Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal最新文献

{"title":"Early-Onset Progressive Encephalopathy With Brain Oedema and/or Leukoencephalopathy 1: <i>Report of three siblings</i>.","authors":"Fatema Al-Amrani, Fathiya Al-Murshedi, Khalid Al-Thihli, Eiman Al-Ajmi, Buthaina Al-Musalhi, Asmaa Al Shehhi, Amna Al Futaisi","doi":"10.18295/2075-0528.3012","DOIUrl":"10.18295/2075-0528.3012","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>NAXE</i> encephalopathy, also known as early-onset progressive encephalopathy with brain oedema and/or leukoencephalopathy-1 (PEBEL-1), is a rare and often lethal autosomal recessive mitochondrial disorder. Typical presentation includes psychomotor regression, ataxia, respiratory insufficiency and seizures triggered by febrile illness. This report describes three siblings from a consanguineous family who presented to a tertiary care hospital in Muscat, Oman, in 2022 and were found to have a homozygous pathogenic variant in the <i>NAXE</i>: NM_144772.2:c.827del, p.(Pro276Hisfs*43). Beyond the classic neuroradiological and clinical features of PEBEL-1, these patients exhibited novel phenotypic manifestations, including axonal polyneuropathy, Bull's eye maculopathy and a late-onset presentation of skin lesions. The identification of these features expands the known clinical spectrum of <i>NAXE</i> mutations and highlights the importance of considering this diagnosis in patients presenting with unexplained multisystemic mitochondrial symptoms involving the peripheral nerves and retina.</p>","PeriodicalId":22083,"journal":{"name":"Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal","volume":"26 1","pages":"522-528"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13647766/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149138186","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Neonatal Outcomes in Twin Pregnancies with Birthweight Discordance: <i>A five-year retrospective cohort study</i>.","authors":"Marjan Mahboubi, Shadya Mohammed Salim Al Saeghi, Hansa Dhar, Dina Mohamed Abd El Fatah, Rowaida Elraih Omran Mensour, Qamariya Khalfan Saud Ambu-Saeidi","doi":"10.18295/2075-0528.3011","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18295/2075-0528.3011","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to evaluate neonatal outcomes associated with birthweight discordance in twin pregnancies managed at a regional tertiary care centre in Oman.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This five-year retrospective cohort study (2020-2024) was conducted at Nizwa Hospital, Nizwa, Oman, and included twin pregnancies of ≥24 weeks' gestation. Birthweight discordance was defined as ≥20%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed, adjusting for gestational age at delivery, chorionicity, preeclampsia and gestational diabetes mellitus.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 226 twin pregnancies were included, of which 45 (19.9%) had birthweight discordance ≥20%. Discordant pregnancies were delivered at an earlier gestational age than non-discordant pregnancies (34.2 ± 2.9 versus 35.3 ± 2.2 weeks; P = 0.017). NICU admission was more frequent in the discordant group (60.0% versus 31.5%; P <0.001), as was the composite adverse neonatal outcome (62.2% versus 33.1%; P <0.001). Birthweight discordance ≥20% remained independently associated with the composite adverse neonatal outcome (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.74, 95% CI: 1.21-6.25; P = 0.016), while increasing gestational age at delivery was protective (aOR = 0.47 per additional week, 95% CI: 0.37-0.59; P <0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Birthweight discordance ≥20% was associated with adverse neonatal outcomes in twin pregnancies, with this association largely mediated by prematurity.</p>","PeriodicalId":22083,"journal":{"name":"Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal","volume":"26 1","pages":"515-521"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13637751/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149114757","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Congenital Nephrotic Syndrome in Oman: <i>A 20-year single-centre experience</i>.","authors":"Muzna Al Hashmi, Anisa Al Maskari, Sulaiman Al Saidi, Badria Al Ghaithi, Mohammed Al Riyami, Naifain Al Kalbani","doi":"10.18295/2075-0528.3010","DOIUrl":"10.18295/2075-0528.3010","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Congenital nephrotic syndrome (CNS) is a rare, severe disease presenting within the first three months of life, with limited prevalence data from Oman and the Gulf region. This study aimed to report 20 years' experience of congenital nephrotic syndrome (CNS) in a single centre in Oman.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective study including children diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome in first 3 months of life, from January 2000 to December 2020 at Royal Hospital, Muscat, Oman.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 26 patients were included in the study, with no gender predominance. Consanguinity was noted in 61.5% of patients and a family history of renal disease was found in 46.2% of patients. The median age at presentation was 19.9 days (range: birth-2 months). Genetic workup was performed in 19 patients of which 73.6% were positive for <i>NPHS1</i> gene. The median follow-up was 6.3 years (range: 1 month-13 years). Dialysis was initiated in 23.1% of patients, and 15.4% underwent transplantation. The median age at death was 1.5 years (range: 1 month-7 years).