Comparing Life Expectancy Determinants Between Indonesia and Oman from 1980 to 2020.

Life expectancy (LE) is a health indicator of a population's health and well-being. Modeling the trajectory of LE aligns with the objectives of Indonesia's Vision 2045 and Oman's Vision 2040. This study examines the influence of health status-resources (HSR), macroeconomic (ME), and sociodemographic (SD) factors on LE in Indonesia and Oman. These two nations navigate the challenges of the middle-income trap in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. This study adopted a national-scale population-based approach that focuses on retrospective observations. We used partial least square structural equation models with World Bank data from 1980 to 2020 to analyze the relationship between the mentioned factors and the LE of Oman and Indonesia. For Indonesia's model, the results showed that ME has a total effect of ß = 0.737 (p < 0.05) on LE, SD has a total effect of ß = 0.675 (p < 0.05) on LE, and HSR has a total effect of ß = 0.823 (p < 0.05) on LE. In Oman's model, ME has a total effect of ß = 0.848 (p < 0.05) on LE, SD has a total effect of ß = 0.755 (p < 0.05) on LE, and HSR has a total effect of ß = 0.335 (p < 0.05) on LE. The findings underscore the need for policies that meld health and societal perspectives to improve public health in both nations. A shift in public health interventions and perceptions towards socioeconomic well-being and societal issues is pivotal for advancing LE growth, potentially steering these countries from the middle-income trap.

Introduction of Cancer Education Program in Secondary School Curriculum: Perceptions of Education Teachers and Policymakers in Oman.

The prevalence of cancer is expected to increase worldwide for reasons related to a lack of awareness of cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Implementing cancer education programs in schools in the developing countries with similar demographic, economic, and health transition to that of Oman is crucial for enhancing students' cancer knowledge and promoting healthy behavior. This study aims to explore the perceptions of education, policymakers, and teachers regarding the inclusion of cancer education in secondary school curriculum. The study employed a qualitative method, conducting semi-structured interviews with ten education policymakers and ten school teachers. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed verbatim and qualitatively using the framework approach. Three main themes have emerged: (1) perception of the importance of cancer education inclusion within the school curriculum, (2) the perception of cancer education implementation in schools, and (3) the perceived challenges of introducing cancer education in schools. Policymakers and teachers in Oman recognize the importance of cancer education in schools and emphasized the need to prioritize it due to the increasing prevalence of the disease and the belief that negative lifestyle habits played a role in its increased prevalence. Implementing cancer education programs in schools is essential in improving students' knowledge of cancer and health behaviors. Collaboration between the department of school health in ministry of education and in ministry of health and incorporating cancer education into different school activities can be beneficial. However, the perceived challenges of cancer education in schools include the decision on the priority of cancer education among other topics, the required procedures to introduce cancer education in schools, and the financial and logistics obligations of implementing cancer education programs. Therefore, addressing the financial and logistic requirements is essential to overcome the associated challenges for implementing cancer education programs within the school curriculum.

The Frequency of Neuropsychiatric Sequelae After Traumatic Brain Injury in the Global South: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of neuropsychiatric sequelae following traumatic brain injury (TBI) among the Western Asian, South Asian and African regions of the global south. All studies on psychiatric disturbances or cognitive impairment following TBI conducted (until August 2021) in the 83 countries that constitute the aforementioned regions were reviewed; 6 databases were selected for the literature search. After evaluating the articles using the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines, the random effects model was used to estimate the prevalence of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), TBI-related sleep disturbance (TBI-SD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and cognitive impairment. Of 56 non-duplicated studies identified in the initial search, 27 were eligible for systematic review and 23 for meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of depression in 1,882 samples was 35.35%, that of anxiety in 1,211 samples was 28.64%, that of PTSD in 426 samples was 19.94%, that of OCD in 313 samples was 19.48%, that of TBI-SD in 562 samples was 26.67% and that of cognitive impairment in 941 samples was 49.10%. To date, this is the first critical review to examine the spectrum of post-TBI neuropsychiatric sequelae in the specified regions. Although existing studies lack homogeneous data due to variability in the diagnostic tools and outcome measures utilised, the reported prevalence rates are significant and comparable to statistics from the global north.

