Data on the association between social isolation, loneliness, and risk of incident coronary heart disease (CVD) are conflicting. The objective of this study is to determine the relationship between social isolation and loneliness, and the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) in middle age and elderly using meta-analysis. The purpose of the bibliometric analysis is to systematically evaluate the existing literature on the relationship between social isolation, loneliness, and the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) in middle-aged and elderly individuals. A comprehensive search through four electronic databases (MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science) was conducted for published articles that determined the association between social isolation and/or loneliness and the risk of developing coronary heart disease from June 2015 to May 2023. Two independent reviewers reviewed the titles and abstracts of the records. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline to conduct the systematic review and meta-analysis. Data for the bibliometric analysis was obtained from the Scopus database and analyzed using VOSviewer and Bibliometrix applications. Six studies involving 104,511 patients were included in the final qualitative review and meta-analysis after screening the records. The prevalence of loneliness ranged from 5 to 65.3%, and social isolation ranged from 2 to 56.5%. A total of 5073 cardiovascular events were recorded after follow-up, ranging between 4 and 13 years. Poor social relationships were associated with a 16% increase in the risk of incident CVD (Hazard Ratio of new CVD when comparing high versus low loneliness or social isolation was 1.16 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.10–1.22). The bibliometric analysis shows a rapidly growing field (9.77% annual growth) with common collaboration (6.37 co-authors/document, 26.53% international). The US leads research output, followed by the UK and Australia. Top institutions include University College London, Inserm, and the University of Glasgow. Research focuses on "elderly," "cardiovascular disease," and "psychosocial stress," with recent trends in "mental health," "social determinants," and "COVID-19". Social isolation and loneliness increase the risk of and worsen outcomes in incident cardiovascular diseases. However, the observed effect estimate is small, and this may be attributable to residual confounding from incomplete measurement of potentially confounding or mediating factors. The results of the bibliometric analysis highlight the multidimensional nature of CVD research, covering factors such as social, psychological, and environmental determinants, as well as their interplay with various demographic and health-related variables.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder affecting ≈8% to 13% of women of reproductive age. PCOS has multifaceted effects that extend beyond reproductive health. Women with PCOS are at an elevated risk for various metabolic conditions, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, as well as psychological challenges, such as anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. This systematic review examined the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions, including dietary, exercise, and behavioral modifications, in improving reproductive outcomes, mental well-being, and quality of life in women with PCOS. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases, identifying observational and interventional studies published in English through December 2022. Studies were evaluated for methodological quality and categorized according to the type of lifestyle intervention and outcome measures. Results: Of the 24 studies reviewed, with 16 focusing on reproductive outcomes, 4 on quality of life, and 4 on combined outcomes, encompassing 1373 participants with the mean age in the included studies ranged from 21.7 to 36.5 years. Dietary modifications, either alone or in combination with exercise, resulted in significant improvements in reproductive health, including a 5% reduction in body weight (P < .001), increased menstrual regularity, higher pregnancy rates, and decreased testosterone levels (P < .01). Exercise interventions further contributed to positive outcomes; a 20-week exercise program improved ovulation rates by 49.1% and significantly reduced testosterone and free androgen indices (P < .001). In addition, structured exercise programs increased menstrual regularity by 60% and reduced body mass index and testosterone levels. Conclusion: This review underscores the efficacy of integrated lifestyle interventions, including dietary, exercise, and behavioral approaches, in improving reproductive health, psychological well-being, and quality of life in women with PCOS. These findings highlight the potential of comprehensive nonpharmacological management strategies to address the multifaceted health challenges posed by PCOS. Future research should prioritize long-term studies to assess sustained outcomes and examine personalized intervention strategies that account for the clinical diversity and heterogeneity of PCOS presentations.

