Purpose: To assess the knowledge, awareness and perceptive judgment towards potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) among healthcare students in a Malaysian private university. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among healthcare students in a Malaysian private university (n = 110). A self-administered questionnaire was developed with questions framed in the knowledge, perception and awareness domains respectively, which were assessed using the 5-point Likert scale. Chi-square test and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data, while all statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 28.0. Results: The mean scores obtained indicate positive outcomes across all domains: knowledge of PIMs (4.18, SD = 0.54), perceptions of PIMs (4.31, SD = 0.51), awareness of AGS Beers Criteria (3.91, SD = 0.67), and perceptions of educational needs (4.30, SD = 0.62). These findings suggest that healthcare students demonstrated acceptable knowledge, awareness, and perception of educational needs related to PIMs in geriatric care. Conclusion: The knowledge, perception, awareness and educational needs perception of the respondents were acceptable; however, a structured educational intervention remains essential to equip future healthcare professionals with a strong foundation on PIMs and their implications on the geriatric population.
Purpose: To evaluate phytocompounds from Alstonia boonei as promising anti-malarial drug candidates and determine their interactions with a key Plasmodium falciparum protein. Methods: Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to obtain Alstonia boonei compounds and a computational approach was utilized. Maestro Schrodinger Suite was used to perform molecular docking, prediction of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) properties, molecular mechanics/generalized born surface area (MM/GBSA) estimation, induced-fit docking, and AutoQSAR analysis. These methods were employed to predict the binding efficacy and stability of Alstonia boonei-derived phytocompounds against Plasmodium falciparum dihydroorotate dehydrogenase protein using artemether as standard drug. Result: The results identified five phytocompounds: Sweroside (-10.152 kcal/mol), 7-Deoxyloganic acid (-10.066 kcal/mol), Swertiamarin (-9.611 kcal/mol), Secologanoside methyl ester (-9.013 kcal/mol), and Caffeic acid (-8.178 kcal/mol) with superior binding stability compared to the standard drug, artemether. These compounds also demonstrated a better induced fit docking score, indicating more favorable and stable interactions with the target protein. Conclusion: This work suggests that the five (5) identified phytocompounds from Alstonia boonei are effective potential inhibitors of Plasmodium falciparum dihydroorotate dehydrogenase and represent promising candidates for further development as anti-malarial treatments.
Purpose: To review the ethnomedicinal applications, food value, pharmaceutical and economic potentials of Macauba palm (Acrocomia aculeata). Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) was was used in the review. PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and SciELO were used to identify studies published from 2010 to 2025. One hundred and twenty-seven records were located, fifty-nine complete texts were evaluated, and forty-three studies were included in the synthesis. Results: Macauba palm has antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial properties, with oleic acid, carotenoids, and tocopherols among the bioactive compounds that support its use in food and pharmaceutical products. It offers animal feed coproducts, industrial products, such as biocomposites and activated carbon, and high-quality oils. As a source of biofuel, its oil has the potential for biodiesel and aviation fuels. Conclusion: Macauba palm has significant potential to promote sustainable growth, food security, human nutrition, health, and renewable energy. Macauba palm would transform 21st-century tropical and subtropical agriculture and bioeconomy through strategic investment, research, and the facilitation of policy frameworks. Keywords:
Purpose: To qualitatively compare the efficacy of epigallocatechin gallate, quercetin, ellagic acid, and ferulic acid as antioxidant and photoprotective agents across preclinical and clinical photoaging studies. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and the Cochrane Library, following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, using the Boolean operators “flavonoids” OR “phenolic acids” AND “photoaging”. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane RoB 2.0, ROBINS-I, SYRCLE, and ToxRTool. Data were extracted and qualitatively synthesized. A total of 24 studies were included, consisting of 19 preclinical and 5 clinical investigations. Thirteen were in vitro, three combined in vitro and in vivo, four were ex vivo or human ex vivo, and four were clinical trials. Study models encompassed human dermal fibroblasts, keratinocytes, reconstructed skin, zebrafish, and healthy adult participants. Investigated compounds included EGCG, quercetin, ellagic acid, and ferulic acid, derived from botanical sources. Results: Primary outcomes demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and extracellular matrix-preserving effects, with clinical trials confirming reductions in erythema, improved dermal elasticity, and enhanced photoprotection against ultraviolet-induced skin damage. Conclusion: Flavonoids and phenolic acids show consistent antioxidant and photoprotective effects in photoaging models, but evidence remains heterogeneous and clinical translation is uncertain. Standardized clinical trials are needed to confirm efficacy, optimize dosing and formulations, and establish long-term safety.