Effects of life-story review on quality of life, depression, and life satisfaction in older adults in Oman: a randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: There is a need for healthcare providers to develop life-story review interventions to enhance the mental well-being and quality of life of older adults. The primary aim of this study is to examine the effects of telling their life stories and creating a life-story book intervention on QoL, depressive symptoms, and life satisfaction in a group of older adults in Oman. METHODS: A repeated-measures randomized controlled design was conducted in Oman. A total of 75 older adults (response rate = 40.1%) were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 38) or control (n = 37) groups. Demographic data were collected as the baseline. Depression, life satisfaction, and quality of life scores were collected from each participant at weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8. RESULTS: Their average age is 67.3 ± 5.5 years (range 60-82 years). There are more women (n = 50, 66.7%) than men. Over the 8 weeks, the intervention group exhibited a notable decrease in depression (intervention: 2.5 ± 1.2 vs. control: 5.3 ± 2.1, p < .001) but an increase in life satisfaction (24.6 ± 3.1 vs. 21.9 ± 6.1, p < .001) and quality of life (physical: 76.2 ± 12.7 vs. 53.6 ± 15.5, p < .001; psychological: 76.4 ± 12.1 vs. 59.9 ± 21.5, p < .001; Social relation: 78.3 ± 11.7 vs. 61.8 ± 16.6, p < .001; environment: 70.8 ± 10.2 vs. 58.6 ± 16.1, p < .001) compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: The life-story review intervention proved effective in diminishing depression and boosting life satisfaction and quality of life among the older sample within the 8-week study. Healthcare providers can apply such interventions to improve older adults' mental health and well-being.

Prevalence of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder among Omani children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer: a prospective cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer often experience psychological distress, encompassing anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of these conditions among Omani children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer, alongside identifying contributing factors. METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2021 to June 2023 among a cohort of Omani children and adolescents (6-18 years old) diagnosed with cancer at three primary cancer referral centres in Oman. Validated Arabic-language versions of the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale for Children, and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised instruments were used to assess symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD, respectively. An initial assessment (T1) was undertaken within the first 3 months of diagnosis, followed by a second assessment (T2) 3-6 months later. RESULTS: Of 113 eligible participants, 101 agreed to participate in the study (response rate: 95.6%), with 92 (91.0%) completing both assessments and included in the final analysis. Prevalence rates of anxiety, depression, and PTSD decreased from 43.5%, 56.5%, and 32.6%, respectively, at T1, to 38.0%, 35.9%, and 23.9% at T2. All average scores were below diagnostic cut-off points, except for the depression score at T1. Anxiety and depression scores decreased significantly (p = 0.043 and 0.001, respectively) between T1 and T2, as did the overall prevalence of depression (p = 0.004). At T1, linear regression analysis showed significant correlations between anxiety scores and the child's age and PTSD score (p < 0.05); these variables were also correlated with depression scores (p ≤ 0.001). At T2, significant correlations were observed between anxiety scores and the child's age and PTSD scores (p < 0.001). At both T1 and T2, anxiety, depression, and PTSD scores remained significantly correlated (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Omani children and adolescents recently diagnosed with cancer exhibit a high prevalence of anxiety, depression, and PTSD over time. Age-appropriate communication, ongoing support, and mental health services are recommended to help this patient group cope with their diagnosis and manage their emotional wellbeing. There is a need for future research to determine the effectiveness of specific psychological interventions in reducing the frequency of these disorders.

Factors associated with anxiety-related symptoms in children and adolescents during COVID-19 in Oman: a cross-sectional study.

