Background: Hair loss is a serious health concern, with individuals having to bear the associated psychological impact of the condition. Alopecia has been linked to emotional and psychological anguish in relationships, career, and personal life. Objective: This study aimed to elucidate the intricate association, prevalence, and impact of hair loss with anxiety disorders, distinguished from other psychological impacts of alopecia. Methods: The current review and meta-analysis were performed in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) framework. A comprehensive search was performed using the Cochrane, PubMed, and Google Scholar electronic databases studies published in English and conducted between January 2014 and September 2024. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA version 16.0 (StataCorp LLC), and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and RoB 2 tools were used for critical quality appraisal. Results: A total of 24 eligible articles were included in the current study, with a cumulative of 5553 patients presenting with 1 or more forms of hair loss. Anxiety disorder was significantly prevalent among patients with alopecia event rate (ER) 0.47 (95% CI: 0.39–0.54). Anxiety severity analysis also showed a significant relationship between anxiety and hair loss, with ERs of 0.35 (95% CI: 0.10–0.60), 0.15 (95% CI: 0.01–0.29), and 0.05 (95% CI: 0.03–0.29), respectively. Statistical significance was also demonstrated by a mean HADS-A score of 7.87 (95% CI: 6.85–8.88). However, considerable heterogeneity was observed in various statistical analyses. Conclusion: In summary, our study showed that among people with hair loss-related diseases, alopecia was substantially linked to anxiety disorders, with the frequency of anxiety among those affected being noticeably higher.

Background Polypharmacy is common among older adults and increases the risk of inappropriate medication use and adverse outcomes. Deprescribing is a potential strategy to optimize treatment. This study evaluated family physicians’ confidence and perceived barriers toward deprescribing in primary care in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey from January 1 to December 31, 2024, among family physicians working in Riyadh primary care centers. Physicians with < 6 months of experience were excluded. Data were collected using paper-based or electronic questionnaires. Descriptive statistics summarized responses. Group comparisons used chi-square, Student’s t-test, and one-way ANOVA, as appropriate. Associations between confidence and attitude/barrier items were examined using Pearson’s correlation coefficients (r) with two-sided p-values (< 0.05 considered significant). A total of 321 physicians were included, representing 83.6% of the planned sample (321/384). Results Overall, 64.2% of physicians reported confidence in deprescribing, but only 28.0% reported deprescribing at least weekly. Commonly reported barriers included lack of solid evidence, time constraints, and concern about withdrawal effects. Confidence was positively associated with support for deprescribing preventive medications in patients with limited life expectancy (r = 0.259, p < 0.001), willingness to deprescribe medications initiated by another physician (r = 0.508, p < 0.001), and perceived ease of motivating patients/caregivers (r = 0.506, p < 0.001). Conclusion Family physicians in Riyadh reported substantial confidence in deprescribing, yet regular implementation was limited, indicating a confidence–practice gap. Addressing key barriers through practical guidance, workflow support, and targeted training may improve deprescribing uptake and medication safety for older adults.

A BSTRACT: Background: Burnout is a significant concern among family physicians, affecting physician well-being and the quality of patient care. This study assessed the prevalence of burnout and its association with work-related musculoskeletal injuries (WRMSIs). Methods: A total of 102 family physicians were surveyed. Burnout was assessed using the Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT), and musculoskeletal pain was evaluated with the WRMSI questionnaire. Associations among burnout, WRMSI, and physician characteristics were analyzed. Results: Among participants, 43.2% were between the ages of 31 and 40 years; 51% were men; and 69.6% worked in primary healthcare centers. Burnout was present in 73.5% of respondents. Mean BAT scores showed higher levels of exhaustion (3.31), mental distance (2.82), cognitive impairment (2.68), and emotional impairment (2.47). There was a significant positive correlation between BAT and WRMSI scores ( r = 0.324; P < 0.001). Burnout was more common among younger physicians ( P = 0.013), those with less experience ( P = 0.003), and those working longer shifts ( P = 0.016). The most common WRMSI site was the lower back (mean, 4.46), followed by the shoulder (mean, 4.23) and the neck (mean, 3.75). The total mean score on the WRMSI questionnaire was 26.7 (standard deviation, 16.9). Conclusion: Burnout is prevalent among family physicians and closely associated with WRMSI. Younger physicians and those working extended shifts are at the most significant risk. Targeted policies and programs to manage workload, improve ergonomics, provide mentoring, and support wellness are needed to reduce burnout and WRMSI.