Background: The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in ophthalmology represents a transformative leap in healthcare. AI-powered technologies, such as machine learning and computer vision, enhance the accuracy and efficiency of ophthalmic diagnosis and treatment. Objective: This study aimed to determine medical students’ awareness and attitudes towards the use of artificial intelligence in ophthalmology. Methods: This cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted between November 2022 and January 2023 using online questionnaires. Data collection was carried out using convenience sampling among medical students at the University. IBM SPSS version 23 was used to analyze the data. Results: The current finding shows that most of the participants N=309 (89.6%) had heard of the use of AI in medicine, and N=294 (85.2%) heard of the use of AI in ophthalmology. 98.6% (n=340) of respondents believed AI would be a helpful tool in ophthalmology. Along this line of questioning, a significant majority of respondents, 332 (96.2%) selected screening, 332 (96.2%) selected diagnosis, and 293 (84.9%) selected prevention as a usage of AI ophthalmology. However, the majority, 76.5%) of students had little understanding of the development of AI in ophthalmology. In addition, a significant relationship between sex, academic year, cumulative GPA (cGPA), and awareness of AI in ophthalmology (P<0.001) was found in this study. Conclusions: Overall, medical students in Saudi Arabia appear to have favorable thoughts about AI and positive perceptions towards AI in ophthalmology. However, the findings of this study emphasize the limited understanding and low confidence levels of medical students in Saudi Arabia regarding the use of AI in ophthalmology. As a result, early exposure to AI-related materials in medical curricula is crucial for addressing these challenges through comprehensive AI education and practical exposure to prepare future ophthalmologists.

Background: The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases in Saudi Arabia has heightened the need for organ transplantation; however, the donor pool remains insufficient. This study explored awareness and willingness towards organ donation among Riyadh residents and examined the sociodemographic factors influencing these attitudes. Methods: A cross-sectional survey using convenience sampling was conducted among adults in Riyadh. The survey assessed demographic characteristics, awareness, willingness to donate, and sociodemographic factors. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Results: Among the 645 respondents, 56.4% were willing to donate organs, with females showing a higher propensity than males (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.7–5.1, p < 0.001). Awareness of organ donation centers was linked to increased willingness to donate (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1–2.5, p < 0.001). Higher educational level was strongly associated with donor registration (OR 36.8, 95% CI 14.7–91.9, p < 0.001). Despite their high willingness, only 9.5% were registered as donors, highlighting the gap between intention and action. Conclusions: Riyadh residents showed a significant willingness to donate organs, influenced by gender, education, and awareness. Low registration rates suggest barriers such as religious beliefs and lack of information. Targeted educational campaigns and policy evaluations, including an opt-out system, are recommended to enhance registration rates.

Background: Obesity is a growing public health concern worldwide, and Saudi Arabia faces rising rates of obesity-related conditions, including diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Bariatric surgery is a recognized treatment for severe obesity, offering significant health benefits. This study evaluates the Saudi population’s awareness and attitudes towards bariatric surgery, examining knowledge levels, perceptions, and potential barriers. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among adults in Riyadh using convenience and snowball sampling. The survey included demographic data, awareness of obesity and bariatric surgery, attitudes towards the procedure, perceived barriers, and willingness to consider surgery. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Results: Among 313 participants (mean BMI 26.98 kg/m²), 41.9% identified obesity as a disease, and 48.9% recognized the effectiveness of bariatric surgery for severe obesity. Knowledge scores averaged 4.08 (out of 5) for obesity and 3.28 (out of 6) for bariatric surgery. Significant associations were found between bariatric surgery knowledge and gender (p < 0.001), BMI (p = 0.004), income (p = 0.025), and educational level (p = 0.001). While 71.2% would not consider surgery, misconceptions about risks, stigma, and cost remain common barriers. Conclusions: Although awareness of bariatric surgery in Saudi Arabia is moderate, misconceptions about safety and financial constraints persist. Public education campaigns are necessary to dispel myths, improve understanding, and promote bariatric surgery as a viable treatment option for severe obesity. Expanding insurance coverage and financial support may also enhance accessibility and adoption of this life-saving intervention.

