Meningiomas are the most common primary intracranial tumors that often remain clinically silent and may be discovered incidentally during medicolegal autopsy. Such findings can present diagnostic and forensic challenges, particularly in cases of sudden or unexplained death. Here, we describe a case of incidental detection of a meningioma in a 60-year-old male during a routine medicolegal autopsy. Gross examination revealed a well-circumscribed extra-axial intracranial mass, and histopathological evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of meningioma. No evidence of acute tumor-related complications such as hemorrhage, significant mass effect, or brain herniation was identified. The lesion was therefore considered incidental. This case highlights the importance of meticulous intracranial examination and cautious interpretation of incidental pathology in determining the cause and manner of death in medicolegal practice.
We describe a 2-day-old term female neonate with esophageal atresia (EA) and a distal tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF), situs inversus totalis (SIT), right aortic arch, and aberrant vessels. The baby underwent a right posterolateral thoracotomy with muscle sparing extrapleural approach. The azygous vein was spared; ligation of the tracheoesophageal fistula and primary esophageal anastomosis was performed. There were no postoperative complications, and the infant was gaining weight on follow-up at 5 months. SIT is rare and predominantly associated with abdominal malformations, which include polysplenia, asplenia, malrotation, duodenal atresia, and biliary atresia. The association of EA/TEF with SIT is extremely rare, with only 11 cases reported in the literature. An abdominal ultrasound for comprehensive evaluation of abdominal organs and preoperative evaluation of aortic arch abnormality with echocardiogram is necessary in patients with SIT associated with EA. A right-sided approach is preferable, and outcomes are favorable. We are the first to present successful management of this rare association using the muscle-sparing thoracotomy technique.
Saudi Arabia has pursued systematic digital health transformation in emergency medicine as a core component of Vision 2030, deploying telemedicine platforms and artificial intelligence (AI) applications to address emergency department overcrowding, geographical access barriers, and increasing service demand. A narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and institutional databases (2020–2025). Search terms included “telemedicine Saudi Arabia,” “emergency medicine digital health,” “AI healthcare Saudi Arabia,” and “Vision 2030 emergency care.” Peer-reviewed articles, government health reports, and institutional policy documents were prioritized. As a narrative review, formal quality appraisal and systematic risk-of-bias assessment were not performed; findings should be interpreted in light of this methodological limitation. Telemedicine expanded substantially during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, with the national Seha Virtual Hospital network growing to serve over 400,000 patients annually across 200+ connected hospitals by 2024. A multicenter study reported patient satisfaction of 88.82% and mean response times of 2.54 min during the pandemic period. AI integration has included triage algorithms, diagnostic imaging support, and the launch of the world’s first fully autonomous AI clinic in Al-Ahsa in April 2025. Challenges remain in infrastructure standardization, equitable digital access, data governance, and algorithmic oversight. Saudi Arabia’s digital health initiatives in emergency medicine reflect meaningful progress under Vision 2030; however, the evidence base is predominantly descriptive and derived from gray literature and single-setting studies. Rigorous prospective evaluation, standardized outcome reporting, and robust ethical frameworks for AI governance are urgently needed before broad policy conclusions can be drawn.
Minimal intervention dentistry (MID) is a biologically oriented approach to managing dental caries that emphasizes early detection, caries risk assessment, remineralization, and preservation of dental hard tissues. Advances in cariology have shifted caries management from traditional surgically driven treatment toward disease-centered strategies focused on controlling the caries process and maintaining tooth vitality. This narrative review examines the biological foundations and contemporary clinical applications of MID through a focused review of the literature, with an emphasis on systematic reviews, meta-analyses, consensus statements, and clinically relevant studies. Evidence supports minimally invasive approaches that preserve tooth structure and maintain pulp vitality, including selective and stepwise caries removal, atraumatic restorative treatment, silver diamine fluoride, pit and fissure sealants, resin infiltration, and repair of existing restorations. These strategies can effectively prevent, arrest, or control carious lesions while reducing unnecessary removal of healthy dental tissues. By integrating biological understanding with conservative treatment principles, MID provides a comprehensive framework for contemporary caries management that supports preservation of tooth structure, maintenance of pulp vitality, and improved long-term oral health outcomes.
