Professor Saed Zyoud: A Journey in Interdisciplinary Research for Kidney Patient Care at An-Najah National University

An Inspirational Researcher in Interdisciplinary Studies
Professor Saed Zyoud stands as an inspiring model in the field of interdisciplinary scientific research at An-Najah National University. He has successfully integrated pharmaceutical sciences with various health disciplines to enhance the care of kidney patients, particularly those suffering from chronic diseases requiring dialysis. His research is characterized by depth and diversity, addressing complex health issues such as malnutrition, pain, depression, and quality of life in dialysis patients. This has made his work a significant reference in the international scientific community, garnering numerous citations.
The Beginning of the Journey: A Focus on Kidney Patients
Prof. Zyoud’s journey began with a dedicated focus on kidney patients, especially those with chronic conditions requiring dialysis. From the outset, he recognized that their care extends beyond medication to include improving their quality of life and alleviating the burden of associated illnesses such as diabetes and malnutrition.
Interdisciplinary Research Approach
With his advanced scientific vision, Prof. Zyoud adopted an interdisciplinary research approach, integrating fields such as pharmacy, nutrition, internal medicine, psychology, microbiology, and pharmacology. This multi-disciplinary approach enabled him to develop innovative solutions for the complex health challenges faced by kidney patients, including understanding their suffering and addressing related health aspects.
Key Contributions in Interdisciplinary Research for Kidney Patients
Based on his extensive publications in prestigious scientific journals, here are some of Prof. Zyoud’s notable interdisciplinary research studies:

- Enhancing Patient Engagement and Health in Diabetic Dialysis Patients
- Published in BMC Nephrology (July 2024), this study explored factors influencing patient activation in diabetic dialysis patients. It demonstrated that improving patient engagement and adherence to treatment plans, including lifestyle modifications, significantly enhances health outcomes and quality of life.
- The Link Between Malnutrition and Pain in Dialysis Patients
- Published in Scientific Reports (June 2024), this research analyzed the relationship between malnutrition and chronic pain in dialysis patients, revealing that malnutrition exacerbates pain severity, negatively impacting treatment outcomes.
- Global Mapping of Malnutrition Research in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients
- Published in Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition (September 2023), this comprehensive analysis highlighted the importance of integrated nutritional interventions to improve patient health and reduce disease progression risks.
- Management of Anemia in Dialysis Patients
- Published in BMC Nephrology (June 2023), this study investigated treatment strategies for anemia in dialysis patients. Findings showed that a combination of iron supplements and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents significantly improved hemoglobin levels and patient quality of life.
- Chronic Pain and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Levels in Dialysis Patients
- Published in Scientific Reports (March 2023), this research established a strong correlation between chronic pain and elevated CRP levels, indicating systemic inflammation and its impact on patient health.
- Bacterial Resistance in Blood Infections Among Dialysis Patients
- Published in Scientific Reports (October 2022), this study examined microbial resistance patterns in bloodstream infections among dialysis patients. The findings underscored the urgent need for stricter antibiotic management protocols to address this growing challenge.
- Chronic Itching and Sleep Quality in Dialysis Patients
- Published in BMC Nephrology (June 2022), this research explored the link between chronic itching in dialysis patients and their sleep quality, highlighting the necessity for effective anti-itch medications to improve sleep patterns.
- Nutritional Status and Quality of Life in Diabetic Dialysis Patients
- Published in Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition (July 2021), this study examined how nutrition influences the quality of life in diabetic patients with kidney failure, showing that malnutrition exacerbates the effects of diabetes and kidney failure.
- Impact of Pain on the Quality of Life of Dialysis Patients
- Published in Health Quality of Life Outcomes (February 2021), this study demonstrated how chronic pain significantly deteriorates patients’ quality of life, emphasizing the need for medical and pharmacological interventions to manage pain effectively.
- Patient Adherence to Treatment in Dialysis Patients
- Published in BMC Nephrology (May 2017), this study analyzed factors influencing patient adherence to treatment recommendations, showing that following prescribed dietary plans and attending regular therapy sessions greatly improves patient health.
- Use of Alternative Medicine in Dialysis Patients
- Published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine (July 2016), this research investigated the impact of alternative medicine on dialysis patients, finding that many rely on herbal and traditional remedies. The study emphasized the need for proper patient guidance on the safe use of such treatments.
- Factors Affecting Quality of Life in Dialysis Patients
- Published in BMC Nephrology (April 2016), this research explored how treatment adherence, social and psychological conditions impact the well-being and quality of life of dialysis patients.

