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Background: Congenital scoliosis (CS) is a developmental spinal deformity characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine, affecting one in 1,000 births. The mainstay of treatment involves either observation or surgery in significant curve progression. The optimal timing of surgical intervention is debated, with early intervention preferred. Therefore, understanding physicians' and patients' families' perspectives is crucial for optimizing surgical outcomes in CS., Objective: To assess the awareness and knowledge of physicians and patients' families regarding current, as well as new surgical practices and the optimal timing of treatment for CS., Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia using an online self-administered questionnaire distributed through social media platforms and neurosurgery clinics. Levels of awareness were assessed by a knowledge-scoring system., Results: The study involved 403 participants, primarily patients' families (85.1%, N = 343) and physicians (14.9%, N = 60). The results show that physicians had a significantly higher correct response than patients' families regarding the ideal age for surgical correction of CS, the timing of surgical intervention whether before or after maturity, and the role of conservative management, as evident from statistically significant p-values of <0.001, 0.031, and <0.001, respectively. On the contrary, patients' families excelled in understanding interventions irrespective of symptomatic status if Cobb's angle is 40 degrees or above, with a statistically significant p-value of 0.031. Both groups exhibited a good level of overall knowledge, as evidenced by mean awareness scores of 12.18 and 11.64, respectively. Additionally, physicians had a statistically significant higher level of awareness compared to patients' families, with a p-value of (0.014). However, both groups demonstrated poor knowledge of the latest techniques, including distraction-based magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGRs), growth-guided modern Luque trolleys, and posterior dynamic deformity correction (ApiFix)., Conclusion: The mean awareness score of both physicians and patients' families indicates a good level of knowledge. However, both groups exhibited poor knowledge in relation to the optimal timing of treatment and new surgical techniques., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Institutional Review Board at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Saudi Arabia issued approval (IRB#: IRB-UGS-2023-01-429). The application was reviewed and approved at lmam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University IRB through an Expedited Review on Sunday, October 29, 2023. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Alshammasi et al.)

Introduction:  Eating disorders (EDs) are defined as disturbances in health and psychosocial functioning. They are more predominant in young and adult women and can start at an early age and continue into adulthood. These types of mental illnesses can be prevented with proper training. However, there is a significant lack of understanding of EDs among teachers. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the prevalence rates of EDs among female high school students in Makkah city., Methods:  We surveyed 384 female students from high schools in Makkah city in this cross-sectional study using a validated questionnaire adapted from a previously published study after translating it into Arabic., Results:  Most of the students had suffered an ED (n=211, 54.4%), while 45.6% had not. There was an insignificant relation between the frequency of EDs and participants' age, nationality, family history of ED, and awareness of EDs (P-value, 0.158, 0.486, 0.671, and 0.718, respectively)., Conclusion:  Further studies are needed to evaluate the understanding of EDs among the general population as well as assess the prevalence rates of EDs among larger female populations., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Al Shanbari et al.)

Background and Objective: The worldwide prevalence of food allergies has been increasing recently. Due to limited data on food allergy (FA) in Saudi Arabia, this study was conducted to estimate the prevalence and risk factors of parent-reported food allergies and clinical manifestations in children in Taif, Saudi Arabia., Methodology: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based observational study was conducted from July 2019 to December 2020. A total of 508 parents of school children (aged five to eight years) responded to the questions based on the child's health and food allergies., Results: FA (16.1%) was observed as the most common type of allergy among children. The prevalence of other atopic diseases was estimated at 30.5%. The most common allergy-causing foods were eggs (4.9%), peanuts (2.7%), and sesame (2.5%). Rash, itching without rash, and vomiting were the most common FA symptoms. The presence of childhood eczema (p< 0.0001), allergic rhinitis (p= 0.005), and the father's history of allergy (p= 0.005) were all significant and independent predictors/risk factors for FA among the studied children., Conclusion: We noted substantial parents' concern with food allergies among children in Saudi Arabia, which necessitates the establishment of effective diagnosis and treatment strategies and primary prevention initiatives., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Alzahrani et al.)