Background: Voice and swallowing problems are frequently reported after thyroid surgery, even in the absence of laryngeal nerve injury. These complications may affect patients’ quality of life in both the short and long term. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of voice-and swallowing-related symptoms among patients who underwent total thyroidectomy at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH) in Jeddah. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from July 2023 to April 2024. Data were collected via telephone surveys from 184 adult patients who underwent total thyroidectomy at KAUH. Swallowing and voice impairments were assessed using the validated Swallowing Impairment Index (SIS-6) and Voice Handicap Index (VHI-10) questionnaires, respectively. Results: Among the 184 patients studied, most were female (79.7%) and Saudi nationals (79.3%). Postoperative complications were common, with 52.7% experiencing at least one swallowing-related symptom and 67.2% reporting symptoms immediately after surgery. The most frequent swallowing issues were pharyngeal discomfort during bolus transit (37.5%) and difficulty swallowing (35.3%). Voice-related symptoms were also prevalent, particularly difficulty being heard (37%) and being understood in noisy environments (33.2%). A significant positive correlation was observed between SIS-6 and VHI-10 scores ( P < 0.05). Numerous factors may contribute to voice and swallowing change, including modifications to the laryngeal vascular supply, postoperative adhesions, decreased pressure of the upper esophageal sphincter, or position changes after the surgery, laryngeal trauma post intubation, and strap muscle injury. Conclusion: Even in the absence of laryngeal nerve injury after total thyroidectomy, subjective dysphonia and swallowing-related problems are more prevalent than previously thought and can last for months after a complete thyroidectomy.
Adipositas cordis, defined by excessive fat accumulation within and around the myocardium, is a frequently overlooked finding at autopsy. Often dismissed as a benign consequence of obesity or aging, this entity may have important pathological and forensic implications. From a pathologist’s perspective, adipositas cordis presents distinct gross and microscopic features, including marked epicardial fat, myocardial fatty infiltration, and associated myocyte atrophy or fibrosis. These changes can alter cardiac structure and electrical stability, potentially contributing to arrhythmias and sudden death. Accurate recognition is essential to distinguish adipositas cordis from pathological mimickers such as arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy and ischemic heart disease. In medico-legal autopsies, its role is usually contributory rather than causative, demanding careful interpretation within the clinical and circumstantial context. Thoughtful documentation and clinicopathological correlation help prevent misattribution of cause of death. Increased awareness of adipositas cordis enriches cardiovascular autopsy practice and underscores the nuanced relationship between cardiac adiposity and fatal outcomes.
Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly relevant to clinical practice and medical education, but local evidence is needed to guide curriculum development. Aims: To assess AI training exposure, perceptions, curriculum priorities, and predictors of AI readiness among final-year medical students at Qassim University. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted at Qassim University College of Medicine, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A paper-based questionnaire was distributed to fifth-year final-year medical students. The questionnaire covered prior AI training, self-rated knowledge, ability to evaluate AI diagnostic applications, attitudes toward AI, perceived effects on medical practice, and preferred curriculum content. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive statistics, Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests, Mann–Whitney U tests, multivariable logistic regression, and Cronbach’s alpha were used as appropriate. Results: Of 230 invited students, 200 completed the survey fully (response rate, 87%). Most students had no formal AI training (95.0%), and 50.0% reported only partial AI knowledge. Although 85.0% favored structured AI training, only 46.0% felt able to evaluate an AI diagnostic application. AI was generally viewed as supportive rather than replacement technology. Prior AI training and higher self-rated knowledge independently predicted readiness for AI use in clinical practice. Conclusions: Final-year students showed a strong interest in AI education, but important gaps in formal training and practical readiness. Findings support structured AI curriculum integration before graduation.
