Osteoarthritis (OA) is a public health disease that causes decreased mobility and leads to poor quality of life. A person’s health-seeking behavior can influence their understanding of a disease, which in turn can alter its course. The objectives of this study were to measure the misconceptions about osteoarthritis and to identify the associated health-seeking behaviors. An online, self-administered, questionnaire-based study was conducted with 872 Arabic-speaking participants divided into three strata, group 1 comprising of patients with OA, group 2 participants with joint pain (without OA) and group 3 comprised of general population. Multivariate logistic regression analysis found that seeking care from general practitioners [3.29 (1.19, 9.16)], taking advice from friends [2.83 (1.08, 7.42)], seeking care from chiropractors [3.67 (1.02, 13.60)] and podiatrist [4.64 (1.31, 16.51)] were significantly associated with misconceptions, whereas, the odds were lower for those using social media [0.16 (0.06, 0.46)] and expert websites [0.63 (0.40, 0.99)]. The findings of this study imply that the level of misconceptions is high amongst all three strata.. Expert websites and social media have a positive effect on the management of osteoarthritis. However, general practitioners and allied health workers should regularly update their knowledge using refresher courses.

The pursuit of aesthetic enhancement through cosmetic dermatology has increased globally, influenced by societal beauty standards and social media. Self-esteem plays a pivotal role in shaping individuals’ choices for cosmetic dermatology procedures. To examine the relationship between self-esteem and preferences for cosmetic dermatologic procedures among the Saudi population, utilizing the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 919 participants in Saudi Arabia. The modified Arabic version of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale assessed self-esteem levels. Demographic data, skincare habits, and cosmetic procedure preferences were analyzed using χ ² and multivariate regression tests. Low self-esteem was prevalent in 26% of participants and significantly associated with specific skincare habits (e.g., applying routines to hands and neck) and prior cosmetic procedures targeting visible body areas (P < .05). Participants without a history of cosmetic procedures were 1.72 times more likely to exhibit low self-esteem (adjusted odds ratio = 1.718; P = .002), whereas those not planning future procedures showed a decreased likelihood of low self-esteem (adjusted odds ratio = 0.501; P < .001). The study highlights a significant relationship between low self-esteem and increased engagement in cosmetic-seeking behaviors. Understanding these psychological factors can guide practitioners toward more patient-centered care.

Introduction Heart failure (HF) poses a major global health challenge, with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) representing a critical phase that requires immediate medical intervention. Coronary artery disease (CAD) plays a significant role in many HF cases, contributing to disease progression through myocardial ischemia and impaired ventricular function. While the connection between CAD and HF is well-established, its specific effect on short-term outcomes in patients with ADHF is less understood, especially in regions like the Middle East. This study aims to evaluate the influence of CAD on short-term outcomes in patients presenting with ADHF and identify key differences in demographics, clinical parameters, and outcomes, including intensive care unit (ICU) admissions and medications, between patients with and without CAD, addressing gaps in current understanding and offering insights to improve clinical management. Methods This prospective cohort study was conducted at King Saud University Medical City (KSUMC) in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), from April 2023 to April 2024. We included a total of 144 known heart failure patients presenting with acute heart failure (AHF) to the emergency department (ED). Secondary data was collected from the KSUMC medical records database to track patient outcomes after six months. Significant coronary angiography lesions, defined as 70% stenosis or greater, or a history of myocardial ischemia were necessary as evidence of CAD to meet the inclusion criteria. Statistical analyses were conducted using Chi-squared tests for categorical variables and t-tests for continuous variables. All analyses were performed using RStudio version 4.3.1 (Posit Software, Boston, MA), with a significance threshold set at p < 0.05. Results The study included 144 known heart failure patients presenting with acute decompensation, with 83 (57.6%) patients having CAD. CAD patients were younger (median age: 66 versus 67 years, p = 0.026) and predominantly male (75.9% versus 59%, p = 0.031). Diabetes mellitus was significantly more prevalent among patients with CAD (74.7% versus 49.2%, p = 0.002). Ejection fraction (EF) was notably lower in the CAD group with a greater proportion having an ejection fraction of 40% or less (89.2% versus 62.3%, p < 0.001). Additionally, CAD patients had more frequent ICU admissions (37.3% versus 13.1%, p = 0.001) and were more likely to present with chest pain (38.6% versus 21.3%, p = 0.027), while weight loss and lower extremity edema were more common in non-CAD patients (p < 0.05). Despite these worse clinical signs, CAD patients did not have significantly higher mortality at 180 or 360 days. Conclusion Although there was no statistically significant difference in mortality, CAD patients exhibited more severe disease indicators, such as lower ejection fractions and increased ICU hospitalizations. These findings underscore the importance of early detection and tailored treatment strategies for CAD in ADHF patients. Clinicians should prioritize aggressive management of CAD to prevent disease progression and reduce the need for ICU admissions. Future studies should focus on long-term outcomes and explore the impact of specific interventions, such as early revascularization or optimized heart failure therapies, to better understand how CAD influences ADHF prognosis.

