The Level of Empathy Among Medical Students at the University of Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

Background and objective Empathy plays an important role in patient-provider relationships. It is a key aspect of therapy, ensuring accurate diagnosis, and improving compliance and outcomes, all of which contribute to clinician satisfaction. This study aimed to assess the level of empathy among medical students at the University of Tabuk. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students at Tabuk University. Data were collected using a self-administered online questionnaire based on the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy-Student Version (JSPE-S). Results A total of 230 medical students participated in this study. The students' total empathy scores ranged between 55 and 131, with a mean of 99.05 ± 13.75. The highest item score was obtained for the question "Patients feel better when their physicians understand their feelings" (6.34 ± 0.99). Female students had a significantly (p=0.002) higher mean score (100.67 ± 13.06) than males (94.36 ± 14.70). Students from the clinical phase had a significantly higher mean total score compared to those from preclinical phases (100.26 ± 14.34 vs. 96.78 ± 12.33, p=0.043). Students choosing people-oriented specialties had significantly higher mean total scores than those selecting procedure-oriented specialties (100.59 ± 13.72 vs. 95.67 ± 14.46, p=0.033). Conclusion The degree of students' empathy with the patients at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Tabuk was found to be highest among females, students in the clinical phase, and students intending to select people-oriented specialties. These findings have implications for medical education programs, highlighting the importance of fostering empathy skills and addressing potential gender differences in empathy development.

"Antibiotic prescribing etiquette" an elective course for medical students: could we recruit potential physicians to fight resistance?

BACKGROUND: A better understanding of medical students' competencies about antimicrobial resistance and their use could facilitate a more effective education for them as future prescribers. The aim is to explore the educational impact of an elective course on medical students' knowledge, perception, and attitude toward antibiotic resistance and use. METHODS: Between December 2021 and January 2022, when a 2-credit hours elective course was designed and implemented, this interventional study was conducted. The primary outcome measure was the change in medical students' knowledge, perception, and attitude about antibiotic resistance and use. Using a pre-post course questionnaire, this outcome was assessed. The secondary measure included students' perception of the course; assessed by a post-course online survey. RESULTS: Among the 50 enrolled students, the total knowledge score had significantly increased after the course with 95% CI After the course, with medium effect size ( Cohen's d= -0.7 ) the participants' mean ± SD total perception and attitude scores had significantly increased (52.38 ± 5.53 vs. 56.84 ± 5.86) respectively, (p = 0.000) with large effect size (( Cohen's d= -0.8) There was a significant positive correlation between the total knowledge, attitude, and perception after the course (r = 0.542, p < 0.01). The mean ± SD of the overall course satisfaction was 4.20 ± 0.94. out of 5. CONCLUSION: Medical students' knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes towards antimicrobial prescription have been improved after the elective antibiotic prescribing etiquette course. Elective courses could offer a great opportunity to enable the students to understand the extent of the problem, stand on the facts, and take responsibility for the antibiotic resistance crisis. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NA.

Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence and Academic Performance Among Medical Students at University of Tabuk (2021).

BACKGROUND: There is a strong association between emotional intelligence (EI) and academic performance in medical students. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the relationship between EI and academic performance among medical students at Tabuk University. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students in clinical years in the Faculty of Medicine, Tabuk University, Tabuk City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Each study participant received a self-administered questionnaire composed of two parts: demographic data and the Schutte Self Report Emotional Intelligence Test (SSEIT). RESULTS: The present study included 203 of the clinical-phase medical students. The academic achievement level was not associated with the students' gender (p = 0.194) or academic level (p = 0.278). Female students had a significantly higher total SSEIT score than male students (p < 0.001). The sixth-year students had a significantly higher perception of emotion than the fourth-year students (p = 0.029). Students with excellent academic achievement had higher mean scores for managing others' emotions (p = 0.004) and utilization of emotion compared to those with fair and very good levels (p = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: Some components of EI correlate with academic performance, gender, and academic level. Further research should be launched to assess the correlation between EI and academic performance among all medical students in all regions of KSA. Students can benefit by attending workshops and courses in universities to develop the students' EI because of its impact on their academic performance.

Predictors of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Egyptian healthcare workers: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination has raised concerns about vaccine hesitancy in general and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in particular. Understanding the factors driving the uncertainty regarding vaccination against COVID-19 is crucial. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was designed to identify the perceptions and attitudes of healthcare workers (HCWs) towards COVID-19 vaccines and determine the predictive factors that affect their willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. An online survey was distributed among HCWs to collect data assessing demographic and general characteristics of the participants and vaccine-related characteristics, including source of information about the vaccine. In addition to items assessing the perception of COVID-19, there were items on COVID-19 vaccines and attitude towards vaccination in general and towards COVID-19 vaccines in particular. RESULTS: The participants were classified according to their willingness to take the COVID-19 vaccine as follows: hesitant (41.9%), refusing (32.1%), and willing (26%). Statistically significant differences were observed among the three groups for the perception of COVID-19 vaccines, attitude towards vaccination in general, and COVID-19 vaccines in particular (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Although the participants adequately perceived COVID-19 severity, prevention, and COVID-19 vaccine safety, they were widely hesitant or refused to be vaccinated. A multidimensional approach is required to increase the vaccine acceptability rate. Higher income and increased years of work experience are positive predictors of willingness to receive a vaccine. Thus, further studies addressing the scope of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy are warranted as an initial step to build trust in COVID-19 vaccination efforts with continuous monitoring of attitudes and practices of HCWs towards COVID-19 vaccines in the future.

