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PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESS, STIGMA AND IDENTITY CONFUSION AMONG PATIENTS IN REHABILITATION CENTERS FOR ADDICTION AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE
(An-Najah National University, 2026-06-04) khalaili, Suzan
This study examined the way in which the patients enrolled in the drug rehabilitation centers in the Arab community experience psychological stress, stigma and identify confusion during recovery. It identified the sources of those variables & the way in which they interact with each other to shape the patients’ rehabilitation experiences. The phenomenological qualitative approach was adopted through conducting semi-structured interviews. The purposive sample consists of 31 participants. Those participants include: 20 patients recovering from substance use disorders, 6 staff members, and 5 mental health specialists in rehabilitation centers. Data were analyzed through conducting thematic analysis. Frequencies and percentages were calculated. Based on the findings, psychological stress is reported by 17 patients (85%). The patients described psychological stress as an ongoing burden throughout the whole rehabilitation process. The most frequently reported sources of psychological stress include: uncertainty about the future after being discharged, fear of relapse, difficulties in re-building family relationships, and concerns about social acceptance. Many patients confirmed that psychological stress was more intense during moments of self-reflection, future planning and social interaction. Stigma was reported by 15 patients (75%). The manifestations of external stigma include: rejection, judgment, or distrust from the society or family. The manifestations of internalized stigma include: feelings of self-blame, and shame, and reduced self-worth. Several patients reported that stigma persisted even after entering the center. They added that stigma undermined their sense of progress and reinforced their negative self-perceptions. Staff members and specialists confirmed that stigma frequently affects the patients’ motivation level and willingness to engage fully in treatment. Identity confusion was evident in 14 patients (70%). Patients reported difficulty in redefining themselves beyond past behaviors and addiction-related labels. Many patients added that they lack a clear, stable sense of who they are becoming during their recovery process. Identity confusion was often accompanied by self-doubt, emotional instability and fear of social reintegration. The three variables are deeply interconnected and affect one another. The process of recovering from addiction is multidimensional and requires going through major social and psychological transformations.
OVERUSE OF SOCIAL MEDIA AND MENTAL HEALTH: EXAMINING LEVELS OF DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY AMONG ARAB UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN PALESTINE (1948)
(An-Najah National University, 2026-07-05) Hakarshi, Narmeen Esmaeel
Background and objectives: The main objective of this study was to determine whether there is a relationship between overuse of social media and the levels of anxiety and depression among Arab university students residing in the land of Palestine (1948). The current treatise also addressed psychological variables whish are related to the marital status and the gender, college, academic year, and age. Study Methodology: The study was conducted using a descriptive research approach and included a sample of 295 students, who are university students from Arabs of 1948. The tools: Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale, and yang Internet Addiction Scale. Results: First, the results showed that the levels of anxiety and depression among the sample students were low. Second, the results highlighted the impact of demographic variables on anxiety and depression levels. It was found that females were more affected than males, even though males had higher levels of excessive use of social media, regarding the generation factor was shown that the sample individuals (ages 18-22) were the most affected. Concerning the academic year, students in advanced years had the highest levels. Social status also had an effect, as divorced individuals had the highest rates of excessive social media use and levels of anxiety and depression. Third, the results showed a significant statistical relationship between excessive social media use and anxiety and depression. It was found that there was a positive correlation between the level of excessive social media use and the level of anxiety and depression. Although the correlation for anxiety and depression was high with the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale, the correlation with Young's Internet Addiction Scale remained stable, media Conclusions- The study showed that excessive use of social media among Arab university students living in the Palestinian territories (1948) affects mental health. According to this study, the researcher suggests creating a psychological training program aimed at addressing the negative effects of excessive social media use
COMPARISON OF THE EFFECTS OF HALOPERIDOL VERSUS DEXMEDETOMIDINE ON AGITATION AMONG NON- INTUBATED PATIENTS WITH TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY, AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY
