Introduction: In this cross-sectional study, the authors explored the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to artificial intelligence (AI) among medical students in Sudan. With AI increasingly impacting healthcare, understanding its integration into medical education is crucial. This study aimed to assess the current state of AI awareness, perceptions, and practical experiences among medical students in Sudan. The authors aimed to evaluate the extent of AI familiarity among Sudanese medical students by examining their attitudes toward its application in medicine. Additionally, this study seeks to identify the factors influencing knowledge levels and explore the practical implementation of AI in the medical field. Method: A web-based survey was distributed to medical students in Sudan via social media platforms and e-mail during October 2023. The survey included questions on demographic information, knowledge of AI, attitudes toward its applications, and practical experiences. The descriptive statistics, χ² tests, logistic regression, and correlations were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Results: Out of the 762 participants, the majority exhibited a basic understanding of AI, but detailed knowledge of its applications was limited. Positive attitudes toward the importance of AI in diagnosis, radiology, and pathology were prevalent. However, practical application of these methods was infrequent, with only a minority of the participants having hands-on experience. Factors influencing knowledge included the lack of a formal curriculum and gender disparities. Conclusion: This study highlights the need for comprehensive AI education in medical training programs in Sudan. While participants displayed positive attitudes, there was a notable gap in practical experience. Addressing these gaps through targeted educational interventions is crucial for preparing future healthcare professionals to navigate the evolving landscape of AI in medicine. Recommendations: Policy efforts should focus on integrating AI education into the medical curriculum to ensure readiness for the technological advancements shaping the future of healthcare.

Background: Smartphone use has rapidly increased worldwide. It was estimated that worldwide use of smartphones surpassed 4.3 billion in 2023, which means 54% of the world's population now uses smartphones. However, research shows that excessive smartphone use poses health risks and decreases sleep quality, which can be detrimental for students. This study investigates the impact of problematic smartphone usage on health status, mental health, and sleep quality among medical students enrolled in Sudanese universities. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2024, targeting medical students and recent graduates from Sudanese universities through an online survey. Data were collected using validated scales for smartphone addiction, sleep quality, suboptimal health status, and mental health. Descriptive and correlation analyses were performed using SPSS software v28.0.0. Results: Out of 231 respondents (69% female, mean age 22.7), 67.6% exhibited high levels of smartphone addiction. Significant correlations were found between smartphone addiction and poor sleep quality (r = 0.462, p < 0.001), suboptimal health (r = 0.527, p < 0.001), and mental health issues (r = 0.365, p < 0.001). Single students had higher addiction and stress scores, while those living in Sudan showed higher suboptimal health scores. Conclusions: Problematic smartphone use (PSU) is prevalent among Sudanese medical students, negatively affecting mental health and sleep.

Aims: Glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness, is particularly prevalent among individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), a known risk factor for the disease. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to evaluate the incidence of glaucoma in T2DM patients treated with Glucagon‐Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists (GLP‐1RAs) compared to those using other antihyperglycaemic agents.Materials and Methods: A comprehensive search of literature was conducted using MEDLINE (PubMed), the Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and Scopus up to September 14, 2024. Observational studies that reported the incidence of glaucoma among T2DM patients using GLP‐1RAs versus other antihyperglycaemic drugs were included. Data analysis employed the random‐effects model, presenting odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Heterogeneity was assessed using I² statistics, and a sensitivity analysis was performed to test the result's robustness.Results: Five observational studies involving 2,500,430 participants met the inclusion criteria. The meta‐analysis indicated that GLP‐1RA use was associated with a nonsignificant reduction in the incidence of glaucoma (OR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.60 to 1.02; p = 0.01: I² = 88%). Sensitivity analysis by leave‐one‐out method showed a significant reduction of glaucoma in GLP‐1 RA users.Conclusions: In conclusion, GLP‐1RA usage in T2DM patients may be beneficial in lowering the risk of glaucoma under some circumstances. These results advocate for further clinical studies to confirm GLP‐1RAs' protective ocular effects, potentially influencing future treatment guidelines and preventive care strategies for glaucoma patients.