Conclusion
Prof. Saed Zyoud 's research stands out for integrating diverse disciplines such as pharmacy, internal medicine, nutrition, pharmacology, psychology, and microbiology to improve kidney patient care. Through his interdisciplinary approach, he has demonstrated an exceptional ability to provide innovative research solutions. His work not only bridges specialized knowledge across various fields but also delivers tangible improvements in the healthcare provided to kidney patients. These interdisciplinary studies go beyond academic contributions; they offer real advancements in patient care, reducing complications associated with kidney failure and enhancing overall well-being.

- Zyoud SH, Al-Jabi SW, Sweileh WM, Tabeeb GH, Ayaseh NA, Sawafta MN, Khdeir RL, Mezyed DO, Daraghmeh DN, Awang R (2016) Use of complementary and alternative medicines in haemodialysis patients: a cross-sectional study from Palestine BMC complementary and alternative medicine 16: 204
- Al-Jabi SW, Rajabi NS, Koni AA, Zyoud SH (2023) A multicenter descriptive analysis of anemia management in hemodialysis patients and its association with quality of life BMC Nephrol 24: 197
- Daraghmeh M, Badran M, Janajreh A, Hassan M, Taha AA, Koni AA, Zyoud SH (2022) Prevalence of pruritus associated with hemodialysis and its association with sleep quality among hemodialysis patients: a multicenter study BMC Nephrol 23: 213
- Khatib ST, Hemadneh MK, Hasan SA, Khazneh E, Zyoud SH (2018) Quality of life in hemodialysis diabetic patients: a multicenter cross-sectional study from Palestine BMC Nephrol 19: 49
- Marzouq MK, Samoudi AF, Samara A, Zyoud SH, Al-Jabi SW (2021) Exploring factors associated with pain in hemodialysis patients: a multicenter cross-sectional study from Palestine BMC Nephrol 22: 96
- Naalweh KS, Barakat MA, Sweileh MW, Al-Jabi SW, Sweileh WM, Zyoud SH (2017) Treatment adherence and perception in patients on maintenance hemodialysis: a cross - sectional study from Palestine BMC Nephrol 18: 178
- Omari AM, Omari LS, Dagash HH, Sweileh WM, Natour N, Zyoud SH (2019) Assessment of nutritional status in the maintenance of haemodialysis patients: a cross-sectional study from Palestine BMC Nephrol 20: 92
- Zeidalkilani JM, Milhem YA, Shorafa RN, Taha S, Koni AA, Al-Jabi SW, Zyoud SH (2024) Factors associated with patient activation among patients with diabetes on hemodialysis: a multicenter cross-sectional study from a developing country BMC Nephrol 25: 232
- Zyoud SH, Daraghmeh DN, Mezyed DO, Khdeir RL, Sawafta MN, Ayaseh NA, Tabeeb GH, Sweileh WM, Awang R, Al-Jabi SW (2016) Factors affecting quality of life in patients on haemodialysis: a cross-sectional study from Palestine BMC Nephrol 17: 44
- Samoudi AF, Marzouq MK, Samara AM, Zyoud SH, Al-Jabi SW (2021) The impact of pain on the quality of life of patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis: a multicenter cross-sectional study from Palestine Health Qual Life Outcomes 19: 39
- Hafi E, Soradi R, Diab S, Samara AM, Shakhshir M, Alqub M, Zyoud SH (2021) Nutritional status and quality of life in diabetic patients on hemodialysis: a cross-sectional study from Palestine J Health Popul Nutr 40: 30
- Shakhshir MH, Vanoh D, Hassan M, Zyoud SH (2023) Mapping the global research landscape on malnutrition for patients with chronic kidney disease: a visualization analysis J Health Popul Nutr 42: 101
- Al-Jabi SW, Sous A, Jorf F, Taqatqa M, Allan M, Sawalha L, Lubadeh E, Zyoud SH, Sweileh WM (2018) Depression in patients treated with haemodialysis: a cross-sectional study Lancet (London, England) 391 Suppl 2: S41
- AbuTaha SA, Al-Kharraz T, Belkebir S, Abu Taha A, Zyoud SH (2022) Patterns of microbial resistance in bloodstream infections of hemodialysis patients: a cross-sectional study from Palestine Sci Rep 12: 18003
- Jaber MM, Abdalla MA, Mizher A, Hammoudi H, Hamed F, Sholi A, AbuTaha A, Hassan M, Taha S, Koni AA, Shakhshir M, Zyoud SH (2024) Prevalence and factors associated with the correlation between malnutrition and pain in hemodialysis patients Sci Rep 14: 14851
- Mizher A, Hammoudi H, Hamed F, Sholi A, AbuTaha A, Abdalla MA, Jaber MM, Hassan M, Koni AA, Zyoud SH (2023) Prevalence of chronic pain in hemodialysis patients and its correlation with C-reactive protein: a cross-sectional study Sci Rep 13: 5293