Introduction: Research is a fundamental component for advancing healthcare and medical knowledge. It enhances students’ ability to practice evidence-based care in clinical practice. Despite the recognized benefits, barriers such as lack of time, skills, funding, and guidance impede students’ involvement in research. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of conducting a specialised extracurricular research course designed for medical students at King Faisal University. Patients and Methods: A quasi-experimental study utilized a pretest-posttest design, including a control group. Participants were second-to-sixth-year medical students, divided into an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group participated in a comprehensive research course over eight months. A pretest-posttest self-administered questionnaire was given at the beginning and end of the course to assess research knowledge and attitudes. The control group completed the same at equivalent time points. Results: The paired sample t-test demonstrated significant improvements in pre- and post-test scores for research knowledge among students who attended more than 50% of the course (p = 0.009). Similarly, students who attended less than or equal to 50% of the course content also showed significant gains in research knowledge (p = 0.005). However, the comparison between the intervention and control groups did not show a significant difference (p = 0.160). Conclusion: This study highlights the effectiveness of a structured research training program in enhancing medical students’ research knowledge and attitudes. The findings advocate for integrating formal research training into medical curricula to prepare future healthcare professionals for evidence-based practice and sustained research engagement. Despite limitations such as non-randomized assignments and a single-institution focus, the study underscores the transformative impact of systematic research education on medical students’ professional development.

Diabetes Mellitus is a growing public health concern in Saudi Arabia, with effective management relying on adherence to medications and lifestyle changes. However, non-adherence remains a significant challenge, particularly in regions with varying sociodemographic profiles. This study aimed to identify factors influencing adherence to medication and refills among patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the Al-Ahsa region using the Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale. A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to July 2024 involving 732 T2DM patients attending governmental primary healthcare centers in Al-Ahsa. A stratified random sampling method was employed to select participants from various geographic strata. Data were collected via structured phone interviews using a validated questionnaire, and clinical data were extracted from medical records. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression were applied to assess factors associated with non-adherence. The overall adherence rate was 52.5%. Significant sociodemographic factors (p < 0.05) associated with adherence included income, marital status, occupation, and area of residence. Clinical factors included age at diabetes onset, diabetic complications, HbA1c level, frequency of glucose monitoring, and comorbidities. Healthcare-related factors such as physician continuity, frequency of visits, and counseling were also significant. Multivariable logistic regression identified major predictors of non-adherence: living in the Southern region (OR = 6.59, p = 0.001), diabetic complications (OR = 1.44, p = 0.047), lack of physician counseling (OR = 2.15, p = 0.005), and poor access to healthcare (OR = 2.34, p = 0.003). Nearly half of T2DM patients in Al-Ahsa were non-adherent to medications and refills. Sociodemographic, clinical, and healthcare system factors significantly influenced adherence. Improving patient education, physician communication, and healthcare access may enhance adherence and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Seroma is a common complication of breast cancer surgery, affecting up to 85% of cases. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of perioperative corticosteroids in reducing seroma formation. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis of published literature from PubMed, Ovid, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases. METHODS: A systematic search identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on corticosteroids in breast cancer surgery. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses were performed by corticosteroid type, timing, and route. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's RoB Tool for RCTs. Articles were collected from inception to August 2024. Inclusion criteria: RCTs and observational studies evaluating perioperative corticosteroids in breast cancer surgery. Exclusion criteria: non-breast surgery populations and absence of seroma outcome data. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: Incidence of postoperative seroma SAMPLE SIZE: Seven RCTs involving 689 patients were included. RESULTS: Pooled analysis using random-effects model demonstrated that corticosteroids reduced seroma risk (OR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.20–0.48). Hydrocortisone was more effective than methylprednisolone (OR: 0.14 vs. 0.41; P =.0155). Heterogeneity was low (I²=17.3%). RISK OF BIAS: Publication bias assessment using Duval and Tweedie method identified three hypothetically missing studies; adjusted pooled estimate: OR 0.42 (95% CI: 0.28–0.63, P <.001). CONCLUSION: Corticosteroids, especially hydrocortisone, appears to be effective in reducing seroma formation. LIMITATIONS: Small sample size, protocol variability, and moderate publication bias as evidenced by funnel plot asymmetry and heterogeneity in timing subgroups (I²=48.1%). REGISTRATION NO: CRD42024590767.

