Purpose: Burnout syndrome is a significant concern among healthcare workers, particularly in the high-stress environment of ICUs. This study evaluates and compares the levels of burnout among healthcare workers in the ICU and non-ICU settings and to assess the influence of sociodemographic characteristics. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using MBI questionnaire, which measures emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP), and personal accomplishment (PA). Results: Among 844 participants (51.7% female), most were aged 25– 34 (41.9%), single (46.7%), and worked in non-ICU settings (61.8%). They predominantly worked in governmental hospitals, with 1– 4 years of experience (46.8%), managing 6– 10 patients per shift (36.5%), and working 16– 20 shifts monthly (75.8%). ICU staff reported significantly higher EE (21 [18] vs 11.5 [15], p ≤ 0.0001) and DP (17 [19] vs 8 [12], p ≤ 0.0001), and lower PA (35 [19] vs 42.5 [12], p ≤ 0.0001). Post-hoc analysis showed ICU workers were significantly more prone to moderate (Adj. Resid. = 3.57, p< 0.001) and severe EE (Adj. Resid. = 5.20, p < 0.001). In the DP domain, they were more likely to experience severe DP (Adj. Resid. = 9.22, p< 0.001). Severe burnout in PA was also more likely among ICU staff (Adj. Resid. =5.67, p< 0.001). Nurses and RTs reported higher EE and DP. Married ICU staff had lower EE (OR: 0.453) but higher DP (OR: 1.623). Factors like 6– 8 years of experience, 8-hour shifts, and fewer monthly shifts were associated with reduced EE and higher PA, while additional jobs were linked to increased DP. Conclusion: ICU healthcare workers experienced significant burnout compared to non-ICUs staff, with nurses and RTs being the most affected. Sociodemographic factors such as marital status, years of experience, shift duration, and holding additional jobs increased burnout risk. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions in high-stress environments like the ICU.

Background: Tobacco smoking constitutes a primary cause of preventable cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases on a global scale. While smoking rates fall, e-cigarette use rises, especially in youth. Objective: Assess effects of smoking, vaping, and dual use on lung function, exercise capacity and quality of life. Methods: Participants were classified into five groups: Control, Cigarette use only, E-cigarettes use only, Ex-cigarette smoker current vaper, and Dual users (use of both e-cigarettes and combustible cigarettes). Participants performed spirometry, six minute walk test (6MWT) and completed health related quality of life (HRQoL) questionnaire. Results: A total of 222 participants, 86.9% were male, with median age 26 years. Age and body mass index (BMI) showed no significant differences across groups. Cigarette-only and dual users reported 20 cigarettes/day with 5–7 years smoking duration, while e-cigarette use duration was 4–5 years among exclusive vapers, ex-smoker vapers, and dual users. Spirometry revealed impairments: Forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV ₁ ; % predicted) was lower across groups versus controls ( H = 80.69, df = 4, p < 0.001, η ² = 0.35), lowest in dual users. Forced vital capacity (FVC; L) showed no differences, while FVC (% predicted) decreased in smokers and dual users. FEV ₁ /FVC ratio was reduced ( H = 66.54, df = 4, p < 0.001, η ² = 0.29), most in dual users. 6MWT showed no group differences. HRQoL indicated decline in physical functioning ( H = 35.11, p < 0.001, η ² = 0.14), role limitations due to physical health social functioning, and emotional wellbeing, lowest in cigarette-only and dual users. Conclusion: Young adults using cigarettes and e-cigarettes showed impaired lung function and quality of life compared to never-users. Daily dual users showed the greatest declines, while former smokers using e-cigarettes showed intermediate outcomes. Exclusive e-cigarette users exhibited least impairment.

Introduction: Globally, over 1 billion people smoke, resulting in approximately 8 million deaths each year. Although the health risks associated with traditional cigarettes are extensively documented, there is an increasing need to evaluate the long-term effects of alternative tobacco products,...

