Introduction: PCOS, a common hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age, affects fertility and increases the risks of other diseases. Early detection, risk factor assessment, and intervention are crucial to prevent long-term complications. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted using a pre-validated questionnaire at two medical colleges in the UAE and Oman. The first study (UAE) results are already published. Here, we present the findings of the second study (Oman) and compare them. Results and Discussion: The prevalence of PCOS was 4.6% (n = 7) in Oman and 27.6% (n = 69) in the UAE using the NIH criteria. The most common symptoms were irregular periods, acne, and thinning of hair. Students showed acne as the most prevalent symptom of clinical hyperandrogenism. Omani students showed significantly more acne [70.1% (n = 108) vs. 41.6% (n = 104)], while Emirati students showed a higher prevalence of hirsutism [32% (n = 80) vs. 23.3% (n = 36)]. A higher number of students had irregular periods 30.8% (77/150) in the UAE, although the difference was not statistically significant. The prevalence of PCOS was significantly higher in Emirati medical students than in Omani students (p < 0.05). The prevalence was also lower among medical students in Oman compared to an unselected population, reported by a study that included all consecutive women between 12 and 45 years of age attending a hospital. An increased trend in unhealthy lifestyle practices was observed in the recent study. Obesity was a strong predictor of PCOS symptoms across the populations in both countries (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of PCOS and clinical signs of hyperandrogenism vary significantly between countries in the MENA region. There is a need to identify specific risk factors associated with PCOS in different populations, explore the genetic basis, and undertake collaborative efforts among healthcare professionals from various disciplines to raise awareness about PCOS and its associated risks.

Interprofessional education (IPE) is preparing health professions students to work as a team in a collaborative environment to provide holistic patient care. The objective of this study was to measure the preparedness of faculty and undergraduate health professions students toward Interprofessional education and to evaluate the Interprofessional teaching module delivered by IPTBL pedagogy. A quantitative Pretest-Posttest experimental study design was adopted using homogeneous convenience sampling. An IPE program was developed by IP Team which had three phases, first to measure the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning using (RIPLS) questionnaire, and second, to develop a Learning module for non-communicable disease (Acute coronary syndrome), and the third Implementation of the module using IPTBL pedagogy. Seventy-eight participants volunteered for this IPE program, out of which 48 undergraduate health professions students from medicine and nursing programs and 30 faculties working in different disciplines and programs. There was a statistically significant difference observed in all the four subscales of RIPLS in health professions students and faculty before (Pre-Test) and after orientation (Post-Test). The overall mean scores improvement in the TRAT and peer evaluation indicates students’ valuable contributions to the team. This study’s findings showed health professional students and faculty demonstrated readiness for IPE. TBL is an effective pedagogy to deliver an Interprofessional learning module that enhances teamwork and collaboration skills, among health care professionals and can contribute to improving patient outcomes.

Introduction and Aim: Because lifestyle changes and treatments can reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes and coronary vascular diseases (CVD), early detection of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is crucial. Using the new International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria, the study aimed to determine the prevalence of MetS and evaluate the known risk factors. Methods and Materials: The current study was a cross-sectional quantitative study among students of 1^st MBBS in Mahavir Medical College and Hospital, Vikarabad, Telangana, India. The study included 150 students of both genders. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, lipid profile, demographic details, and risk factors were evaluated. Data was processed using SPSS version 20. P-value <0.05 was considered for statistical significance. Results: In total, 148 students aged 19 years (mean age 18±4), were included in the study. Among them, 66 (44.59%) were males and 82 (55.4%) were females. The comprehensive prevalence of (MetS) was 28.35%. Females have a high risk at 37.8% when compared to males at 18.8%. Additionally, a high prevalence of overweight and obesity, high blood pressure, and low HDL were found to be the primary causes of MetS. Conclusion: Due to the high prevalence of metabolic syndrome among medical students in their early years. Unhealthy habits and a lack of awareness could be to blame for this. Hence health education and early detection followed by lifestyle interventions are imperative in the early phase of their medical education to decrease the prevalence.

To assess the prevalence and demographic distribution of thyroid dysfunction in the Al Batinah North Governorate, Oman, and to examine associations between thyroid hormone levels and lipid profiles. This retrospective observational study was conducted at Sohar Hospital, a major referral centre in Al Batinah North. Electronic medical records of 40,390 patients who underwent thyroid function testing between 2020 and 2024 were reviewed. The prevalence of subclinical and overt hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, demographic distribution (age, gender), and associations between thyroid hormone levels and lipid profiles were analyzed. Only the first thyroid panel per patient was included to avoid duplication. Of the 40,390 patients, 78.7 % were euthyroid, 13.9 % had subclinical hypothyroidism, 3.4 % had subclinical hyperthyroidism, 2.1 % had overt hyperthyroidism, and 2.0 % had overt hypothyroidism. Thyroid dysfunction was more prevalent among females (67.5 %) than males (32.5 %). Hypothyroidism was most frequent in individuals aged 0–17 years, while hyperthyroidism was more common in adults aged 36–50 years. A statistically significant inverse correlation was observed between free thyroxine (FT4) and serum lipid levels (cholesterol: r = −0.12, p < 0.001; triglycerides: r = −0.10, p < 0.001). Thyroid dysfunction, particularly subclinical hypothyroidism, was common in this hospital-based Omani cohort and disproportionately affected females. Associations with lipid abnormalities were statistically significant but weak. Findings should be interpreted with caution due to the retrospective design, hospital-based sampling, and incomplete adjustment for confounders. Population-based studies are required to establish true prevalence and long-term metabolic outcomes.

Gluten-related diseases (GRDs), affecting approximately 1–6% of the global population, require long-term adherence to a gluten-free (GF) diet for effective disease management. Food label literacy plays a critical role in ensuring dietary safety; however, consumer attitudes, behaviors, and perceptions regarding GF food labeling remain insufficiently characterized. This study systematically reviewed and synthesized evidence on these factors across different GRDs. A comprehensive search of PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted for studies published between January 2000 and December 2025. Studies evaluating attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors related to GF food labeling among individuals with GRDs were included. A total of 82 studies involving 61,284 participants from 27 countries were included, with 44 studies contributing to the meta-analysis. Consistent GF label reading was reported by 79.2% of participants, while 60.3% expressed confidence in label accuracy. However, 40.9% reported dietary infractions due to misleading labeling. Label reading behavior varied across disease groups and regulatory settings. Key barriers included ambiguous wording, inconsistent cross-contamination disclosures, and lack of standardized symbols. These findings highlight important gaps in labeling practices and emphasize the need for standardized regulations and targeted educational interventions to improve dietary safety and health outcomes.

Globally breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in females and is a major health problem. Breast self-examination (BSE) is an important tool for the prevention and maintenance of health. Fostering education and skill training to the women to perform BSE correctly will improve the prognosis and reduce mortality. This study was designed with the objective to evaluate the impact of BSE on school teachers.The study was conducted at RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. Pretest and post-test research design with convenience sampling technique was used in the present study. The subjects enrolled were 145 school teachers of the age group from 21 to 55 who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Data was collected using a prevalidated structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 24. Pre-and post-intervention results were calculated using paired t-test.There was a significant increase in the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP)scores after post-test (17.2) when compared to the pre-test (12.5). The p-value for the pre-test and post-test scores of KAP regarding breast self-examination was <0.0001.The present study concludes the structured educational program positively influenced school teachers on breast self- examination.