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هدفت هذه الدراسة إلى التعرف على درجة ممارسة القيم التنظيمية لدى مديري المدارس في لواء الأغوار الشمالية وعلاقته بالتطوير المدرسي من وجهة نظر المديرين والمعلمين، استخدم المنهج الوصفي المسحي الارتباطي، والاستبانة أداة لجمع البيانات، تم تطبيقها على عينة قوامها (٣٦٧) من المديرين والمعلمين، اختيرت بالطريقة العشوائية الطبقية، وأظهرت نتائج الدراسة أن درجة ممارسة القيم التنظيمية لدى مديري المدارس جاءت بدرجة كبيرة؛ وأن مستوى التطوير المدرسي جاء بدرجة كبيرة، ووجود علاقة ارتباطية إيجابية دالة إحصائيا عند مستوى الدلالة (α = 0.05) بين درجة ممارسة القيم التنظيمية ومستوى التطوير المدرسي. يوصي الباحثان بضرورة المحافظة على هذا المستوى من القيم التنظيمية لدى مدراء ومعلمي المدارس الحكومية في مديرية تربية الأغوار الشمالية.

This study aims to determine the impact of cash flow variation in Jordanian construction projects from contractors’ perspective and its relationship with project performance. An online questionnaire was developed and distributed to a selective sample. The respondents were project managers from contracting companies working in Jordan, around 340 construction companies. The sample frame was a form of non-probability sampling of 181 project managers. The collected data were analysed using the Statistical Package of the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. The study results showed a positive statistically significant effect at the significance level (α ≤0.05) of cash flow variation on project performance in Jordanian construction projects. In addition, respondents indicated a high level of agreement on the impact of cash flow variation on projects’ performance, with a mean of 4.01 and a standard deviation of .546. However, on the project performance dimensions’ level, Quality came first, with a mean of 4.11 and at a high level, followed by Safety, with a mean of 4.01 and at a high level, while Final Cost ranked third with a mean of 3.96 and at a high level. Finally, Project Final Duration ranked fourth with a mean of 3.95. The researchers recommended the necessity of more efforts for a better understanding of the importance of cash flow by contractors to schedule project activities correctly and efficiently to maintain a steady state of the project cash flow.

Background The Qatar Dietary Guidelines (QDGs) were developed as part of the national strategy to prevent chronic diseases. This study aims at characterizing gaps between the QDGs and usual dietary and lifestyle patterns in Qatar, identifying demographic and socioeconomic determinants of adherence to the QDGs and investigating the association between adherence and cardiometabolic risk. Methods This study is based on the Qatar National STEPwise cross-sectional survey which was conducted on a nationally representative sample of Qatari adults, aged 18 to 64 years ( n  = 1109). Data collection included socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, anthropometric (weight, height and waist circumference (WC)), and blood pressure measurements. The dietary intake of participants was evaluated using a non-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Biochemical assessment was performed to measure the fasting levels of blood sugar, triglycerides (TG) and HDL cholesterol. The metabolic syndrome (MetS) was defined as the presence of three or more cardiometabolic risk factors. To examine adherence to the guidelines, each specifc recommendation was matched to corresponding data drawn from the survey. To investigate the association of sociodemographic, lifestyle and cardiometabolic characteristics with adherence to the QDGs, an adherence score was calculated. Results More than 83% of adults did not meet the recommendations for vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes and high fibre intakes, 70% were overweight or obese, 50–72% reported frequent consumption of sweetened beverages and sweets, and 47% reported frequent consumption of fast foods. Younger adults, the unemployed, the least educated and those not married had lower adherence to the QDGs. Adherence was inversely associated with elevated WC (OR: 0.88, 95% CI:0.82–0.95) and the MetS (OR:0.84,95% CI:0.74–0.96). Conclusions Building on the identified gaps and vulnerable population groups, the study findings should provide a road map for the prioritization of interventions and the development of culture- specific programs aiming at promoting adherence to dietary guidelines in Qatar, while serving as a model to other countries in the region.

