Background: Social Anxiety disorder (SAD) is common worldwide. However, data from Saudi Arabia is deficient. This study aims to determine the prevalence of SAD across Saudi medical students and its associations with sociodemographic factors and their academic performance. Methods: The main outcome was presence/absence of SAD and the secondary outcome was its level of severity. These were assessed from the Social Phobia Inventory. Associated factors included sociodemographic variables, as well as educational characteristics of students. Descriptive statistics were reported as counts and percentages, and unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed through bivariate and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Of 5896 Saudi medical students who participated in the study, the prevalence of SAD was almost 51%. While 8.21% and 4.21% had reported severe and very severe SAD, respectively. Older age students were at lower risk of developing SAD (OR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.89 – 0.96). In contrast, females (OR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.01 – 1.26), students enrolled in private colleges and colleges implementing non-problem-based learning (OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.09 – 1.52 and OR = 1.29. 95% CI = 1.15 – 1.46 respectively) were at higher risk. A significant elevated risk of SAD was found among students who had previously failed, and had a low GPA. Conclusion: SAD is prevalent among the sampled population, and different associated factors were identified. Current results could raise the awareness of faculty members and healthcare providers towards early detection and management of these cases.

Of the use of vitamin and mineral supplements by female medical students at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU) in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, and to identify characteristics associated with the use of supplements in this population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For this cross-sectional study, all female medical students at IAU in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, were approached during September to November 2016. Results were presented as frequency distribution. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were performed to determine factors associated with supplement use; P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Completed questionnaires were returned by 474 students (response rate of 77%). The prevalence of the use of vitamin and mineral supplements was 44.6%; Vitamin D was the most commonly used supplement. Association of supplement use with a higher family income and the habit of regular exercise was statistically significant. However, this use of supplements was not significantly associated with smoking or marital status. CONCLUSION: The use of supplements, particularly Vitamin D, by female medical students was 44.6%. The highest percentage of users belonged to families with higher incomes and had the habit of exercising regularly....

Purpose: A cancer diagnosis is an overwhelming process for both patients and doctors. Many studies have addressed doctors’ opinions and knowledge regarding breaking bad news (BBN). However, scarce knowledge exists regarding patients’ perspectives for communicating bad news. Therefore, the current study aims to assess cancer patient preferences and satisfaction about BBN. Patients and Methods: This is a mixed methods study consisting of two phases; an in-depth interview and cross-sectional quantitative analysis. Thematic analysis was used for the qualitative data to explore patients’ satisfaction and preferences about BBN. For quantitative analyses, the overall satisfaction was calculated as satisfaction percent. Bivariate analyses were performed, and statistical significance was set as p < 0.05. Quality function deployment was used to effectively define patient requirements of highest priority. Results: Thematic analysis revealed two main themes. Theme 1; patients’ requirements for BBN and theme 2; patients’ reaction at the time of diagnosis with their categories. For the quantitative part, a total of 222 patients responded to the survey, females made up 70% of the sample. Satisfaction score percent ranged from 25.5 to 100%, with a mean of 82.7± 11.9%. The most preferred items were mainly concerned with the doctor being honest and encouraging, good listener and interacting giving simple smooth explanations without using medical terms, and empathetic (average score 4.8/5). Also, providing the diagnosis in a calm and private environment (4.7/5). Analysis also found that the requirements for improvement included providing a written summary after receiving the diagnosis and patient perception assessed by the doctor before telling the diagnosis. Conclusion: Communicating bad news effectively is crucial in the management of cancer patients. The process of BBN should be patient-centered, focusing on patients’ needs. Thus, the current study has demonstrated the patients’ preferences and the requirements, which should be incorporated into BBN protocols.

Introduction: Psychological distress is common among medical students worldwide. However, psychological stigma remains a significant barrier to seeking help. This study explores the association between psychological distress, stigma, and attitudes toward help-seeking among medical students in the unique cultural context of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey distributed to medical students across Saudi Arabia, yielding 1,077 completed responses. Sociodemographic data were collected, along with responses to the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6), the Stigma Scale for Receiving Psychological Help (SSRPH-A), and the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale (ATSPPH-SF-A). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Spearman’s correlation, and factor analysis. Results: Overall, 32.2% of students reported low distress, 34.5% moderate distress, and 33.4% high distress. Female students exhibited higher distress but greater openness to seeking help, while males reported higher stigma. Lower GPA and income were associated with increased distress and reduced help-seeking attitudes. Regional variations were observed, with Najran reporting the highest distress, and Madinah and Qassim showing higher openness to help-seeking. Discussion: Findings are consistent with the international studies, indicating that stigma significantly hinders service utilization despite need. Cultural norms, socioeconomic status, and educational systems further shape attitudes. Digital healthcare transformation in Saudi Arabia offers opportunities to reduce stigma and expand access. Conclusion: Psychological distress and stigma remain prevalent among Saudi medical students, influenced by gender, socioeconomic, and regional factors. Targeted, culturally informed interventions are essential to reduce psychological stigma, promote awareness, and encourage positive help-seeking behaviors within academic environments.

Macroamylasemia is a rare condition characterized by the formation of an amylase–globulin complex that is too large to be readily excreted by the kidneys and leads to elevated serum amylase levels. It is a benign condition lacking severe signs and symptoms that does not require treatment. This paper presents a case of a middle-aged man with unexplained elevated serum amylase levels. Despite an initially elevated triglyceride level, clinical findings, laboratory test results, and radiological findings were not suggestive of pancreatitis. The ratio of renal amylase clearance to creatinine clearance was calculated at <1%, consistent with macroamylasemia. No specific treatment was given, and he was monitored periodically. Nevertheless, macroamylasemia is a diagnostic challenge because of the need to differentiate it from other causes of hyperamylasemia to avoid unnecessary tests and treatments.

Background: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among the youth and university students differs internationally. This study aims to assess the prevalence of ADHD positivity from a validated screening test among medical students across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and its associated sociodemographic and family-related factors and the impact of ADHD on students’ academic performance. Also, to highlight the implications of the current findings on epidemiologists and family physicians in the region. Methods: This cross-sectional study utilised the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) symptom checklist along with several questions on sociodemographic, siblings and personal academic achievement. Multivariable logistic regression models were performed to obtain the Odds Ratios (ORs) of risk of ADHD screening positivity and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) against potential predictors. Results: The overall prevalence of positively screened medical students was 38.86%. After adjustment, a statistically significant increased risk of ADHD positivity was observed for students who had one sibling (OR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.09– 2.64). Also, upon examination of birth order, a significant increased risk was observed for students who were firstborn (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.02– 1.47). With regard to academic achievement, both before and after adjustment, students who screened positive had a 14% increased risk of obtaining an F GPA (OR = 1.14, 95% CI = 0.99– 1.30). Conclusion: A considerable number of medical students are potentially positive for ADHD. Albeit not diagnostically confirmed – this indicates that a substantial number of people have displayed symptoms akin to ADHD, but were not clinically diagnosed. Research into ADHD in the region is still in its infancy, and epidemiologists would benefit from high-quality databases to address this condition. Also, primary care physicians should develop skills in detecting and managing ADHD in children at an earlier age to improve symptoms in adulthood.