Comparing Patient Satisfaction with Automated Drug Dispensing System and Traditional Drug Dispensing System: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction: The adoption of automated drug dispensing systems (ADDS) in hospital pharmacies is a global trend, driven by its potential to reduce dispensing errors, minimize prescription filling time, and ultimately, improve patient care services. However, a significant research gap exists in the field, as a comprehensive assessment of patient satisfaction with ADDS is currently lacking. This study, with its comprehensive approach, aims to fill this gap by comparing patient satisfaction between hospital pharmacies implementing ADDS and traditional drug dispensing systems (TDDS).

Knowledge, attitude and practice towards physical activity among healthcare students at a public university in Saudi Arabia.

Objective: This research aimed to study the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward physical activity (PA) of healthcare students at King Khalid University in Abha, Saudi Arabia.

Methods: A prospective web-based cross-sectional study was carried out among healthcare students of King Khalid University from March to May 2024. The questionnaire contained questions on sociodemographic details, five questions about knowledge, eight questions about attitudes, and seven practice-related questions.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among undergraduate students.

Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are rapidly rising in Saudi Arabia, reaching levels similar to those in the Western world. Hence, we aimed to assess the prevalence of neck, shoulder, and lower back pains (musculoskeletal pain, MSP) among students at King Khalid University in Abha, Saudi Arabia.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at King Khalid University in Abha, Saudi Arabia, from March 2023 to August 2023.

Validation of a Questionnaire to Assess Patient Satisfaction with an Automated Drug Dispensing System.

Background And Objectives: Automated drug dispensing systems (ADDs) have been introduced to improve the efficiency of dispensing and patient safety. The available questionnaires measure patient satisfaction with particular aspects of ADDs. Also, the level of patient satisfaction with ADDs is not widely established.

A Study of the Effect of Treatment On the Clinical Profile, Pain, and Disability in Migraine Patients Seen in a Tertiary Hospital.

Background: Migraine is a disabling disease that poses a significant societal burden. Migraine is a major cause of disability. Migraine is the eighth leading disease-causing disability in the population.

Potentially Inappropriate Medications in Hospitalized Older Patients in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia Using 2023 Beers Criteria: A Retrospective Multi-Centric Study.

Purpose: Older persons are frequently prescribed several medications; therefore, inappropriate medication prescriptions are common. Prescribing potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) poses a serious risk and hence, we aimed to assess the PIMs in older patients in Tabuk, using the 2023 Beers criteria.

Patients And Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out, including older persons ≥65 years of age admitted in two government hospitals from June 2022 to May 2023, and prescribed with five or more medications.

Adherence to Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices in diabetes mellitus patients in Saudi Arabia: A multicenter retrospective study.

Background: Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are predisposed to an increased risk of infection signifying the importance of vaccination to protect against its potentially severe complications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (CDC/ACIP) issued immunization re-commendations to protect this patient population.

Aim: To assess the adherence of patients with DM to the CDC/ACIP immunization recommendations in Saudi Arabia and to identify the factors associated with the vaccine adherence rate.

Practical guide: Glucagon-like peptide-1 and dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in diabetes mellitus.

In 2005, exenatide became the first approved glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Since then, numerous GLP-1 RAs have been approved, including tirzepatide, a novel dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)/GLP-1 RA, which was approved in 2022. This class of drugs is considered safe with no hypoglycemia risk, making it a common second-line choice after metformin for treating T2DM.

Abelacimab: A leap forward in anticoagulation with FXI and FXIa Inhibition.

Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) have revolutionized the treatment of thromboembolic disorders, offering targeted, effective, and safer alternatives to traditional anticoagulants like heparins and vitamin K antagonists (VKAs). Despite their benefits, DOACs have drawbacks, including an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and unsuitability for patients with mechanical heart valves. Recent research has highlighted Factor XI (FXI) as a promising anticoagulation target due to its significant role in pathological thrombosis and minor involvement in normal hemostasis.

Revolutionizing Treatment Strategies for Autoimmune and Inflammatory Disorders: The Impact of Dipeptidyl-Peptidase 4 Inhibitors.

