Annals of African Medicine最新文献

{"title":"Rectourethroperineal Fistula Associated with an Atretic Bulbomembranous Urethra: Successful Staged Management of a New Variant of an Extremely Rare Anorectal Malformation.","authors":"Boniphace Tresphory, Andrea Joseph Mombo, Alessandro Calisti","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_269_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/aam.aam_269_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Since 2005, only one case of a male patient presenting with a congenital rectourethroperineal fistula was reported. It was classified as a rare regional variant of an H-type rectourethral fistula in Krickenbeck's anorectal malformations classification. A staged approach was used to manage the patient, including colostomy, anorectoplasty, and a hypospadias correction. We report a second case of a continent rectourethroperineal fistula with the rare association of an atretic bulbomembranous urethra. The patient underwent staged surgeries to separate the rectum and the urethra from the perineal fistula, reposition the neoanus, and anastomose the anterior-to-posterior urethral tracts. These resulted in fecal continence and successful voiding.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"509-511"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12103121/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143536551","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":"Competency-based Medical Education: Perspectives from Students' Lens: A Cross-sectional Study among Undergraduate Medical Students.","authors":"Sayali Bhagat, Samarthya Dongre, Yamini Pusdekar","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_139_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/aam.aam_139_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>This study assesses the perception and challenges faced by medical students in adapting to India's competency-based medical education (CBME) curriculum. The curriculum is gradually being accepted nationwide. Students and faculty are continuously trying to implement all components of CBME in their practical and theory classes.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The research aims to provide insights into students' perceptions and challenges for the newly implemented CBME curriculum.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted among MBBS students at our medical college from 2019 batch onward. A questionnaire was sent using Google Forms and 293 responses were recorded. Data analysis was done using MS Excel.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The distribution of students across batches showed that 2019 and 2020 batches were the largest cohorts, comprising 39% and 37% respectively, followed by 2022 (14%) and 2021 (10%). The majority recognized the importance and achievement of the foundation course (73.4% and 75.5%, respectively). Attitude, Ethics, and Communication (AETCOM) was deemed necessary (79.8%) and contributed to doctor-patient relationships (43%). Early clinical exposure (ECE) was valued for interest and learning (87.3%), and practical technique like Objective Structured Clinical Examination was favored (83.9%). Challenges included time constraints for theory papers, finishing logbooks, limited self-study time, mental burnout, and coping with numerous competencies. ECE and integrated teaching were seen as pivotal for academic success, whereas AETCOM was acknowledged for its academic contribution.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"310-316"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12103147/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143555503","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":"Knowledge of Headache Red Flags among the General Population of Saudi Arabia: A Comprehensive Evaluation.","authors":"Sami Fadhel Almalki, Maryam Anwar AlMuhaish, Joud Khalid Alghamdi, Najd Fahad Alqahtani, Hanan Saad Alnawmasi, Sayed Ibrahim Ali","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_254_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/aam.aam_254_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Insufficient recognition of ominous headache red flags delays specialized care for potentially life-threatening secondary pathologies. Population-level awareness in Saudi Arabia warrants assessment to guide public health planning. The aim of the study was to evaluate headache red flag knowledge and associated care-seeking attitudes among Saudi adults through a cross-sectional survey.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A multistage random sample of 643 Saudis aged 15-85 years was recruited proportionally across 13 regions from November 23, 2023 to February 14, 2024. A self-administered questionnaire assessed knowledge of 12 common red flags through closed responses. Total scores were calculated, and associations with demographic/clinical predictors were examined using statistics including Chi-square, ANOVA, and Bayesian correlations.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Mean knowledge score was 11.73/24 indicating partial overall understanding. Higher scores correlated with male gender, ages 36-55 years, tertiary education, and prior headache histories. Knowledge of key red flags like \"thunderclap headache\" was incomplete. Timely specialist evaluation for concerning symptoms received limited endorsement over analgesic use. Vulnerable subgroups demonstrating low awareness included females, youth, and those reliant on unreliable hazard information sources.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Saudi adults demonstrated modest yet uneven headache red flag knowledge influenced by sociodemographic attributes. Specific deficits warrant targeted educational campaigns addressing individual and systemic barriers to prompt neurological evaluations for alarm symptoms. Public health efforts involving experts, community leaders, and technological innovations hold promise enhancing timely diagnosis of secondary pathologies nationwide if periodically monitored.