Factors potentially influencing academic performance among medical students.

Background: Studies are needed to examine predictors of success in medical school. The aim of this work is to explore factors that potentially influence excellence of medical students.

Methods: The study was conducted in the Medical Faculty of King Abdulaziz University during October 2012.

Neurophobia among medical students.

Objective: To assess the attitude of medical students and junior physicians toward neurology.

Methods: A self-administered, previously validated, questionnaire was distributed among 422 students and junior physicians at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from September to December 2012. In this cross-sectional study, the questionnaire included demographic data and 12 statements to examine attitudes toward neurology using a Likert scale.

Chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia in patients with breast cancer. A multivariate risk assessment model for first cycle chemotherapy.

Objective: To identify factors that increase the risk of developing febrile neutropenia (FN) during the first cycle of chemotherapy in breast cancer patients.

Methods: In this retrospective study, we reviewed the records of 211 patients with confirmed breast cancer treated with chemotherapy at the Princess Norah Oncology Center, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between January 2010 and May 2012. Statistical analysis was conducted using descriptive analysis, univariate, and multivariate logistic regressions.