ObjectivesTo determine optimum measurements for abdominal obesity and to assess the prevalence and determinants of metabolic syndrome in Qatar.DesignNational health survey.SettingQatar National STEPwise Survey conducted by the Supreme Council of Health during 2012.Participants2496 Qatari citizens aged 18–64 representative of the general population.Primary and secondary outcome measuresMeasure of obesity (body mass index, waist circumference or waist-to-height ratio) that best identified the presence of at least 2 other factors of metabolic syndrome; cut-off values of waist circumference; frequency of metabolic syndrome.ResultsWaist circumference ≥102 for men and ≥94 cm for women was the best predictor of the presence of other determinants of metabolic syndrome (raised blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol). Using these values, we identified 28% of Qataris with metabolic syndrome, which is considerably lower than the estimate of 37% calculated using the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. Restricting the analysis to participants without known elevated blood pressure, elevated blood sugar or diabetes 16.5% would be classified as having metabolic syndrome. In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome increased steadily with age (OR=3.40 (95% CI 2.02 to 5.74), OR=5.66 (3.65 to 8.78), OR=10.2 (5.98 to 17.6) and OR=18.2 (7.01 to 47.5) for those in the age group ‘30–39’, ‘40–49’, ‘50–59’, ‘60–64’ vs ‘18–29’; p<0.0001), decreased with increasing educational attainment (OR=0.61 (0.39 to 0.96) for those who attained ‘secondary school or more’ compared with ‘less than primary school’; p=0.03) and exercise (OR=0.60 (0.42 to 0.86) for those exercising ≥3000 vs <600 MET-min/week; p=0.006) but was not associated with smoking or diet.ConclusionsWaist circumference was the best measure of obesity to combine with other variables to construct a country-specific definition of metabolic syndrome in Qatar. Approximately 28% of adult Qatari citizens satisfy the criteria for metabolic syndrome, which increased significantly with age. Education and physical activity were inversely associated with this syndrome.

The Arab world has a set of historical, geopolitical, social, cultural, and economic characteristics and has been involved in several wars that have affected the burden of disease. Moreover, financial and human resources vary widely across the region. We aimed to examine the burden of diseases and injuries in the Arab world for 1990, 2005, and 2010 using data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2010 (GBD 2010). We divided the 22 countries of the Arab League into three categories according to their gross national income: low-income countries (LICs; Comoros, Djibouti, Mauritania, Yemen, and Somalia), middle-income countries (MICs; Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, occupied Palestinian territory, Sudan, Syria, and Tunisia), and high-income countries (HICs; Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates). For the whole Arab world, each income group, and each individual country, we estimated causes of death, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), DALY-attributable risk factors, years of life lived with disability (YLDs), years of life lost due to premature mortality (YLLs), and life expectancy by age and sex for 1990, 2005, and 2010. Ischaemic heart disease was the top cause of death in the Arab world in 2010 (contributing to 14·3% of deaths), replacing lower respiratory infections, which were the leading cause of death in 1990 (11·0%). Lower respiratory infections contributed to the highest proportion of DALYs overall (6·0%), and in female indivduals (6·1%), but ischaemic heart disease was the leading cause of DALYs in male individuals (6·0%). DALYs from non-communicable diseases—especially ischaemic heart disease, mental disorders such as depression and anxiety, musculoskeletal disorders including low back pain and neck pain, diabetes, and cirrhosis—increased since 1990. Major depressive disorder was ranked first as a cause of YLDs in 1990, 2005, and 2010, and lower respiratory infections remained the leading cause of YLLs in 2010 (9·2%). The burden from HIV/AIDS also increased substantially, specifically in LICs and MICs, and road injuries continued to rank highly as a cause of death and DALYs, especially in HICs. Deaths due to suboptimal breastfeeding declined from sixth place in 1990 to tenth place in 2010, and childhood underweight declined from fifth to 11th place. Since 1990, premature death and disability caused by communicable, newborn, nutritional, and maternal disorders (with the exception of HIV/AIDS) has decreased in the Arab world—although these disorders do still persist in LICs—whereas the burden of non-communicable diseases and injuries has increased. The changes in the burden of disease will challenge already stretched human and financial resources because many Arab countries are now dealing with both non-communicable and infectious diseases. A road map for health in the Arab world is urgently needed. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

This study investigated the effect of lifestyle patterns, as a combination of diet, physical activity and smoking, on Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) among Qatari women of childbearing age (n = 418), a population group particularly vulnerable to the health sequela of this syndrome. Using data from the National WHO STEPwise survey conducted in Qatar in 2012, Principal Component Factor Analysis was performed to derive lifestyle patterns with survey variables related to the frequency of consumption of 13 foods/food groups, physical activity levels, and smoking status. MetS was diagnosed using ATPIII criteria. Three lifestyle patterns were identified: ‘High Risk’ pattern, characterized by intakes of fast foods, sweets and sugar sweetened beverages, in addition to lower levels of physical activity and higher smoking prevalence; ‘Prudent’ pattern, driven mainly by higher intakes of fruits, vegetables, fish, and whole grains; and ‘Traditional’ pattern which included beans, meat, dairy products, and a low prevalence of smoking. Among these three lifestyle patterns, only the ‘High Risk’ was associated with MetS, whereby subjects belonging to the third tertile of this pattern’s score had 2.5 times the odds of MetS compared to those belonging to the first tertile. The findings of this study demonstrated the synergy among high risk behaviors among Qatari women in increasing the odds of MetS; the latter being a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to determine the prevalence of general and abdominal obesity among adolescents attending independent schools in Qatar. Design/methodology/approaches A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted in November-December 2013 in 23 secondary schools. A total of 1,161 students aged 14 to 19 year olds were randomly selected using a multistage stratified cluster random sampling technique. Body weight, height and waist circumference (WC) were measured using standard protocol. The International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) age- and sex-specific body mass index (BMI) reference were used to define overweight and obesity. Abdominal obesity (AO) was defined by waist to height ratio (WHtR ≥ 0.5) and by sex- and age-specific WC cut-off values. Findings The prevalence of overweight and obesity among the study population was 20.6 and 20.7%, respectively. The highest rate of overweight and obesity was observed among boys, and the youngest age group. The rate of obesity defined by either WC/or WHtR was higher than that assessed by BMI. The prevalence of AO assessed by WC and WHtR was 48.8 and 46.9%, respectively. The rate of AO was significantly higher (p < 0.05) among boys compared to girls for both assessment criteria. The proportion of adolescents with AO (WHtR ≥ 0.5) according to BMI was 17.3%, 80.8% and 97.1% for adolescents with normal, overweight and obesity had AO, respectively. Being male was significantly associated with higher odds of having both general obesity and AO. Originality/value The study revealed a high prevalence of general and abdominal obesity in adolescents in Qatar. Waist measures appear to be an important indicator in identifying adolescents at risk and should be included as screening tools for cardiometabolic risk.