Purpose: A scalable patient similarity network was developed based on the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care. Methods: The unit consists of 40,000 patients as network nodes and 100 million weighted edges, where a connection between a patient and a doctor represents diagnoses, laboratory measurements, vital signs, and medication history. The propagation of similarity was performed using the Random Walk with Restart algorithm with a restart probability of 0.35, utilizing a hybrid system of central processing unit clusters and graphics processing unit acceleration, which achieved a speedup of 8.2 times. The network also exhibited small-world properties, with a diameter of 7 and a modularity of 0.42. Results: Predictive analysis showed that the Random Walk with Restart algorithm and a hybrid Random Walk with Restart and Graph Neural Network ensemble had areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of 0.91 and 0.94, respectively, which are better than those of the conventional models. Conclusion: This has been made possible by incremental updates that enable near-real-time incorporation of new patients, providing an efficient, scalable, and clinically interpretable framework for sepsis risk prediction.
Purpose: To evaluate the usefulness of serum cyclin D1, CDK4, and CDK6 as biomarkers of treatment response and progression-free survival (PFS) in metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Methods: In a single-center prospective observational study, 74 women with hormone-receptor-positive (HR+)/ human epidermal growth receptor-2 (HER2)-negative metastatic breast cancer were recruited from the Oncology Hospital, Medical City in Baghdad, Iraq. The patients were treated with oral Palbociclib (125 mg) for 21 days, then continued with Letrozole (2.5 mg) for 7 days, and completed six treatment cycles. The candidates were divided into two groups based on therapeutic response: Group 1 responded to the palbociclib plus letrozole combination therapy, and Group 2 did not. Serum cyclin D1, CDK 4, and CDK 6 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) after the 6th cycle. Treatment response was evaluated using RECIST 1.1 criteria. The study was designed and reported in alignment with STROBE guidelines. Results: Serum cyclin D1 levels were higher in responders than non-responders (p = 0.070). Importantly, higher cyclin D1 levels were significantly associated with longer progression-free survival (PFS; p = 0.027). In contrast, serum CDK4 and CDK6 levels did not differ between groups and showed no predictive or prognostic value for PFS. Conclusion: Serum cyclin D1 has demonstrated prognostic relevance in palbociclib-treated MBC, supporting its role as a pharmacodynamic biomarker of CDK 4/6 inhibitors. These findings highlight the limitations of circulating intracellular kinase proteins and support further investigation of dynamic, tumor-derived biomarkers for treatment monitoring.
