The net use of plastic has increased and this augmentation in plastic usage results in ever- growing accumulation of plastic waste in our ecosystems. Regrettably, a portion of this waste is the microplastics including microbeads, which are tiny plastic particles <5 mm in diameter. Microbeads are used in our personal care products. Although, legislative ban of microbeads in some developed countries has proven effective, but many countries do not take any legal action. Hence, microbead-containing products are openly sold in international market and entered into the food chain and disturb it. In human beings and animals, plastic when ingested causes internal bleeding, abrasion, ulcers and blockage of the digestive tract. The present review highlighted the bioaccumulation of microbeads via the food chain and its adverse effect on environment health. Moreover, different scientific views and suggestions for eradication of the problem and present scenario of the use of microbeads in some Asian countries have also been discussed.

Hospital discharge summaries are a key communication tool ensuring continuity of care between primary and secondary care. Incomplete or untimely communication of information increases risk of hospital readmission and associated complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the introduction of a new electronic discharge system (NewEDS) was associated with improvements in the completeness and timeliness of discharge information, in Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, England. A before and after longitudinal study design was used. Data were collected using the gold standard auditing tool from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP). This tool contains a checklist of 57 items grouped into seven categories, 28 of which are classified as mandatory by RCP. Percentage completeness (out of the 28 mandatory items) was considered to be the primary outcome measure. Data from 773 patients discharged directly from the acute medical unit over eight-week long time periods (four before and four after the change to the NewEDS) from August 2010 to May 2012 were extracted and evaluated. Results were summarised by effect size on completeness before and after changeover to NewEDS respectively. The primary outcome variable was represented with percentage of completeness score and a non-parametric technique was used to compare pre-NewEDS and post-NewEDS scores. The changeover to the NewEDS resulted in an increased completeness of discharge summaries from 60.7% to 75.0% (p < 0.001) and the proportion of summaries created under 24 h from discharge increased significantly from 78.0% to 93.0% (p < 0.001). Furthermore, five of the seven grouped checklist categories also showed significant improvements in levels of completeness (p < 0.001), although there were reduced levels of completeness for three items (p < 0.001). The introduction of a NewEDS was associated with a significant improvement in the completeness and timeliness of hospital discharge communication.

Objective To assess prevalence and correlation of factors of family burden associated with mental and physical disorders in the general population of Saudi Arabia. Setting and participants A secondary analysis of data from the Saudi National Mental Health Survey (SNMHS). Outcome measures Mental and physical health disorders of first-degree relatives and objective (time, financial) and subjective (distress, embarrassment) family burden. Results We found significant caregiver burden for family members with mental health disorders. Around one-third of the sample was providing care for a family member with a health issue. Within this group, 40% had a mental health diagnosis. 73% of the study population reported experiencing some form of burden as a result of the care they are obligated to provide for their family members. We found the highest burden on male caregivers, in providing care for family members with serious memory disorders, mental retardation, schizophrenia or psychosis, followed by, alcohol and drug disorders, anxiety, depression or manic depression. Conclusion Our findings for family burden were statistically significant, indicating potential negative impact on caregiver coping ability with the demands of caring for family members with health issues. A comprehensive review of national mental health policies is required to integrate aspects of community mental health promotion, scale-up prevention, screening interventions and social support to protect against the difficulties of mental illness and reduce the burden on caregivers, the family, society, health system and the economy.

Background: Childbirth-related post-traumatic stress disorder (CB-PTSD) is an underrecognized condition with consequences for mothers and infants. This study aimed to determine risk factors for CB-PTSD symptoms across countries within a stress–diathesis framework, focusing on antenatal, birth-related, and postpartum predictors. Methods: The INTERSECT cross-sectional survey (April 2021–January 2024) included 11,302 women at 6–12 weeks postpartum. The study was carried out across maternity services in 31 countries. Outcomes were CB-PTSD diagnosis, symptom severity, and perceived traumatic birth, assessed with the City Birth Trauma Scale. Multiple risk factors were assessed, including preexisting vulnerability, pregnancy, birth, and infant-related factors. All models were adjusted for country-level variation as a random effect. Results: Models explained substantial variance across all outcomes (conditional R ² = 0.53–0.58). Negative birth experience was the strongest predictor (e.g. odds ratio [OR] = 0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.80–0.84 for diagnosis). Ongoing maternal complications predicted both CB-PTSD diagnosis and symptoms (e.g. OR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.41–1.84), and major infant complications were associated with CB-PTSD diagnosis (OR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.29–2.07). Reports of perceived danger to self or infant (criterion A) were linked to higher CB-PTSD symptoms and traumatic birth ratings (e.g., β =0.25, 95% CI = 0.21–0.29). Other predictors reached significance but showed small effects. Conclusions: Findings support a stress–diathesis framework, showing that while pre-existing vulnerabilities contribute, birth-related stressors exert the strongest influence. Trauma-informed maternity care should prioritize these factors, with attention to women’s appraisals of birth.

Women’s health issues are complex and require collaborative efforts to unravel some of these complexities. This study aims to identify the incidence risk of Postpartum Depression (PPD) in a national sample of women in Saudi Arabia and the relationship with several health status, lifestyle, and sociodemographic factors. A cross-sectional study with an online questionnaire format assessed the risk of postpartum depression using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and included several questions on postpartum health status and lifestyle factors. Of the 550 women who responded to the survey 75% scored within range of risk for PPD (≥12). We found significant associations between family income, younger baby age, birth difficulty, having family support, level of physical activity, and the risk for PPD (p < 0.05). Urgent attention and resources should be directed towards screening and treatment for PPD in the healthcare system. The development of programs for awareness, education, and support of postpartum mothers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is also required.

Background: There is a shift towards increased use of telemedicine applications for healthcare service provision and delivery. Thus, awareness among healthcare practitioners of telemedicine policies is critical for proper implementation and utilization of telemedicine technology. Objective: This study assesses the level of computer access and literacy, knowledge of telemedicine policies and technology, perceptions, and willingness to use telemedicine among healthcare practitioners working in ambulatory care clinics. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted at King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital in Jeddah. Data were collected between February and March 2021 using a self-completed online survey. Results: Of 136 healthcare practitioners surveyed, we found that over half had average to high knowledge about telemedicine technology, tools, guidelines, security, and privacy policies within the hospital. 95% were willing to use telemedicine to consult with large centers in their medical or clinical specialty and support further implementation of telemedicine technology in the hospital. 90% expressed a need for continuous training in the use of telemedicine. Conclusion: The current study shows that there is inadequate computer access and knowledge of telemedicine, but there were very positive perceptions and willingness related to telemedicine among healthcare practitioners working in the ambulatory care clinics. There is an urgent need for orientation and training programs that focus on the technology and applications of telemedicine, as well as current policies.