Background Declining participation rates are impeding health research. Little is known about factors influencing the decision to participate in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Therefore, this paper reports on the various individual factors and their with contextual factors in influencing participation in research among pregnant women and the recommendations to enhance their recruitment in Lebanon. Methods This study used a qualitative research design drawing on focus groups and in-depth interviews. The Theoretical Domain Framework guided data collection and analysis. The three participant groups included: Group 1-Pregnant women ( n  = 25) attending public pre-natal events and antenatal clinics in Beirut; Group 2-Pregnant women ( n  = 6) already enrolled in the ongoing Mother and Infant Nutritional Assessment birth cohort study; Group 3-Key informants ( n  = 13) including health care workers involved in recruiting pregnant women. Conversations were audio recorded, transcribed, translated into English, and thematically analyzed. Results Three main factors influencing participation were revealed, with each factor encompassing several sub-themes: (1) personal factors (altruism, self-confidence, personal interest in the topic, previous understanding of the nature and purpose of research, education level, and previous research experience), (2) contextual factors (societal factors, family and friends), and (3) study characteristics (burden of the study, ethical considerations, incentives, and research interpersonal skills and physician endorsement to participate). The results suggested a dynamic interaction among the identified factors, forming two intersecting axes, with a four-quadrant configuration. The y- and x-axes represented personal factors and contextual factors, respectively. Individuals positioned on the lower-left quadrant were the least likely to participate; those on the upper-right quadrant were the most likely to participate; while those on the upper-left and lower-right quadrants were indecisive. Study characteristics seemed to affect the decision of pregnant women to participate situated in any of the four quadrants. Specific recommendations to improve participation were also identified. Conclusions Our findings suggested an interaction of personal factors, contextual factors, and study characteristics affecting subjects’ participation. This interaction integrates factors into a novel dynamic framework that could be used in future studies. The recommendations identified may help improve participation of pregnant women in health research hence enhancing the quality and generalizability of research findings in LMIC.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a transformative force in healthcare. In nursing, AI technologies are enhancing decision-making, streamlining patient care processes, and improving patient outcomes. Leveraging tools such as clinical decision support systems, mobile health applications, telemedicine, and wearable devices, AI is empowering nurses to deliver high-quality, timely, and personalized care. Despite its potential, the integration of AI into nursing faces challenges, including data privacy concerns, the need for constant updates, and resistance to change by healthcare professionals. This review explores the importance of AI in nursing, its applications, and the challenges associated with its adoption. It also highlights how AI can improve patient safety, reduce medical errors, and expand access to healthcare services, all while emphasizing the importance of ethical frameworks and continuing education for nurses in this evolving field.

Nurses and laboratories play a critical role in addressing social disparities in mental health and well-being among pediatric patients. Nurses serve as frontline healthcare providers who not only deliver clinical care but also advocate for the social and emotional needs of children and their families. By fostering an empathetic and trusting environment, nurses can effectively identify the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities, such as lack of access to mental health resources, cultural stigma, and socioeconomic barriers. Additionally, through comprehensive assessments and screenings, nurses can detect early signs of mental health issues, which are often exacerbated by social disparities. Their involvement in care coordination and community outreach initiatives ensures that vulnerable populations receive the necessary support and resources for holistic care. Laboratories also play an essential part in supporting pediatric mental health by facilitating early diagnosis and monitoring of underlying health conditions that may contribute to mental health issues. For example, laboratory tests can reveal nutritional deficiencies or hormonal imbalances that impact emotional well-being. Collaboration between nurses and laboratory professionals can lead to integrated care approaches, where test results inform personalized treatment plans. By addressing the biological, psychological, and social factors influencing mental health, both nurses and laboratories can work in tandem to reduce disparities and promote equitable health outcomes for all pediatric patients. This multidisciplinary approach is paramount to fostering resilience and enhancing the overall well-being of children from diverse backgrounds.