Reports from different parts of the world suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic and the resultant lockdown and social distancing measures have heralded unprecedented mental health challenges among children and adolescents. To date, there is a dearth of studies emerging from the Arabian Gulf, where the majority of its population are children and adolescents. The study aims to examine the prevalence of anxiety-related symptoms and their covariates among children and adolescents in an Arabian Gulf country, Oman. This is a cross-sectional analytic study carried out over two weeks (1st to 15th of August 2020) during the COVID-19 pandemic across Oman. Parents were asked to complete the online survey, which consisted of the parent version of the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED) instrument and questions regarding basic socio-demographic information. Logistic regression was used to identify the contributing variables associated with anxiety-related symptoms. A total of 790 valid responses were received. Among the 790 children, 33.3% (n = 263) were diagnosed with anxiety-related symptoms by the SCARED instrument. Logistic regression analysis suggested that anxiety-related symptoms in children and adolescents were significantly associated with three demographic variables. The model shows that children with divorced or separated parents were 1.9 times more likely to have anxiety-related symptoms than children of married couples (OR = 1.93, p = 0.035). Children living in families with an income below USD 1000/month, were 1.8 times more likely to have anxiety-related symptoms than a family with an income of USD 4000/month (OR = 1.833, p = 0.018). Children in grades 3-6 were 1.8 times more likely to have anxiety-related symptoms than those in grades 1-2 (OR = 1.79, p = 0.024). Anxiety-related symptoms are common among Omani children and adolescents. They are more likely to be reported in middle scholastic grade levels and children from families with marital discord and low socioeconomic status. It is not clear whether the presently observed rates of anxiety exceed the prevalence that would have been observed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. More studies are therefore warranted using children and adolescents' self-reported scales.

Unlocking the Secrets of Longevity: Exploring the Impact of Socioeconomic Factors and Health Resources on Life Expectancy in Oman and Qatar.

In an era marked by a sweeping pandemic and the encroaching shadow of an energy crisis, the well-being and lifespan of global populations have become pressing concerns for every nation. This research zeroes in on life expectancy (LE), a powerful indicator of societal health in Oman and Qatar. Our study juxtaposes 3 key factors affecting LE: health status and resources (HSR), macroeconomics (ME), and sociodemographic (SD) factors. To achieve this, we tapped into a comprehensive data set from the World Bank, encompassing a transformative 3-decade span from 1990 to 2020. The intricate interplay between these factors and LE was deciphered through robust Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Our findings construct a compelling narrative: ME has an indirect yet considerable influence on LE-manifesting with an effect of 0.602 for Oman and 0.676 for Qatar. This influence is mediated by SD and HSR components. Similarly, SD elements impact LE indirectly-with an effect of 0.653 for Oman and 0.759 for Qatar- this effect is mediated by HSR. In contrast, HSR themselves wield a robust and direct influence on LE, indicated by an effect of 0.839 for Oman and 0.904 for Qatar. All these aforementioned effects were statistically substantial (P < .001). Our research magnifies the robust direct influence of HSR on LE in both Oman and Qatar, simultaneously highlighting the noteworthy indirect role of ME and SD factors. This emphasizes the significance of adopting an integrated policy approach that considers all the SD, ME, and HSR factors to improve the population health in both countries, which are also crucial for promoting LE growth in the Gulf Cooperation Council region.

A Qualitative Study to Explore the Life Experiences of Older Adults in Oman.

BACKGROUND: Reminiscence studies and life reviews have a number of proven advantages. Future generations gain by learning from elders' life experiences, as do older adults themselves who share their memories. Despite Oman's sizable geriatric population, research on older individuals' life experiences is scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the life experiences of older Omani individuals across their many life stages, from childhood to the present. METHODS: This was a qualitative study design. Convenience sampling was employed and conducted from December 2021 to October 2022. A total of 13 Omani older adults (9 females and 4 males), with an average age of 68 years, were recruited for this study (response rate = 34%). Socio-demographic and life review information was gathered according to a set of semi-structured guiding questions. The responses were then captured on audio recordings, which underwent transcription and translation. Thematic analysis techniques were applied to the extracted data. RESULTS: Three main themes were evident in this study's findings: childhood memories, friendships, and relationships, as well as the elders' past. Additionally, older adults passed on a number of gems of wisdom to be shared with the younger generations. CONCLUSIONS: This study aided in revealing the resiliency, social connections, and life reflections of Omani older adults. These themes can guide the creation of age-inclusive laws, social support initiatives, and healthcare services specifically designed to satisfy the special requirements and ambitions of the elderly population. Based on these themes, this study recommended that the local community or society build a more sympathetic and compassionate atmosphere that honors and respects the accomplishments of this essential group by recognizing and comprehending the complex experiences of older adults. In addition, future studies could explore particular aspects of these older experiences and pinpoint solutions to improve their quality of life and wellbeing.

