Comparison of herbal medicines and pain relief medications in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea among female medical students at Taibah University.

Objectives: Dysmenorrhoea is a common gynaecological problem that affects many women during their reproductive years. The objectives of this study were to describe the different treatments used for primary dysmenorrhoea (PD) among medical students at Taibah University, and to investigate the link between pain severity and daily life activities in relation to the type of dysmenorrhoea treatment. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 301 female medical students through an 18-item self-administered electronic questionnaire to screen for students with PD. The questionnaire included sociodemographic characteristics, details of self-management methods (types and adverse events), daily life domains affected by pain, and the Visual Analogue Scale score for the pain (wherein a score ≥7 indicated severe pain). Chi-square test, a multivariate regression model, and correlation analysis were used for data analysis. Results: The prevalence of PD among respondents was 71.8%. Medications were used by more than half of the respondents (51.9%), and were mainly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (53.5%) and paracetamol (47.5%). Among the participants, 14.1% used herbal medicines, cinnamon (55.7%), chamomile (40.7%), and ginger (33.3%). Other pain relief modalities were used by 34% of participants. Most students with a history of PD (80.6%) reported effects on their daily activities, mainly mood disturbance. Students using medications were more likely to have severe pain (72.7%) and an affect on daily activities (92.9%) than those using herbal medicines (44.4% and 88.9%, respectively) and other treatments (47.7% and 70.8%, respectively) (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Medications were more commonly used than herbal medicines and other relief methods. Effects of PD on daily life activities were observed among most students treated with medications. We recommend health promotion programmes to increase the awareness regarding different pain relief methods.

Mental Health Workers' Knowledge and Attitude Towards Borderline Personality Disorder: A Saudi Multicenter Study.

Background Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental illness characterized by emotional instability. Its prevalence can be as high as 1.8% among the general population. Poor knowledge and negative perceptions of the disorder by mental health workers (MHWs) can affect patients' care and their help-seeking behavior. This study aims to explore MHW's knowledge and attitudes toward BPD. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted on MHWs across the five regions of Saudi Arabia (SA) using a questionnaire that assessed knowledge, attitude, and training regarding BPD. Results  Data collected from 1028 MHWs showed a good knowledge level. Superior knowledge was observed among females, residents in the central region, physicians, those who received specific BPD training, and MHWs who had more experience and frequent interactions with BPD patients. Participants had moderate to high levels of perceived knowledge and confidence regarding the identification, assessment, and management of BPD patients. Undergraduate training programs were the most reported source of information on the disorder. While 66% of participants admitted that they find dealing with BPD patients more difficult and thought patient management was inadequate, 71% were willing to attend further BPD training. Conclusion MHWs in SA have moderate knowledge of but negative perceptions of BPD; specific training is needed to improve the care provided for BPD patients.