Background: The increasing occurrence of infections caused by carbapenem resistant Gram negative bacilli (CR GNB) has resulted in colistin being the last resort. But worldwide, there is an increase in resistance even to colistin, which necessitates accurate detection. This is impeded by a lack of reliable and user-friendly methods for colistin testing. Aims: To evaluate the performance of Vitek-2 colistin susceptibility testing for CR-GNB. Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary care center, including 2245 CR-GNB isolates. Of these, both Vitek-2 minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and Broth microdilution (BMD) method data were available for 222 isolates, which were further analyzed. Comparison was done between the colistin MIC values obtained by Vitek-2 and BMD (gold standard). MICs were evaluated according to the CLSI M100-E33, and categorical agreement (CA), essential agreement (EA), major error (ME), and very ME (VME) rates were calculated. Results: Colistin resistance was found in 34 (1.51%) strains among the 2245 CR-GNB isolated in the study period. Pseudomonas aeruginosa had the highest (47.06%) colistin resistance, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (38.23%). Vitek-2 yielded EA and CA of 62.61% and 93.24%, respectively. There were 15 (6.85%) MEs, much more than the CLSI acceptable range. The highest percentage of ME was committed for Acinetobacter baumannii (33.33%). No isolate was misreported as sensitive by Vitek-2 (VME = 0). Conclusion: Colistin susceptibility testing remains a challenging task for laboratories. Although automated systems like Vitek-2 provide faster results, the colistin antimicrobial susceptibility testing results generated by them need to be validated by the BMD method.
Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are increasingly used for preexam item analysis, but their predictive validity remains uncertain. Aims: This study aimed to compare AI-predicted item difficulty and discrimination with actual postexam psychometric indices across three consecutive medical progress tests. Settings and Design: A retrospective comparative study was conducted at Qassim University, Saudi Arabia, using annual progress test datasets from 2024 to 2026. Methods: Three independent exam datasets (2024, 2025, and 2026) were analyzed, each comprising 200 multiple-choice questions administered to 66–113 medical students. Predicted difficulty (difficulty index [DI]) and point-biserial ( r pb ) were generated by an AI model (DeepSeek) based on question content and program learning outcome mapping. Actual psychometrics were derived from postexam student response data. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical comparisons included descriptive statistics, correlation (Pearson/Spearman), regression, Bland–Altman analysis, and classification accuracy using trichotomized difficulty categories (easy: ≥0.70, moderate: 0.30–0.70, and hard: <0.30). Results: The AI model systematically overestimated student performance in all 3 years. Mean predicted DIs were 0.71–0.85, whereas actual DIs ranged from 0.46 to 0.55 (mean overestimation bias: −0.14 to − 0.39). The correlation between the predicted and actual difficulty was weak to moderate ( r = 0.24–0.68), with regression slopes significantly < 1.0 (0.45–0.54), indicating attenuation bias. r pb predictions demonstrated weak correlations ( r = 0.15–0.49). Classification accuracy for difficulty categories was poor (23%–44.5%; kappa: −0.02–0.21), with AI systematically overcalling “easy” items (69% false-positive rate in 2025) and demonstrating 0% sensitivity for detecting truly hard items in that year. Negative or zero observed r pb was found in 4%–5% of the items despite AI predictions of good discrimination. Conclusions: These findings indicate that AI-generated item analysis lacks numerical precision for high-stakes exam planning. Given the consistent overestimation of item ease and poor individual-item accuracy, current large language models may require calibration using local data.
