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Introduction: Breast cancer (BC) is the second most common cancer in Saudi women. Therefore, understanding BC and its related risk factors, symptoms, and screening is critical for early detection and intervention. The current study was meant to explore the knowledge, awareness, and attitude (KAA) gap in BC: risk factors, symptoms, and screening. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional investigation was carried out with Health Professions Students (HPS) using a predesigned and validated study questionnaire to examine HPS knowledge and attitudes concerning BC and associated risk factors, symptoms, and screening. Results: A total of 277 female students responded to the survey. The frequency of correct answers for the BC knowledge questions varied from the lowest of 27.8% to the highest of 88.8%, with only 5 out of 15 questions (33.3%) answered correctly by more than 60% of the participants, displaying poor knowledge and awareness of BC. A majority (>60%) of the participants identified only 7 of the 18 risk factors of BC correctly, whereas 11 of the 13 early warning signs of BC were identified correctly by the majority (>60%) of the participants. Among the participants, only 26.4% were aware of the breast cancer screening center, but 94.6% of them agreed that early detection of breast cancer is important and 82.7% agreed to participate in the screening program if offered. Conclusion: Participants’ knowledge and awareness of BC were found to be relatively low; however, their attitudes towards BC screening were positive. As a result, it is critical to develop effective education programs, curricular activities, and awareness campaigns to address the lack of awareness of BC and to have an appropriate response to screening to reduce disease burden.

Abstract Background Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection is a potentially life‐threatening condition characterized by various complications, including end‐stage liver disease and cirrhosis. The mortality rate associated with CHC has been increasing due to the presence of comorbidities and the use of chronic medications. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the impact of these comorbidities and chronic medications on the treatment plan for CHC. Methods To achieve this objective, a cross‐sectional retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The study population included patients aged 12 years and above who were diagnosed with CHC between 2016 and 2021. Patients below the age of 12 were excluded from the study. A total of 170 patients with CHC were included in the analysis. The study aimed to evaluate the relationship between CHC complications and the treatment approach. Results The mean age of the study participants was 66.78 years, with a higher proportion of female patients. The findings revealed a significant association between hypertension (p = 0.042) and cirrhosis (p = 0.007) with changes in the treatment plan for CHC. Moreover, the presence of diabetes mellitus (p = 0.045), renal diseases (p

Background: Patients with neutropenic cancers are at high risk of acquiring infections, especially if on chemotherapy. Gram-negative bacterial infections are associated with high mortality. This study aimed to assess clinical characteristics, outcomes, and epidemiology of gram-negative bacterial (GNB) bloodstream infections (BSI) in adult patients with leukemia. Methods: This single-center, retrospective study included 102 adult patients diagnosed with leukemia between 2017 and 2019. The patients’ demographics, infection diagnosis, leukemia diagnosis, comorbidities, and infection outcomes were collected from electronic medical records. Results: The most common GNB were Klebsiella pneumoniae (33.3 %), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (23.5 %), and Escherichia coli (17.6 %). Additionally, 36.7 % of infections were multidrug resistant. The most common comorbidities were cardiovascular diseases (36.7 %), diabetes mellitus (33.3 %), and liver diseases (24.1 %). GNB-infected patients had a higher mortality than noninfected patients (35.3 % and 11.8 %, respectively, p = 0.005). In a multivariable analysis, patients with acute myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoid leukemia were significantly more likely to acquire GNB BSI (p = 0.01), while patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia and chronic lymphocytic leukemia had a lower likelihood of developing GNB BSI. In addition, low hemoglobin level was an independent risk factor of GNB BSI (p = 0.001). Chemotherapeutic agents showed an association with increased risk of GNB BSI. Conclusions: Patients with acute leukemia and low hemoglobin levels have increased risk of GNB BSI, which was associated with increased mortality. Prospective studies are needed to further assess the effect of co-morbidities and chemotherapy medications on the occurrence of GNB BSI according to the type of leukemia.

BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the major risk factor for cervical cancer (CC) in women of reproductive age. Despite advances in treatment and prevention of CC by HPV vaccination, very few women utilize them because of a lack of awareness about HPV. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted this cross-sectional study among Health Professions Students (HPS) at King Saud Bin Abdul Aziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah. Data were collected using a predesigned and validated study questionnaire to assess the knowledge, attitude, and perception of HPS toward HPV. RESULTS: A total of 580 HPS responded to the survey; 128 (22.1%) were male, while 452 (77.9%) were female with the mean age ± standard deviation 20.36 ± 1.74 years. There was no significant difference between males and females related to screening of HPV and CC (82.8%; 82.3%). A minority (30.3%) of participants thought that HPV infection leads to CC, while 38.3% did not know about it. Furthermore, knowledge about HPV screening and vaccination was poor. CONCLUSIONS: Students from the college of medicine had more knowledge and awareness about HPV (34.9%, P < 0.001). Thus, it is important to implement effective education programs, curricular activities, and awareness campaigns for health professions to augment the learning process effectively.