Investigating Impostorism Among Undergraduate Medical Students at Sultan Qaboos University: A Questionnaire-Based Study.

Background Imposter syndrome or phenomenon (IP) is a behavioral phenomenon observed in successful individuals where they fail to recognize and internalize their achievements. It is often accompanied by feelings of self-doubt, anxiety, depression, and worries of being exposed as frauds, with the impostors often attributing their achievements to external factors like good luck and timing. The presence of IP among medical students is gaining more attention, with studies reporting a strong association with burnout phenomenon, anxiety, and depression. Objectives This study sought to determine the prevalence of IP among Omani medical students and classify the levels of severity among the sample. Methodology This was a cross-sectional, observational study conducted at a public university in Muscat, Oman. The Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (CIPS), a validated publicly available questionnaire, was used to determine whether students exhibited impostorism. Students who scored 63 or higher in the CIPS were classified as impostors. In addition, students were also classified based on the severity of their impostorism. As per the CIPS, scores between 41 and 60 indicate mild impostorism, scores between 61 and 80 indicate moderate impostorism, and finally scores between 81 and 100 indicate severe impostorism. Results A total of 276 students participated (M 34%, F 66%), of which 144 (52.2%) were found to have IP with 12.7% exhibiting severe impostorism.  Conclusion The results show that IP is present in significant frequencies among medical students; further studies are needed to address this problem.

Evaluation of six commercial and in-house phenotypic tests for detection of AmpC ß-lactamases: is routine detection possible?

Background: Phenotypic characterization of the prevalent AmpC ß-lactamases in clinical isolates is essential for making informed empirical decisions and critical for strengthening antimicrobial stewardship programmes. This study focused on assessing six assays, two in-house and four commercial phenotypic tests for detection of AmpC, to study the feasibility of making its detection a routine diagnostic microbiology laboratory activity. Methods: A total of 116 non-duplicate Gram-negative bacteria that were resistant to third-generation cephalosporins and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, and resistant or susceptible to piperacillin/tazobactam and carbapenems, were screened by cefoxitin discs for AmpC. These isolates were subjected to two in-house (AmpC Tris-EDTA and disc approximation) methods and four commercial tests: D69C AmpC Detection Set; D72C ESBL, AmpC & Carbapenemase Detection Set; combination disc test: ESBL + AmpC Screen Disc Kit; and AmpC MIC Test Strip for confirmation of AmpC production. Ten whole-genome-sequenced AmpC-confirmed Gram-negative isolates were used as positive controls and one as a negative control. Results: The prevalence of AmpC ß-lactamases was 16%. Escherichia coli was a major carrier of plasmid-mediated AmpC (26.5%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (23.4%). Phenotypically, 61% of AmpCs were detected by Tris-EDTA (accuracy: 73.8%), 76% by disc approximation (accuracy: 89.2%), 75% by the D69C AmpC Detection Set (accuracy: 95.4%), 74% by the D72C AmpC, ESBL & Carbapenemase Detection Set (accuracy: 95.4%), 76% by the combination disc test (accuracy: 95.4%) and 63% by AmpC MIC Test Strip (accuracy: 87.7%). The sensitivity and specificity of D69C were 97.9% and 88.2%, respectively, and 95.9% and 93.8% for the combination disc test, while for the disc approximation test and D72C they were 93.9% and 75%, and 93.9% and 100%, respectively. Screening by cefoxitin screening was less sensitive (75%) and specific (25%). Disc approximation and the combination disc test detect AmpC in Enterobacterales and also Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter species. Conclusions: We recommend the in-house disc approximation test and the commercial D69C, as well as the combination disc test, as excellent tools for detection of AmpC. The cefoxitin test overcalls AmpC and cannot be considered a good stand-alone test for AmpC detection.

