Inhaled sedation was recently approved in Europe as an alternative to intravenous sedative drugs for intensive care unit (ICU) sedation. The aim of this narrative review was to summarize the available data from the literature published between 2005 and 2023 in terms of the efficacy, safety, and potential clinical benefits of inhaled sedation for ICU mechanically ventilated patients. The results indicated that inhaled sedation reduces the time to extubation and weaning from mechanical ventilation and reduces opioid and muscle relaxant consumption, thereby possibly enhancing recovery. Several researchers have reported its potential cardio-protective, anti-inflammatory or bronchodilator properties, alongside its minimal metabolism by the liver and kidney. The reflection devices used with inhaled sedation may increase the instrumental dead space volume and could lead to hypercapnia if the ventilator settings are not optimal and the end tidal carbon dioxide is not monitored. The risk of air pollution can be prevented by the adequate scavenging of the expired gases. Minimizing atmospheric pollution can be achieved through the judicious use of the inhalation sedation for selected groups of ICU patients, where the benefits are maximized compared to intravenous sedation. Very rarely, inhaled sedation can induce malignant hyperthermia, which prompts urgent diagnosis and treatment by the ICU staff. Overall, there is growing evidence to support the benefits of inhaled sedation as an alternative for intravenous sedation in ICU mechanically ventilated patients. The indication and management of any side effects should be clearly set and protocolized by each ICU. More randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are still required to investigate whether inhaled sedation should be prioritized over the current practice of intravenous sedation.

Background: Burns are considered a serious health affection that leads to several consequences affecting a person both physically and emotionally. Herbal and traditional medicine have become popular remedies among patients worldwide. Aim: This study explores common practices followed in burns as first aid management. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia using a designed questionnaire distributed electronically through different social media. The questionnaire consisted of socio-demographic details, history of burns, causative material, and practices followed in response to burns. Results: 461 individuals have participated in this study. The commonest reason for burns was hot water or steam. The majority of the respondents (63%) had a satisfactory response to self-aid alone at home. The most common first aid options for managing burns at home were cold water alone 195 (42%), any sort of cream alone 177 (38%), or both 317 (69%). Overall, the result shows no statistically significant difference between the outcome of burn injury and the most commonly used burn aids. Conclusions: Most people use creams and water as the first-aid management of burns, while a good number of people use traditional medicine. Overall, people who receive hospital treatment after getting first aid at home give a better outcome.

Background: There is limited research on whether women choose urology as a future career. Therefore, we aimed in this study to assess the influencing and challenging factors among female physicians in Saudi Arabia. Methods: We approached 552 female physicians, including 29 (5.2%) urologists and 523 (94.7%) non-urologists. A cross-sectional survey was carried out, which included five sections and 46 items to assess and compare the perspectives of (urologists and non-urologists regarding influencing factors to choose urology, challenges toward applying to urology, and challenges during and after urology residency. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS software. Responses were presented as frequencies and percentages, while associations were studied using the Chi-squared test/Fisher’s exact test. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Out of 552 female physicians, 466 completed the survey. The survey items compared urologists and non-urologists among female physicians. Among both cohorts, the most influencing factors in choosing urology were the diversity of practice and urological procedures (p =0.002, p< 0.001). There were no social barriers or challenges when applying for urology residency (p< 0.001). Overall, the majority of female urologists reported a high level of agreement that they have more time to work at the clinic (55.2%), they are satisfied as they are currently being urologists (75.8%), satisfied with their current lifestyle (72.6%). They would choose urology again as a future career (58.6%). Non-urologist female physicians 326 (74.6%) think they are more likely to have experienced gender discrimination than urologists 15 (51.7%) (p< 0.001). Female urologists were less likely to face social barriers when applying for urology residency than non-urologists (p< 0.001). Conclusion: As urologists, we must understand women’s struggles, such as gender discrimination, a lack of academic advancement, and a lack of mentorship. To foster women’s careers in urology, we must understand their unique needs, provide adequate mentorship, exterminate gender discrimination bias, and improve mentorship.

