ABSTRACT Background: Moral distress is a critical challenge in psychiatric nursing education, yet its experiential dimensions among undergraduate students remain insufficiently understood. Psychiatric placements expose learners to ethically charged situations that test their values and professional identity. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore how undergraduate nursing students at Helwan University, Egypt, to experience and navigate moral distress, and to examine how these experiences shape moral resilience. Methods: A qualitative descriptive design grounded in a constructivist paradigm was used with 12 final-year nursing students. Data from semi-structured interviews and structured reflective journals were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Four themes captured the developmental trajectory of moral distress: (1) negotiating autonomy and authority, (2) ethical paralysis and silencing, (3) emotional disengagement as coping, and (4) reconstructing moral resilience through reflection. Moral distress evolved from initial tension toward reflective empowerment when supported by structured mentorship. Conclusion: Moral distress functions as a formative catalyst for ethical growth. Embedding structured reflective mentorship within psychiatric curricula is essential for transforming moral suffering into professional development.
Background: Diabetes prevalence in Saudi Arabia remains concerning, with prevalence rates reaching 11.20% among adults. Aims: This study aimed to assess parental awareness of prediabetes in children across Saudi Arabia, focusing on knowledge of risk factors, symptoms, and complications. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted across the Saudi population. Subjects and Methods: Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, validated through a pilot study with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.848. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Nonnormally distributed continuous variables were presented as mean, standard deviation, median, interquartile range, and range. Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis tests were used, with significance at P < 0.05. Results: Among 580 parents, most were Saudi (97.8%), married (95%), and aged 41–50 (33.4%). About 64.3% held a bachelor’s degree. While 67.8% knew untreated prediabetes could progress to type 2 diabetes, only 22.4% and 31.2% correctly identified fasting glucose and HbA1c ranges. Just 18.3% were aware of screening high-risk children at age 10, and 34.5% recognized the need for monthly follow-ups. The median knowledge score was 4.81/11, indicating poor overall knowledge. Age and gender significantly influenced awareness. Conclusions: Many Saudi parents lack adequate knowledge about childhood prediabetes. Older parents, especially mothers, were better informed than younger fathers. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted public health initiatives to educate parents about pediatric prediabetes.
Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common inflammation of the nasal mucosa characterized by symptoms such as repeated sneezing, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, and nasal pruritus. Treatment methods for AR differ among physicians. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnosis and treatment of AR among family physicians and otorhinolaryngologists in Saudi Arabia. Settings and Design: This cross-sectional study was carried out from June to December 2024 among family physicians and otorhinolaryngologists in Saudi Arabia through an online survey. Materials and Methods: The survey collected data on the participants’ characteristics, utilization of diagnostic tools, management practices, and patients’ adherence to treatment. Statistical Analysis: Data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics for Windows (version 26.0; Armonk, NY, USA; IBM Corp). Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were conducted to identify statistically significant differences among physician groups, with significance set at P < 0.05. Results: The study included 70 participants, 37 family physicians, and 33 otorhinolaryngologists. Otorhinolaryngologists performed anterior rhinoscopy (93.9%), whereas most family physicians relied on symptomatic diagnoses. The skin prick test and serum immunoglobulin E test were more frequently available to otorhinolaryngologists (P < 0.001). Most participants reported adherence to the allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma guidelines (71.4%). Intranasal corticosteroids and oral antihistamines were the most frequently prescribed regimens in both groups. Conclusions: Variations exist in AR severity assessment and allergen identification is limited due to underuse or lack of diagnostic tools. Developing local protocols, increasing diagnostic tool use, and enhancing patient education will improve outcomes.
