Background: There is growing interest in the role of gut microbiota in the pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), including Crohn’s disease (CD). Probiotics have been proposed as a potential adjunct therapy for these conditions by altering the intestinal environment, although studies on their effectiveness have yielded mixed results. Aim: This study aims to evaluate the short-term (2 months) effects of a dietary supplement containing Lactobacilli, Bifidobacteria, and Lactococcus bacillus on disease progression, remission, quality of life, and nutritional intake in Lebanese patients with CD. Method: A multicenter, randomized, single-blind controlled trial was conducted in 2 medical centers in Beirut from 1 April 2024 to 1 August 2024. Recruitment, prescreening, screening, enrollment, and protocol implementation were carried out at both centers. Data were collected from 21 patients with CD, who were randomly assigned to the control group (n = 10) and the intervention group (n = 11). At baseline and after two months, participants underwent clinical assessments, WHOQOL-BREF evaluation, and 24 h dietary recalls. Follow-up visits included surveys on disease progression, quality of life, adherence, and adverse events, along with repeat body composition and anthropometric measurements. Results: Probiotic supplementation over two months did not significantly alter symptoms, flares, or hospitalizations outcomes between the control and intervention groups. However, the intervention group experienced notable increases in body weight (p = 0.01), BMI (p = 0.01), body fat mass (p = 0.04), and arm muscle circumference (p = 0.01). Nutrient intake patterns differed, with the intervention group showing increased consumption of calcium, riboflavin, and folate compared to controls (p = 0.01, p = 0.04, p = 0.013, respectively). Probiotic supplementation led to significant within-group increases in dietary fiber (p = 0.01), total sugar (p = 0.02), and caffeine (p = 0.01) among the intervention participants. Adverse effects in the intervention group were mild, including nausea (18.2%) and abdominal discomfort (9.1%). QOL improved significantly in the intervention group, particularly in physical (p = 0.03), psychological (p = 0.04), and environmental domains (p = 0.003), while the control group exhibited improvements only in psychological health. Conclusions: Overall, the findings suggest that probiotics can enhance body composition, nutrient intake, and certain aspects of QOL among CD patients, despite minimal impact on disease symptoms or dietary patterns.

The intersection of eating disorders and competitive sports presents a critical issue that demands attention. Athletes, driven by the desire for peak performance and often subjected to intense physical and psychological pressures, are particularly vulnerable to developing eating disorders. The aim of our study is to conduct a preliminary assessment of the prevalence and risk levels of EDs among athletes in Lebanon. Using the validated EAT-26 and the DESA-6 questionnaires, 250 athletes were interviewed as part of a cross-sectional survey. Anthropometric measurements and sociodemographic characteristics were also assessed. The main findings show that the overall risk of EDs among Lebanese athletes is 21%, with 54.5% of those at-risk being males. In addition, the uncontrollable use of dietary supplements was observed in 41% of athletes. Being an adult aging 25 years and above, male, practicing sports for more than 5 years coupled with more than 15 h per week with post graduate diploma increases significantly ED risks. The prevalence of EDs among athletes in Lebanon is a well-recognized concern, highlighting the need for proactive measures and targeted interventions.

(1) Background: Gastric cancer continues to pose a significant public health challenge, with its incidence influenced by various factors, including Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. In Lebanon, data on H. pylori prevalence and its associated risk factors remain limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of H. pylori infection among Lebanese outpatients presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms undergoing gastroscopy, to explore correlations between the infection and demographic and clinical variables, and to evaluate the prevalence of associated conditions such as gastritis, duodenitis, and intestinal metaplasia. (2) Methods: Using a retrospective design, data from 786 patients admitted at a hospital in Beirut over a three-year period were extracted from records. (3) Results: The prevalence of H. pylori infection was 29.6% despite 91.5% of patients showing signs of gastritis on endoscopy. The infection showed significant associations with erosive gastritis, non-erosive gastritis, mosaic gastritis, as well as with both erosive and non-erosive duodenitis. No significant relationships were observed between H. pylori and demographic factors, atrophic, or nodular gastritis. (4) Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of targeted testing and early eradication of H. pylori to manage gastritis effectively and reduce the risk of progression to more serious gastric conditions in the Lebanese population.