Evaluation of a hepatitis B virus protection intervention among interns at Zagazig University Hospitals, Egypt.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the most common serious liver infection. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of a HBV protection intervention on interns, as regards their knowledge, attitude and immune response to HB vaccine and to identify the factors affecting their compliance and immune response to HB vaccination at Zagazig University Hospitals. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was conducted in 3 phases over 10 months. Phase 1: assessment of knowledge, attitude and HCV/HBV immune status. Phase 2: the implementation of HBV protection campaign; vaccine administration and health education sessions. Phase 3: the assessment of the immune response to the vaccine and the change in knowledge and attitude. RESULTS: Out of 120 participants, 60% were compliant to the vaccination schedule. Needle-stick injury, the seriousness of HBV infection and attendance of infection control courses are the motivating factors to vaccination (p < 0.05). After the 3rd dose, 9.7% were non-responders. BMI and diabetes were the statistically significant predictors of the immune response. The HCWs compliant with vaccination schedule had higher mean scores regarding; total knowledge (15.5 ± 2.1), p < 0.0001 and attitude (14.34 ± 3.8) p < 0.05. A significant improvement is recorded from the posttest results, p < 0.000. CONCLUSIONS: A comprehensive protective program against HBV is an effective tool. A compulsory vaccination program is still needed for interns. Post vaccination monitoring program, including protective measures for vaccine non responders is urgently needed with strict follow up of at risk groups. Occult HBV cases should not be overlooked when screening for immune response to vaccine.

Diagnostic and prognostic significance of serum miRNA-146-a expression in Egyptian children with sepsis in a pediatric intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have suggested a strong genetic effect on sepsis pathogenesis. The present study aimed to investigate the role of miRNA-146-a expression in pediatric sepsis. METHODS: The study included 55 pediatric sepsis patients and 60 control children of the same age and sex. Serum miRNA-146-a expression was measured using a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α and procalcitonin levels were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The outcome of the pediatric sepsis group was determined at 28 days of follow up. RESULTS: The results obtained revealed that serum miRNA-146-a levels were significantly decreased in sepsis group compared to the control group. Serum level of miRNA-146a correlated with sepsis severity, with the pediatric septic shock group having the lowest level, followed by the severe sepsis and sepsis groups. The miRNA-146-a level could indicate sepsis (area under curve = 0.803). Serum miRNA-146-a expression was negatively associated with C-reactive protein, pro-calcitonin, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α. Patients with miRNA-146-a at a level lower than 0.4 had an increased mortality rate. CONCLUSIONS: miRNA-146-a is of significant diagnostic and prognostic value in pediatric sepsis and could be used for planning therapeutic strategies.

Effect of community-based intervention on knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy toward home injuries among Egyptian rural mothers having preschool children.

BACKGROUND: Parent's level of knowledge, state of their attitude, and their self-efficacy are the most incriminated reasons for the faulty application of the first aid measures, particularly in children's home injuries. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of a health education intervention on improving knowledge, attitude and self- efficacy of mothers having preschool children about home injuries and the basic first aid measures. METHODS: A pre-posttest evaluation of the effect of a health education intervention on changing knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy about home injuries and the basic first aid measures of 244 rural Egyptian mothers having preschool children. RESULTS: About 35% of the male children had home injuries 8 weeks earlier to the study. Mean score of total knowledge increased from 10.21±3.1 in pretest to 18.90 ± 2.6 in posttest, total attitude from 6.19±1.8 to 10.26±2.3 and self-efficacy from 20.75±6.1 to 34.43 ± 10.1 with (p < 0.001) for all changes. Age, education level and previous home injuries were the significant predicting factors for total knowledge, attitude and self- efficacy of the mothers. CONCLUSION: Health education improves knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy of the mothers which were obvious regarding home injuries than first aid measures. There is a need for including knowledge about home injuries in the educational curriculum of high schools and universities and to perform training courses to mothers about first aid measures.

Circulating long non-coding RNA MALAT1 expression as molecular biomarker in Egyptian patients with breast cancer.

