@article {2335, title = {Prevalence of Multidrug Resistant Organisms (MDROs) and Antimicrobial Sensitivity Pattern from clinical samples of the patients in Riyadh Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {16}, year = {2024}, month = {August 2024}, pages = {751-756}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {751}, abstract = {

Background: Multidrug-Resistant organisms (MDRO) pose a global health threat due to overuse of antibiotics and genetic transfer of resistance. The Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, faces unique challenges in combating MDROs, necessitating tailored interventions. Objectives: This research aims to inform evidence-based treatment and infection control measures. By understanding local epidemiology, we can optimize antimicrobial prescribing and minimize resistance emergence. Comprehensive surveillance in diverse healthcare settings is crucial given the escalating antimicrobial resistance. Materials \&Methods: This study utilized a retrospective design. Data was collected from diverse healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and laboratories, from March 2022 to February 2023. Sample size was determined using OpenEpi Software, with 1500 participants needed. Data collection involved reviewing microbiological records and laboratory reports, with deidentification of personal information. Ethical approval was obtained from Shaqra University, Saudi Arabia. Results: The study reported that 37.3\% of the 1500 patients were classified as MDRO, with a higher prevalence among males (64.3\%) compared to females (35.7\%). MDRO prevalence varied across age groups, with the highest prevalence observed in the 70{\textendash}79 age group (14.3\%). Multiple invasive procedures (P = 0.002), length of stay (LOS) (P = 0.01) were independent risk factors for MDRO infection. Antimicrobial resistance patterns showed significant proportions of MDRO among Klebsiella spp., Acinetobacter spp., and Pseudomonas spp., Conclusion: The study emphasizes the urgent need for policy interventions to tackle the alarming prevalence of MDROs and combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Healthcare providers must prioritize antimicrobial stewardship and implement rigorous infection prevention measures to curb MDRO transmission. Future research should evaluate the impact of stewardship, monitor resistance trends, and explore novel treatment strategies. Collaboration among stakeholders is vital for addressing AMR comprehensively through knowledge sharing and capacity building initiatives.

}, keywords = {antimicrobial resistance (AMR), drug resistance, drug sensitivity patterns, ESBLs and Carbapenemases., Multidrug-Resistant organisms (MDROs)}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2024.16.125}, author = {Saad Mohammed Alsaab and Salman Khalid Alotaibi and Prasanna Mohana Bhaskaran and Inbaraj Susai Domnic} } @article {2042, title = {Hand Hygiene Awareness and Knowledge Among Healthcare Personnel in The Dawadmi Region of Saudi Arabia: A Cross- Sectional Survey Study}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {15}, year = {2023}, month = {June 2023}, pages = {368-371}, type = {Research Article}, chapter = {368}, abstract = {

Introduction: The outcome of patient care in healthcare settings is influenced predominantly by healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Hand hygiene is the single most essential component in avoiding HAIs. Objectives: The aim of the study is to evaluate the awareness and knowledge about hand hygiene among the healthcare personnel in the Dawadmi Region of Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional survey study was carried out between May till September 2021. The tool (Questionnaire) was adopted from World Health Organization{\textquoteright}s Hand Hygiene Knowledge and awareness Questionnaire (revised in 2009), validated according to CROSS (Checklist for Reporting of Survey Studies) check list. Results: A total of 300 participants were randomly enrolled, 60 were nursing assistants, 140 nurses, and 100 residents, were enrolled in this study. With respect to years of experience in hand washing, 123 participants had 1{\textendash}5 years (41\%), 6{\textendash}10 years (80\%), 11{\textendash}20 years (77\%), and greater than 30 years of participation (6.67\%). Concerning the education of hand washing and hygiene, training programs were attended by 230 participants (76.67\%), and 70 participants (23.33\%) did not attend the latest training program conducted by each institution. Most of them (83.33\%) were using alcohol for hand hygiene. Conclusions: This study has clearly shown the requirement of an in-depth appraisal of important issues of compliance and patient safety. Educational interventions to recognize the hand hygiene opportunities, improved availability of hand hygiene facilities and multifaceted approach to tackle various barriers (poor attitude, workload, etc) of adherence are needed to be accorded priority.

}, keywords = {awareness, Cross infection, Hand hygiene, Healthcare workers, Knowledge.}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2023.15.86}, author = {Prasanna Mohana Bhaskaran and Mohammed Nawar Alotaibi and Inbaraj Susai Domnic and Bhaskaran Ashokan and Sudharshan Reddy Dachani and Semmal Syed Meerasa and Osama Mohammed Alruways} } @article {1844, title = {Knowledge and Awareness about Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicine Among the Students of College of Medicine, Shaqra university in Dawadmi, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {14}, year = {2022}, month = {August 2022}, pages = {367-372}, type = {Research Article }, chapter = {367}, abstract = {

Introduction: Pharmacogenomics and personalized medicine are the two rapidly emerging areas in medical field which will determine the drug therapy of the future. It is very important for current medical students to be aware of these medical fields and apply these principles in their medical practice. There is huge scope for research in this area, hence an awareness study was conducted among medical students of college of medicine, Shaqra university, Dawadmi. Methods: A cross sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among the medical students of Shaqra university, Dawadmi by self-administered questionnaire. 150 students participated in the study. Results: Out of the 150 students participated in the study Pharmacogenomics is relevant to my education 25\% strongly agree. 45\% agreed to recommend pharmacogenomic testing. Familiarity with genetics is only 16\% and only 14\% are familiar with interpreting results of pharmacogenomic tests. Knowledge testing showed overall less percentage. Only 16\% can identify drugs that require pharmacogenomic testing. But 36\% are confident to use the results of pharmacogenomics tests to make an appropriate adjustment to a patient{\textquoteright}s drug therapy. Knowledge about personalized medicine is 31\% with scale of 3 out of 7.40\% of students agreed to undergo genetic testing. 52\% of the participants agreed to know about their risk for developing genetic based chronic diseases. Conclusion: There is genuine interest and awareness about Pharmacogenomics and Personalized medicine among the medical students but the knowledge is lacking. Hence including these areas in the undergraduate medical curriculum will impart valuable knowledge to the future medical students.

}, keywords = {Personalized medicine, Pharmacogenetic testing, Pharmacogenomics}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2022.14.109}, author = {Inbaraj Susai Domnic and Faisal Fahad Al Otaibi and Noureldaim Elnoman Elbadawi and Prasanna Mohana Bhaskaran and Mohammad Azhar Rashikh and Dinesh Dimri} }