Background:The rise of photo-specific social media platforms has significantly impacted body image and mental health. Although studies have shown a link between social media use and body dissatisfaction, most prior research has focused on adult and Western populations, leaving a gap in understanding these relationships among adolescents and young adults in non-Western contexts like Pakistan. Furthermore, the specific roles of active photo-editing behaviors and exposure to influencer content remain under-investigated. Methods:This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of body dissatisfaction, anxiety, and depression among social media users in Pakistan aged 16-25 years. A total of 511 participants completed a survey assessing social media engagement including time spent on Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, usage of filters and photo-editing tools, and exposure to beauty and fitness content. The Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ-8C), the Sociocultural Attitudes Toward Appearance Questionnaire (SATAQ-4), GAD-7, and PHQ-9 scales were used. Data analysis was conducted in SPSS and included descriptive statistics, non-parametric independent sample test, and multinomial regression analysis. Results:Out of 511 participants, 212 (41.5%) were in the 21-23 years age category, and 315 (61.6%) were female. Snapchat was the most frequently used platform for photo-filters (178, 51.8%). The median (IQR) BSQ-8C score was 21 (19). Significant positive correlations were observed between BSQ-8C, SATAQ-4, GAD-7, and PHQ-9 (all P < 0.001). Multinomial regression identified gender and the perceived importance of photo-filter use as significant predictors of body dissatisfaction. The negative coefficients indicate that being female (B = -3.778, P = 0.008) and attributing greater importance to filters (B = -6.383, P = 0.029) were associated with significantly higher body dissatisfaction. Conclusion:This study provides evidence from a Pakistani cohort that engagement with photo-specific social media is associated with body dissatisfaction and poorer mental health, with females being particularly vulnerable. The finding that the importance placed on photo filters is a key predictor highlights a critical risk factor. These results emphasize the need for targeted public health strategies, including media literacy programs that critically address photo-editing and curated content and accessible mental health support for young people.
Recurrent myocarditis is an uncommon clinical entity, and determining its underlying etiology can be challenging. This report describes a rare case of recurrent myocarditis secondary to an autoinflammatory condition. A seven-year-old previously healthy boy presented with recurrent episodes of chest pain and elevated cardiac troponin levels, initially consistent with viral myocarditis. During evaluation for the second episode, elevated serum amyloid A (SAA) levels were detected, prompting further investigation. Genetic testing identified a heterozygous SLC40A1 variant, and the clinical findings fulfilled diagnostic criteria for Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF). The patient was commenced on colchicine therapy, which resulted in normalization of SAA levels and complete resolution of recurrent myocarditis. This case highlights FMF as a rare but important cause of recurrent myocarditis in children. Autoinflammatory disorders should be considered when typical infectious etiologies are excluded. Early recognition and initiation of colchicine therapy may lead to full recovery and prevent recurrence.
Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is the world's leading cause of preventable blindness among working age adults, and affects individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM), including type 1 and type 2 DM, among others. The global increase in the prevalence of DM has been accompanied by a parallel increase in the prevalence (20–40%) of DR, especially in countries like Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. Research on DR in the Gulf region is limited; however, several common risk factors drive the development and progression of DR, including poor glycemic control, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. There is also a need for effective screening and management programs for DR. The development of tailored region-specific guidelines for the Gulf region is key to effective DR prevention, early detection, and treatment. The current health care systems and information technology infrastructure are sufficiently well-developed to implement national DR screening programs and cohesive management strategies through primary and secondary care to have a major impact on reducing blindness in the Gulf region.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a significant cause of community-acquired pneumonia in children. Macrolide-resistant M. pneumoniae (MRMP) has been observed worldwide, with varying incidence rates. MRMP infections have a poor response to macrolide antibiotics, which further results in prolonged fever, extended antibiotic treatment, increased hospitalization, critical care unit admissions, and a significantly higher proportion of patients needing to receive glucocorticoids or second-line antibiotics. A 5-year-old girl presented with high-grade fever and lobar consolidation due to M. pneumoniae. She didn’t respond to macrolides. She developed features of cytokine storm with elevated ferritin, transaminitis etc. She was started on levofloxacin, given intravenous immunoglobulin and systemic corticosteroids, following which defervescence occurred. Early and rapid identification of resistant Mycoplasma infection is important. Appropriate antibiotic treatment, along with immunosuppressive therapy, is warranted for children with refractory M. pneumoniae pneumonia (MRMP).
