BackgroundBiobanks (biorepositories) were established to compile collected bio-specimens for future research and usage. The collection/storage of bio-specimens triggers several social, legal, and ethical implications where public attitudes can represent the core measurement/parameter in defining the most acceptable practices and ethical approaches when dealing with biobanks.AimThe aim of this study was to explore and understand population’s perspectives, expectations, and concerns toward biobanks in Jordan.MethodsA cross-sectional survey that included closed-ended questions was distributed among Jordanians. A total of 500 participants who are representative of the Jordanian population were included in this study.ResultsThere was overwhelming support (>85%) for the establishment of biobanks in Jordan, and most of the participants agreed on the importance of biobanks and samples’ donation for promoting medical research. Enthusiasm in biobanking participation was associated with the sociodemographic characteristics of participants including age, educational level, and previous knowledge of biobanks. Moreover, considering sample donation as a religiously good deed appeared to have the strongest positive correlation with willingness to donate bio-specimens for future research. Also, participants’ trust in medical and research services, especially the protection of their privacy and confidentiality, was the most critical concern when they decided to participate in biobanks.ConclusionPopulation’s attitude toward biobanks in Jordan was positive and promising, and can encourage the future establishment of different biobanks. It is also necessary to take into consideration certain sociodemographic characteristics when discussing specific information with potential biobanks’ donors.

Objectives Medication error (ME) is like a venom dispersing in clinical practice, particularly the process of drugs’ administration. Nurses, as the direct drug administrators, are in critical defense lines to prevent its occurrence. Therefore, our aims were to explore nurses’ understanding, perception, attitude and prevalence of MEs and thereafter defining the main factors associated with its occurrence and needed for designing proper policies for its sufficient prevention. Methods Self-reported questionnaires were obtained from 156 nurses distributed almost equally between the 3 major teaching hospitals in Jordan. The questionnaires aimed at measuring their understanding, attitudes, and the prevalence of MEs. Key findings The majority of respondents were males (51.3%), young (25–34, 75%), hold a BSc degree (84.6%). Most of their experiences were less than 5 years (67.3%). The level of understanding of the definition, associated factors, and the consequences of ME was acceptable between registered nurses in Jordanian teaching hospitals. Nurses who had the lowest experience (0–5 years) were the highest in committing MEs (P-value = 0.006). Otherwise, gender, age, and education were not significantly associated with MEs. The participants reported that the most common causes of medication error were setting the infusion devices incorrectly, distraction, labeling and packaging problems. Participants declared that the incidents of MEs are underreported (Reporting rate (28.3%)) and they believed that it was most likely due to the fear of losing their job, misjudgment on the seriousness of the incidence that warrant reporting, and fear from coworkers' actions. Conclusions MEs are common and may be underreported among registered nurses in Jordan. National policymakers should take critical steps to encourage the nurses to report any error in medication administration and therefore reducing its occurrence.

Objectives This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude, and infection control measures related to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic outbreak among Jordanian health care students. Besides, their social behavior and stress level regarding COVID-19 infection were assessed. Materials and Methods An online questionnaire was distributed to medical, dental, pharmacy, nursing, and applied health science students in Jordan during the COVID-19 outbreak quarantine in March 2020. The questionnaire comprised 38 questions assessing demographic data, knowledge, attitude, risk perception, and stress level toward COVID-19. Questions regarding infection control measures and social behavior after the quarantine were also included. Statistical Analysis Independent samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and chi-square at a significance level of 5% were used for data analysis. Results A total number of 935 responses were collected. The knowledge score of 55.72% of participants was satisfactory and it was higher for the clinical years’ students compared with the basic years’ students (p = 0.000) (descending order: sixth year > fifth year > fourth year > third year > first year > second year). Also, knowledge scores were significantly higher for medical and dental students than other disciplines (descending order: medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing/applied) (p = 0.000). The social media (89.1%) and TV or radio (69.5%) were mainly routes through which participants heard about COVID-19. Moderate and justifiable feelings about COVID-19 were found in the majority of the participants. Conclusion Although the majority of students showed good knowledge scores, few of them appeared to have a serious lack of knowledge. Therefore, proper education and mentoring are necessary for students before reopening the university campuses.

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