Music therapy has been widely used in medical practices, demonstrating positive effects on diverse medical procedures. In the context of labor pain management, evidence suggests that music can positively influence pain perception and overall well-being during labor, serving as a distraction and stress reducer. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to comprehensively evaluate the impact of music therapy on labor pain in primigravida women during vaginal delivery. Following PRISMA guidelines, a thorough literature search was conducted in Google Scholar, PubMed, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials up to November 2023. Nine randomized control trials (RCTs) met the inclusion criteria, involving primigravida women undergoing vaginal delivery with music therapy intervention. Quality assessment was performed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias assessment tool. A meta-analysis of the fixed effects was performed using mean differences (MD). Pooled analysis of Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores revealed statistically significant reductions in pain intensity during latent (MD: − 0.73; 95% CI − 1.01; − 0.45); during the active phase (MD: − 0.56; 95% CI − 1.06; − 0.07) and the second stage (MD: − 0.69; 95% CI − 0.85; − 0.54). The findings indicated no statistically significant variances related to the integration of music therapy in addressing anxiety, both in the latent phase (MD: − 0.88; 95% CI − 1.86; -2.02) and the active phase of labor (MD: -0.30; 95% CI − 1.74; 1.13). In conclusion, the collective evidence presented in this systematic review underscores the potential of music, especially for women giving for the first time. in mitigating labor pain and anxiety across different stages, offering a holistic approach to enhance the overall childbirth experience for women.

Background and aims: Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a rapidly developing tool within the medical landscape, globally aiding in diagnosis and healthcare management. However, its integration within healthcare systems remains varied across different regions. In Sudan, there exists a burgeoning interest in AI potential applications within medicine. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of AI applications in medicine among physicians in Sudan. Methods: The authors conducted a web-based survey cross-sectional analytical study using an online questionnaire-based survey regarding demographic details, knowledge, attitudes, and practice of AI distributing through various e-mail listings and social media platforms. A sample of 825 Physicians including doctors in Sudan with different ranks and specialties were selected using the convenient non-probability sampling technique. Result: Out of 825 Physicians, 666 (80.7%) of Physicians have previous knowledge about AI. However, only a small number 123 (14.9%) were taught about AI during their time in medical school, even fewer, just 120 (14.5%) had AI-related lessons in their training program. Regarding attitude, 675 (81.8%) agree that AI is very important in medicine, almost the same number, 681 (82.6%) support the idea of teaching AI in medical schools. Practically, 535 (64.8%) of doctors, think that should get special training in using AI tools in healthcare. Excitingly 651 (78.9%) of physicians are interested in working with AI in future. Based on different ranks of doctors toward AI; Medical Officers exhibited the highest proportion at (32.7%) of knowledge and understanding of AI concepts, followed by House Officers at (16.7%) (p=0.076); regarding attitude, Medical Officers demonstrated the highest (31.6%) favorable attitude, followed by House Officers at (17.5%) (p=0.229); In practice also, Medical Officer showed the highest portion (28.0%) among participants (p=0.129). Conclusion: While there is a positive attitude and some level of AI practice, there remains a considerable gap in knowledge that needs addressing.

Evidence-based medicine (EBM) is “the conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of the current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients. It has become an essential part of practicing in all aspects of healthcare. We aimed to investigate evidence-based medicine education of medical students in Sudan. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional online survey on Sudanese medical students via convenience sampling. Data collection spanned from March 10, 2023, to September 18, 2023. The questionnaire, adapted with input from faculty members, covered sociodemographic data, search engine usage, evidence-based medicine (EBM) skills, attitudes toward EBM, and knowledge of EBM terms. Randomization of questions and response validation were utilized to minimize bias. Data were collected via Google Forms and analyzed using R and SPSS software, and appropriate statistical tests were performed. The cross-sectional study consisted of 1201 Sudanese medical students from various private and public schools. Most participants were female (61.0%), with a mean age of 22.36 ± 2.36 years. The majority were fourth-year students (25.4%). Over half (51.3%) had attended previous EBM training, with 71.4% having taken research methodology courses. However, only 50.4% read scientific literature monthly or less, and 30.8% never read scientific literature monthly. Google, Wikipedia, and Google Scholar were the predominant search engines. Self-reported EBM skills varied, with no significant difference between trained and untrained students. Attitudes towards EBM were generally positive, though variations existed. Understanding of EBM terms varied, with case report being the most recognized study design term. In patient care, most students rated their EBM skills as average. Medical students lack knowledge and skills related to evidence-based medicine (EBM) and have a positive attitude towards its use in healthcare practice. Many rely on non-scientific search engines for medical information due to limited access to institutional resources. They primarily obtain medical information from books and lecture notes, highlighting the need for education on accessing scientific literature.