Background Overweight and obesity are excessive fat accumulations linked with many health problems, including heart diseases, type 2 diabetes and cancer. Multiple studies have demonstrated that beliefs about overweight, obesity and self-efficacy play essential roles in the success of interventions for obesity management. Objectives This study aimed to identify the perceptions of university students of overweight and obesity using the health belief model (HBM) and to analyse their association with the body mass index (BMI) categories of the students. Design A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study and a multistage sampling technique were used to ensure the recruitment of students from selected colleges of Jazan University—Saudi Arabia. Setting Six colleges of Jazan University were randomly selected to ensure equal representation of health sciences, sciences and humanities colleges. Participants A total of 579 students completed an online survey between January and April 2023. Primary and secondary outcome measures The primary outcome measures were demographic characteristics and HBM constructs. Secondary outcome measures were behavioural intentions relating to obesity management. Results This study demonstrated that gender and self-reported family history of obesity were significantly correlated with the BMI categories of the students (p <0.001). Students in the underweight category showed the highest mean score for perceived severity (3.62 ±0.08). Perceived self-efficacy in exercise and diet was significantly associated with BMI categories, with adjusted ORs of 2.82 (2.10 to 3.79) and 1.51 (1.09 to 2.09), respectively. Perceived barriers to healthy eating and regular physical activity were significantly related to the behavioural intentions of obesity management. Multivariate logistic regression showed that perceived severity, perceived cues to action, perceived barriers and self-efficacy in dieting and exercise were significant predictors of behavioural intentions for the management of obesity. Conclusion This study underscores the need for tailored health promotion strategies that consider the perceptions and beliefs of people about the management of obesity.

Medical students represent the future of the healthcare workforce. However, the demanding nature of medical education places them at an increased risk of mental health issues. Ensuring their mental well-being is crucial for maintaining a competent and compassionate healthcare system. This study aims to determine the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress, along with barriers to accessing mental health services among medical students. A cross-sectional self-administered online survey conducted among medical students of Jazan University, Saudi Arabia, from September 2023 to March 2024. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted using International Business Machines Corporation Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 27.0.1 (Chicago). The study included 390 participants. Median scores for depression, anxiety, and stress were 14.00, 12.00, and 16.00, respectively, with interquartile ranges of 4.00 to 22.00, 4.00 to 20.00, and 6.00 to 24.00. Depression severity categories showed that 38.2% were normal, while 11.5%, 31.8%, 13.6%, and 4.9% experienced mild, moderate, severe, and extremely severe symptoms, respectively. Anxiety severity classifications revealed 37.4% as normal, with 6.2%, 17.4%, 10.0%, and 29.0% falling into mild, moderate, severe, and extremely severe categories, respectively. For stress, 49.2% were normal, while 11.0%, 16.7%, 14.1%, and 9.0% experienced mild, moderate, severe, and extremely severe levels, respectively. Barriers to accessing mental health care included a preference for self-management, confidentiality concerns, societal judgment, and fears of career-related repercussions. This study highlights a high prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among medical students at Jazan University, with notable gender differences and symptom severity. Addressing barriers to mental health care, such as confidentiality concerns and societal stigma, is essential to improving service utilization and student well-being.

Vitamin D deficiency is a common health problem among adults in Saudi Arabia, particularly females. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with many diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, neurological disorders, and cognitive decline. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, awareness and practice of vitamin D deficiency among female students in Jazan University as well as to determine the sociodemographic related factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 204 female undergraduate and postgraduate students (18 years of age and older) in March 2022 from Saudi Arabia. Students completed a web-based survey about vitamin D and their demographic characteristics. Statistical analyses were conducted using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software. Descriptive statistics, the Chi-squared test of homogeneity, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used. The results revealed that the participants had limited knowledge related to vitamin D normal level (49.5%), and the recommended daily amount of vitamin D (26.5%). Most of the participants were unaware of its benefits for vision, muscle integrity, weakness, and fatigue. Most of them recognized the importance of sunlight for maintaining suitable levels of vitamin D (94.1%). However, only 43.1% identified that decreased intake of foods rich in vitamin D is a cause of vitamin D deficiency. Participants (33.7%) preferred exposure to sunlight to improve their vita-min D levels, and 32.4% used vitamin D supplements. However, only 39.2% had ever examined their vitamin D status. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models demonstrated a significant association between knowledge, and residence, and source of information (odds ratios = 3.48 and 2.79, respectively, P < .05). Most respondents had a basic understanding of vitamin D, vitamin D insufficiency, and the environmental and dietary factors contributing to it. Given the findings obtained, cognitive interventions need to be carried out.