Background: Nurses frequently face various work-related stressors, including managing interactions with patients and their families, substantial responsibilities, shift work, and overtime. which have detrimental impacts on their sleep quality. Aim: This study aims to examine the interrelationships between sleep quality, somatic symptoms, self-efficacy, and resilience among staff nurses in the Al Qassim region, and to investigate the mediating role of resilience in these relationships. Setting: Data were collected through an online survey of nursing personnel working in healthcare institutions in the AL Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 215 staff nurses. Materials and Methods: Data were collected using an online questionnaire that included the Brief Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Somatic Symptom Scale-8, General Self-Efficacy Short Scale-3, and Brief Resilience Scale. Statistical Analysis: Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficients, and bootstrapped mediation analysis were employed. Results: The findings revealed that the highest percentage reported moderate sleep quality (61.9%), a high to very high level of symptom burden (41.9%), moderate to high self-efficacy (27.4% and 32.1%, respectively), and moderate resilience (67.4%). Resilience significantly mediated the relationships between sleep quality and both outcomes. Specifically, the indirect effects were statistically significant for self-efficacy (β = −0.072, 95% CI [−0.108, −0.039], P < 0.001) and somatic symptoms (β =0.047, 95% CI [0.027, 0.081], P < 0.001), with confidence intervals that didn’t include zero. Conclusion: The study concludes that resilience serves as a crucial mechanism that mediates the relationships among poor sleep quality, diminished self-efficacy, and heightened somatic symptoms, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to support nurses’ mental health and professional efficacy.
Background: Depression is one of the most common neuropsychiatric disorders worldwide. Recurrent episodes are linked to increased morbidity, disability, suicide risk, poorer long-term prognosis, and higher socioeconomic burden. Recent studies suggest associations between depression and intake of certain macro- and micronutrients, such as carbohydrates, fat, Vitamin D, and choline. Aim: This study investigated the association between depression, anxiety, and stress scores and nutrient intake among 273 medical students at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods: Students completed an online Arabic Food Frequency Questionnaire and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). The sample included 163 (59.7%) women and 110 (40.3%) men. Results: DASS-21 scores indicated that 59% of students had depression, 55% anxiety, and 48% stress. A high body mass index and greater intake of carbohydrates, sugars, and caffeine were significantly associated with higher depression scores. Anxiety was linked to higher sugar and caffeine intake. The high prevalence of depression and stress was correlated with sedentary lifestyles. Conclusion: These findings support incorporating psychological distress screening into student health services to promote healthier lifestyles and overall well-being.
Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common inflammatory condition of the nasal and paranasal sinuses that is associated with substantial morbidity and reduced quality of life. Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is frequently performed in patients who do not respond adequately to medical treatment. However, optimal postoperative management remains essential to promote mucosal healing, reduce symptoms, and prevent disease recurrence. Topical corticosteroids are widely used after surgery, yet the most effective delivery method continues to be debated. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of postoperative budesonide administered via nebulization in patients with CRS, regardless of the presence of bronchial asthma. Materials and Methods: This retrospective observational study included 111 adult patients who underwent ESS between 2016 and 2018. Patients were divided into two groups based on postoperative use of a budesonide nebulizer. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, postoperative symptoms, and recurrence rates were analyzed. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software, version 26. Continuous variables were summarized using means and standard deviations, while categorical variables were presented as frequencies and percentages. Associations between variables were assessed using the Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test, with statistical significance defined as a probability value of < 0.05. Results: More than half of the patients used postoperative budesonide nebulization. Patients in the budesonide group demonstrated significantly fewer postoperative symptoms, including nasal crustation and obstruction, during early and intermediate follow-up periods. In addition, recurrence of symptoms was markedly lower among patients who received budesonide nebulization compared with those who did not. Conclusion: Postoperative budesonide nebulization is a safe and effective adjunctive therapy following ESS in patients with CRS. Its use is associated with improved postoperative outcomes and reduced symptom recurrence, supporting its role in postoperative CRS management.