Introduction: Since the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there have been some reports regarding the impact of COVID-19 on male psychosexual health. Aims and Objectives: To assess the severity of stress during COVID-19 and to determine the association of stress levels with partner relationships and sexual activity. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia through social media platforms via an online questionnaire between 1 December 2020 and 31 January 2021 among 871 participants after a pilot study among 20 participants, of which 497 were included in the study. Stress levels were assessed using the Arabic version of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 20.0. Responses were presented as frequencies and percentages, and associations were studied using the Chi-squared test/Fisher’s exact test. A value of p ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total of 497 participants who had been infected with COVID-19 completed the survey. In total, it was found that 203 (40.8%) had severe stress scores (severe and extremely severe scores merged), while 131 (26.4%) had moderate stress scores. About 84 (16.9%) participants agreed that their sexual desire decreased, 91 (18.1%) confirmed their sexual intercourse frequency decreased, and sexual satisfaction decreased in 76 (15.3%). A significant positive correlation was found in that those who disagreed with having a good sexual relationship tended to have severe stress (p < 0.001). Conclusion: There were increased levels of stress during the lockdown period, which impacted psychosexual health.

Background and Objectives: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), primarily driven by atherosclerosis, are the leading cause of mortality worldwide. In Saudi Arabia, the prevalence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) poses a significant public health challenge. To estimate the 10-year ASCVD risk among adults in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, and identify prevalent risk factors such as age, gender, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, cholesterol, and preventive medication use. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 58,743 adults aged 35–75 years from the Al-Ahsa Health Cluster. The ASCVD risk was calculated using the ACC/AHA Pooled Cohort Equations. Statistical analysis identified predictors of high ASCVD risk. Results: Most participants (76.3%) were at low ASCVD risk (≤10%), 13.3% at borderline to intermediate risk (10–19%), and 10.4% at high risk (≥20%). Smoking, diabetes (39.6%), hypertension (40.8%), and male gender were key predictors of high ASCVD risk. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) was protective, reducing ASCVD risk by 3%. Among high-risk individuals, 29.7% used aspirin, and 58.3% used statins. Conclusions: While most adults in Al-Ahsa are at low ASCVD risk, a significant portion remains at elevated risk. Modifiable risk factors, including smoking, diabetes, and hypertension, combined with statin and aspirin adherence, highlight critical areas for targeted interventions to reduce the ASCVD burden in this population.

Background Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major complication of diabetes mellitus, and its progression may accelerate during pregnancy. Antenatal care (ANC) physicians play a critical role in the screening and management of DR in pregnant women. However, limited evidence exists regarding their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP), particularly in regions such as Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Objectives The objective of this study is to assess the KAP of ANC physicians in Al-Ahsa regarding DR during pregnancy and to explore associations with demographic and professional characteristics. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among ANC physicians (N = 121) in Al-Ahsa from June 2024 to December 2024. Data were collected using a validated, self-administered questionnaire developed by the researchers. The questionnaire consisted of four sections: demographics, knowledge (multiple-choice/true-false items), attitudes (Likert scale), and practices (self-reported behaviors). Results Among the 121 participants, the mean age was 34.3 ± 7.4 years, and 92 (76.2%) were female. Overall knowledge of DR during pregnancy was moderate, attitudes were neutral, and practices were suboptimal. Notable gaps were observed in knowledge of appropriate DR screening intervals, along with misconceptions regarding BMI, maternal age, and the use of oral hypoglycemic agents as primary risk factors. Only one-third of participants consistently engaged in patient education or referral practices. Physicians with more experience and specialized training demonstrated greater awareness and better adherence to recommended DR screening protocols. Conclusions ANC physicians in Al-Ahsa exhibited moderate knowledge, neutral attitudes, and inadequate practices regarding DR during pregnancy. Targeted educational initiatives and system-level interventions are essential to improve adherence to DR screening guidelines and reduce the risk of pregnancy-related vision loss.