This study aims to assess the prevalence of illicit use of stimulants and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among a sample of medical students at the main universities in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and their motivation for use. We examine the association between the use of stimulants and the students' academic performance. We also look into the possible adverse consequences of illicit stimulant use among students. The competitive nature of medical school might place the students at a higher risk of using stimulant drugs illicitly. Acquiring these stimulants illegally has become easier since the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD have risen. We are unaware of any other study exploring the prevalence of and motivation for illicit use of stimulants among medical students in Riyadh. A cross-sectional web-based survey was the study design we chose as we were targeting medical students in three governmental medical colleges in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The total sample population of 1,177 participants was divided into the three following groups: no previous use of stimulant drugs (Group 1), illicit use (Group 2), and medical use (Group 3). Of the 1,177 medical students, 29 (2.46%) were found to be using stimulants illicitly; 39 (3.31%) were using the stimulants medically as they had been diagnosed with ADHD. The ability to prolong study time was reported as the most common motive for illicit use by many students. The present study contributes to the literature by casting light on this serious issue in Riyadh. More educational effort is needed to promote awareness about the adverse effects of ADHD drugs and their illicit use among students.

Purpose To assess the impact of dry eye disease (DED) on work productivity in Saudi Arabia and investigate its effect on daily activities. Patients and Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study on male and female Saudi workers age 20 years or older. The data were collected via self-administered questionnaires distributed electronically through social media. We used the Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire to diagnose DED patients and assess their DED severity as mild, moderate, and severe. Results A total of 463 respondents qualified for the study. All patients in the DED groups reported a loss of work productivity. Most patients in the severe DED group (59%) reported difficulty focusing on work due to DED, whereas 17.1% of patients with mild DED and 22.7% with moderate DED reported the same. These findings indicate significantly worsening productivity as DED progresses in severity (p<0.05). Participants with severe DED reported significantly more affected work hours weekly (35.8%) than participants with moderate (6.1%) and mild DED (7.1%). Conclusion DED has a significant impact on work productivity, with the most pronounced effect among office workers. It is essential to screen office workers for DED and enhance the awareness of its effect on work productivity among the workforce and healthcare providers.

Aims: to explore the prevalence of knee symptoms in the general population of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and evaluate the impact of sports participation and other demographic variables on the progression of knee symptoms in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Study design:  Cross-sectional study Place and duration of study: A self-administered online survey was conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between September 2020 to March 2021. Methodology: A total of 589 participants age 18 or older who reported concerns of knee symptoms and provided written informed consent were enrolled in the study. We excluded respondents who had undergone knee surgery (n = 16) and those diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis or other types of arthritis (n = 25). We collected demographic information (eg, age, gender, types of engaged sports, sports participation hours, and frequency of participation per week) and knee symptoms and severity using the Lequesne index tool. Results: Advanced age was significantly associated with a higher severity score (P < .001). We found a statistically significant association between body mass index and knee symptom severity. We noted no severe knee symptoms in participants engaging in weightlifting. Most participants (64.7%) reported that walking was their most frequent exercise, and knee symptoms were common. Of respondents who walk as their primary sport, 10.6% of them are considered disabled with a severe form of knee pain according to the Lequesne index (which uses the term “handicapped” rather than disabled). Conclusion: Older and overweight respondents had a high prevalence of knee symptoms. Interestingly, the prevalence rates of individuals without knee symptoms did not differ regarding sport participation. Sports participation frequency did not change the prevalence or severity of knee symptoms, while longer exercise duration was associated with lower knee symptom severity rates.

Objective: This study aims to assess the knowledge and deficits of otolaryngology in primary care physicians who work at primary care centers or tertiary hospitals in Riyadh, KSA. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted among residents of primary care specialties and otolaryngology residents in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A 10-item question with multiple-choice to assess the knowledge toward otolaryngology was given to the primary care provider by using face to face interview. Further, questions about clinical rotation in otolaryngology during medical school and residency were asked whether they participated or not. Results: A total of 253 primary care physicians took part (92 internal medicines, 79 family medicines, and 82 pediatrics) and 13 otolaryngologists, Primary care physicians who participated in clinical rotations during medical school and residency were 79.7% and 26.3%, respectively. Otolaryngologists' percentage of average correct knowledge score was (89.2%), family medicine (62.9%), pediatrics (55.4%), and internal medicine (52.5%). Primary care providers who participated in a clinical rotation in otolaryngology showed significantly higher knowledge scores than those who did not participate (p<0.001).Conclusion: primary care physicians had unsatisfactory ratings after examinations. Previous otolaryngology clinical rotation during residency had a positive effect on the knowledge of PCPs with their daily practice, which supports adding further clinical training in otolaryngology for primary care specialties.