Purpose: To explore consumers’ satisfaction and perceived improvement of self-esteem and economic aspects of cosmetics in Saudi Arabia. Methods: An online survey using a cross-sectional design was carried out in Saudi Arabia from March to June 2022. All residents, regardless of gender or age, were invited via social media and email to participate in the survey and report on their use of cosmetics, level of satisfaction, and perceived effects on self-esteem and economic aspects. Results: A total of 147 participants, predominantly female (57.1 %) and highly educated, completed the survey. About 10 % of household budgets were allocated to cosmetics, with 34 % spending ~50 SR per month on personal care products. Satisfaction with cosmetic expenses was reported by 48.8 % of females and 39.7 % of males. Personal care (43.5 %) and fragrance products (37.7 %) were considered essential, enhancing self-esteem and confidence. Skin and hair care products were positively perceived, while opinions on makeup, skincare, and nail care varied. Conclusion: This study provides baseline data on consumer behaviour, satisfaction, and the economic impact of cosmetics in Saudi Arabia, offering insights for industry stakeholders and future studies. Keywords: C
Purpose: To evaluate antimicrobial stewardship programs and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) patterns among patients of Eku Baptist Government Hospital and Central Hospital, Warri, Delta State, Nigeria towards improving antibiotic usage and patient outcomes. Methods: Relevant institutional review boards gave ethical approval. Questionnaires were delivered to 26 healthcare professionals working in Eku Baptist Government Hospital and 36 professionals in Central Hospital, Warri, to determine their knowledge of antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs). Demographics, clinical history, antimicrobial use, laboratory results, and treatment outcomes of 306 cases of Eku Baptist Government Hospital and 200 cases of Warri Central Hospital were assessed through a retrospective review of 506 case notes, laboratory reports and pharmacy records of 2021-2024. Results: Both hospitals reported limited resources (approximately 72 % inadequate) and low ASP awareness (28-33 %). There was poor training (24-28 %), particularly by nurses in both hospitals. The use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials such as metronidazole and ceftriaxone was frequently prescribed in both hospitals, as a result of empirical prescribing, due to the lack of diagnostic ability. Poor practices in infection control and junior workforce (72.6 % had less than 3 years of experience) worsen AMR issues. Conclusion: There are severe gaps in antimicrobial stewardship in these hospitals. The AMR risks in resource-limited environments require strengthened ASPs that are achieved by resource allocation, standardized protocols, and continuous training.
Purpose: To develop predictive models for optimizing carbamazepine (CBZ) formulations by evaluating interactions with pharmaceutical excipients. Methods: Carbamazepine's physicochemical properties (solubility, stability) were assessed in mixtures with common excipients. Binary and ternary phase diagrams were constructed, and statistical models were built to correlate excipient type and concentration with CBZ solubility and stability outcomes. Results: Excipient type significantly affected CBZ solubility and solid-state stability. Certain polymers enhanced solubility up to 3-fold, while incompatible excipients accelerated degradation. Predictive models showed high correlation with experimental data (R² > 0.90). Conclusion: Strategic excipient selection guided by predictive modelling can substantially improve CBZ formulation performance, supporting more effective and stable oral solid dosage development.
Purpose: To optimize the lipophilicity of metronidazole using two lipophilic carriers (stearic acid and cholesterol). Methods: The partition coefficient of compounds was determined using the shake flask method. The classical method included shaking a sample in a flask to equilibrate it between an aqueous phase and an organic phase. The concentration of the analyte of interest was determined in both phases using spectrophotometry. Two lipophilic substances, stearic acid (SA) and cholesterol (CH), were included at varying concentrations. Specifically, stearic acid was incorporated at 0.25 % and 0.5 %, while cholesterol was incorporated at 0.1 and 0.25 %. A full factorial design with 4 base formulas was utilized to provide a comprehensive analysis of both the main and interaction effects of the two additives on metronidazole lipophilicity. Results: Statistical model portrayed that both SA and CH significantly affected Log P values (SA: p = 0.003, CH: p = 0.006). Notably, interaction between SA and CH was highly significant and of a negative interaction coefficient (p = 0.000, Coef = -0.04209), indicating that higher cholesterol levels reduce the lipophilicity-enhancing effect of stearic acid. Conclusions: Lipophilicity of metronidazole may be optimized using optimum amounts of stearic acid and cholesterol. This could offer new formulation strategies for the purpose of enhanced drug delivery.
Purpose: To develop a 3D U-Net-Radiomics hybrid architecture of automated lung cancer segmentation and T-stage classification based on chest CT images. Method: The 3D U-Net achieves high-fidelity voxel-level cancer segmentation, i.e., voxel-level volumetric mask, and radiomics features, such as shape, intensity, and texture features, are produced on the segmented regions. A Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier was used to determine the cancer stages (T1-T4) by these features. Results: The framework trained on the LIDC-IDRI dataset (1,018 cases) with a train/validation/test split of 70/10/20 indicates that the framework is more accurate in segmentation (97.4 %), has a Dice similarity score of 0.94, and is more accurate in T-stage classification (94.8 %), compared to baseline 2D CNN and handcrafted feature-based methods. The stability of the extracted radiomics descriptors was confirmed, and their reliability and reproducibility were validated using feature stability analysis. Conclusion: The findings suggest that volumetric deep learning with radiomics is a high-performing and clinically interpretable solution to the automated staging of lung cancer, which helps in making better diagnostic and treatment decisions.