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"398-405"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12103128/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143555507","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":"Insight into \"Problem-based Learning\" in Medical Education - Students' Perceptions about its Facilitators and Barriers: A Cross-sectional Study.","authors":"Samir Dwidmuthe, Siddarth Dubhashi, Vinod Pusdekar, Vivek Tiwari, Samrat Sahoo","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_140_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/aam.aam_140_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Problem-based learning (PBL), a method of small-group learning was introduced in 1969 at McMaster University and has been extensively used in various disciplines. PBL transforms the traditional teacher-centered approach to student-centered approach, thereby emphasizing on the necessity for student's participation in the discussion. The aim of the study was to assess the perception of students on PBL techniques, preparedness, and resource utilization for conducting PBL sessions.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>This cross-sectional study was conducted at a medical college, wherein all the students who had attended a PBL session in any subject were included in the study. Questionnaires were used to record students' responses. Student's responses were assessed using a prevalidated questionnaire on, the perceived benefits of PBL sessions, the process of conduction of PBL and learning resources used for self-directed learning. Student feedback was recorded using a Google Forms. Each response was recorded using a three-point Likert scale (Agree/neutral/disagree). Data were compiled in a Microsoft Excel worksheet.</p><p><strong>Statistical analysis: </strong>Qualitative data were collected and were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests. The feedback data were obtained to analyze the effectiveness of programs and plan appropriate changes in the conduction of PBL sessions.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Students mentioned that PBL was useful in better understanding of the basic sciences. PBL enhanced collaborative learning and helped them recognize their strengths and weaknesses. Participating in the PBL sessions improved their communication, leadership skills and decision-making ability.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>PBL session was an effective teaching-learning method in MBBS curriculum and it encourages self-directed learning in students and also ensures better integration of the basic and clinical sciences particularly problem-solving skills. Preparedness of tutors and resources available for conducting PBL are important to ensure satisfactory outcomes of PBL sessions.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"350-355"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12103161/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143575620","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":"Safety of Rapid Intermittent Bolus versus Slow Continuous Infusion of Hypertonic Saline for Managing Symptomatic Severe Hyponatremia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.","authors":"Deep Dutta, Manoj Kumar, Ameya Joshi, Meha Sharma","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_249_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/aam.aam_249_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aims: </strong>Three percent hypertonic saline (3NS) is an established treatment for severe hyponatremia. The optimal regimen for administering 3NS for severe hyponatremia, with the aim to minimize side effects is not known. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the safety profile of rapid intermittent bolus (RIB) versus slow continuous infusion (SCI) of 3NS for managing symptomatic severe hyponatremia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Databases were searched for studies evaluating the use of RIB versus SCI/conventional therapy of 3NS for managing symptomatic severe hyponatremia. The primary outcome was to evaluate the occurrence of overcorrection of hyponatremia. Secondary outcomes were to evaluate the need for relowering therapy, duration of hospital stay, changes in sodium levels, osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS), and mortality.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Data from three studies (290 patients) with severe hyponatremia was analyzed. Patients receiving RIB had a similar occurrence of overcorrection (relative risk [RR]: 1.59 [0.40, 6.35]; I2 = 61%; P = 0.51), need for relowering treatment to bring down serum sodium back to the normal range (RR: 2.53 [0.32, 20.20]; I2 = 81%; P = 0.38), ODS (RR: 2.24 [0.09, 57.18]; P = 0.63) and mortality (RR: 0.51 [0.08, 3.30]; I2 = 31%; P = 0.48), as compared to those receiving SCI. Patients receiving RIB had a marginally higher duration of hospital stay, which approached statistical significance (mean difference: 3.71 days [-0.18, 7.59]; I2 = 0%; P = 0.06).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Both RIB and SCI of hypertonic saline were safe and effective for managing severe symptomatic hyponatremia. The reduced duration of hospital stay with SCI of hypertonic saline may suggest this may be the optimal way of administering hypertonic saline.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"431-437"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12103148/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143575679","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":"Assessment of Cranial Spread of Two Different Volumes of Local Anesthetics Using Ultrasound during Caudal Blockade in Children.","authors":"Megha Thaleppady, Nithin John, Malavika Kulkarni, K Rama Rani, Aparna Satish, Laxmi Shenoy","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_112_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/aam.aam_112_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and aims: </strong>Single-shot caudal anesthesia is the most commonly used regional anesthesia technique in children with broad spectrum of indications. Although several studies have been in relation to caudal anesthesia the issue of volume of local anesthetics and its cranial spread has always been a matter of debate with discrepancies noted between clinical assessment and radiographic spread of the drug. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the cranial spread of two volumes of caudally administered local anesthetics in pediatric patients by means of real-time ultrasound.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Fifty children of 1-6 years of age belonging to American Society of Anesthesiologists status I/II scheduled for infraumbilical surgeries were administered general anesthesia followed by ultrasound guided caudal anesthesia with 0.25% levobupivacaine, either 1 ml/kg or 0.75 ml/kg with 25 children in each group. Real-time placement of the drug and its maximum cranial spread with respect to T12 vertebrae was noted using ultrasound. Hemodynamic parameters on surgical incision was noted among the groups. Frequencies are presented with descriptive statistics and t -test is used to study difference between the two groups.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>It was noted that the group receiving 0.75 ml/kg of drug had the drug spread between the L2 and L3 vertebral level and the group receiving 1 ml/kg had spread between L1 and L2. There was a positive correlation between dose of drug and distance from T12 vertebra with 1 ml/kg of the drug having a mean of 3.25 ± 1.07 cm whereas 0.75 ml/kg had a mean of 4.44 ± 0.87 cm ( P = 0.0001). Patient demographics and hemodynamic parameters on incision were comparable among the groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study showed that there was a positive correlation between volume of local anesthetic injected in caudal space and its cranial spread with respect to distance from T12 however on comparison between vertebral levels the maximum deposition of local anesthetic was between L1 and L2 for 1 ml/kg and between L2 and L3 for 0.75 ml/kg, respectively.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"244-248"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12103144/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143497968","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":"Validation of Peripheral Perfusion Index as a Noninvasive Screening Tool in Predicting Adverse Neonatal Outcome.","authors":"Rizwana Abdul Nasser, Shiji Joseph, Anila Arangassery Poulose, Ramaraj Subbiah","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_101_24","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/aam.aam_101_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Timely identification of suboptimal organ perfusion is crucial to detect adverse outcomes early and to prevent its long-term motor and cognitive effects. Peripheral perfusion index (PI) is a noninvasive screening tool which can identify babies at risk for hemodynamic compromise.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>We aimed to study the validity of peripheral PI as an early predictor of adverse neonatal outcome in comparison with other commonly used noninvasive screening modalities such as heart rate (HR), respiratory rate, temperature, capillary refill time (CRT), and blood pressure.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This prospective observational study was carried out between January 2021 and May 2022. All infants born beyond 32 weeks of pregnancy who are admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit and needed hemodynamic were included in the study. Peripheral PI was monitored along with other noninvasive parameters at specific intervals and compared with those parameters for the degree of variation in each at specified time intervals and with the changing hemodynamic status of these babies including adverse outcomes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A cohort of 93 neonates was enrolled in the study. Our study found lower PI values among newborns with adverse outcomes. This study also revealed negative correlations between HR and PI, suggesting that low PI could indicate early neonatal compromise and circulatory inadequacy. We also established positive correlations between PI and CRT, systolic blood pressure, mean arterial blood pressure, and pulse pressure.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>PI can serve as a noninvasive screening tool which can identify babies at risk for hemodynamic compromise, especially in resource-poor settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143727053","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating the Impact of Teriflunomide and Dimethyl Fumarate on Quality of Life in Relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis: Insights from Eastern Saudi Arabia.","authors":"Dhafer Alshayban, Foziah J Al-Shamrani, Khalid A Alamer, Mohammad Y Muazen, Khalid A Alqahtani, Layan Alsulaiman, Md Ashraful Islam, Bander Balkhi, Saad Alqahtani, Khalid S AlHarkan","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_259_24","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/aam.aam_259_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) is a chronic neurological condition prevalent in Saudi Arabia. It causes a spectrum of neurological impairments that result in functional limitations and disability. The physical and psychological burdens of multiple sclerosis (MS) significantly impact patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, research evaluating its effects on HRQoL within the Saudi context remains scarce. This study aimed to compare HRQoL among RRMS patients undergoing treatment with teriflunomide or dimethyl fumarate and identify factors influencing treatment outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>A cross-sectional study involving all MS patients was conducted at King Fahd Hospital of the University from November 2022 to April 2023. Participants were categorized into two groups based on their treatment: those receiving teriflunomide and those on dimethyl fumarate. Data were collected using the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 280 patients invited, 82 RRMS patients met the inclusion criteria, comprising 28 males and 54 females, with most participants over 40. Approximately 43.9% were treated with teriflunomide, whereas 56.1% received dimethyl fumarate. No statistically significant differences were found in the three health indicators assessed between the two treatment groups. Nonetheless, the descriptive analysis indicated that RRMS patients on dimethyl fumarate reported superior health outcomes to those on teriflunomide.