(An-Najah National University, 2026-05-11) Abu Awad, Nuha
Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the result of an external force being delivered to the head. This can result in altered brain function, including decreased consciousness and post-traumatic agitation, as well as long-lasting changes in cognition and behavior. Agitation is a common side effect of traumatic brain injury for patients in a hospital environment. A significant portion of the heterogeneity is explained by differences in the diagnostic criteria and the over- or under-recognition of these behaviors. Aim: To compare the effects of haloperidol versus dexmedetomidine for the treatment of agitation in non-intubated patients with Traumatic brain injury in the intensive care unit. Methodology: An observational, prospective study design was conducted at Specialized Arab Hospital (SAH) – Nablus. The study population was TBI patients who suffered from agitation in SAH. Convenience sampling was used; the sample size is 60 patients. The data collection tool was self-developed according to the literature review. Result: The groups' baseline clinical and demographic features were similar (p >.05). Over the course of seven days, there was no discernible difference in cute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II), Glasco coma scale (GCS), or most Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) scores, and both groups progressively improved. Two RASS time points showed significant differences between deeper sedation with Dexmedetomidine on Day 2 and deeper sedation with Haloperidol on Day 5. While dexmedetomidine was associated with higher rates of bradycardia (26.7%), haloperidol showed more extrapyramidal symptoms (23.3%). These variations in the profiles of complications were statistically significant (p =.007). The duration of mechanical ventilation, length of hospital stay, intensive care unit stay, and discharge outcomes did not significantly differ (p >.05). Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine and haloperidol have comparable clinical outcomes and general agitation control for non-intubated TBI patients. However, the profiles of their side effects differ: dexmedetomidine causes more bradycardia, whereas haloperidol causes more extrapyramidal symptoms. These findings highlight how important it is to select sedatives tailored to each patient's risk factors and monitoring needs.
URBAN STRATEGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: INTEGRATING GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE BUILT ENVIROMENT OF TUBAS CITY.
(An-Najah National University, 2026-07-21) Sawafta, Shaymaa Mujalli Jameel
The study aims to explore the potential of applying Green Infrastructure (GI) and Circular Urbanism concepts to support sustainable urban development within the rapidly urbanizing city of Tubas, Palestine, amid geopolitical constraints. The political division of Palestinian land into Israeli-controlled Areas A, B, and C limits spatial movement and adds to the problem of urban sprawl in the Palestinian agricultural lands. Consequently, precious agricultural land and natural scenery in Tubas are increasingly affected by unplanned urban sprawl, environmental degradation, and a lack of urban infrastructure. The study uses a mixed-methods approach based on methodological triangulation and incorporates Geographic Information Systems (GIS)- based spatial analysis, remote sensing, qualitative interviews with municipal stakeholders, and field observations. Research involves the analysis of land use and land cover change, urban growth patterns, topography, hydrological behavior, and the distribution of green and grey infrastructure in the city. The spatial analysis indicates that impermeable grey infrastructure, fragmented spatial extension, and a lack of ecological networks prevail in the current urban structure of Tubas, which increases surface runoff, flood vulnerability, and the gradual loss of agricultural lands. Spatial analysis also reveals key environmental and urban hotspots, such as the western slopes and the central urban corridors, where topographical features, low-lying areas, and high population levels exacerbate storm water collection and environmental stress. The results of this study suggest an Adaptive Green Infrastructure strategy for Tubas, by incorporating ecological corridors, bioswales, rain gardens, permeable surfaces, detention basins, and urban green networks into an existing urban fabric. The recommended approach should seek to reduce vulnerability to flooding, enhance environmental resilience, protect agricultural land, and promote more sustainable urban growth within the political and spatial context of Palestine. Finally, this thesis offers a spatial planning approach that can help local authorities, planners, and decision-makers move away from traditional grey infrastructure systems towards adaptive and resilient urban infrastructure in Palestine.
A MULTICENTER STUDY TO ASSESS INTENSIVE CARE NURSES’ KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, PRACTICE, AND DECISION-MAKING ON SEPSIS MANAGEMENT IN NORTHERN PALESTINE
(An-Najah National University, 2026-07-30) Nassar, Mohammad Omar