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin illness that has a significant impact on both psychological health and overall quality of life. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have been presented as complementary approaches that may help reduce disease severity and enhance patient-reported outcomes. This study aims to assess how beneficial meditation and MBIs are in reducing psoriasis severity and improving the quality of life. A thorough search was conducted across different databases to find randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving individuals with psoriasis. Eligible studies compared MBIs or meditation with placebo or standard medical treatment, while non-RCTs and studies not involving psoriasis patients were excluded. The risk of bias (RoB2) tool was used to assess the RoB, and RevMan 5.3 was used to conduct a random-effects meta-analysis. Six RCTs involving 406 patients met the inclusion criteria. MBIs significantly improved quality of life, as measured by the dermatology life quality index (standardized mean difference [SMD] = −0.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] [−3.65, 1.80], P = 0.36), despite substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 95.8%). However, no statistically significant effects were observed on anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS]-Anxiety: SMD = −0.47, 95% CI [−1.17, 0.23], P = 0.14), depression (HADS-Depression: SMD = −0.20, 95% CI [−0.62, 0.23], P = 0.18), or psoriasis severity self-administered psoriasis area and severity index: SMD = −0.50, 95% CI [−1.81, 0.80], P = 0.31). In conclusion, mindfulness-based interventions and meditation show promising potential in improving the quality of life for those with psoriasis. However, their effects on anxiety, depression, and disease severity remain uncertain due to heterogeneity in study designs and outcome measures. Larger, high-quality RCTs with established methodologies are required to clarify their therapeutic value in psoriasis management.
Background: Genetic and environmental factors contribute to the risk of developing diabetes, with chronic hyperglycemia causing severe complications like cardiovascular diseases, neuropathy, nephropathy, and vision impairment. Aim: The aim of this research is to study prescription patterns of anti-diabetic drugs in a government primary healthcare center and to determine whether patterns were in accordance with international guidelines. Settings and Design: This study is a single-site cross-sectional study, conducted at Al-Takhasossi Primary Healthcare Center in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: Data were collected from medical records from January 2023 to July 2023, using convenient sampling from patient electronic files. Statistical Analysis: The Chi-square test is employed to evaluate the association between categorical data. The data were presented as the actual number, mean, and percentage. Level of significance: P ≤0.05. Results: Our study included 200 diabetic patients, 58% were male, and 42% were female. The majority were aged 51–70. The initial hemoglobin A1C (>8.0) recorded showed that all patients had poor diabetes control, with only 1% achieving normal control afterward. Hypertension was the most common comorbidity (59.1%). Metformin was the most prescribed drug (33.1%). Combination therapies (33.4%) were prevalent, with metformin + gliclazide + sitagliptin being the most common (18.9%). Factors such as therapy type and age significantly influenced diabetic control and prescription patterns. The type of therapy is strongly associated (P < 0.001) with combination therapy having poorer control. Fasting plasma glucose and random blood sugar levels also significantly differ between good and poor control groups (P < 0.05). Age significantly correlates with the number of drugs prescribed (P = 0.029), with older age groups receiving more medication. Conclusions: We observed in our research that it is imperative to raise awareness regarding prescribing trends and the prescription of additional medications in accordance with treatment guidelines.
Myxoma is a locally invasive tumor that typically affects the jawbones. Although it is rare in the general population, it occurs with excessive frequency among young female patients in the second and fourth decades. The tumor typically occurs in the posterior mandible and accounts for approximately 3%–6% of all odontogenic tumors. We present a rare case of fibromyxoma in a 25-year-old female involving the soft tissue of the face. Clinical, radiological, histopathologic, and immunohistochemical investigation play an important role in the accurate diagnosis of fibromyxoma. Our patient presented with painless swelling over the cheek, which was insidious in onset and progressively increasing in size. A well-encapsulated ovoid mass is seen in the left cheek involving the Levator labii muscle. It measured 12mm X 8 mm, excised and diagnosed as a fibromyxoma. The unusual features of this case are the site of tumor, which was localized to the nontoothbearing areas of the maxillary region.
We present an extremely rare association of sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) type IV with anal canal duplication in a 9-month-old female child. The patient presented with a large suprapubic lump along with discharge from the anus. On examination anus was slightly patulous, and there was discharge from the anus. A small 5 mm-sized second opening was located just behind her normal anus at the 6 o’clock position. Probing under sedation revealed a tubular lesion, about 3.5 cm in length and lumen ending blindly without connection to the normal anus and rectum. Radiological investigations suggested SCT type IV. The teratoma was vascular and carefully dissected, mobilized up to the coccygeal region through a Pfannenstiel incision; the patient was then placed in a prone jackknife position for en bloc complete excision of the presacral tumor with coccygectomy along with anal canal duplication tract. The histopathology report confirmed the presence of mature teratoma and anal canal duplication. The association of anal duplication with SCT type IV is infrequent, and we report the fifth case in the world literature.