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study revealed that patients with RRMS in the dimethyl fumarate and teriflunomide treatment groups reported low physical and mental HRQoL. While no statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups, those receiving dimethyl fumarate indicated a better QoL than their counterparts on teriflunomide. Future research is necessary to identify specific gaps that could facilitate improvements in HRQoL among RRMS patients. Furthermore, the findings from this study may inform the development and implementation of targeted intervention programs aimed at enhancing HRQoL for RRMS patients within the Saudi population.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143727047","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence and Detection of Novel Thalassemia Variant hemoglobin J in Extensive Tharu Population.","authors":"Nitu Nigam, Ruchi Gupta, Madan Lal Brahma Bhatt, Swasti Sinha, Nishant Verma, Sanjay Kumar Nigam, Shailendra Prasad Verma, Kirti Upadhyay, Surbhi Gupta","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_207_24","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/aam.aam_207_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Thalassemia is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder that disrupts hemoglobin production, resulting in varying degrees of anemia and associated health problems. In the Terai region of southern Nepal and northern India, the Tharu people has a high prevalence of hemoglobinopathies, including beta and alpha thalassemia.</p><p><strong>Aims and objectives: </strong>This study sought to ascertain the prevalence of hemoglobinopathies in Tharu school-age children in Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh, as well as the associated hematological and demographic traits.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>In cooperation with the National Medical Organization (NMO) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the study was carried out between February 22-26, 2023. 369 blood samples were taken from youngsters enrolled in school. The BIORAD VARIANT algorithm was utilized to diagnose thalassemia characteristics and hemoglobinopathies using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The relationships between hematological markers, diagnostic results, and demographic factors were assessed by statistical analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>(1) Normal cases: 78.8% of participants were classified as normal. (2) Beta thalassemia heterozygous: 6.2%. (3) HbJ Meerut heterozygous: 4.0%. (4) HbS heterozygous: 9.8%. Statistical analysis revealed a significant association between sex and diagnosis (p=0.001), while no significant association was observed between age and diagnosis (P = 0.846). Hematological parameters, including Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH), differed significantly across diagnostic groups (P < 0.05). Variations in hemoglobin types Hb A, Hb F, and Hb A2 were statistically significant (P < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study highlights a high prevalence of hemoglobinopathies within the Tharu community, emphasizing the need for accurate diagnosis and awareness campaigns to manage the disorder effectively. By reducing stigma and empowering the community with knowledge, these efforts can improve outcomes for individuals with thalassemia and related disorders.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143690911","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Attitudes, Behaviors, and Stigmatization toward Women with Breast Cancer among Saudi Arabian Men.","authors":"Israa Aqeel Alghafli, Ghadeer Aqeel Alghafli, Latifah Khalid Alnami, Zahra Ali Alhajji, Reem Ali AlQarni, Ghadah Abdullah Albejais, Jumanah Jamal Alabbad, Loai S Albinsaad, Mohammed Yousef Alessa, Ali Saleh Albinsaad","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_247_24","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/aam.aam_247_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Globally, breast cancer is the most frequent cancer to affect women. The death rate from breast cancer has dramatically dropped as a result of recent advancements in screening and therapy. The negative attitude that society has toward cancer patients, known as the stigma, keeps them from developing effective coping strategies. This study aimed to examine the attitudes of Saudi Arabian men, their behaviors, and their stigma toward females with breast cancer.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia between February 4 and March 31, 2024. Following a comprehensive pilot study involving 50 participants, the researchers developed and validated a pre-structured online questionnaire.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In total, 796 (68.2%) met the inclusion criteria and completed the study questionnaire. Participants' ages ranged between 18 and 60 years with a mean age of 31.6 ± 11.8 years old. Regarding educational level, 129 (23.8%) had a secondary level of education or below, and 403 (74.2%) were university students/graduates. Regarding males' attitudes toward females with breast cancer, the lowest score, indicating the most positive attitude, was reported for a section on cancer-related myths and preconceptions (1.4/5), followed by women's working ability (1.6/5), disease severity (1.8/5), and nervousness (2.1/5). Attitudes toward marriage and concealing showed the highest scores, indicating the lowest attitude and perception levels (2.3/5 for each). Men's score for attitude and stigma was 1.9 ± 0.6 of 5 (38%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study showed that educated men with sufficient knowledge about breast cancer showed positive attitudes and low stigma towards females with the disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143690900","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}