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum-like papillary dermal elastolysis (PXE-PDE) is a rare, acquired skin disorder characterized by multiple small papules arising from degeneration of elastic fibers in the dermis. It is often underrecognized due to its benign nature and resemblance to harmless age-related skin changes and may be misdiagnosed as conditions such as pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE). A 70-year-old woman presented with asymptomatic skin lesions on her neck, which had gradually increased over 2– 3 years. On physical examination, multiple confluent yellowish-white papules with a cobblestone appearance were observed on the neck. Skin biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of PXE-PDE, showing loss of elastic tissue in the superficial dermis. The patient underwent two sessions of CO₂ laser treatment, with approximately 40% improvement noted by both the physician and the patient. This case underscores the importance of clinicopathologic correlation in diagnosing PXE-PDE and distinguishing it from PXE and other mimickers. CO₂ laser therapy may be considered as a cosmetic treatment option in selected patients.

Background: Primary care physicians play an important role in the early recognition, prevention, and referral of suspicious skin lesions. However, data on their preparedness to address skin cancer in Saudi Arabia remain limited. Methods: In this nationwide cross-sectional study, primary care physicians completed an anonymous online questionnaire assessing knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceived barriers. Knowledge was assessed using 27 items scored as correct or incorrect (range 0– 27), with adequate knowledge defined a priori as ≥ 17/27 (≥ 60%). Attitudes were assessed using seven statements rated on a three-point agreement scale, scored 0– 2 each (range 0– 14), with positive attitudes defined as ≥ 10/14 (≥ 70%). Practice was summarised using a 0– 5 index representing the number of recommended skin cancer-related behaviours performed, with proper practice defined as ≥ 3/5. Perceived barriers were assessed as a separate domain using the same three-point agreement format. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with proper practice. Results: A total of 159 primary care physicians were included. Mean knowledge and attitude scores were 20.9 ± 3.2 and 11.2 ± 1.9, respectively, and 90.6% and 89.3% met thresholds for adequate knowledge and positive attitudes. In contrast, the mean practice index was 2.0 ± 1.4, and only 34.6% met the definition of proper practice. Only 24.5% had performed a full-body skin examination for skin cancer screening, 23.3% routinely counseled patients on sun protection, 20.8% used diagnostic tools for suspicious lesions, and 32.7% had attended skin cancer-related continuing medical education. Training attendance and more years in practice were independently associated with proper practice. The most frequently reported barriers were lack of access to diagnostic tools (74.2%) and absence of clear clinical protocols for skin cancer screening or management (69.2%). Conclusion: Primary care physicians showed good knowledge and positive attitudes regarding skin cancer, but practice remained suboptimal. Improving training, clinical guidance, and access to diagnostic tools may strengthen skin cancer prevention and early detection in primary care.