Prevalence of psychological distress and associated factors among Omani women diagnosed with breast cancer: a single-centre, cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of psychological distress (ie, anxiety and depressive symptoms) among Omani women diagnosed with breast cancer (BC) and to investigate associations with socio-demographic factors. DESIGN: A cross-sectional, self-administered survey was conducted between September 2021 and June 2022. SETTING: Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Centre (Muscat, Oman). PARTICIPANTS: Adult Omani women diagnosed with BC during the study period. OUTCOME MEASURES: Data regarding anxiety and depressive symptoms were collected using an Arabic version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Socio-demographic and clinical information was obtained from the participants and their hospital medical records. RESULTS: 190 Omani women diagnosed with BC were invited to participate in the study, of whom 171 participated (response rate: 90.0%). The mean age was 50.3±10.9 years. 52.3% of participants had been diagnosed with BC at stages III or IV and 28.9% had metastasis. 29 women (17.0%) exhibited depressive symptoms (HADS-D score: ≥8), while 37 (21.6%) exhibited anxiety symptoms (HADS-A score: ≥8). Women with anxiety symptoms were almost 15-times more likely to have depressive symptoms than those without anxiety symptoms (OR: 14.87, p<0.001). Younger women were less likely to exhibit depressive symptoms than older women (≤39 vs ≥60 years, p=0.050; 40-59 vs ≥60 years, p=0.005). Women at the school/diploma education level were less likely to have depressive symptoms than those at college/university level (OR: 0.19, p=0.017). CONCLUSIONS: More than half of the women surveyed had been diagnosed at an advanced stage, with up to 21.6% presenting with symptoms of anxiety and depression. Healthcare professionals in Oman should consider additional screening for anxiety and depressive symptoms in this group and encourage patients with BC to disclose emotional information during consultations, particularly for those aged ≥60 years.

Exploring Hikikomori-like idiom of distress a year into the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Oman: Factorial validity of the 25-item Hikikomori Questionnaire, prevalence and associated factors.

BACKGROUND: Existing literature that examines the Hikikomori-like idiom of distress (HLID) initially labelled this phenomenon as a culture-bound syndrome. However, the increasing number of reports from other parts of the world suggest that HLID could instead be a culture-reactive idiom of distress, originating from biopsychosocial disequilibrium and cultural upheaval. The impact of imposed social withdrawal due to the Coronavirus 2 severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic on the growing prevalence of HLID has not yet been adequately explored. Aims: The first objective is to examine the factorial validity of the 25-item Hikikomori Questionnaire (HQ-25) in Oman. Second, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of HLID following the lifting of SARS-COV-2 restrictions in the Arabian Gulf country of Oman. The third related objective is to examine factors associated with the variation of HLID. METHODS: This cross-sectional online survey was widely distributed across the diverse socio-demographic population residing in Oman. After the validation of the questionnaire and the factorial validity, the Arabic version of HQ-25 was used to explore the prevalence and factors associated with HLID. RESULTS: A total of 1529 participants were included in the study (response rate = 76.5%), of whom 44% (n = 673) expressed HLID. We randomly split it into half, one for exploratory factor analysis (EFA) (n = 764) and the other half for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) (n = 765). From the EFA results, a three-factor model was found for the Omani version of HQ-25, which represented 52.87% of the variance with good internal reliability (Overall Cronbach's: 0.92; Socialisation: 0.92; Isolation: 0.84; Emotional support: 0.73). The CFA results report acceptable goodness-of-fit indices (χ2/df = 17.92, p < .001; CFI = 0.90; TLI = 0.95; RMSEA = 0.04, 95% CI 0.02-0.07; SRMR = 0.05) of the three-factor model of the collected samples. All 1529 data were used in the respondents. The results of the logistic regression showed that married marital status (OR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.12-2.03, p = 0.007), older age (OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.95-0.99, p = 0.008), living in an urban area (OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.56-0.91, p = 0.006), unemployed occupational status (OR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.30-2.88, p < .001), screen time (7+ hours vs. <4 hours: OR = 4.50, 95% CI: 3.16-6.41, p < .001; 4-7 hours vs. <4 hours: OR = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.61-2.70, p < .001), history of mental illness (OR = 3.70, 95% CI: 2.29-5.91, p < .001), and adverse childhood experiences (OR = 2.60, 95% CI: 2.03-3.20, p < .001) were significant risk factors for HLID. CONCLUSION: The factorial validity of the HQ-25 performed in this study appears to mirror the previously reported 3-factor structures. Some of the associated factors appear to support and, conversely, dissent from the findings of previous studies. These are discussed in terms of the attributions of the SARS-COV-2 pandemic, demographic trends in Oman, and sociocultural factors specific to the region of interest.