Purpose: To develop, validate, and evaluate Indonesian-specific pictograms intended to support pharmacist-led tele-counselling for patients with T2DM. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study with a test–retest design was conducted over six months at a tertiary hospital outpatient clinic in Surabaya, Indonesia. Adults aged 35–65 years with T2DM, who were literate and without visual impairment, were recruited using accidental sampling. A questionnaire containing 38 pictograms addressing medication instructions, insulin timing, injection, storage, lifestyle, and diet was developed based on international guidelines and the literature. The questionnaire was reviewed by three pharmacists and one endocrinologist. Comprehension was assessed twice, with a four-month interval. Pictograms achieving comprehension rates of at least 66.7 % (ISO 9186) were accepted. Chi-square tests examined differences within pictogram sets, and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests assessed test–retest reliability. Results: Fifty-five patients completed both rounds of assessment. Most participants were female (63.6 %), aged 56–65 years (56.4 %) and had at least a senior high school education (78.2 %). Many pictograms demonstrated high comprehension, often exceeding 90 % for medication timing and insulin instructions. Lifestyle pictograms also performed well, with comprehension rates of at least 78 %. Seventeen pictograms met all criteria and demonstrated stability over time (p > 0.05). Indonesia-specific pictograms for T2DM are highly comprehensible and reliable. Conclusion: The selected pictograms support pharmacist-led tele-counselling, enhance digital communication, and address health literacy barriers.
Purpose: To evaluate the potential of E-selectin and acid phosphatase as markers of disease severity. Methods: A total of 168 patients comprising 84 malaria patients and 84 healthy patients were selected from three health facilities: General Hospital, Ilupeju, Itapa Ekiti, General Hospital Oye Ekiti and General Hospital, Ayede Ekiti, which collectively represent all public secondary hospitals within Oye Local Government Area, Ekiti State, Nigeria. Blood samples collected were stored in ethylene diamine tetracetic acid (EDTA) bottles and were tested for parasite density. Serum samples were used to determine E-selectin levels of the participants using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Acid phosphatase was determined using colorimetric methods. Axillary temperature was measured using a thermometer. Results: Malaria infection was associated with significantly increased E-selectin and acid phosphatase levels compared with controls (p < 0.05). However, correlation analyses indicated no statistically significant relationship existed between E-selectin, acid phosphatase and parasite density. Similarly, only parasite density showed a significant correlation with temperature (r = 0.272, p = 0.012). Conclusion: E-selectin and acid phosphatase increase in malaria infection; however, their role as predictors of disease severity is limited. This reveals that both markers are elevated in malaria infections, but neither E-selectin nor acid phosphatase correlates significantly with parasite density or body temperature, which are indicators of disease severity. This finding is crucial because it shows the diagnostic rather than prognostic potential of these markers.
Purpose: To determine the effectiveness of Moringa oleifera leaf extract in a gel preparation for treating second-degree burns in diabetic rat models. Method: The animals were divided into five groups labelled placebo, Bioplacenton®, and test preparations of 5, 10, and 15 % concentrations, respectively. Diabetes mellitus was first induced using intraperitoneal streptozotocin at a dose of 30 mg/kg BW and confirmed on the 3rd day; then, second-degree burns were made on the backs of the animals. The 96 % ethanolic extract of mature Moringa oleifera was made into a gel. The placebo, Bioplacenton and gel preparations were then applied to the wounds of their labelled models. Wound healing was assessed through the healing rate based on the percentage decrease in wound diameter on the day of observation compared to the wound diameter the day after the wound was made. Results: There were statistically significant differences in wound healing rates among the groups (Bioplacenton, Placebo, 5, 10, and 15 %) treated with Moringa leaf gel on the 3rd, 6th, and 9th day (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in healing rate among the 5 groups on the 12th and 14th day (p > 0.05). The average healing of second-degree burns occurred on the 14th day. Conclusion: Moringa leaves in gel preparations at 5, 10, and 15 % accelerate the healing process of second-degree burns in diabetic rat model.