Toxicogenomics (TGx) integrates toxicology with high-throughput omics technologies to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying adverse responses to chemical and environmental exposures. Advances in TGx are transforming risk assessment, drug development, and regulatory decision-making by enabling early detection of toxicity. In Saudi Arabia, the expansion of the Saudi Genome Program 2.0 (SGP 2.0) as part of the National Biotechnology Strategy, represents a key opportunity to embed TGx within a national precision health framework. Integrating TGx into the SGP 2.0 can generate population-specific data that link genetic variability with susceptibility to environmental exposures, thereby supporting evidence-based policymaking and disease prevention strategies. Such integration aligns with the goals of Vision 2030 and the health sector transformation program on increasing life expectancy, reducing the burden of noncommunicable diseases, and improving overall wellbeing and quality of life. Moreover, TGx can strengthen regulatory science by supporting next-generation risk assessment approaches, facilitating chemical read-across, and reducing reliance on animal testing. This article discusses the scientific rationale, strategic value, and regulatory implications of incorporating TGx into the SGP 2.0. The discussion highlights examples of how TGx can advance personalized medicine, environmental health protection, and sustainable biomedical innovation.
Febrile illness in children with sickle cell disease (SCD) is a frequent emergency department (ED) presentation and may progress to serious bacterial infection (SBI), sepsis, or acute chest syndrome (ACS), yet guidance for risk stratification, antibiotic selection, and disposition remains variable. We conducted a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020-guided systematic review of PubMed, Europe PMC, Semantic Scholar, OpenAlex, Google Scholar, and CORE (January 2000–January 2026) to synthesize evidence on ED management of febrile pediatric SCD. Eligible studies included children/adolescents (≤18 years) with confirmed SCD presenting with fever or suspected infection in ED/acute-care settings. Two reviewers independently screened records, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias (Newcastle–Ottawa Scale; Risk of Bias 2). Primary outcomes were SBI, ACS, and in-hospital mortality. From 28,228 records, 9195 unique records were screened after deduplication, 294 full texts were reviewed, and 43 studies were included. Most studies were observational. Recurrent higher-risk features included younger age, greater fever burden, abnormal leukocyte indices, elevated C-reactive protein/procalcitonin, prior invasive infection, and incomplete vaccination/prophylaxis. Common pathogens included Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli , and Staphylococcus spp. Early empiric parenteral antibiotics, typically third-generation cephalosporins, were consistently supported. Admission practices varied widely, although selected low-risk patients were safely discharged with reliable follow-up. Overall, risk-based ED pathways with timely empiric therapy and context-sensitive disposition are supported, although certainty is limited by heterogeneity and predominantly observational evidence.
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of pain and disability globally and poses a growing public health challenge in Saudi Arabia due to the reported ageing population, sedentary lifestyles, and high obesity rates. Although several studies have examined knee OA, evidence remains fragmented, limiting a clear understanding of its patterns and risk factors. This scoping review mapped existing literature to synthesize the epidemiological characteristics of knee OA among adults in Saudi Arabia. This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews and Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework. The researchers comprehensively searched databases across Medline, CINAHL (EBSCO), Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Cochrane from inception to October 2025. Studies involving adults residing in Saudi Arabia that reported knee OA risk factors or patterns of disease were included. Data were charted across study design, population characteristics, risk factors, disease patterns, assessment tools, and odds ratios. A narrative synthesis summarised the findings. Eight studies involving 4767 participants met eligibility criteria. Obesity was the most consistently identified risk factor; however, reliance on body mass index limited the precise assessment of adiposity. Disease patterns revealed higher prevalence among obese individuals and a tendency toward bilateral knee OA. Radiographic grading was commonly used to assess severity. Knee OA was reported to be strongly associated with obesity, ageing, and being female, but methodological limitations restrict generalizability. Future research should adopt population-based, longitudinal designs, standardized diagnostic criteria, and improved measures of adiposity. Early screening and standardized diagnostic criteria are essential for improving patient outcomes and reducing the disease burden.
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.