The differential mediating roles of resilience in the relationship between meaningful living and stress among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The current literature, mostly Euro-American based, indicates that the presence of meaning in life (MIL) improves resilience and lowers stress. However, the differential mediating roles of resilience in the relationship between the search for and presence of MIL, and stress have not been explored. This study aimed to investigate the differential mediating roles of resilience in the relationship between the presence of and search for MIL, and stress among Omani college students amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional study consisted of the Brief Resilience Scale, Perceived Stress Scale 4, and Meaning in Life Questionnaire, as well as socio-demographic questions. A path analysis model was used to examine the hypothesis. A total of 970 Omani college students responded to the questionnaire. Findings indicate that searching for MIL was significantly associated with a high level of stress directly (ß = 0.023; p < 0.001) and indirectly, through a negative effect on resilience (ß = 0.006; p < 0.001). Conversely, the presence of MIL was significantly associated with a decreased level of stress directly (ß = - 0.045; p < 0.001) and indirectly via a positive effect on resilience (ß = - 0.151; p < 0.001). In keeping with the proposed hypothesis, this study contributes to the current knowledge, by extrapolating the effect of searching for MIL on resilience and stress, and culturally re-contextualizing MIL research. University counseling centers could adopt meaning-based strategies to mitigate stress by promoting meaningful living and resilience.

Comparing Life Expectancy Determinants between Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates from 1980-2020.

Despite marked advancements, life expectancy (LE) growth in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has remained stagnant compared to other developed nations. This study aims to investigate the significant correlation between macroeconomic (ME), sociodemographic (SD), and health status and resources (HSR) factors and LE to formulate an explanatory model for Saudi Arabia and the UAE-a previously unexplored area. Utilizing an ecological, retrospective, time-series study design, we delved into secondary data on SD, ME, and HSR factors and LE of the populations of the UAE and Saudi Arabia spanning three decades (1980-2020). We employed partial least squares-structural equation modeling for statistical analysis. Our analysis revealed significant direct impacts of HSR factors on LE for Saudi Arabia (ß = 0.958, p < 0.001) and the UAE (ß = 0.716, p < 0.001). Furthermore, we discerned a notable indirect influence of ME factors on LE, mediated through SD and HSR factors for Saudi Arabia (ß = 0.507, p < 0.001) and the UAE (ß = 0.509, p < 0.001), along with a considerable indirect effect of SD factors on LE through HSR (Saudi: ß = 0.529, p < 0.001; UAE: ß = 0.711, p < 0.001). This study underscores the mediating role of a nexus of ME-SD-HSR factors on LE in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Consequently, these findings signal an imperative need for holistic policy interventions addressing ME, SD, and HSR factors, aiming to alter health behaviors and improve LE projections for Saudi Arabia and the UAE in the long run.