Purpose: To evaluate the knowledge of patients about chronic kidney disease (CKD) and to determine the impact of sociodemographic characteristics on the knowledge of the respondents. Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted in the Renal Unit of Warri Central Hospital Outpatient Medical Department and the Nephrology Department of Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH), Oghara, both in Delta State, Nigeria, over a period of 1 year. Data was collected using a 28-item questionnaire from the kidney disease knowledge survey (KiKS). Student’s t-test was performed to investigate the relationship between respondents’ knowledge and sociodemographic variables. Results: A total of 182 patients participated in the study. The overall mean knowledge score for respondents from Central Hospital, Warri and DELSUTH Oghara was 16.25 ± 2.84 and 15.73 ± 4.96, respectively. The difference in knowledge score concerning facility, sex, marital status and age was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The knowledge of kidney disease patients about chronic kidney disease based on KiKS was poor. There is a significant knowledge deficit related to misconceptions in patients’ understanding of medications to avoid in patients with this condition and the deleterious effects of proteinuria. No statistically significant relationship could be established between sociodemographics and knowledge. There is a need to enlighten patients about the pathology, diagnosis, and prognosis of chronic kidney disease.
Purpose: To evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of methanol fraction of Cuminum cyminum leaves (MFCCL) against acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury in rats, and to characterize its bioactive polyphenolic constituents. Methods: Dried leaves of C. cyminum were extracted with 80 % methanol and partitioned to obtain methanol fraction. Quantitative phytochemical analysis and Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID) profiling were performed. Acute toxicity was tested in mice (n = 3 per group) using standard methods. For hepatoprotective study, 48 male Wistar rats (150 – 200 g) were randomly assigned to six groups (n = 8). Groups 1 (normal control) and 2 (hepatotoxic control) received distilled water (2 mL/kg). Group 3 received silymarin (200 mg/kg). Groups 4 – 6 received MFCCL (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, respectively). All treatments were administered orally once daily for seven days, 30 min before daily APAP administration (400 mg/kg, p.o.). On day 8, blood and liver samples were collected for biochemical and histopathological analyses. Results: The MFCCL was rich in flavonoids (53.11 mg/100g) and tannins (3846.67 mg/100g). GC-FID identified isoflavones (25.02 %), flavonones (12.90 %), and gallocatechin (11.86 %) as major polyphenols. Acute toxicity test showed no mortality up to 5000 mg/kg. The serum of APAP-only treated rats exhibited significant (p < 0.05) elevations in liver enzymes, total bilirubin, and hepatic malondialdehyde, with concomitant depletion of antioxidant enzymes and GSH. Pretreatment with MFCCL significantly (p < 0.05) reversed these alterations, restored antioxidant status, and preserved hepatic architecture comparable to silymarin. Conclusion: Methanol fraction of Cuminum cyminum leaves exhibits significant hepatoprotective effect against APAP-induced liver injury, mediated through its polyphenolic constituents and antioxidant mechanisms, supporting its potential as a safe therapeutic agent for drug-induced hepatotoxicity.
Purpose: To compare renal function in hypertensive adults treated with antihypertensive drug classes in a tertiary private clinic in Basra, Iraq. Method: A retrospective cohort comprised 450 adults with hypertension on stable therapy for 6 months from January 2024 to December 2025 in Al-Fayhaa Teaching Hospital, Basra, Iraq. Five monotherapy groups (60 patients each): angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), calcium channel blocker (CCB), β-blocker, diuretic, and combination therapy (150 patients) comprising any two or more antihypertensive medications. Demographic and laboratory data were obtained. Analysis of variance and the Kh2 test were used to compare estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), serum creatinine, and urine albumin-creatinine ratio (UACR). Results: The highest mean eGFR occurred in ACE-inhibitor and ARB-groups, and the lowest mean eGFR in β-blocker and diuretic groups. Non-RAAS monotherapy groups (Group 3 (calcium channel blockers), Group 4 (beta blockers)) were more common in terms of chronic kidney disease (CKD; eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) and moderate-to-severe albuminuria. Diuretic and β-blocker monotherapy were associated with lower eGFR and a twofold increase in the odds of CKD and albuminuria in comparison with ACE inhibitor therapy after confounder adjustment. Still, ARB and RAAS-combination therapy had renal profiles comparable to ACE inhibitor therapy. Conclusion: The RAAS-blocking regimens comprising ARB and ACE inhibitors were associated with more favorable renal outcomes than non-RAAS monotherapies (CCB, β-blocker, and diuretic), supporting the prioritization of ACE inhibitors or ARBs as first-line therapy in hypertensive patients at renal risk.