Background/Objectives: In Lebanon, the economic crisis since 2019 has severely strained healthcare infrastructure, yet its impact on cancer treatment adherence remains incompletely characterized. This study assessed factors associated with treatment delay and regimen modification to identify barriers to optimal cancer care among Lebanese patients. Methods: This multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted in five tertiary hospitals in Beirut, Lebanon, between 13 June 2024, and 27 June 2025. Demographic, clinical and treatment data were collected via a structured questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of treatment delay (>2 weeks) and incomplete treatment regimens. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) are reported. Results: A total of 244 patients were enrolled in the study. The study population was predominantly female (59.0%) and aged ≥60 years (60.2%). Advanced disease was common, with 50.4% of patients presenting with stage IV disease. Financial vulnerability was widespread: 72.6% reported monthly household incomes below USD 1000, 88.1% reported a decline in income due to the economic crisis, and 39.3% relied on unstable income sources. Overall, 52.5% of patients experienced treatment initiation delays, and 9.0% received incomplete or dose-reduced regimens. On multivariable analysis, reliance on unfixed income independently predicted treatment delay (aOR 2.55, 95% CI 1.42–4.59; p = 0.002), lack of health insurance (aOR 1.91, 95% CI 1.08–3.39; p = 0.026) and pre-treatment surgical costs also increased the odds of delay (aOR 9.03, 95% CI 2.57–31.7; p = 0.001). For incomplete treatment, unfixed income remained an independent predictor (aOR 2.09, 95% CI 1.16–5.79; p = 0.015). A lack of insurance (aOR 5.62, 95% CI 1.22–25.9; p = 0.027) and high laboratory costs (>USD 150 per session) were also associated with incomplete regimens (aOR 1.62, 95% CI 1.02–2.57; p = 0.041). Conclusions: In Lebanon’s crisis context, financial instability was a key factor associated with deviations in cancer treatment. These findings highlight the need for strengthened insurance coverage and subsidization of diagnostic and treatment-related costs to ensure timely and continuous oncologic care.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and is largely preventable through colonoscopy, during which adenomatous polyps can be detected and removed. The adenoma detection rate (ADR) and polyp detection rate (PDR) are key quality indicators of colonoscopy quality and are inversely associated with post-colonoscopy CRC. These indicators may be influenced by patient-, physician-, and procedure-related factors. This study aimed to evaluate the ADR and PDR, identify factors influencing these indicators, and compare them among gastroenterologists at a Lebanese medical center. Methods: This observational, single-center, retrospective cohort study included 257 patients aged 50–75 years who underwent first-time screening colonoscopy over 3 years. Data on patient characteristics and colonoscopy findings were collected. ADR and PDR were calculated according to established guidelines, with ADR additionally estimated using the adenoma-to-polyp detection rate quotient (APDRQ). Descriptive statistics were applied, and chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests were used to assess associations between patient-, physician-, and procedural related factors and adenoma detection. Results: Out of 257 patients, 159 had polyps detected during colonoscopy. The overall ADR was 44.4%, and the PDR was 61.8% over the three-year study period. The ADR was 52.1% in men and 38.0% in women, whereas the PDR was 68.6% in men and 56.3% in women. Although the overall ADR and PDR met or exceeded the recommended benchmarks, disparities were noted in detection rates between males and females. Bowel preparation quality and guarantor type significantly influenced adenoma detection, whereas other factors related to patients and endoscopists had no significant effect. The estimated ADRs derived from the PDRs for five endoscopists were also high, surpassing the 25% benchmark; however, their annual estimated ADRs were relatively below this threshold. Conclusion: This study provides valuable regional data and underscores the need for standardized quality monitoring and further multicentric prospective research to optimize CRC prevention in Lebanon.

Background: Cancer diagnosis is often accompanied by changes in nutritional needs and lifestyle habits, which may ultimately be associated with patients’ quality of life (QOL). Despite the high burden of cancer in Lebanon, limited data exist on how dietary intake and lifestyle behaviors change following diagnosis. This study aimed to assess self-reported retrospective changes in dietary and lifestyle behaviors following cancer diagnosis and examine factors associated with these changes and their relationship with QOL. Methods: This single-center, cross-sectional study was conducted at Al Zahraa Hospital University Medical Center in Beirut, Lebanon. Adult cancer patients receiving active treatment were assessed regarding self-reported dietary and lifestyle behaviors before and after cancer diagnosis. QOL was assessed using the validated Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–General (FACT-G). Results: This study included 145 participants, the majority of whom were Lebanese (93.79%) and female (69.7%). Most lacked health insurance (84.8%), and 91.0% reported a financial burden related to treatment. Compared with recalled pre-diagnosis behaviors, 47.6% of participants reported favorable changes in smoking behavior, while 34.5% reported decreased physical activity. The most frequently reported favorable dietary changes according to the prespecified framework were reduced sugar (60.0%), reduced red meat (49.6%), and reduced fast-food consumption (34.5%). Younger age and employment were associated with the favorable dietary-change score in bivariate analyses, while age and marital status were associated with tobacco-habit change in multivariable analysis; medical insurance was associated with physical-activity change in bivariate analysis. The mean FACT-G total score was 70.48 ± 20.79. Favorable dietary changes were associated with FACT-G scores, including changes in fruit, milk, and fast-food intake. Conclusions: Self-reported retrospective changes in dietary and lifestyle behaviors were observed among patients receiving active cancer treatment, with substantial variation across behavioral domains. The favorable dietary-change score was associated with QOL; however, the cross-sectional design and retrospective assessment preclude causal or directional interpretation. These findings may inform future longitudinal and interventional studies evaluating structured, individualized nutritional and lifestyle support during cancer treatment in Lebanon.