Parental Attitude Towards the Prescription of Psychotropic Medications for Mental Disorders in Children in a Tertiary Care University Hospital in Oman.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate parental attitude towards psychotropic drugs' use for children's mental disorders. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2020 to March 2021 at the Department of Behavioural Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman. A questionnaire was used to determine parents' opinions and attitudes about use of psychotropic medications on their children and, in a small proportion, other caregivers if the child attended with them. Risk factors associated with parents who preferred to consult a folk healer (FH) for children with mental disorders were identified by the logistic regression model. Results: A total of 299 parents participating in the study (response rate: 95.2%). Most (n = 244, 81.6%) agreed to give their child psychotropic medications if necessary, but 25.4% (n = 76) would consult an FH before a psychiatrist. Married parents were 14.5 times (P = 0.011) more likely than separated or divorced parents to consult an FH. Caregivers with a monthly income below 500 OMR and between 500 and 1,000 OMR were 2.5 (P = 0.016) and 3.2 times (P <0.001), respectively, more likely than those with more than 1,000 OMR to consult an FH. Parents who disagreed with giving their children psychotropic medications were 3.8 times (P <0.001) more likely to consult an FH than parents who agreed to give them if necessary. Conclusion: Most parents agreed to give their children psychotropic medications if necessary. However, a proportion of parents and caregivers preferred to consult an FH before accessing mental health services.

The Impact of Sociodemographic, Macroeconomic, and Health Status and Resources on Infant Mortality Rates in Oman: Evidence from 1980 to 2022.

BACKGROUND: The infant mortality rate (IMR) is an important reflection of the well-being of infants and the overall health of the population. This study aims to examine the macroeconomic (ME), sociodemographic (SD), and health status and resources (HSR) effects on IMR, as well as how they may interact with each other. METHODS: A retrospective time-series study using yearly data for Oman from 1980 to 2022. Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was utilized to develop the exploratory model of the determinants of IMR. RESULTS: The model indicates that HSR determinants directly, but negatively, affect IMR (ß = -0.617, p < 0.001). SD directly and positively affects IMR (ß = 0.447, p < 0.001). ME only indirectly affects IMR (ß = -0.854, p < 0.001). ME determinants also exert some direct influences on both HSR (ß = 0.722, p < 0.001) and SD (ß = -0.916, p < 0.001) determinants. CONCLUSIONS: This study has indicated that IMR is a multi-faceted issue. It also highlighted the interplay of numerous variables and their influence on IMR, particularly the role that social status, the health sector, and the wealth of the country and its population play in reducing IMR. These findings indicate that an integrated policy that addresses socioeconomic and health-related factors and the overall ME environment is necessary for the health and well-being of the children and the population overall in Oman.

Effectiveness of an Educational Program on Awareness of Breast Cancer Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Barriers to Seeking Medical Help among Adolescent Omani School Students-An Interventional Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Women in Oman and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are usually diagnosed with BC at a younger age and more advanced stage, with poor five-year survival. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of breast cancer (BC) related educational programs among female Omani adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six female-only public schools were randomly selected from three governorates of Oman and assigned to the control or interventional group. An Arabic version of the Breast Cancer Awareness Measure questionnaire was used to evaluate students attending grades 10 and 11 at baseline (T0) and after 4 weeks (T1). After T0, the intervention group participated in a one-hour BC education program involving group discussions, a slideshow presentation, leaflets, and online access to program materials and videos. Non-parametric tests were used to compare scores between intervention and control groups and within each group across time (T0 vs. T1). RESULTS: A total of 1106 students participated, of which 547 (49.5%) and 559 (50.5%) were allocated to the control and intervention groups, respectively. Recognition of BC risk factors (Z = 18.67; p < 0.001) and symptoms (Z = 20.01; p < 0.001) increased significantly in the intervention group between T0 and T1 and compared to the control group at T1 (U = 27.27; p < 0.001, and U = 25.75; p < 0.001, respectively). Anticipated time to seeking medical help (Z = 18.67; p < 0.001) and barriers to help-seeking (Z = 7.91; p < 0.001) decreased significantly between T0 and T1 in the intervention group and compared to the control group at T1 (U = 15.78; p < 0.001, and U = 3.44; p = 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: The program increased knowledge of BC risk factors and symptoms and promoted early medical help-seeking among Omani female adolescents. Healthcare strategic planners and policy-makers in Oman and low- and middle-income countries should consider incorporating cancer education programs in the national school curriculum to minimize delays in BC diagnosis and improve the survival rate.