Background: Panoramic radiography or orthopantomography is a widely used extraoral imaging technique that offers a comprehensive visualization of the maxillofacial complex and aids in detecting pathologies. Its wide anatomical coverage often reveals incidental findings (IF) – abnormalities unrelated to the primary imaging indication. Early detection of such findings is essential for better prognosis and lower morbidity. Aims: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of IFs in panoramic radiographs of patients attending a dental institution. Settings and Design: The study was designed as a cross-sectional retrospective analysis and was conducted in a private dental institution. Subjects and Methods: The study analyzed 1880 panoramic radiographs retrieved from the radiology department archives over 6 months (April–October 2023). Eligible radiographs were evaluated for IFs by calibrated examiners. Statistical Analysis Used: Data normality was assessed using the Shapiro–Wilk and Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests. Descriptive statistics were presented as mean ± standard deviation, and associations between demographics and IFs were evaluated using the Chi-square test, with significance set at P < 0.05. Results: Of 1880 panoramic radiographs assessed, 471 IFs were identified in 400 images, yielding an overall prevalence of 25.05% indicating that nearly one in four panoramic radiographs revealed an IF. The most prevalent IF was impacted teeth (33.5%), followed by elongated styloid process (31.6%). Conclusion: The high prevalence of IF in panoramic radiographs highlights the need for systematic evaluation in dental and maxillofacial practice. The expertise of oral and maxillofacial radiologists ensures accurate detection of hidden pathologies, facilitating early intervention and improved outcomes.
Background: Gallstone disease (GSD) poses a major health burden worldwide, contributing significantly to morbidity. While various modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors, including age, gender, and body mass index (BMI), have been commonly associated with GSD development, recent studies have reported inconsistent results. In addition, regional disparities in GSD prevalence and risk factors remain insufficiently explored. Aims: This study aims to evaluate the association of age, gender, and BMI with GSD among patients presenting to a high-volume tertiary care hospital in North Delhi. Settings and Design: A hospital-based case–control study was conducted among patients in the General Surgery Department of a Tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: The study included 91 ultrasound-confirmed cases of GSD, along with an equal number of age- and sex-matched controls without GSD. Data on demographics, lifestyle, medical history, and BMI were collected. Statistical analysis used Chi-square tests and conditional logistic regression, with significance set at P < 0.05. Results: Females comprised 85.7% of cases, with nearly one-third belonging to the younger age group. Although the mean BMI was higher among cases, differences in age and BMI between groups were not statistically significant in this matched cohort. A positive family history of GSD or gallbladder carcinoma showed a significant association. No significant associations were observed with lifestyle factors such as diet, alcohol use, smoking, or physical activity. Conclusion: Female gender and positive family history remain important risk factors for GSD, whereas no significant associations were found with age, BMI, or lifestyle habits in this cohort. The findings suggest a potential shift in traditional risk factor profiles, warranting further investigation.
Background: Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is a plasma product which has been extracted from the serum of thousands of donors. It has been approved by the federal drug authority (FDA) either as an immune-replacement or immune-modulation therapy. The use of IVIG has recently been extended to multiple diseases, some of which are still not approved by the FDA showing a good clinical response. There are limited data published from Saudi Arabia reporting the use of IVIG therapy encompassing clinical indicators, dosing protocols, and related adverse events. Aim: The Aim if this study was to evaluate the prevalence and frequency of IVIG therapy among pediatric patients and to evaluate the indications and subspecialties prescribed the IVIG therapy. Methods: This retrospective study included the patients who received treatment between March 2023 and March 2025. The data extracted from medical records included demographics as well as variables related to IVIG therapy. Results: There were 229 patients who received IVIG therapy during the study period. There were 38.4% of patients <2 years old, and 22.7% of patients were between 2.1 and 5 years old. The highest prescription of IVIG was by neonatology. The most common indication was idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (25.85%). Dose accuracy was significantly affected by the category of IVIG, in which accuracy was compromised significantly for Category C IVIG therapy compared to Category A and Category B (P < 0.001). Conclusion: In our study we observe that there are multiple departments are using IVIG for off-label indications that is NOT approved officially by the FDA which could be risky for the patients and also having financial burden on the hospital. It was required to take corrective measures to improve this practice.