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) requires prompt diagnosis. Lung ultrasound (LUS) is a non-invasive tool with potential diagnostic value, but its accuracy needs systematic evaluation. A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science (inception-December 2024) identified studies assessing LUS for ARDS using established reference standards. Data were extracted independently, and a random-effects meta-analysis was performed to calculate diagnostic odds ratios (DOR), sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios, and AUROC. This meta-analysis included 16 studies with 5888 patients, demonstrating that lung ultrasound (LUS) is a reliable diagnostic tool for ARDS. The pooled diagnostic odds ratio was 14.98 (95% CI, 9.81-22.88; p < 0.001), with a sensitivity of 0.75 (95% CI, 0.62-0.85) and specificity of 0.87 (95% CI, 0.80-0.91). The positive and negative likelihood ratios were 4.89 (95% CI, 3.67-6.52) and 0.15 (95% CI, 0.11-0.21), respectively, while the AUROC was 0.91 (95% CI, 0.88-0.93). Substantial heterogeneity was noted (I² = 75.2%), with higher diagnostic performance observed in ICU settings, studies using ≥8-zone scanning protocols, and those focusing on severe ARDS. Meta-regression identified scanning zones and operator experience as key sources of heterogeneity. The presence of bilateral B-patterns with ≥3 B-lines per intercostal space showed the highest specificity (0.92; 95% CI, 0.87-0.96). This meta-analysis demonstrated that LUS has good diagnostic accuracy for ARDS (pooled DOR 14.98, sensitivity 0.75, specificity 0.87, AUROC 0.91). Higher diagnostic performance was observed with ≥8-zone scanning protocols, in ICU settings, and for severe ARDS. The modest sensitivity indicates that negative LUS findings should not exclude ARDS diagnosis. Lung ultrasound (LUS) provides a rapid, bedside, and radiation-free diagnostic option for ARDS, offering good accuracy, especially in ICU and resource-limited settings. Comprehensive scanning protocols and trained operators enhance reliability, supporting LUS integration into clinical practice where advanced imaging is unavailable.

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common disease and the third leading cause of death, although it remains misdiagnosed and untreated. Individuals at risk of developing COPD, when detected early, have a significant chance to alter the progression of the disease by prompt medical and non-medical care. Objective: To evaluate the risk level of COPD in Saudi Arabia regions by using an Arabic-translated COPD Population Screener (COPD-PS) questionnaire. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted from October 12, 2023, to October 29, 2024. A convenience sampling method was used to recruit participants. This study utilized a self-administered Arabic-translated version of the COPD-PS, which evaluates various subjects related to COPD. Results: In this study of 2002 participants, a majority of them 74.39% (n = 1494) were from the Western region of Saudi Arabia. Most participants 76.72% (n = 1536) were below 35 years of age, and over half 57.39% (n = 1149) were non-smokers. The result of the COPD-PS scoring indicated 88.76% (n = 1777) of participants at low risk of COPD, while 11.24% (n = 225) participants were at high risk of COPD. Also, this study showed a statistically significant difference regarding the risk level of COPD among regions (p < 0.0001). In addition, the risk level of COPD and smoking status revealed a statistically significant difference (p ≤ 0.0001). Further analysis demonstrated that the risk level of COPD has an association with the existence of Diabetes/Hypertension (p = 0.0013). Conclusion: The Arabic-translated version of COPD-PS is an effective tool for screening the risk level of COPD among the Arabic responders in Saudi Arabia. There are various factors, including smoking status, the existence of Diabetes/ Hypertension, and regions associated with higher COPD-PS risk.

Background: Respiratory allergies and asthma are a growing public health concern, particularly in children. In Saudi Arabia, asthma prevalence is rising, and parental understanding is crucial for proper management and medication adherence. Illness perception, a key determinant of adherence, remains understudied. This study aims to evaluate parental knowledge and illness perception regarding respiratory allergies in children in Saudi Arabia, identifying gaps relevant to clinical management. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was conducted in Saudi Arabia between January and July 2023, involving 781 participants, including parents of both asthmatic and non-asthmatic children. Two validated instruments were used: the Asthma Knowledge Questionnaire (AKQ) for the full sample and the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (B-IPQ) restricted to parents of asthmatic children (n=165). Participants were recruited via Google Forms distributed on social media. Primary outcomes were total scores on these questionnaires. Regression analysis identified independent predictors of knowledge. Results: Among participants (mean age 35.2±8.7 years; 62% female), 21.1% had at least one asthmatic child. Mean AKQ score was 7.8±2.4, with 42% categorized as having poor knowledge. Higher knowledge scores were independently associated with working in the medical field (β=1.72, 95% CI: 1.25–2.19, P<0.001), family history of asthma/allergies (β=0.98, 95% CI: 0.51–1.45, P<0.001), and younger age (β=−0.56 per decade, 95% CI: −0.91 to −0.21, P=0.002). B-IPQ responses revealed gaps in timeline and consequence perceptions, indicating potential barriers to timely recognition of exacerbations and preventive medication adherence. Conclusions: Parents in Saudi Arabia show gaps in both knowledge and illness perception regarding asthma. Targeted educational programs addressing misconceptions about disease chronicity and consequences are needed to improve adherence and management, ultimately enhancing children’s health outcomes.