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Genetic factors remain the predominant cause of CNS in this study's cohort. Despite significant disease course, advances in supportive and specialised care continue to improve outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":22083,"journal":{"name":"Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal","volume":"26 1","pages":"509-514"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13592538/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149017386","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The <i>MV Hondius</i> Hantavirus Outbreak: <i>Implications for clinical vigilance and regional health security in the GCC countries</i>.","authors":"Seif Salem Al Abri, Ahmed S Al-Mandhari, Ziad A Memish","doi":"10.18295/2075-0528.3009","DOIUrl":"10.18295/2075-0528.3009","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":22083,"journal":{"name":"Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal","volume":"26 1","pages":"504-508"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13592537/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149017400","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Effectiveness of a Prenatal Educational Programme on Fear of Childbirth Among Primigravida Women: <i>A quasi-experimental pretest-post-test study</i>.","authors":"Mozah Al Mamari, Amal Al Hadi, Fahima Al Harthy, Shamsa Al Ghusaini, Kadhiya Al Riyami","doi":"10.18295/2075-0528.3008","DOIUrl":"10.18295/2075-0528.3008","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Fear of childbirth is commonly reported among primigravida women and may negatively influence labour and birth outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured prenatal educational programme in reducing fear of childbirth among primigravida women.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A quasi-experimental single-group pretest-post-test design was conducted from January to June 2025. The study included primigravida women attending antenatal clinics in selected health centres in Muscat Governorate, Oman. No control group was included. Participants completed the baseline assessment during the third trimester (28-40 weeks of gestation) prior to the intervention. Post-intervention assessment was conducted at two weeks postpartum using the Self-Evaluation Questionnaire.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 79 primigravida women were included. Following the intervention, the mean fear-of-childbirth score decreased from 4.35 ± 0.63 at baseline to 1.79 ± 0.74 at 2-week postpartum follow-up, representing a mean reduction of 2.56 points (95% CI: 2.38-2.74; t = 27.8; <i>P</i> <0.001; Cohen's d = 3.12), indicating a statistically significant improvement after participation in the prenatal educational programme.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The structured prenatal educational programme was associated with a reduction of fear of childbirth among primigravida women. Incorporating such programmes into routine antenatal care may enhance maternal psychological well-being in Oman and in similar maternal health settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":22083,"journal":{"name":"Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal","volume":"26 1","pages":"496-503"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13592539/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149017358","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Colour Doppler-Guided Superthin Inferior Gluteal Artery Perforator Flap Elevation for Ischial Pressure Ulcer Reconstruction.","authors":"Muhammed Said Aydin, Gökay Özler, Şükrü Kasap, Mustafa Nişanci","doi":"10.18295/2075-0528.3007","DOIUrl":"10.18295/2075-0528.3007","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ischial pressure ulcer reconstruction requires durable coverage while preserving local donor options for possible recurrence. The inferior gluteal artery perforator (IGAP) flap is a muscle-sparing option, but superthin elevation requires precise knowledge of the superficial fascial plane and the subcutaneous course of the selected perforator. This technical note describes colour Doppler ultrasonography-guided superficial fascial plane mapping before superthin IGAP flap elevation in a 27-year-old paraplegic patient with a chronic left ischial pressure ulcer who presented in 2025 to a tertiary care university hospital in Muǧla, Turkey. Preoperative high-frequency colour Doppler ultrasonography identified the dominant perforator, measured the relevant fascial intervals and guided a controlled dissection above the superficial fascia. The technique allowed elevation of a thin, pliable flap while preserving deeper gluteal structures and perforator integrity. Colour Doppler-guided fascial mapping may support safer superthin perforator flap elevation in selected pressure ulcer reconstructions.</p>","PeriodicalId":22083,"journal":{"name":"Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal","volume":"26 1","pages":"490-495"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13552529/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148913332","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Does Cardiopulmonary Bypass Influence Outcomes in Stage 2 Palliation? <i>A meta-analysis and systematic review</i>.","authors":"Abdullah Almehandi, Yahya Ali, Adel Altarkait, Mohammad Alhajri, Abdulrahman O Al-Naseem, Ahmed A Jamjoom, Hamood Al Kindi, Saif Awlad Thani","doi":"10.18295/2075-0528.3005","DOIUrl":"10.18295/2075-0528.3005","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objectives: &lt;/strong&gt;The bidirectional Glenn (BDG) procedure, a key palliative intervention for single-ventricle physiology, is conventionally performed using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) despite its associated complications and costs. However, the comparative impact of CPB versus off-pump techniques on perioperative safety, neurological risk and long-term outcomes remains controversial. Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to determine whether performing the BDG procedure without CPB improves perioperative outcomes (including morbidity, mortality, and neurological events), resource utilisation, and long-term survival compared to the conventional on-pump approach.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;This review systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Central from inception until January 2025 for comparative randomised and observational studies reporting outcomes in patients undergoing the BDG procedure with versus without CPB. The primary outcome was perioperative mortality (≤30 days or discharge); secondary outcomes included operative duration, recovery parameters (ventilation time, vasoactive support, intensive care unit (ICU)/hospital stay) and postoperative complications (infection, bleeding, neurological events, arrhythmias).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;A total of 5 studies (2 randomised controlled trials, 3 observational studies; N = 339, 55% with CPB, 45% without CPB) were included. Patients had a mean age range of 6-66 months and mean weight of 6-16 kg. Common anomalies included double-outlet right ventricle and tricuspid atresia. Perioperative mortality did not differ significantly between groups (odds ratio [OR] = 1.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.31-4.20; &lt;i&gt;P&lt;/i&gt; = 0.83). Significant benefits favouring the off-pump approach were observed for operation duration (mean difference [MD] = 31.98 min, 95% CI = 14.97-48.99; &lt;i&gt;P&lt;/i&gt; = 0.0002), duration of inotropic support (MD = 7.05 hours, 95% CI = 5.48-8.63; &lt;i&gt;P&lt;/i&gt; &lt;0.00001), duration of mechanical ventilation (MD = 4.09 hours, 95% CI = 3.26-4.92; &lt;i&gt;P&lt;/i&gt; &lt;0.00001) and ICU length-of-stay (MD = 0.73 days, 95% CI = 0.55-0.91; &lt;i&gt;P&lt;/i&gt; &lt;0.00001). No significant differences were found for hospital length-of-stay, postoperative bleeding, neurological complications, oxygen saturation, superior vena cava pressure, infection or arrhythmias. Risk of bias was assessed via the ROBINS-I and ROB2 assessment tools for non-randomised and randomised trials, respectively; a funnel plot was constructed to assess for publication bias.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;The findings suggest that, although off-pump BDG procedure is associated with shorter operative and recovery AU: Please provide the accepted date. times than the on-pump approach, it does not demonstrate superior perioperative mortality or hospital discharge outcomes. Given the risk of conversion and lack of extended follow-up in reporting studies, further randomised multicentre studies with standardised outcomes a","PeriodicalId":22083,"journal":{"name":"Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal","volume":"26 1","pages":"480-489"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13552528/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148913340","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association Between Pain Catastrophising and Functional Limitation in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: <i>A cross-sectional study in a Tunisian rehabilitation setting</i>.","authors":"Soumaya Elarem, Ikram Haddada, Ameni Ameur, Ferdaous Blel, Nedra El Feni, Aymen Fekih, Aymen Haj Salah, Mouna Sghir, Wassia Kessomtini","doi":"10.18295/2075-0528.3006","DOIUrl":"10.18295/2075-0528.3006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common reason for consultation in rehabilitation settings, responsible for pain and restricted autonomy. This study aimed to determine the association between catastrophising and functional limitation in patients followed for KOA in physical medicine and rehabilitation.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from June to August 2025 at the Department of Physical Medicine and Functional Rehabilitation in Taher Sfar University Hospital, Mahdia, Tunisia. Demographic data, the history of KOA as well as the radiographic stage of Kellgren and Lawrence were collected from patients with KOA. Functional impairment was assessed by the Lequesne knee index and catastrophising was assessed by the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) questionnaire in its Arabic translated and validated version.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 90 patients were included with a mean age of 58.76 ± 9.09 years. Most were women (88.9%) and obesity was present in 44.4% of patients. KOA was bilateral in 73.3% of cases. The mean on 100 of the VAS pain at rest was 29.18 ± 19.69 and at walk 57.14 ± 15.81. The mean Lequesne score in the population was 11.33 ± 3.53 and that of the PCS was 23.91 ± 11.28. Significant factors associated with a high level of catastrophizing were the level of education (<i>P</i> = 0.040), obesity (<i>P</i> = 0.007), the radiological stage (<i>P</i> = 0.048) and the Lequesne index (<i>P</i> = 0.019). The mean Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)-depression score was 7.75 ± 2.84 in the low catastrophising group versus 11.04 ± 2.24 in the high catastrophizing group (<i>P</i> <0.001). The mean HADS-anxiety score was 8.20 ± 3.97 versus 12.32 ± 3.83, respectively (<i>P</i> <0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings demonstrated an association between catastrophising and functional limitation in KOA. Evaluating pain catastrophisation during the follow-up of these patients, may guide and personalise therapeutic strategies, such as cognitive-behavioural approaches, pain management and rehabilitation according to each patient';s needs.