Background: Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacilli that release carbapenemase enzymes ensure that they are not affected by many beta-lactam antibiotics and carbapenems. The methodology of testing susceptibility to polymyxin B can pose a challenge in a clinical scenario. Aims: To assess polymyxin B, E-test susceptibility against Gram-negative bacteria that are MDR and compare the results of it with broth micro dilution (BMD). Settings and Design: This prospective observational study was done at a tertiary care center laboratory for 1 year. Materials and Methods: Polymyxin B susceptibility against 74 Gram-negative clinical isolates were assessed using the E-test and BMD as per the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute recommendations. Statistical Analysis: Descriptive statistics of frequency, percentage, median, and intra-quartile range were done. Kolmogorov–Smirnov test was performed to assess the normality of the numerical variables. Results: The predominant organisms isolated were Klebsiella pneumoniae (55.4%) followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (21.6%), Acinetobacter baumanni complex (16.2%), Escherichia coli (4.1%), and Enterobacter cloacae (2.7%). The polymyxin B susceptibility ranges were much higher by E-test method when cross checked with BMD (97% as against 77%; with P < 0.0001). E-test however correlated poorly with BMD. Conclusion: BMD testing proved to be a more reliable method in situations where the clinical response to infection was inadequate or compromised.
Dermatologic and autoimmune skin disorders pose unique challenges for arthroplasty due to increased susceptibility to surgical site complications, particularly periprosthetic joint infections. Skin integrity is compromised by disorders such as psoriasis, systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and eczema, often in the setting of chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation treated with immunosuppressive therapies. These factors collectively impair wound healing and increase the risk of microbial colonization with organisms including Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, thus increasing the risk of intraoperative contamination and subsequent postoperative infection. The present narrative review aims to discuss complications in the perioperative and postoperative periods, long-term outcomes, and condition-specific considerations that influence surgical strategy in patients undergoing arthroplasty with dermatologic and autoimmune skin disorders. It also outlines evidence-based strategies for risk mitigation, including preoperative dermatologic evaluation, optimization of immunosuppressive regimens, targeted antimicrobial prophylaxis, lesion control, and interdisciplinary planning. Postoperative surveillance and individualized rehabilitation are crucial for optimal surgical outcomes. Importantly, dermatologic and autoimmune skin diseases should not be considered absolute contraindications to arthroplasty; rather, optimal multidisciplinary preoperative optimization and coordinated perioperative management are key determinants of safe surgical outcomes. Further research is warranted to establish standardized clinical guidelines for managing this vulnerable patient population.
Khat chewing has a long history in the culture and society of the Horn of Africa and Yemen. Extracts of leaves from khat have similar actions to that of amphetamines and contain the major psychostimulant cathinone, but also the mainly peripherally acting stimulants cathine and norephedrine. Fresh khat is rich in the major stimulant cathinone. In dried khat, cathinone content is greatly reduced, so that the other stimulants, particularly cathine, dominate. Cathinone acts at the dopamine (DA) transporter (DAT) and the norepinephrine (NE) transporter (NET), both as a releaser of monoamines and perhaps also as an antagonist of the transporter. Cathinone has major actions at DAT centrally, and at NET both centrally and peripherally. Although like cathinone, cathine acts potently at DAT to release DA, its stimulant actions are limited by poor central nervous system penetration, and it acts mainly on peripheral NET to release NE in vivo. Norephedrine acts predominantly as a direct agonist at a1-adrenoceptors. Cathine fully substitutes for cathinone in terms of cardiovascular toxicity but not in terms of central psychostimulant actions. The profile of central stimulant actions of cathinone, and to a less extent cathine, differs from that of cocaine or MDMA, and is more similar to that of amphetamine. A change from fresh to dry khat increases potential for cardiovascular toxicity relative to central stimulant actions, and conversely, a change from dry to fresh khat would result in greater and possibly excessive central stimulation. It is important to increase awareness of the health consequences of khat use.
