Background: Social media (SM) use has become an integral aspect of daily life. Overutilization of SM can adversely impact an individual’s physical and emotional well-being, especially that of students. This study evaluated the potential impact of SM addiction on anxiety and academic performance among university students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among medical ad non-medical students at Qassim University during September 2022–April 2023 after obtaining the Ethics Committee’s permission. Raosoft was used for calculating the sample size, and participants were selected through convenience sampling. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze and interpret the results, using SPSS version 25. Results: A total of 269 students participated in the study. The majority of them were male (52%), with a mean age of 22.28. The main purpose of SM usage was entertainment, followed by communication. More than 30% of them were using SM for 4–6 h per day, accessing SM 1–10 times in a day, with more than half of them feeling that they had SM addiction and that it was affecting their daily activities and sleep. The majority of them agreed that SM can be used for group discussion (78.1% vs. 71.6%) and knowledge sharing (93.7% vs. 90%). However, a statistically significant difference was observed about anxiety level between the two groups. A negative correlation was found between cumulative grade point average (CGPA) and anxiety level. Conclusion: The findings suggest that SM has both positive and negative effects on academic performance and social anxiety. Continuous education and motivation about wise use of SM is warranted among students by parents, university authorities, and policymakers.

Introduction: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) encompasses all forms of therapies that fall outside the mainstream of medical practice. This study estimated the prevalence, pattern, and factors associated with the use of CAM, as well as perceptions toward CAM practices. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the adult residents of the Al Qassim region, Saudi Arabia. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were computed, and p-values were calculated for associations between CAM use and various independent demographic factors. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors that predict CAM use. Results: The total number of adults interviewed was 861, 86.4% of whom reported using CAM. The types of CAM varied in their popularity of use. The most common were Quran recitation (57%), Prayer (53%), Honey and Bee products (53%), Myrrh (50%), Medicinal Herbs mix (43%), and Zamzam water (42%). The most frequent reasons for CAM use were acute respiratory disorders (60%), abdominal pain (38%), and immune system support (34%). Recommendations by relatives and friends were reported as the main reason for CAM use (35.8%). Age (40-59 years) was significantly associated with higher CAM use (p10,000 SR) may be more likely to experience greater satisfaction with their CAM therapies (p<0.001). Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of CAM use in the Al Qassim region, and the most important predictor favoring CAM use was age. More research is needed to understand the mechanisms of CAM and identify the most effective therapies for different health conditions for informed decision-making.

Background/Objectives: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a painful, debilitating condition that significantly impairs patient quality of life and often necessitates dose modification or discontinuation of chemotherapy, which can adversely impact patient outcomes and overall survival. This study aims to explore the experiences of cancer patients affected by CIPN and identify the challenges encountered in managing this condition. Methods: Data were collected through qualitative semi-structured interviews with 20 cancer patients with confirmed CIPN. The semi-structured interviews were held between April and June 2025 at a cancer center in the Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia, and were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke. Results: Patients reported experiencing a considerable burden of CIPN symptoms, particularly during the early phases of chemotherapy, with some reporting gradual changes over time. Symptom unpredictability was reported across different types of cancer and regimens, regardless of age or gender. Sensory disruptions and functional impairments were prominent among many participants. Patients with higher levels of education, including those with family members in healthcare, demonstrated a stronger understanding of their condition and treatment explanations. Across cancer groups, patients expressed dissatisfaction with the prescribed therapies’ side effects. A subset of patients expressed a strong willingness to participate in clinical trials. Conclusions: The findings highlight the need for improved patient education, early symptom recognition, and comprehensive supportive care strategies. Healthcare providers should proactively address CIPN in treatment discussions and offer tailored interventions that go beyond physical symptoms. Additionally, further research is needed to identify and prevent CIPN across diverse populations.

Introduction: Dysmenorrhoea among young women is a prevalent health condition, which causes physical discomfort, a feeling of frustration, a decline in academic performance and withdrawal from social activities such as sports. Aim: To investigate Self-Medication (SM) practices among medical and pharmacy students for the management of dysmenorrhoea. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted at Qassim University, Unaizah, Saudi Arabia, among 237 female students enrolled in medical and pharmacy schools. The study duration was three months, from January 2019 to March 2019. Data were collected using a structured, validated questionnaire with two sections: the first focused on sociodemographic details, menstrual history, and symptoms; the second on treatment approaches and healthcare-seeking behaviours. The researchers distributed the questionnaire to be completed within a one-week period; however, to increase the response rate, an additional week was added to the study duration, enabling a more thorough data collection. Data was analysed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Statistics version 21 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results: The majority of participants 141 (59.5%) were aged between 21 and 23 years. The most common symptom of dysmenorrhoea was contractions in the uterus, 182 (76.8%), while Ibuprofen 88 (37.1%) was among the most frequent selfprescribed medications for dysmenorrhoea. Degree of pain was significantly associated with activity level (p<0.001), mood disturbance (p=0.017), and absence from classes (p<0.001). The association with the number of days of menstruation was not statistically significant (p=0.057). Conclusion: Dysmenorrhoea leads young female healthcare students to frequently engage in SM practices utilising a combination of modern medications and herbal medicines.