Maisarah N Anwar, Nik Nairan Abdullah, Dalila Roslan, Aimi N M Ruzlin
{"title":"Characteristics and Effectiveness of Premarital Thalassaemia Educational Interventions Worldwide: <i>A scoping review</i>.","authors":"Maisarah N Anwar, Nik Nairan Abdullah, Dalila Roslan, Aimi N M Ruzlin","doi":"10.18295/2075-0528.2908","DOIUrl":"10.18295/2075-0528.2908","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Thalassaemia, a hereditary blood disorder, remains under-recognised due to limited awareness, particularly among young people. This scoping review aimed to evaluate the characteristics and effectiveness of premarital thalassaemia educational interventions globally. Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, six databases were searched for English-language studies targeting adolescents and young adults. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria, and data were extracted using a standardised form adapted from the Joanna Briggs Institute, focusing on intervention characteristics, outcomes and key findings. Most studies involved school students and young adults from culturally diverse, resource-limited settings. The interventions-traditional, technology-based or culturally adapted-consistently improved knowledge (P <0.001). However, behavioural outcomes, such as increased uptake of screening, were inconsistent. While educational strategies enhanced knowledge effectively, socio-cultural barriers limited the translation into behavioural changes. These findings support the need for future interventions to integrate behavioural change theories, leverage digital tools and address cultural sensitivities to improve their overall impact.</p>","PeriodicalId":22083,"journal":{"name":"Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal","volume":"25 1","pages":"773-783"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12445309/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145114116","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}
Gabriella M Calabrese, Márcio L Duarte, Leonardo F Freitas, Eduardo O Narvaez
{"title":"The Impact of Maternal Diabetes on Sacral Agenesis: <i>A paediatric report</i>.","authors":"Gabriella M Calabrese, Márcio L Duarte, Leonardo F Freitas, Eduardo O Narvaez","doi":"10.18295/2075-0528.2894","DOIUrl":"10.18295/2075-0528.2894","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":22083,"journal":{"name":"Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal","volume":"25 1","pages":"762-764"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12445318/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145114089","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}
Marzieh Mahdipoor, Alireza J Motlagh, Hamid S Baghbanan, Mahmood Bakhtiyari, Zohreh Khodaii, Sara E Saeieh
{"title":"The Effect of Maternal Diet on Neonatal Jaundice: A Case-Control Study.","authors":"Marzieh Mahdipoor, Alireza J Motlagh, Hamid S Baghbanan, Mahmood Bakhtiyari, Zohreh Khodaii, Sara E Saeieh","doi":"10.18295/2075-0528.2909","DOIUrl":"10.18295/2075-0528.2909","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aims to investigate the influence of dietary heat intensity in maternal diets on the incidence of neonatal jaundice. Specifically, we examine whether maternal consumption of \"dietary heat intensity\" foods affects neonatal bilirubin levels, while controlling for potential demographic and obstetric confounding factors.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective case-control study was conducted between October 2023 and September 2024. The study population consisted of mothers and their newborns attending healthcare centers in Alborz Province, Iran. Based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 152 newborns were enrolled, comprising 75 non-jaundiced and 77 jaundiced infants. Data were collected using an information-gathering form and a food frequency questionnaire. A total bilirubin level of ≥5 mg/dL was defined as the threshold for jaundice. The collected data were subsequently analyzed using SPSSv16 software.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between the two groups in several variables, including the number of pregnancies, delivery type, infant birth weight, gestational age, infant nutrition type, use of herbal medications in infants, and maternal age. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated a significant association between neonatal bilirubin levels and maternal consumption of \"dietary heat intensity\" foods, particularly warm-classified carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study results demonstrated that increased maternal consumption of hot-nature foods was significantly correlated with elevated bilirubin levels, suggesting a potential influence of maternal diet on neonatal jaundice incidence.</p>","PeriodicalId":22083,"journal":{"name":"Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal","volume":"25 1","pages":"794-803"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12445302/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145114129","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}
Rawan Al Abdulsalam, Hajer Al Shaaibi, Manar Al Sanaa Al Zeedi, Rahma Al Hadhrami