Purpose: To evaluate the drug release profile of oxytetracycline (OTC) incorporated into a bioactive glass/polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffold. Methods: Bioactive glass/polycaprolactone composite was prepared by solvent casting technique at a ratio of bioactive glass: PCL 1:1 and 1:2, and OTC was added at equal concentrations. Drug release and degradability were tested by incubating the samples in simulated body fluid (SBF) for 6 hours and 28 days, respectively. The release profile was evaluated using an ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 268 nm. Drug incorporation was assessed by using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: The bioactive glass: PCL delivery system developed with a 1:1 combination ratio released 25.58 % OTC after 6 hours in SBF, and with a cumulative weight loss of 15.73 % after 28 days. The bioactive glass: PCL prepared at 1:2 weight % released 18.49 % in 3 hours and displayed a sustained release profile while exhibiting a cumulative weight loss of 8.10 % after 28 days in SBF. Conclusion: The method reported in this study could be useful for fabricating a scaffold applicable in bone regeneration and having a controlled or sustained drug delivery capability.
Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of thymoquinone (TQ) in inhibiting inflammation and promoting neuronal regeneration in a Wistar rat model of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Methods: Thirty-three male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 11 each): Group 1 was ICH control (0.16 mL autologous blood injected into the brain). Group 2 is ICH + TQ 150 mg/kg/day, while Group 3 was ICH + TQ 250 mg/kg/day. Thymoquinone was administered orally for 3 days post-ICH. On day 3, brains were harvested and analyzed using hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemistry for Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), Ki-67, Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma (PPARγ) and neuronal markers. Results: Thymoquinone treatment resulted in significant dose-dependent neuroprotective effects. Compared to ICH control group (TNF-α: 10.20 ± 0.85; NeuN-positive neurons: 4.20 ± 0.79), the 250 mg/kg dose of TQ significantly reduced TNF-α levels to 3.73 ± 0.58 and increased NeuN-positive cell counts to 11.36 ± 1.24 (p < 0.05). The increase in NeuN-positive cells reflects enhanced neuronal survival (neuroprotection) rather than proliferation of post-mitotic neurons. Furthermore, TQ administration significantly upregulated PPARγ (10.82 ± 1.05) and Ki-67 (10.64 ± 1.12) expression. The elevation of Ki-67 within this 3-day window primarily indicates early reparative proliferation of glial cells and neural progenitors. Conclusion: Thymoquinone significantly inhibits post-ICH neuroinflammation (via reduced TNF-α) and enhances neuronal regeneration, via increased Ki-67, PPARγ, and neuron count, in a dose-dependent manner. The 250 mg/kg dose is more effective in supporting TQ as a promising neuroprotective agent in ICH.
Purpose: To obtain in-depth feedback from relevant stakeholders to refine and improve the learning module of targeted and tailored social support interventions, to increase its clarity, practicality, and applicability in real-life implementation contexts. Methods: This was a qualitative study using a focus group discussion (FGD) approach, involving pharmacists, the head of geriatric services primary healthcare center, local policymaker, intern and academic. The FGDs were documented through audio recordings, which were transcribed verbatim for data processing. Thematic content analysis was applied to the transcripts, leading to the identification of themes, subthemes, and categories. A shared coding tree was developed after coding the transcripts. Results: There was a unanimous support for the implementation of the targeted and tailored social support intervention model. However, some constraints may affect its implementation, including healthcare workers’ limited time, lack of consultation rooms, and patients’ perception that medication alone suffices without the need for comprehensive education. Conclusion: Despite these challenges, interventions tailored to individual needs models enhance users’ sense of value and understanding, thereby increasing patient satisfaction and experience.
