Background: Self-medication (SM) is a widespread global health concern. While it offers convenience and rapid relief for minor conditions, it may lead to misdiagnosis, adverse effects, and drug interactions when used without proper guidance. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, patterns, and perceptions of SM using conventional and herbal medicines among ENT patients in Bisha, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among adult residents of Bisha using a structured, self-administered online questionnaire. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 27. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 422 participants were included. Self-medication was highly prevalent, with 83% reporting use without medical consultation. Analgesics were the most commonly used medications (72.6%). Herbal medicine use was reported by 65.1% of participants, particularly ginger (69.5%) and lemon (61.1%) for symptoms such as cold, sore throat, and cough.... Continue Reading

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common chronic gastrointestinal condition that significantly affects quality of life and imposes a considerable economic burden. Despite the availability of ROME IV diagnostic criteria, gaps in PHC physician knowledge and practice have been reported. PHC physicians play a central role in the diagnosis, management, and follow-up of patients with IBS, making their awareness and application of ROME IV criteria critical. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among PHC physicians in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, between June 2025 and September 2025. A structured, self-administered questionnaire adapted from a previously validated tool was used to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding IBS and ROME IV criteria. Results: A total of 99 physicians participated, most of whom were aged ≤40 years (95.0%), with residents (40.4%) and general practitioners (32.3%) forming the majority. Awareness of ROME IV criteria was high, with 89.9% reporting familiarity and 82.8% having... Continue Reading

Background: To assess whether sham procedures offer comparable outcomes in pain relief, function, quality of life, and adverse events. Methods: The literature search was conducted across the PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases (2014-2024). Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials and observational studies comparing sham and actual orthopedic surgeries. Data was extracted and pooled using Review Manager 5.1.4, with standardized mean difference (SMD) as the effect size metric. A random-effects model accounted for heterogeneity. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane tool. Results: Seven studies were included. The meta-analysis showed a statistically significant difference favoring real surgery for pain outcomes (SMD = -0.73; 95% CI: -1.23 to -0.22; p = 0.005), with high heterogeneity (I² = 89%). Functional outcomes (185 participants across 3 studies) showed no significant difference (SMD = -0.07; 95% CI: -1.04 to 0.89; p = 0.88; I² = 90%). For quality of life (342 participants across... Continue Reading

Background: Kidney stones are a common urological condition influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors and are reported to be prevalent in hot climates, including Saudi Arabia. This study assessed knowledge and awareness of kidney stone prevention among the general population of Taif, Saudi Arabia.Methods: This cross-sectional study included 363 adult residents of Taif City between 25 July 2025 and 15 November 2025; data were collected using an adapted questionnaire pilot-tested for clarity. Associations were assessed using chi-square tests; independent predictors were identified using multivariable logistic regression.Results: A self-reported history of kidney stones was present in 28.7% (104/363) of participants. Awareness of common symptoms was high (95.6% recognized pain), while misconceptions about dietary risk factors persisted (58.6% incorrectly believed calcium-rich foods increase risk). Female sex (OR = 0.54, 95% CI 0.32–0.91) and a healthcare-related occupation or field of study (OR = 0.23, 95% CI 0.11–0.49) were independently associated with lower odds... Continue Reading

Introduction: Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are revolutionizing surgical fields, including oculoplastic surgery. In blepharoplasty, these technologies offer objective analysis of eyelid morphology, age estimation, and surgical outcomes, potentially enhancing both cosmetic and functional results. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance and applications of AI/ML in blepharoplasty procedures. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, four databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched through June 2025. Eligible studies included original research evaluating AI/ML tools for blepharoplasty-related assessments. Data extraction and quality assessment (NIH tool) were independently conducted by two reviewers. A diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis was performed using MetaDisc 2.0 and RevMan 5.4.1 to pool sensitivity and specificity data, with heterogeneity assessed via I². Results: Of 944 records identified, 12 studies met inclusion criteria. Eight were rated as good quality. Pooled analysis of four studies assessing AI-based blepharoptosis detection showed a sensitivity of... Continue Reading

Background: The Hajj is one of the largest recurrent mass gatherings in the world, bringing millions of pilgrims into a confined setting under extreme heat, overcrowding, and physical exertion. Religiosity is generally protective for mental health, yet negative religious coping can worsen depressive symptoms, and the psychological consequences of Hajj remain fragmented across quantitative and qualitative studies. This review synthesised the evidence on how Hajj participation relates to psychological wellbeing. Methods: This mixed-methods systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 statement and was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched to June 2026 for quantitative and qualitative studies. Two reviewers independently screened records, extracted data, and appraised quality using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Because of substantial heterogeneity, findings were combined through narrative synthesis rather than meta-analysis, with certainty assessed... Continue Reading