{"title":"Predictors of Caregiver Burden Among the Caregivers of Bedridden Patients in Muscat, Oman.","authors":"Rawan Al Abdulsalam, Hajer Al Shaaibi, Manar Al Sanaa Al Zeedi, Rahma Al Hadhrami","doi":"10.18295/2075-0528.2946","DOIUrl":"10.18295/2075-0528.2946","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Caring for bedridden patients is physically and emotionally demanding, often resulting in significant caregiver burden. This study aimed to assess caregiver burden and associated factors among caregivers of adult bedridden patients in Muscat, Oman.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2024 to February 2025 among caregivers of adult bedridden patients registered to get community services in Muscat Governorate and provided care for more than 1 month. Data were collected using the 12-item Zarit Burden Interview and the Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 200 caregivers participated; 66% were female, with a mean age of 44 years and 58% were caring for a parent. Most patients (88%) had severe functional impairment. Overall, 39.9% of caregivers reported high burden, with an average Zarit burden score of 18.65. Dependency in dressing was significantly associated with caregiver burden (<i>P</i> = 0.030). An association was also found between caregiver marital status and their perception of patient health. Caregivers reported diverse support needs, including psychological support (62.5%), emergency response training (58%), rehabilitation programmes (54%) and access to blood sugar monitoring equipment (48.5%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Caregiver burden was common in Muscat. Dressing dependency, caregiver marital status and perceptions of patient health contributed significantly to this burden. Targeted support is essential through clinical practice, caregiver education and health policy integration to reduce burden and improve caregiving outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":22083,"journal":{"name":"Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal","volume":"26 1","pages":"20-28"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12797272/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145971123","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":"A Case Report of Olfactory Reference Disorder with Childhood Trauma: <i>Aetiological and neurobiological insights</i>.","authors":"Davut Ocak, Bengu Yucens","doi":"10.18295/2075-0528.2950","DOIUrl":"10.18295/2075-0528.2950","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We report a 22-year-old male, who presented in 2020 to a clinic in Kahramanmaraş, Turkey, with a 5-year history of a fixed preoccupation with the belief of emitting a 'plastic smell' from his anal region. This case illustrates a clinically significant link with a history of childhood sexual abuse. The patient was diagnosed with olfactory reference disorder (ORD) with poor insight and comorbid depressive disorder, based on ICD-11 and DSM-5-TR criteria. Extensive medical workups ruled out organic causes. He responded well to a combination therapy of sertraline and aripiprazole, showing significant symptom reduction. This case supports a diathesis-stress model where ORD can manifest as a somatic metaphor for trauma, mediated by experiential avoidance. It highlights the importance of trauma assessment and a neurobiologically informed psychopharmacological approach in managing ORD.</p>","PeriodicalId":22083,"journal":{"name":"Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal","volume":"26 1","pages":"5-12"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12797261/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145971029","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}
Ahmed H Saad, Ahmed S Badran, Ahmed S Ashour, Mohamed A Abdeltawab, Aalaa ElGeritly, Iman Elzahaby
{"title":"Immediate vs On-demand Maternal Oral Feeding for Parturients After Caesarean Section: <i>A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials</i>.","authors":"Ahmed H Saad, Ahmed S Badran, Ahmed S Ashour, Mohamed A Abdeltawab, Aalaa ElGeritly, Iman Elzahaby","doi":"10.18295/2075-0528.2927","DOIUrl":"10.18295/2075-0528.2927","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This review compared the efficacy and safety of immediate oral feeding (initiated within 2 hours post-operation) versus on-demand feeding following caesarean section (CS). A systematic search of electronic databases up to 20 February 2025 identified three randomised controlled trials (RCTs) including a total of 1,158 patients. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool. Statistical analysis was performed using Review Manager (RevMan) software to calculate mean differences (MDs), standardised mean differences (SMDs), and risk ratios (RRs). Immediate oral feeding was associated with a shorter time to first bowel sounds (MD -0.34 hours), although this difference was not statistically significant (<i>P</i> = 0.16). However, it significantly reduced the time to first flatus (MD: -1.27 hours, <i>P</i> <0.0009) and time to the second meal (MD: -1.76 hours, <i>P</i> = 0.0006). No significant differences were observed between the groups regarding nausea, vomiting, analgesia use, initiation of breastfeeding, patient satisfaction, or discharge time. These findings support the incorporation of immediate oral feeding into enhanced recovery protocols following CS.</p>","PeriodicalId":22083,"journal":{"name":"Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal","volume":"25 1","pages":"958-966"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12709206/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145782806","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}
Ahmed Soliman, Hanaa Alrashidi, Mohamed A Mohamed, Reem Ghorab, Nihal Al Riyami, Ahmed S A Ashour, Yasmine A Mohammed, Ahmed H Saad
{"title":"Efficacy of Hormonal and Non-Hormonal Vaginal Gel Preparations on the Female Sexual Satisfaction Index in Postmenopausal Women with Sexual Dysfunction Syndrome: <i>A PRISMA-compliant meta-analysis</i>.","authors":"Ahmed Soliman, Hanaa Alrashidi, Mohamed A Mohamed, Reem Ghorab, Nihal Al Riyami, Ahmed S A Ashour, Yasmine A Mohammed, Ahmed H Saad","doi":"10.18295/squmj.6.2024.00","DOIUrl":"10.18295/squmj.6.2024.00","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This meta-analysis aimed to compare the efficacy of vaginal gel preparations versus placebo in postmenopausal women with sexual dysfunction syndrome. Searches of electronic databases from inception to January 2023 identified 8 trials (N = 672) that reported the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and compared hormonal (oestrogen, oxytocin) and/or non-hormonal (chamomile, fennel) interventions against placebo. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used to assess studies' quality. The vaginal gel group had a significantly higher total FSFI endpoint score (mean difference [MD] = 6.67, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.79-9.55; <i>P</i> < 0.001) than placebo. Non-hormonal gels exhibited a greater FSFI total score (MD = 6.73, 95% CI: 4.7-8.76; <i>P</i> < 0.001) than hormonal gels (MD = 2.75, 95% CI: 1.87-3.64; <i>P</i> < 0.001), positively impacting all FSFI domains. These findings indicate that chamomile and fennel vaginal gels may improve the overall FSFI 6 domains score, reflecting enhancements in postmenopausal women's sexual activity and satisfaction.</p>","PeriodicalId":22083,"journal":{"name":"Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal","volume":"25 1","pages":"17-28"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12244233/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144609576","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":"Artificial Intelligence Applications in Decision-Making for Disease Management: <i>A scoping review</i>.","authors":"Mohammadhiwa Abdekhoda, Fatemeh R Madiseh","doi":"10.18295/2075-0528.2855","DOIUrl":"10.18295/2075-0528.2855","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Artificial intelligence (AI) has several potential applications in medicine, creating opportunities for reliable and evidence-based decision-making in disease management. To explore the practical aspects of AI in decision-making, this scoping review was conducted to identify AI applications in disease management using the PRISMA-ScR checklist. Data collection involved searching relevant keywords in Web of Science and Scopus databases in May 2023. Eligibility criteria for study inclusion and exclusion were established, and the review process adhered to the PRISMA-ScR checklist. A total of 80 extracted sub-themes were identified and categorised into 6 main themes: data processing and management, characterisation and analysis, prediction and risk stratification, screening, prognosis and diagnosis. The application of AI can enhance the reliability and confidence in medical decision-making, thereby improving the accuracy and effectiveness of medical interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":22083,"journal":{"name":"Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal","volume":"25 1","pages":"441-449"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12244249/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144609594","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}
Rahma Al Hadhrami, Asma A Al Salmani, Abeer Al Houdar, Janit Francinilla, Abeer Albalushi, Buthaina Al Maskari
{"title":"Prevalence of Urine Culture Contamination in a Primary Care Outpatient Setting in Muscat, Oman: <i>A retrospective cross-sectional study</i>.","authors":"Rahma Al Hadhrami, Asma A Al Salmani, Abeer Al Houdar, Janit Francinilla, Abeer Albalushi, Buthaina Al Maskari","doi":"10.18295/2075-0528.2853","DOIUrl":"10.18295/2075-0528.2853","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of urine culture contamination, determine related factors and identify the most prevalent uropathogens among samples collected from outpatients attending a primary healthcare setting in Muscat, Oman.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2022 to July 2023 at the primary health clinic of Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman. All urine cultures requested by physicians for ambulatory outpatients who attended the clinic during the study period were included. Collected urine samples underwent microbiological analysis, with positive cultures defined as significant growth of ≥10<sup>5</sup> colony forming unit (CFU)/mL. Samples exhibiting 2 organisms growing at 10<sup>4</sup> CFU/mL or 1 organism at 10<sup>4</sup> CFU/mL and another at <10<sup>4</sup> CFU/mL were considered potentially contaminated, as were samples showing the isolation of 3 or more organisms.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 775 urine cultures were analysed. Of these, 72.8% demonstrated no growth, 10.7% exhibited significant growth and 16.5% showed mixed growth, which may indicate possible contamination. Significant correlations were identified between positive culture growth and the patient's gender, symptoms and pregnancy status (<i>P</i> < 0.05 each). <i>Escherichia coli</i> (56.6%) and <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> (12.0%) were the most frequently identified bacteria in positive cultures. Antibiotics were prescribed for 17.8% of patients, primarily empirically (79.7%).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study identified a significant rate of urine culture contamination among outpatients attending a primary care setting in Muscat. These findings underscore the importance of proper urine sample collection techniques and judicious antibiotic prescribing practices to optimise patient care, minimise unnecessary resource utilisation and reduce the likelihood of antimicrobial resistance.</p>","PeriodicalId":22083,"journal":{"name":"Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal","volume":"25 1","pages":"430-438"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12244237/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144609633","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":"Unveiling Post-Pericardial Resection: <i>Magnificent Imaging of Extensive Residual Pericardial Calcification and Impressive Mitral Valve Thickening</i>.","authors":"Omar Al Taei, Abdullah Al Ismaili","doi":"10.18295/2075-0528.2836","DOIUrl":"10.18295/2075-0528.2836","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":22083,"journal":{"name":"Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal","volume":"25 1","pages":"303-308"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12240245/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144609646","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}