Introduction: Esophagectomy for esophageal cancer traditionally involves delayed postoperative oral feeding due to concerns about complications like anastomotic leakage. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols favor early oral feeding (EOF), but its safety and benefits remain debated. This systematic review and meta-analysis compared EOF versus late oral feeding (LOF) after esophagectomy. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library through March 2025 for primary studies comparing EOF (≤7 days post-op) with LOF (>7 days or delayed) in adult patients after esophagectomy. Outcomes included anastomotic leakage, pneumonia, other complications, gastrointestinal recovery, length of hospital stay (LOS), quality of life (QoL), and mortality. Results: Twenty-nine studies involving 3962 patients were included. There was no significant difference in the risk of anastomotic leakage between the two groups (RR: 1.03, 95% CI: 0.80–1.33, p = 0.82, I² = 0%). EOF was associated with a significantly shorter time to first flatus (Cohen’s d: −1.26, 95% CI: −1.93 to −0.58, p < 0.001) and first defecation (Cohen’s d: −0.87, 95% CI: −1.51 to −0.22, p = 0.01) and a shorter LOS (p = 0.01). No significant differences were found for other complications (acute respiratory distress syndrome [ARDS], chyle leak, conduit issues, ileus, sepsis, wound infection) or mortality rates (in-hospital, 30-day, 90-day, overall). QoL assessment suggested potential improvement in emotional function with EOF. Conclusions: EOF after esophagectomy appears safe, as it does not increase the risk of anastomotic leakage or other major complications compared to LOF. It is associated with faster gastrointestinal recovery and shorter hospital stays, supporting its use within ERAS protocols.

Background: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs) are among the most common urological complaints in older men, frequently arising from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate cancer (PCa). While both conditions share overlapping symptomatology, the way each condition progresses and is managed differs considerably. In sub-Saharan Africa, data on the relative burden of BPH and PCa among men presenting with LUTSs are scarce. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of histologically confirmed BPH and PCa among men presenting with LUTSs at a major tertiary referral center in Tanzania and to explore the association between specific urinary symptoms and histopathological diagnoses. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, reviewing medical records of adult male patients aged ≥50 years who presented with LUTSs and underwent prostatic biopsy between January and December 2023. A total of 133 patients were included through simple random sampling from an eligible population of 260. Data on demographics, comorbidities, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), prostate volume, and histopathological biopsy outcomes were extracted using a purpose-built digital form. This study was conducted in compliance with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. Results: Most patients (39.8%) were aged 70 to 79 years. Hypertension was the most frequent comorbidity among those with chronic disease (31.65%), followed by diabetes mellitus (12.03%). The mean serum PSA was 465.1 ng/mL (SD = 1610.1), and the mean prostate volume was 80.6 cm³ (SD = 75.6). Histopathologically, 57.9% of biopsies were benign and 40.6% were malignant. The most commonly reported IPSS symptoms were urinary frequency (78.2%), weak stream (78.2%), and incomplete emptying (64.7%). Most patients (59.4%) had severe IPSSs. Statistically significant associations were observed between biopsy outcomes and incomplete emptying (p = 0.011), frequency (p = 0.014), weak stream (p = 0.022), nocturia (p = 0.001), urge incontinence (p = 0.004), and post-void dribbling (p < 0.001). IPSS severity was significantly associated with biopsy diagnosis (p < 0.001), with 63% of malignant cases presenting with moderate symptom scores. Conclusions: BPH was the predominant histopathological diagnosis among men presenting with LUTSs at this tertiary center, while prostate cancer accounted for a substantial minority of cases. Certain individual LUTSs, particularly nocturia, urge incontinence, and post-void dribbling, demonstrated significant associations with malignant histopathology. These findings underscore the necessity for systematic histopathological evaluation in all men presenting with LUTSs in resource-limited settings, irrespective of symptom severity.

Background: Tobacco use significantly impacts health and economic sectors. In the Maldives, 4 out of 10 men smoke daily, despite anti-tobacco policies. The Maldives Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) shows fluctuating cigarette smoking prevalence among secondary school students: 6.9% (2004), 3.8% (2007), 4.3% (2011), and 4.7% (2019). No studies have investigated smoking prevalence and attitudes toward anti-smoking policies among higher-secondary students in Addu City. This study examines smoking habits, susceptibility, and attitudes toward anti-smoking regulations to support policy development. Methods: We conducted an observational cross-sectional study using a self-administered survey based on the GYTS and the Canadian Student Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CSTADS), involving 335 high school students in Addu City. Variables included sociodemographic factors, ever-smokers, current smokers, age at first cigarette, smoking dependency, use of other tobacco products, smoking susceptibility, willingness to quit, and reasons to quit or not smoke. Results with p-values < 0.05 were statistically significant. Results: 22.8% of the students had tried smoking, with 4.74% currently smoking, predominantly males. Additionally, 32.2% had tried e-cigarettes. Smoking susceptibility was 44.2%. Seven students showed smoking dependency, with a significant gender difference (75.4% boys vs 33.3% girls, p < 0.05). Among smokers, 20% wanted to quit, and 70% cited cost as a deterrent. Only 20% of smokers supported a total ban on smoking in media compared to 49.8% of non-smokers (p = 0.03). Non-smokers significantly supported anti-smoking measures (73% vs 12.5% of smokers). Conclusion: Cigarette smoking among high school students in Addu is below the national average, but the high number of ever-smokers and interest in smoking and e-cigarettes suggest potential future increases. Policymakers should enact stronger legislation, enforce age restrictions, raise tobacco taxes, and implement comprehensive smoking cessation programs to address tobacco use effectively.