medication for weight loss purposes with the majority experiencing weight gain following the cessation of these medications. These findings shed light on the need for awareness and public health interventions focused on enhancing public knowledge regarding the use of drugs for weight loss and their possible side effects, especially off-label drugs.
Synergistic nanogel therapy for dry and nutrient-deficient wounds: biotin-loaded acacia–alginate hydrogel enhances tissue regeneration and reduces inflammation Samaa Abdullah, Samar Thiab, Alaa A. Al-Masud, Meshal Marzoog Al-Sharafa, Hatim S. AlKhatib, Imad Hamadneh, Rana Abutaima Pharmaceutical Development and Technology, 2026 Dry, nutrient-poor wounds often heal slowly because inflammation persists and tissue repair is impaired. This study developed a biotin-loaded acacia-alginate nanogel (BOT-ACC-SA) to improve biotin's poor water solubility, limited skin penetration, and therapeutic performance in wound healing. Biotin was first adsorbed onto acacia gum and then incorporated into sodium alginate nanogels using sonication-assisted self-assembly. The formulation was thoroughly characterized by thermal, spectroscopic, crystallographic, microscopic, particle-size, and rheological analyses. The optimized nanogel showed a mean size of about 120 nm, a zeta potential of -32.7 mV, and high encapsulation efficiency (90.1%). It increased biotin solubility 2.8-fold and released 97% of the drug within 24 hours, following the Higuchi release model. In vivo evaluation in Wistar rats over 14 days demonstrated superior wound closure with BOT-ACC-SA (94.6%) compared with BOT-SA, ACC-SA, and untreated controls. The nanogel also significantly increased VEGF, TGF-β1, and collagen I while reducing IL-6, indicating enhanced angiogenesis, extracellular matrix remodeling, and inflammation resolution. Stability testing confirmed that the formulation remained stable for 12 months at refrigerated conditions. Overall, BOT-ACC-SA appears to be a promising topical treatment for difficult-to-heal wounds.
A White Paper on Advancing Long-Acting Therapeutics for Maternal and Pediatric Health by Bridging Gaps in Clinical Research, Access and Regulation Moherndran Archary, Robert Bies, Osei Boateng, Rachel Daley, Pierre Gashema, Mili Karina, Emily Njuguna, Sharon Nachman, Nathaniel Nkrumah, Carolyne Odula, Andrew Owen, Ethel D. Weld, Prajith Venkatasubramanian, Adeniyi Olagunju, and Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 2026 As use cases for long‐acting therapeutics expand across clinical indications, there is a critical need to ensure the inclusion of women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, infants and children—populations with a historical gap in the availability of interventions already approved for use in adults. This White Paper synthesizes insights from a special session during the 1st of July 2025 workshop of the Community of Practice for Long‐Acting Therapeutics for Maternal and Paediatric Health. It was hosted by the University of Liverpool Centre of Excellence for Long‐acting Therapeutics. Attendees included stakeholders drawn from clinical practice, patient advocacy groups, academia, pharmaceutical industry, regulatory agencies, product development partners, and public health organizations. Four focus groups—centered on maternal health, pediatric health, access, and regulation—addressed three key questions: (i) What are the most urgent gaps that could hinder the adoption of long‐acting therapeutics for maternal and pediatric health indications? (ii) What critical actions are needed to address these gaps? (iii) What partnerships must be initiated or strengthened to enable or accelerate these actions? Actionable strategies to accelerate progress were identified. Key themes that emerged from the discussion included the need for inclusive and context‐sensitive research designs, harmonized regulatory frameworks, culturally responsive implementation strategies, and sustainable funding mechanisms. Platforms for fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, amplifying diverse stakeholder voices, and promoting transparency in innovation are needed. Partnership models that support inclusive development and equitable deployment will be central to successful integration and to realize the full potential of long‐acting therapeutics in advancing maternal and pediatric health.