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the possible impacts of fasting on physical activity and weight loss in adult users of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists, specifically semaglutide and tirzepatide, using qualitative methods to gain in-depth insights into participants’ experiences and perceptions. Patients and Methods: A qualitative study was conducted at the Polyclinic at King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, during and after Ramadan in 2024, along with the completion of International Physical Activity Questionnaires (IPAQs). The semi-structured interviews and the IPAQ were used to assess physical activity levels. A thematic narrative and framework analysis were used to analyze the data, and a descriptive analysis was performed on the IPAQ data. All participants provided their informed consent, and ethical approval was acquired. A total of 14 interviews were conducted. Five refined themes and 3 sub-themes were identified. The findings were presented in accordance with the COREQ (consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research) guidelines. Results: Ten participants, aged 18– 59, were included in the study. Half used semaglutide, four used tirzepatide, and one used both, primarily for blood glucose regulation and weight reduction. The average body mass index (BMI) decreased from 35.246 to 34.155. However, a paired t-test showed this change was not statistically significant, suggesting that Ramadan fasting did not significantly impact BMI in participants. Conclusion: The research indicated that the combination of GLP-1 agonists and physical activity influenced weight loss during fasting in Ramadan among the participants. These findings suggest that combining these medications with increased physical activity and fasting can effectively reduce BMI and improve overall health outcomes for individuals managing weight and chronic diseases over an extended duration.

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by airway inflammation, leading to varying degrees of respiratory difficulties. Effective disease management depends on consistent medication adherence, which remains a significant challenge in Saudi Arabia. This study aims to assess the level of adherence to asthma medications among patients in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, and identify factors contributing to non-adherence. A cross-sectional study was conducted between may and July 2024, targeting asthma patients aged 18 years and older in Al-Ahsa. Participants were selected using a stratified random sampling technique from various geographic stria. Data were collected through structured phone interviews utilizing a validated questionnaire designed to assess adherence to medication refills. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with medication non-adherence. Only 39.3% of participants were adherent to their prescribed asthma medications, while 60.7% were non-adherent. Common reasons for non-adherence included stopping medications when feeling better (36.9%) and stopping medication due to side effects (20.4%). Female gender (p = 0.021), higher income (p = 0.034), being married (p = 0.049), urban residence (p = 0.001), and receiving medication support (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with higher adherence. Multivariable regression showed that younger age (OR = 0.97; 95% CI: 0.95-0.98), male gender (OR = 1.76; 95% CI: 1.16-2.69), lower income (OR = 0.85; 95% CI: 0.75-0.97), and lack of medication support (OR = 0.06; 95% CI: 0.04-0.10) were independently associated with non-adherence. Medication non-adherence is prevalent among asthma patients in Al-Ahsa and is influenced by demographic, socioeconomic, and healthcare-related factors. Interventions targeting support systems, education, and access may enhance adherence and improve asthma outcomes in this population.

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represents a growing health challenge in regions undergoing socioeconomic transition. This study characterized IBD epidemiology across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, forecasted future burden, and identified country-specific determinants to inform targeted health policy interventions. Methods: IBD data from the Global Burden of Disease study (1990–2021) were analyzed for all six GCC countries using descriptive epidemiology, temporal trend analysis, three forecasting models (Age-Period-Cohort, Joinpoint regression, Bayesian age-standardized rate modeling), and regression analyses to identify socioeconomic, environmental, gender-specific, and healthcare system factors associated with IBD burden variation. Results: Age-standardized IBD prevalence rates varied across GCC countries (28.92–42.93 per 100,000), with Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) showing the highest rates and fastest increases (967% and 898% since 1990). Kuwait uniquely demonstrated stable or slightly declining trends. Significant female predominance emerged in most countries (male ratio 0.70–0.91) with strong birth cohort effects (1970s cohorts showing 18–48% higher risk than 1950s cohorts). IBD manifested primarily as disability rather than a mortality burden. Projections indicate continued increases through 2030, potentially reaching 55–59 per 100,000 in Qatar and the UAE. Fast food outlet density, processed food imports, antibiotic consumption, and female vitamin D deficiency were the most significant modifiable risk factors. Conclusions: The GCC region faces a growing IBD epidemiological profile characterized by rising burden, female predominance, and generational differences in risk observations. Identification of modifiable determinants provides actionable targets for intervention, while country-specific projections offer a foundation for healthcare planning to address this challenge.