</p>","PeriodicalId":22083,"journal":{"name":"Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal","volume":"26 1","pages":"472-479"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13502137/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148814157","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Probable Renal-Limited Sarcoidosis Presenting With Tubulointerstitial Nephritis Without Granulomas on Renal Biopsy: <i>A diagnostic challenge</i>.","authors":"Jawahar Hamood AlNoumani, Muhammad Shoaib, Asma Marzouqi, Ali Al Lawati","doi":"10.18295/2075-0528.3004","DOIUrl":"10.18295/2075-0528.3004","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Sarcoidosis is an idiopathic multisystem inflammatory disorder characterised by non-caseating granulomas and a wide range of reported prevalence. Renal-limited sarcoidosis is a rare manifestation of sarcoidosis which remains a diagnostic challenge due to lack of extra renal manifestation and specific diagnostic criteria. We report a 37-year-old man who presented to a tertiary care hospital, Muscat, Oman, in 2024, with a two-month history of fever, weight loss, hypercalcaemia, high-to-normal 1,25-Vitamin D, high angiotensin-converting enzyme levels and acute kidney injury. His renal biopsy showed evidence of tubulointerstitial nephritis without granulomas or nephrocalcinosis. After exclusion of infectious, malignant, drug- related and autoimmune causes, a probable diagnosis of renal-limited sarcoidosis was considered. The patient received a course of steroids with subsequent improvement in his symptoms, renal function and renal biopsy inflammatory activity. This case highlights the diagnostic uncertainty and challenges in renal-limited sarcoidosis, particularly in the absence of granulomatous inflammation.</p>","PeriodicalId":22083,"journal":{"name":"Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal","volume":"26 1","pages":"466-471"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13502135/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148814074","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Breast Cancer Knowledge, Awareness and Screening Practices Among Female Healthcare Workers in Al-Mukalla, Yemen.","authors":"Wafa Al Shoaeeb, Ahmed M Badheeb, Faisal Ahmed, Amen Bawazir, Abdulla Bin Nabhan, Mohammed Badheeb, Abdulkader Bayazid","doi":"10.18295/2075-0528.3003","DOIUrl":"10.18295/2075-0528.3003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy among women worldwide and represents a significant burden for Yemeni women. Early detection through breast self-examination (BSE) and knowledge of risk factors and symptoms are crucial. This study aimed to assess awareness, knowledge and practice regarding BC risk factors, symptoms and BSE among female healthcare workers (HCWs) in Al-Mukalla, Yemen.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study was conducted from September to October 2022 at three public hospitals in Al-Mukalla, Yemen. A census sampling approach was used to recruit HCWs. Data were collected using a validated self-administered questionnaire covering breast awareness practices, risk factor awareness, symptom recognition and BSE frequency. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to identify BSE predictors.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 151 HCWs were included in this study (response rate = 83.0%). The mean participant age was 30.4 ± 6.1 years; 49.7% were aged 20-29 years. Most participants were unmarried (66.2%), university-educated (57.0%) and doctors (47.0%). Knowledge of hallmark symptoms such as breast masses (90.0%) was high; however, 51.0% misidentified the specific laterality (right upper outer quadrant) of the most common cancer site, rather than the quadrant itself. Regular (monthly) BSE was reported by 71.5% of participants. Multivariable analysis showed that nurses were less likely than doctors to perform BSE (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.32, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.14-0.73; <i>P</i> = 0.007). Diploma holders practised BSE less than university graduates (aOR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.19-0.78; <i>P</i> = 0.008), while higher BC knowledge independently predicted greater BSE practice (aOR = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.10-4.20; <i>P</i> = 0.025).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Despite good symptom awareness, significant knowledge gaps remain regarding risk factors and breast anatomy among female HCWs in Al-Mukalla, Yemen. BSE practice is still suboptimal, influenced by professional role, education level and BC knowledge. Targeted interventions focusing on breast awareness and structured education are urgently required.</p>","PeriodicalId":22083,"journal":{"name":"Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal","volume":"26 1","pages":"455-465"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13502136/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148814116","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}