Cigarette Smoking Influences Montelukast Pharmacokinetics in Jordanian Population Rana Said, Rana Abutaima, Basel Arafat, Yasser Kandil, Lidia Al-Halaseh, Khaldun Al Azzam, Tawfiq Arafat Jordan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2025 Background: Montelukast is one of the main therapeutic agents used for asthma management. Its therapeutic effectiveness is greatly influenced by the expression of metabolic enzymes and/or transporters involved in its disposition. Objectives: To assess the effect of smoking on montelukast pharmacokinetics in four bioequivalence studies against the reference drug Singulair®. Methodology: Data were extracted from bioequivalence studies to compare 10 mg generic Montelukast to Singulair® the originator. Primary pharmacokinetic parameters, maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the curve (AUC0-inf and AUC0-t) were calculated using Kinetica®. Analysis of Variance was performed to compare montelukast pharmacokinetics between smokers and non-smokers. Statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. Results: Mean± SD montelukast Cmax (ng/mL) was 397.1 ± 125.7 in non-smokers compared to 352.8± 133.9 in smokers. Significant alterations in montelukast Cmax (P= 0.0206), AUC 0-t (ng. h/L) 2335 ± 111, P= 0.0016, and AUC 0-inf (ng. h/L) 2509 ± 1163, P= 0.0015 were observed in the study participants who are smokers. Conclusion: Despite the minimal fold-decrease in montelukast pharmacokinetic parameters in smokers compared to non-smokers, this might have a profound clinical impact on the therapeutic effectiveness of montelukast in patients.
Exploring Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists Usage Among Non-Diabetic Healthcare Providers: A Cross-Sectional Multi-Country Study Abdulqadir J. Nashwan, Hana J. Abukhadijah, Vidusha Karavadi, Ibrahim Aqtam, Anas Ibraheem, Prakash Palanivelu, Mahmoud A. Khedr, Abdulkarim O. Agga, Obaid Ur Rehman, Eeshal Fatima, Mohammad A. Abu Asal, Rana Abutaima, Marwa M. Shaban, Mostafa Shaban, Muna Barakat, Nasser M. Aldosari, Albara M. Alomari, Adham A. Aljariri, Nabeel F. Al‐Lobaney, Mutaz I. Othman, Ahmad A. Abujaber, Kholoud Bastaki Health Science Reports, 2025 Background and AimGlucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RAs) were initially developed for type 2 diabetes but have gained widespread use for weight management, including among non‐diabetic individuals. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of GLP‐1RA use, describe usage patterns, and explore healthcare providers' (HCPs) perceptions of their efficacy and safety.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted among 657 HCPs from 10 countries using a structured online survey between September and December 2023. Convenience sampling was employed, statistical analyses were performed using STATA 17. Associations between demographic characteristics and perceptions of GLP‐1RAs were analyzed using the chi‐square test.ResultsAmong 657 HCPs, 59.2% were female and 40.8% were male, with a median age of 36.0 years (IQR: 29.0–44.0) and a median BMI of 26.7 (IQR: 23.8–30.7). Among professional groups, nurses accounted for 44.7%, followed by physicians (36.2%) and allied health professionals (18.7%). Semaglutide (45.7%, 95% CI: 41.8%−49.5%) was the most commonly used GLP‐1RA, followed by Liraglutide (36.9%, 95% CI: 33.2%−40.8%). Other GLP‐1RAs were used less frequently, including Dulaglutide (17.0%, 95% CI: 14.2%−20.1%), Exenatide (14.1%, 95% CI: 11.5%−17.0%), Albiglutide (7.0%, 95% CI: 5.1%−9.2%), and Lixisenatide (8.5%, 95% CI: 6.5%−10.9%. Regarding perceived safety, 68.6% considered GLP‐1RAs safe. Safety perceptions were significantly associated with educational level (p = 0.022), with participants holding higher degrees being more likely to perceive GLP‐1RAs as unsafe (18.3%) compared to those with a bachelor's degree or lower (10.8%). No associations were found with age (p = 0.487), sex (p = 0.729), or BMI (p = 0.089). Similarly, 73.5% of participants considered GLP‐1RAs effective for perceived efficacy. No associations were found with sex (p = 0.663) or BMI (p = 0.446). Older participants (p = 0.011) and those with higher education (p = 0.006) were more likely to perceive GLP‐1RAs as ineffective.ConclusionThis study provides the first prevalence estimate of GLP‐1RA use among HCPs and GLP1‐Ras users and explores the associations between demographic characteristics and perceptions of safety and efficacy. The findings highlight the self‐prescribing practices of these medications for weight management and underscore the need for appropriate monitoring to avoid potential health risks.