Effectiveness of an Educational Program on Awareness of Cancer Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Barriers to Medical Help-Seeking Among Adolescent Omani Students: an Interventional Study.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, with attributable mortality expected to continue increasing over time. High school students are often targeted to enhance awareness of cancer risk factors and symptoms and promote early medical help-seeking behaviors. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a cancer education program among Omani adolescents. A total of 12 public schools were randomly selected from three governorates and assigned to either the intervention or control group. Students attending grades 10 and 11 at the selected schools were targeted. The Cancer Awareness Measure tool was used to evaluate knowledge of cancer risk factors and symptoms, perceived barriers to seeking medical help, and anticipated time to consult a doctor for cancer warning symptoms at baseline (T0) and after 4 weeks (T1). After T0, the intervention group participated in a 1-h cancer education program involving a slideshow presentation and group discussion; they also received a leaflet and online access to program materials and videos. A total of 1716 students were enrolled in the study, including 886 (51.6%) assigned to the control group and 830 (48.4%) to the intervention group. Recognition of cancer risk factors (Z = 24.86; p ˂ 0.001) and cancer symptoms (Z = 24.91; p ˂ 0.001) significantly improved in the intervention group between T0 and T1, and compared to the control group at T1 (U = 33.28; p ˂ 0.001, and U = 34.55; p ˂ 0.001, respectively). In addition, anticipated time to help-seeking (Z = 20.15; p ˂ 0.001) and barriers to help-seeking (Z = 10.33; p < 0.001) decreased significantly between T0 and T1, and compared to the control group at T1 (U = 19.00; p ˂ 0.001, and U = 3.58; p < 0.001, respectively). The intervention effectively increased knowledge of cancer risk factors and symptoms and promoted early medical help-seeking behaviors among school-aged Omani adolescents. Integration of cancer education within high school curricula can aid cancer prevention and early intervention efforts. However, additional follow-up is required to confirm the long-term effectiveness of such programs.

Preparation of a Crosslinked Poly(imide-siloxane) for Application to Transistor Insulation.

Insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) is an important power device for the conversion, control, and transmission of semiconductor power, and is used in various industrial fields. The IGBT module currently uses silicone gel as an insulating layer. Since higher power density and more severe temperature applications have become the trend according to the development of electronic device industry, insulating materials with improved heat resistance and insulation performances should be developed. In this study, we intended to synthesize a new insulating material with enhanced thermal stability and reduced thermal conductivity. Poly(imide-siloxane) (PIS) was prepared and crosslinked through a hydrosilylation reaction to obtain a semi-solid Crosslinked PIS. Thermal decomposition temperature, thermal conductivity, optical transparency, dielectric constant, and rheological property of the Crosslinked PIS were investigated and compared to those of a commercial silicone gel. The Crosslinked PIS showed high thermal stability and low thermal conductivity, along with other desirable properties, and so could be useful as an IGBT-insulating material.

Contrastive learning-guided multi-meta attention network for breast ultrasound video diagnosis.

Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in women. Early screening and treatment can effectively improve the success rate of treatment. Ultrasound imaging technology, as the preferred modality for breast cancer screening, provides an essential reference for early diagnosis. Existing computer-aided ultrasound imaging diagnostic techniques mainly rely on the selected key frames for breast cancer lesion diagnosis. In this paper, we first collected and annotated a dataset of ultrasound video sequences of 268 cases of breast lesions. Moreover, we propose a contrastive learning-guided multi-meta attention network (CLMAN) by combining a deformed feature extraction module and a multi-meta attention module to address breast lesion diagnosis in ultrasound sequence. The proposed feature extraction module can autonomously acquire key information of the feature map in the spatial dimension, whereas the designed multi-meta attention module is dedicated to effective information aggregation in the temporal dimension. In addition, we utilize a contrast learning strategy to alleviate the problem of high imaging variability within ultrasound lesion videos. The experimental results on our collected dataset show that our CLMAN significantly outperforms existing advanced methods for video classification.