Non-accidental injury (NAI) remain a major yet frequently underrecognized cause of morbidity and mortality among children presenting to emergency departments (EDs) worldwide. This systematic review synthesizes global evidence published between 2000 and February 2025 on the prevalence, risk factors, injury patterns, screening approaches, and outcomes of NAI in pediatric emergency settings. Twenty-two studies were included. Reported prevalence varied widely, ranging from 0.07% in expert-reviewed cohorts to over 8% in broad ED screening studies, reflecting substantial heterogeneity in study design and diagnostic thresholds. Infants younger than 6 months consistently represented the highest-risk group. Injury patterns most commonly associated with abuse included long-bone fractures, traumatic brain injury, immersion burns, and multiple injuries. Screening tools such as TEN-4-FACESp and ESCAPE demonstrated high specificity but variable sensitivity, indicating that a significant proportion of cases may remain undetected. Approximately 9% of affected children required hospitalization, whereas overall mortality was low (around 0.2%), though higher rates were reported among preschool-aged children. Child Abuse Pediatrics consultations frequently influenced diagnostic classification and increased referrals to child protective services. Overall, the findings highlight persistent gaps in recognition of NAI and underscore the need for improved screening, clinician training, and system-level support within pediatric EDs.
ABSTRACT Interprofessional education (IPE) is globally recognized as a transformative strategy to prepare health professions students for collaborative practice. However, in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, the extent to which IPE has been integrated and evaluated remains unclear. This scoping review aimed to explore how IPE has been implemented in health professions education in the gulf, synthesize the characteristics of published interventions, and identify emerging themes related to its outcomes and challenges. A scoping review was conducted following Arksey and O’Malley’s framework and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews guidelines. Multiple databases were systematically searched for peer-reviewed articles published in English that reported on IPE interventions conducted within GCC countries. Data from included studies were charted and analyzed thematically. Out of a large pool of initial records, nine studies met the inclusion criteria, all originating from three countries: Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. Most interventions were short-term and delivered through case-based learning, simulation-based training, or online/classroom-based workshops, primarily targeting undergraduate students. Thematic analysis revealed three overarching themes: IPE as a catalyst for transforming attitudes toward collaboration; IPE as a mechanism for clarifying professional roles and boundaries; and IPE as a platform for practice preparedness. Despite growing interest in IPE across the GCC, peer-reviewed evidence remains limited and geographically concentrated. Current interventions, while promising, are often episodic and lack deep curricular integration. Future efforts should prioritize the development of theory-informed, longitudinal IPE programs, especially in underrepresented countries, and promote faculty development and regional collaboration to embed IPE in Gulf health professions education.
Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death among women in Saudi Arabia. Its incidence has been steadily rising among Arab women over the past two decades. Bilateral prophylactic mastectomy (BPM) is a preventive option for high-risk individuals, yet public awareness remains limited. Aim: This study aimed to assess the awareness, attitudes, and acceptance of BPM as a preventive measure for BC among the general population in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in December 2024 among the residents of Makkah using a structured online questionnaire. Individuals of both genders were eligible to participate. Ethical approval was obtained from the Biomedical Ethics Committee at Umm Al-Qura University. Statistical Methods Used: Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the participants’ sociodemographic data, knowledge, and attitudes toward BPM. Results: Among 402 participants, 80.3% were aware of BC, but only 40.0% correctly identified BPM as the removal of both breasts for preventive purposes. While 79.9% correctly recognized that multiple methods are used for BC detection, significant misconceptions persisted regarding BPM. Conclusion: Despite the high overall awareness of BC, knowledge and acceptance of BPM remain limited. The findings underscore the need for culturally sensitive education campaigns to address misconceptions and improve understanding of BPM as a preventive strategy.