Understanding and Managing Viral-Induced Wheezing in Children: The Role of Parental Knowledge Shatha Al Omari, Esra' Taybeh, Rana Abutaima, Hana Sawan, Mahmoud Alsaraireh Journal of Asthma and Allergy, 2025 Background: Viral-induced wheezing, a common respiratory issue in children, is characterized by wheezing triggered by viral infections. This study aims to evaluate parental knowledge, perceptions, and practices regarding viral-induced wheezing in Jordan. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 510 parents, recruited from schools and online platforms. Results: The study found that 32.1% of parents had good knowledge about viral-induced wheezing, and 73.5% were aware that it could resolve in children over time. Parents of children with asthma, allergic rhinitis, or atopy were more informed about viral-induced wheezing. Regression analysis showed a significant association between children's recurrent upper respiratory tract infections and parental knowledge. During wheezing episodes, the majority of parents (91.8%) administered medications, and 80.1% used herbal remedies. Conclusion: Parents of children with frequent upper respiratory tract infections exhibited greater knowledge related to wheezing management. Enhancing parental education may contribute to improved symptom recognition and management. These findings underscore the need for targeted educational initiatives and future longitudinal studies to explore the long-term impact of parental knowledge on respiratory outcomes.
A multinational cross-sectional study on knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards magnesium supplements Rana Abutaima, Muna Barakat, Samar Thiab, Hana M. Sawan, Malak Amer, Reem Alzayer, Doaa H. Abdelaziz, Noha O. Mansour, Fatima Saleh, Wael Abu Dayyih Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2025 BackgroundMagnesium is a vital mineral with a crucial role in different biochemical reactions. There is a contradicting evidences about its role in maintaining bone, muscle and cardiovascular health. Recently, magnesium supplements gained attention due to claimed effectiveness in improving sleep quality and relieving muscle spasm.AimThis study aimed to assess Arab communities’ knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding magnesium supplementation.MethodsA cross-sectional self-administered survey was disseminated to collect responses from different Arab countries. Descriptive statistics were calculated for demographics. Data normality was assessed using Shapiro-Wilk test. Associations between sociodemographic variables and knowledge, attitudes and practices were explored using simple and multiple linear regression. Significance level was considered at p < 0.05.ResultsA total of 1,445 responses were collected. Mean (±SD) knowledge scores were low 8.61 ± 5.9. Eighty seven percent recognized magnesium role in alleviating muscle spasm and sleep disorders (83%). Magnesium citrate was the mostly used magnesium salt (37.43%). Neutral attitudes were observed with a mean score of 3.02 ± 0.66. Only 31.8% reported using magnesium supplements, 36.1% of them received a medical consultation. Having poly cystic ovary (p = 0.033), relying on scientific articles (0.004), receiving pharmacist consultation (p = 0.019) significantly associated with higher knowledge.ConclusionDespite the huge debate regarding magnesium benefits in maintaining muscle, bone health and improving sleep quality, this study found that there is a significant gap in knowledge and neutral attitude towards magnesium supplementation in Arab communities. These findings emphasizes the need for educational campaigns targeting the public on the rationale use of supplements.