The abnormal contribution of long non-coding RNA (lncRNAs) expression to human tumorigenesis is still a matter of debate. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in females; it represents a terrible problem in our country. The aim of this research was to assess the role of MALAT1, as one of lncRNAs, as a potential biomarker in breast cancer. This study comprised 80 patients with breast cancer and 80 controls. MALAT1 expression was measured by RT-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). CA15-3 was estimated using chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA). MALAT1 expression was significantly elevated in breast cancer cases compared to controls (P < 0.0001). By performing the ROC curve analysis, we assumed that the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for breast cancer were 83.7% and 81.2%, respectively for MALAT1 expression and 77.5% and 82.5% respectively for CA15-3 level. Moreover, combination analysis of the 2 parameters improved the diagnostic sensitivity of CA15-3 in breast cancer. In conclusion, MALAT1 expression level was positively correlated with lymph node status, estrogen receptor (ER), tumor stage and histological grade indicating its possible prognostic value. MALAT1 expression can be used as an accurate marker for diagnosis of breast cancer, in addition it possesses a prognostic value of such disease.

Detection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) among health care providers in an Egyptian university hospital: different diagnostic modalities.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has received much attention and is placed at the core of the infection control agenda. It is considered as a major public health problem in Egypt, where the highest prevalence of HCV exists. The great risk of exposure to infection of health care providers (HCPs) has highlighted the urgent need for implementing an infection control program. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to detect the prevalence of HCV infection among HCPs in Zagazig University Hospitals and to assess the performance of different diagnostic modalities. METHODOLOGY: Blood, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and saliva tests were performed in enrolled HCPs. RESULTS: This study compared HCV diagnosis Hepanostika HCV Ultra ELISA as a screening test and PCR as gold standard test, which resulted in 40.6% positive results by ELISA compared to 34.8% by PCR (p<0.0001), while OraQuick HCV rapid antibody compared to PCR shows that 37.7% of the participants were positive by OraQuick HCV rapid antibody test. Application of standard precautions while dealing with blood has negative significant correlation with HCV infection (rs =-0.265, p=0.03). CONCLUSION: HCPs at Zagazig University Hospitals are at high risk for HCV infection. Lack of compliance and awareness of prevention and control of the infection are associated cofactors. Serum HCV-Ab detection by Hepanostika HCV Ultra ELISA and OraQuick HCV rapid antibody test are sensitive and specific serologic assays for diagnosis with correspondent results to that obtained by quantitative real-time PCR.

Assessing the Prevalence of Latent Tuberculosis among Health Care Providers in Zagazig City, Egypt Using Tuberculin Skin Test and QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube Test.

AIM: Early detection of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) will prevent development of active TB among health care providers. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of LTBI among health care providers and compare the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube Test (QFT-GIT) and Tuberculin skin test in efforts to detect LTBI and to investigate possible associated risk factors of infection. METHODS: A cross sectional study was carried out during the period of 6 months in the Chest Hospital in Zagazig city and the Nephrology Unit at Zagazig University Hospitals in 132 randomly selected health care providers who were examined for LTBI by QFT-GIT and Tuberculin skin test and for the associated risk factors as well. RESULTS: The prevalence of LTBI identified by QFT-GIT and by Tuberculin skin test was 28.8% and 59.1%, respectively. Poor agreement was observed between the two tests (kappa=0.10). Working more than 10 years, being nurse, diabetic and smoker were risk factors significantly associated with LTBI (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: QFT-GIT is considered a useful tool in detecting LTBI cases, especially in a country where BCG vaccination is a national policy (as in Egypt). Duration of work, profession, diabetes and smoking are the risk factors for LTBI. Active surveillance and infection control measures are recommended to reduce the risk of LTBI.

Vitamin D, Parathormone and Associated Minerals among Students in Zagazig District, Sharkia Governorate, Egypt.

AIM: To determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and associated factors among students of age 13-18 years. DESIGN: Community-based cross sectional survey. SETTING: Two schools were selected using multistage sampling techniques. SAMPLING: Cluster sampling of all enrolled students (550 students). OUTCOME MEASURES: Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25 OHD), parathyroid hormone and calcium. Data was collected about nutritional intake, physical activity and lifestyle variables that are potential risk factors for hypovitaminosis D. RESULTS: Hypovitaminosis D prevalence was 23.8%, of which 5.3% was deficiency and 18.5% insufficiency. Serum 25 OHD levels inversely correlated with parathyroid hormone levels (r=-0.206, P= 0.00). Low calcium and ionized calcium levels were 40.6% and 45.9%, respectively, and significantly correlated with vitamin D levels. Female students have significantly higher levels of hypovitaminosis D compared to males (29.3% to 15.0%, respectively) and the level of vitamin D significantly improved with increased age. Exposure to sun had a significant effect on vitamin D levels, and physical activity, soft drink consumption and smoking did not. Multinomial regression analysis revealed that age, sun exposure and Ca level were the only significant independent predictors of hypovitaminosis D among the studied group. CONCLUSION: Our findings revealed that hypovitaminosis D is a prevalent health problem in adolescents, especially girls, who were at higher risk, and increased age and sun exposure improved vitamin D status among the studied group. There is therefore a need to consider vitamin D supplementation for school children together with increased awareness through a health education program.