Background: Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are the most common inflammatory bowel disorders (IBD) that significantly impact quality of life and healthcare systems. The prevalence of IBD is increasing worldwide, including in Saudi Arabia, particularly among younger populations. Several factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and environmental changes, contribute to the development of the disease. Aims: This study aims to assess the awareness of IBD among residents of the Jazan region, informing targeted health interventions. Settings and Design: This cross-sectional study was conducted among residents of Jazan aged 18 and above. Materials and Methods: A total of 400 participants were randomly selected using a stratified random sampling technique. Data were gathered through an online questionnaire shared through social media and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 29.0.0. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive statistics were utilized to summarize demographic data and awareness levels. Chi-square tests assessed associations between awareness and various factors, with significance at P < 0.05. Results: Among the 400 adults surveyed, half (n = 200, 50%) were aged 18–25. The majority were female (n = 230, 57.5%), single (n = 216, 54.0%), and held a bachelor’s degree (n = 246, 61.5%). Awareness of IBD was variable: 230 (57.5%) knew of UC, 167 (41.8%) knew of CD, and 161 (40.3%) recognized the term IBD. Notably, 203 participants (50.7%) understood that IBD is not contagious, but awareness of complications was low (e.g. 141 (35.3%) for extradigestive symptoms). The average awareness score was 7.6 ± 6.3, with significant associations found between higher awareness and factors such as education level (P < 0.001), student status (P = 0.005), monthly income (P = 0.001), employment in the health sector (P < 0.001), and personal experience with IBD (P < 0.05). Conclusions: This study highlights gaps in IBD awareness among adults in Jazan, with higher knowledge linked to education, income, healthcare exposure, and personal experience with IBD. Despite recognition of the disease, understanding of its complications remains limited, underscoring the need for targeted educational interventions to promote early diagnosis and improve patient outcomes.
Background: Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness commonly comorbid with amphetamine use, leading to exacerbated symptoms and increased healthcare burdens. Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the perceived reasons for amphetamine use among male schizophrenic patients. Settings and Design: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Erada and Mental Health Complex in Taif, the largest specialized mental health hospital in Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: Data were collected from male patients with schizophrenia and comorbid amphetamine use over 1 year. A structured questionnaire was administered to assess socio-demographic factors and reasons for amphetamine use. Descriptive statistics were used to present the data. Associations between variables were analyzed using the Chi-square test, with a significance level set at P < 0.05. Results: A total of 96 male patients participated in the study. Of them, 44 (45.8%) were ≤34 years of age, 58 (60.4%) were single, only 17 (17.7%) were married, and most of them were jobless (87.5%, n = 84). The most commonly reported reason for amphetamine use was boredom (39.6%, n = 38), followed by peer pressure (26%, n = 25), self-medication for illness symptoms (25%, n = 24), and depression (24%, n = 23). Boredom was cited as a main reason for amphetamine use by 29 (50.0%) of single patients, 5 (29.4%) of married patients, and 4 (19.0%) of divorced patients (P = 0.029). Conclusions: The findings highlight boredom, peer pressure, and self-medication as key reasons for amphetamine use in schizophrenic patients. It is recommended to address these factors within psychiatric care to improve treatment outcomes.
Background: The cultural context of Saudi Arabia shapes attitudes toward mental health, highlighting the need to address stigma and cultivate emotional empathy among nursing professionals. Aims: The study aims to investigate the relationships between mental health literacy, mental illness stigma, and emotional empathy among Saudi nursing students. Methods: A descriptive correlational cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire administered to nursing students at Qassim University. The study adhered to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines for reporting cross-sectional research. Participants included female nursing students, recruited via convenience sampling. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire comprising sociodemographic characteristics, the Mental Health Literacy Scale, the Devaluation of Consumers’ Family Scale, and the Multidimensional Emotional Empathy Scale. Statistical Methods Used and Results: Participants showed a good ability to recognize mental health disorders and reasonable knowledge of information sources (mean = 11.46) and professional help (mean = 9.36). Higher mental health literacy correlated positively with emotional empathy and negatively with mental health stigma, suggesting increased knowledge may lead to more compassionate and less stigmatizing attitudes. Conclusion: The study participants demonstrated moderate levels of mental health literacy, stigma toward individuals with mental health conditions, and multidimensional emotional empathy; additionally, there were statistically significant relationships among the study variables.