Saudi Arabia aims to build a sustainable and diversified economy by 2030. The automotive industry presents a key opportunity to achieve these goals through localization and the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies. This research analyzes the impact of a developed localized production model for the automotive industry. The model promotes economic sustainability through domestic manufacturing, job creation and reduced oil dependence; environmental sustainability via the Industry 4.0 approach, which enhances customization, and social sustainability by developing human capital, transferring advanced technologies and stimulating job creation, thereby balancing the three spheres of sustainability. To attain the aim of the research, data were collected from 106 Saudi automobile companies. For the data collection, a questionnaire was designed, and authentication was performed according to the average level of use of Industry 4.0 and analysis of the level of implementation of the developed localized production model for the automotive industry of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The results shows that large automobile companies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are employing the developed localized production model more than medium and smaller automobile companies, and as a result of this model employment, automobile companies' customer satisfaction through customization and revenue has improved in an agile and lean manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sleep bruxism (SB) and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) are two sleep‐related conditions that have been associated with significantly conflicting results in literature. Understanding the prevalence of bruxism among OSA patients is crucial for identifying possible comorbidities and optimising treatment strategies. Objective: This systematic review aimed at analysing the prevalence of SB in OSAS sufferers and understanding the association between the two. Methods: Five online databases were searched for relevant articles in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines for conduction of systematic reviews. Studies reporting the prevalence of bruxism in OSAS patients and diagnosed through clinical assessments or polysomnography were included. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two reviewers. Methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using Risk of Bias In Non‐randomised Studies of Interventions (ROBINS‐I). Results: A thorough search of literature yielded only two studies were eligible for this review. SB was found to be significantly present in the OSAS group. Despite methodological variations, the majority of studies reported higher rates of bruxism in OSAS patients compared to the general population or control groups. Conclusion: The results of this systematic review point to a significant association between bruxism and obstructive sleep apnea. Further research is required to determine a more precise prevalence rate and investigate the potential therapeutic implications of the bruxism‐OSAS association that uses a standardised assessment techniques and larger sample sizes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saudi Arabia vision-2030 is mainly focused on industrialization to reduce reliance on oil revenue. Localized Manufacturing (LM) concept, which has gained its importance worldwide in this fast-changing technological world to meet customers’ unique needs of 21st century. Now-a-days, manufacturing industry is shifting from standard product development to customized product development keeping in view the growing unique customer-’s needs. The research objective of this research was to maximize LM Application in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to meet unique customers’ needs. Automobile industry was selected to apply Industry 4.0 technologies i.e., 3D Printing/Additive manufacturing. The specifications, fulfilling the customer’s unique needs have been incorporated to manufacture the desired part by 3D printing/additive manufacturing. Data was collected from Saudi automobiles customers regarding their unique needs on a particular automobile part. Using the Product Design and Development methodology by Ulrich et al data was collected, analysed and as a result of data analysis, a model for maximization of localized manufacturing was developed for implementation of LM technique. Results shows that using Industry 4.0 concept, customers’ unique needs can be satisfied and fulfilled in less time and it will be more economical as compared to standard/conventional manufacturing/production methods. Based on the results of this research a model for maximization of localized manufacturing is developed utilizing Industry 4.0 technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is considered to be one of the most common endocrine disorders among women of reproductive age. It is known to be one of the main causes of infertility. The worldwide prevalence is estimated to be 6–7%; however, the country-specific prevalence estimates vary extensively. In Oman, the prevalence of PCOS is still unknown. Objective: This study aimed to determine the hospital based prevalence of PCOS among Omani women of reproductive age group of 12–45 years who attended the gynecology clinic in a tertiary hospital in Oman. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study that included all cases of PCOS that presented at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH) from July 2006 to December 2010. Data were collected from patients’ electronic health records available in SQUH. Diagnoses of PCOS were made according to the Rotterdam criteria. Prevalence estimates were standardized to the mid-year population of Omani women in year 2009. Results: A total of 255 PCOS cases were enumerated among 3644 women who attended Gynecology outpatient department, indicating a hospital based frequency of 7.0%. The overall prevalence of PCOS per 1000 patients in 2010 was 2.8% [95% confidence intervals (95%CI) 0.7, 9.6]. Our study revealed a high prevalence of PCOS among women in the age group of 25–34 years. The highest prevalence was in the Muscat region (42%) followed by Dhakliya and Al Batinah regions. Conclusions: This study shows the prevalence of diagnosed PCOS cases among women in Oman is similar to that of other countries. It highlights the need for future research to carry out a population-based assessment of PCOS prevalence.

