Background The novel coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has begun with a wave of misinformation and fear of infection. This may have led people to self-medicate inappropriately. The World Health Organization describes self-medication (SM) as utilizing medicines to relieve symptoms or health conditions without consulting a physician. Inappropriate drug use is a burden on both health resources and patient health in the Arab region. This study aimed to detect the prevalence and influencing factors of self-medication among the general Arab population during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A multinational cross-sectional study was conducted among the general population of ten Arab countries from early August to late October 2021. Participants aged 18 years or older could join the study via social media platforms. A convenience sampling technique was used. A developed and validated web-based questionnaire was used to collect data on self-medication practice, associated influencing factors, information sources, commonly used medications, and commonly treated conditions. Descriptive, univariate, and multivariate regression analyses were applied using IBM SPSS v 26 and R v 4.0.0 software. Results A total of 8163 participants completed the questionnaire, and 518 participants were excluded from the analysis due to inconsistencies in their data. Almost two-thirds (62.7%) of participants reported practicing self-medication during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the country level, Egypt had the highest prevalence of self-medication practice (72.1%), while Palestine had the lowest prevalence (40.4%). The most commonly used drugs were analgesics, antipyretics, and vitamins (86, 65.1, and 57.1%, respectively), while antitussives and antibiotics scored 47.6 and 43.3%, respectively. Experience with similar health conditions (74.6%) and urgency of the problem (47.2%) were the most frequent factors that led to self-medication. Additionally, 38.2% of the self-medicated participants (SMPs) used drugs as prophylaxis against COVID-19. Pharmacist consultation was the most common source of information about self-medication (66.7%). Multivariate analysis showed that predictors of self-medication were older age (p = 0.008), presence of chronic illness (p = 0.015), and having monthly income or medical insurance that does not cover the treatment cost (p = 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion Self-medication is considered a common practice across the Arab population. It is necessary to regulate policies and raise awareness among the public about self-medication.

Background: retinoblastoma (RB) is a rare inherited eye disease. Leukocoria is the first presenting sign of this disease. Early diagnosis is important to gain better life outcomes. We aim to assess Kafr Elsheikh university medical students' knowledge about retinoblastoma. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was performed using a web-based questionnaire to collect data. We analyzed the data using the SPSS program. Results: we survived 235 medical students and graduates at Kafr Elsheikh university. Most participants (n=131, 55.7%) had sufficient knowledge about retinoblastoma, while 78 (33.2%) had poor knowledge. Only 26 (11.1%) had a proficient level. Almost all participants (99.6%) detected that the abnormal eye was due to disease. Nearly two-thirds (63%) thought that it was a life-threatening leukocoria. While (96.6%) knew that an ophthalmologist referral was the right thing to do. We found no significant differences between academic grades and test results (H= 1.093, P=.779). As well, no correlation was found between academic grades and results (r=.033, p=.086). Conclusion: Retinoblastoma is a fatal disease that needs attention in developing countries. Early detection of RB is the key to successful management with a higher survival rate. All healthcare providers, particularly those who have direct contact with children, should receive comprehensive education to improve their clinical screening skills.

Psoriasis vulgaris has serious co-morbidities and impairs the quality of life. Vitamin D analogues and corticosteroids are widely used for treating psoriasis, but they have numerous effects. This review aims to assess the efficacy and safety of calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate (Cal/BD) as an alternative that may enhance patients' adherence. We searched PubMed, Cochrane, Web of science, and Scopus for reliable trials. The analysis was conducted by comprehensive meta-analysis (CMA) software using the Inverse-Variance method. The analysis showed that the fixed Cal/BD combination improves the psoriasis area and severity index score in body lesions (P<0.0001 at weeks one, two, four, and eight). It improves the total sign score (TSS) and achieves TSS-based response in scalp lesions (P<0.01 at eight weeks). Treatment success was achieved according to physician’s global assessment/investigator’s global assessment in scalp lesions (P<0.001 at weeks four, and eight), and according to patient’s global assessment in body (P=0.001 at week four) and scalp lesions (P<0.05 at weekss two, four, and eight). Adverse events were low for body (P<0.05 at weeks four, eight, and twelve) and scalp lesions (P<0.0001 at week eight). Our conclusion is that Cal/BD is effective and well-tolerated alternative therapy for psoriasis vulgaris.