DPP4 (Dipeptidyl-peptidase 4) a versatile protease, emerges as a prominent player in soluble and membrane-bound forms. Its heightened expression has been intimately linked to the initiation and severity of diverse autoimmune diseases, spanning rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis (SSc), inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune diabetes, and even SARS-CoV-2 infection. Operating as a co-stimulator of T cell activity, DPP4 propels T cell proliferation by binding adenosine deaminase (ADA), thereby augmenting the breakdown of adenosine-an influential inhibitor of T cell proliferation.

Antenatal Care Practices: A Population-Based Multicenter Study from Saudi Arabia.

Background: Antenatal care (ANC) is the care women receive during pregnancy before birth and represents a cornerstone of maternal and child health. Previously, Saudi women faced various barriers to practicing ANC, including challenges related to transportation, low maternal education, poor communication with healthcare centers, and incorrect maternal beliefs. In line with Saudi Vision 2030, this multicenter cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the timing of ANC contact, coverage of service utilization in public hospitals among Saudi mothers, sociodemographic factors and antenatal health care utilization, and beliefs about prenatal vitamins, and supplement use among pregnant Saudi women.

The Possible Mechanisms of Cu and Zn in the Treatment and Prevention of HIV and COVID-19 Viral Infection.

Due to their unique properties and their potential therapeutic and prophylactic applications, heavy metals have attracted the interest of many researchers, especially during the outbreak of COVID-19. Indeed, zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) have been widely used during viral infections. Zn has been reported to prevent excessive inflammatory response and cytokine storm, improve the response of the virus to Type I interferon (IFN-1), and enhance the production of IFN-a to counteract the antagonistic effect of SARS-CoV-2 virus protein on IFN.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices among Pharmacy and Non-Pharmacy Interns in Saudi Arabia Regarding Antibiotic Use and Antibiotic Resistance: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study.

This cross-sectional descriptive study aims to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices among pharmacy, dentistry, medicine, and nursing interns in Saudi Arabia regarding antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance. Interns received a soft copy of a structured and validated self-administered questionnaire using an online survey platform. A total of 266 interns responded to the questionnaire.

A Structured Educational Intervention Aims to Improve Pneumococcal Vaccination Practices in Primary Healthcare Centers.

Objective: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provide evidence-based recommendations on vaccine use in the US Current CDC recommendations for the two available pneumococcal vaccine types can be confusing for providers and nursing staff, introducing the potential for administering the wrong product to patients. The pneumococcal vaccine products come with specific recommendations and target-specific patient groups. This intervention aims to improve pneumococcal vaccine practices per CDC recommendations, at primary health-care centers in Saudi Arabia.

Characteristics of Electronic Health Services in Saudi Arabia During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Introduction: Saudi Arabia's experience using digital technology during the COVID-19 pandemic helped the country in tackling the pandemic. We aim to explore a bundle of consumer-directed electronic health services released by the Ministry of Health (MOH) in Saudi Arabia in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: We reviewed all electronic health services that have been released in response to the COVID-19 pandemic by the MOH in Saudi Arabia.

Calcium Channel Blocker Toxicity: A Practical Approach.

Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are widely prescribed medications for various clinical indications in adults and children. They are available in both immediate and long-acting formulations and are generally classified into dihydropyridines and nondihydropyridines, with nondihydropyridines having more cardioselectivity. CCB toxicity is common given the widespread use which leads to serious adverse clinical outcomes, especially in children.

Impact of Pharmacist-Led Clinics on Health Outcomes of Patients With Diabetes at a Ministry of Health Diabetes & Endocrinology Center, Saudi Arabia: A Retrospective Study.

Objectives: Saudi Arabia is one of the most diabetes-prone countries in the world. The physician-centered model of care constitutes the standard of care around the country. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of clinical pharmacist care on diabetes management in comparison to standard physician-based care.

Impact of student to student peer mentoring program in first year of pharmacy program.

Background And Purpose: Mentoring programs, a practical tool commonly used by universities, can serve to help new students adapt to challenging college life. Peer mentorship offers the potential for professional development of student pharmacists.

Educational Activity And Setting: The Raabe College of Pharmacy at Ohio Northern University implemented a peer mentoring program in 2014.