Study Design: Cross sectional. Background: According to Mayo Clinic (2021), joint pains can be defined as a discomfort, pain or inflammation that arises from any part of a joint, such as cartilage, bone, ligaments, tendons or muscles. Joint pain also most commonly refers to arthritis or arthralgia, which is inflammation or pain that comes from inside the joint itself. This pain is one of the major clinical problems, which at younger age are caused by inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis in particular, whereas older people mainly have it because of osteoarthritis (OA). OA is a serious and life-altering joint disease which not only causes pain. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, in which data is collected through a questionnaire comprising the demographic questions and items related to the population's knowledge about joint pain, its causes, effects on their daily lives and preventive measures. The survey was conducted in the Aseer region of Saudi Arabia. Data was collected from common public in the region. An informed consent was obtained from each of the participants. After collection of data, they were coded and entered in the SPSS ver.20 software for analyses descriptive statistics (mean standard deviation, frequencies, and %s were computed). Results: Out of 582 respondents 493 are from Aseer, the southern-most region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. More than 95% of the respondents are aged 18 years or above, and over 90% have high school or university education. Almost three quarters of the sample population are males and the rest are females. As for economic status of the population, 41.2% earn less than Saudi Riyal (SAR) 3,000 per month, whereas only 14.2% earn SAR 15,000 or above. Over 36% of the participants are students and the rest are either doctors (5%), teachers (13.9%), soldiers (15.8%) or doing other jobs (29%). About 45% of the participants are single, whereas 53.8% are married and the rest (1.2%) are widowed. Conclusion: Although it is hard to prove the clinical efficacy of non-pharmacological methods discussed in the study, their use as complementary therapeutic approaches to heal joint pains is popular among Saudi Arabians. Although chronic joint pains are difficult to treat and such patients have comorbidities, the patients are inclined toward non-pharmacological procedures like exercises, massage, relaxation techniques, etc. Physicians are recommended to encourage patients to use these methods, particularly because the positive attitude of the physician increases the likelihood of their therapeutic advantages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Stomas represent a social and medical problem worldwide. Colostomies were used in the late 1800s to treat intestinal obstruction. Stoma creation is indicated for various clinicopathological conditions. Patients undergoing stoma surgery face many lifestyle changes and challenges. So, health care professionals who are involved in creating or caring for stoma should have the up-to-date and fundamental knowledge of stomas complications and management. Methodology: PubMed database was used for articles selection and the following keys used in the Mesh (( ''Stoma''[Mesh])), (( ''Ostomy ''[Mesh])), (( ''Ileostomy''[Mesh])), (( ''Colostomy ''[Mesh])) AND (( ''Management ''[Mesh])). Conclusion: Excellent perioperative stoma education and care are important for ostomates to feel confident in caring for and changing their pouching systems and to avoid dehydration. Follow-up is critical for the patient with a new stoma both to educate the patient in correct stoma care and for early identification and treatment of complicated conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between board structure (consisting of board size, board composition, CEO role duality and chairman composition), investment account holders (IAHs) and social contribution and the bank performance in one of the fastest-growing industries, Islamic banking. Design/methodology/approach – A generalized least square (GLS) regression model was used to investigate such relationship applying data from a sample of 40 Islamic banks operating in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries over the period of 2008 until 2011. Findings – The results show that both size and composition of the board have a negative effect on bank performance. On the other hand, the separation of CEO and chairman roles and the IAHs have no effect, while the chairman independence has a positive impact. As for the control variables, bank size positively influences bank performance whereas leverage has a negative effect. Zakah and gross domestic product produce no significant effect on bank performance. Research limitations/implications – Even though the model has explained the significant part of the variation in performance, there are other factors considered as noise in the model which are unexplained due to the lack of data. As such, other mechanisms of corporate governance (CG) comprising attributes of the remuneration and nominating committees and ownership structure may be used in future research. The sample size is also limited; thus, in future research, the sample size could be increased by including Islamic banks operating in all Middle East countries. Practical implications – The results suggest that to yield a better bank performance, Islamic banks should enhance the effectiveness of CG through the board of directors (BODs), whereby any decisions made by the BODs would lead to greater investors’ confidence in the market. The results suggest that policymakers should impose new mechanisms that could impact the effectiveness and compliance of BODs on the code of CG and guidelines of micro-finance, in general, and among Islamic banks, in particular. The community also has the right to know up to what extent are the Islamic banks are in compliance with Shariah principles and rules and the impact of their transactions on the society’s welfare. Originality/value – BODs’ failures are the primary reason for the recent financial collapses, and Islamic banks are not spared from these events. Even though many studies have examined the influence of BODs effectiveness on the performance of conventional banking industry over time, studies on the Islamic financial institutions are quite scarce. In addition, the results obtained by the studies on conventional banks may not be applicable to Islamic banks. This is because the BODs of Islamic banks discharge their responsibilities and duties along with the existence of the Shariah supervisory board (a multi-layer structure), which is quite different from the CG structure in conventional banks that is dependent on the BODs (a single-layer). Therefore, this research attempts to fill the gap in the literature by addressing this issue in the Islamic banking industry by using a stakeholder theory based on Islamic perspective which has not been used yet in previous studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines empirically the influence of the Shariah supervisory board (SSB) and its characteristics on the level of corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure in a sample of 53 Islamic banks operating in Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries for the year 2008 based on a disclosure index from the Islamic perspective. Using content analysis, the descriptive statistics show that there is an increase in CSR information disclosed in the annual reports of Islamic banks. In addition, using multiple regression analysis and after accounting for bank size, financial performance and economic performance, the findings indicate that the combination of SSB attributes has a significant positive influence on CSR disclosure. This means that the characteristics of SSB are important factors in determining the level of CSR disclosure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]