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists for weight loss among the general population in Jordan; A cross-sectional study Rana Abutaima, Muna Barakat, Hana M. Sawan, Shatha M. Al Omari, Nizar M. Mhaidat Plos One, 2024 INTRODUCTION: Obesity has emerged as a global pandemic, with its prevalence notably increasing during the COVID-19 lockdown of 2019. In response, many individuals have turned to pharmacological interventions, including antidiabetic medications, as means of achieving weight loss with minimal effort. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the Jordanian population regarding the use of antidiabetic agents, specifically glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and biguanides, for weight management. METHOD: A self-administered validated online questionnaire was developed and disseminated to public utilizing a cross-sectional design. Data were extracted to examine descriptive statistics. Linear regression was performed to evaluate associations with knowledge and attitude. A p-value ≤0.05 was chosen to indicate statistical significance. RESULTS: Total of 389 responses were analyzed, 65.6% females, 54.2% married, 78.1% living in the center of Jordan, 35.5% overweight and 26.5% have >1000 Jordanian Dinars monthly income. Fifty seven percent of the study participants think that antidiabetics could be used for weight loss. 47.27%, 44.55%, 68.18% recognized glucagon-like peptide-1receptor agonists; (Ozempic®), (Saxenda®), (Mounjaro®) as well as (Glucophage®) use for weight loss, respectively and 12.3% of participants used medications to lose weight. Neutral attitude was observed. Gender and body mass index were significantly affecting the participants knowledge (p<0.001, p = 0.002, respectively). CONCLUSION: Use of (Ozempic®), (Saxenda®) and other antidiabetics to lose weight become a common practice. The results of this study suggests supervising prescription and dispensing to avoid misuse, especially, in people who are contraindicated to use them.
Impact of Jordanian Pharmacists’ Knowledge of the Human Microbiome: Has the Practice of Antibiotics and Probiotics Dispensing Been Affected? A Cross-Sectional Study Hana M Sawan, Wejdan A Shroukh, Rana Abutaima, Shatha Al Omari, Derar Abdel-Qader, Reem Binsuwaidan Infection and Drug Resistance, 2024 Objective This study aimed to assess Jordanian pharmacists’ knowledge of the human microbiome and the impact of their knowledge on their attitudes and practices toward antibiotics and probiotics. Methods A self-administered survey was designed after reviewing the literature. Participants’ demographics were collected, and questions to evaluate pharmacists’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward antibiotic and probiotic dispensing were asked. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences V.26. Pearson correlations and one-way ANOVA were employed to calculate the significance of knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Statistical significance was considered at p < 0.05. Results Of the 333 respondents, around 75% (n=250) had a high level of general knowledge regarding the human gut microbiome. Almost equal proportions of participants had either intermediate or high levels of knowledge about the role of gut bacteria in health (n=164, 49.2%) (n=166, 49.8%), respectively, while almost two-thirds had an intermediate level of knowledge of the role of gut bacteria in disease (n=197, 59.2%). More than half of the participants had a positive attitude toward antibiotics, probiotics, and the human microbiome (n=179, 53.8%), and the majority (n=239, 71.8%) had an intermediate level of practice with them. There was a significant positive correlation between pharmacists’ general knowledge of the human microbiome and their positive attitudes (r=0.306, p < 0.01) and practices (r=0.331, p < 0.01) toward antibiotics and probiotics. Conclusion Study results raise the importance of interventional educational measures to promote healthcare professionals’ knowledge of the human microbiome and their potential beneficence on pharmacists’ attitudes and practices regarding antibiotics and probiotics dispensing. The results also denote the urgent need for probiotics’ clinical guidelines to ensure practice uniformity.
Natural Products and Burns: A Tough Case to Crack Samar Thiab, Safa Daoud, Rana Abutaima, Muna Barakat, May Abu Taha Natural Products for Skin Diseases A Treasure Trove for Dermatologic Therapy, 2023
