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Background Understanding pathophysiology and pharmacology is essential for nursing students to ensure safe medication administration and clinical decision-making. In response, an integrated course was developed to help students translate theory into practice and build the competencies required for safe, effective care. Objective This main aim was to identify strengths, challenges, and the practical applicability of acquired knowledge to inform targeted instructional improvements. Methods This study used a cross-sectional survey among nurses’ student at Umm Al-Qura University (UQU) during the 2024/2025 academic year, to evaluate students’ perceptions of the integrated pathophysiology and pharmacology (IPP) course. Data was collected using a validated questionnaire covering four domains: course content and difficulty, general pharmacology, general pathophysiology, and medication management. Statistical analyses involved Fisher’s exact test, Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, and internal-consistency assessment with Cronbach’s alpha. Results Of 236 eligible students, 150 participated (63.6%). Most agreed the course was appropriate (86%), the content was manageable (81%), and delivery was satisfactory (89%). 72% felt confident applying pharmacology concepts in clinical scenarios. Notably, 62% agreed they could recall drug names, side effects, and contraindications, the weakest measurement relative to other areas, highlighting a memorization gap. Higher GPA and longer weekly study time were independently associated with better understanding across all of the domains ( p  < 0.05). Conclusion The integrated course improved nursing students’ understanding and application of pharmacology, highlighting the need for strategies that reinforce knowledge retention strategies. Thus, this may reduce stress and resilience which remains a key factor of performance during clinical placements.

Background Developing critical thinking, research, and presentation skills is essential for healthcare professionals. Structured educational activities, such as Journal Clubs, provide valuable opportunities to enhance these competencies. These skills are particularly important in preparing for future pharmacists and providing them with up-to-date information. This study evaluates the learning outcomes, perceptions, and feedback of undergraduate pharmacy students participating in a Journal Club activity, focusing on differences between 3rd and 5th -year students. Methods This cross-sectional study involved 207 undergraduate pharmacy students from the 3rd and 5th years at Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Students were paired, provided with structured guidelines, and tasked with analyzing and presenting research articles. Emphasis was placed on research related to the topics covered in the pharmacology or hospital pharmacy courses the students were taking in that semester. Data was collected via a validated survey covering general experience, learning outcomes, perceptions, and feedback. Statistical analyses included Fisher’s Exact Test, Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, and Cronbach’s alpha, using RStudio (version 2024.9.1.394, Boston, MA, USA) with R version 4.4.2. Results A majority (89.4%) reported acquiring new knowledge, and 77.7% noted increased confidence in critically evaluating research. Fifth-year students reported higher critical thinking (58.4% vs. 42.3%, p  = 0.031) and presentation skills (72.7% vs. 50.8%, p  = 0.002). Strong correlations were observed between learning outcomes and perceptions ( R  = 0.743, p  < 0.001). Conclusion The Journal Club effectively promoted critical thinking, research, and presentation skills. Differences between academic years highlight the need to adapt activities to student levels.

Medication adherence is essential for managing chronic diseases, yet non-adherence remains a significant public health issue globally and regionally. In Saudi Arabia, behavioral and systemic barriers to adherence are understudied, particularly regarding the role of digital tools. To evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to medication adherence among adults with chronic conditions in Saudi Arabia and to identify barriers and facilitators influencing adherence, including digital support tools. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Q1 2025 across multiple regions in Saudi Arabia. Adults with chronic illnesses were recruited using convenience sampling. A validated electronic questionnaire assessed knowledge, attitudes, intentional non-adherence, and digital tool use. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression to identify predictors of non-adherence. A total of 950 participants were included (mean age: 48.6 years; 73.9% female). Although 65.9% strongly agreed on the importance of medication, 30.0% reported intentional non-adherence. Middle-aged adults (50–59 years) and males were more likely to alter or skip medications. Forgetfulness and dislike of medications were the most reported reasons. Only 24.2% used digital tools, primarily for reminders. Gender differences were observed in adherence strategies, with women more likely to use organizers and men relying on family or mobile apps. Positive beliefs about medication necessity were significantly associated with higher adherence and digital tool engagement. Medication adherence remains suboptimal among adults with chronic conditions in Saudi Arabia, influenced by demographic, behavioral, and technological factors. Tailored interventions addressing gender-specific needs, behavioral motivations, and digital literacy are warranted to improve long-term adherence and disease outcomes.

Background: Breast cancer, the most prevalent cancer among women globally, develops primarily in the breast’s ducts or lobules. Drug resistance is a significant challenge in treating advanced cases, contributing to over 685,000 breast cancer-related deaths annually, and identifying novel compounds that inhibit key proteins is crucial for developing effective therapies. Methods: In this study, five transferase proteins with PDB IDs were selected due to their involvement in breast cancer: 1A52, 3PP0, 4EJN, 4I23, and 7R9V. Multitargeted docking studies were conducted using three different docking strategies and Molecular Mechanics/Generalized Born Surface Area (MM/GBSA) to calculate the binding affinities against the ZINC Natural compound library. Isoetin (ZINC000006523948), found mainly in Isoetaceae, was identified, and the results were compared with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug Tucatinib. In addition, molecular interaction fingerprints and pharmacokinetic profiling were evaluated. We also performed 5 ns WaterMap simulations to identify hydration sites and interactions, followed by 100 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and MM/GBSA to assess the stability of the Isoetin–protein complexes. Results: The docking results indicated that Isoetin demonstrated superior binding and docking scores ranging from −9.901 to −13.903 kcal/mol compared to Tucatinib, which showed values between −4.875 and −10.948 kcal/mol, suggesting Isoetin’s potential efficacy as a therapeutic agent for breast cancer. Interaction fingerprints revealed significant interactions between Isoetin and key residues, including 28LEU, 12MET, 9PHE, 7ASP, 6ASN, and 6THR. The pharmacokinetics and DFT analysis of Isoetin supported its potential as a viable drug candidate. Furthermore, the 5 ns WaterMap simulations identified various hydration sites, and the 100 ns MD simulations showed that the Isoetin–protein complexes exhibited minimal deviations and fluctuations, indicating better stability than Tucatinib, and MM/GBSA confirmed Isoetin’s superior binding stability. Conclusions: Isoetin, a natural compound identified through in silico screening, demonstrates significant promise as a potential therapeutic agent for breast cancer as it outperforms the FDA-approved drug Tucatinib, the respective native and FDA-approved drug. However, experimental validation is necessary before considering Isoetin for clinical use.

Effective communication between hospital pharmacists and patients with disability is essential to ensure proper usage of prescribed medication, medication safety, and therapeutic outcomes. However, patients with hearing impairments encounter unique challenges that are often overlooked in pharmacy practice. There is limited evidence regarding how hospital pharmacists in Saudi Arabia address communication barriers with this patient group. To explore the experiences, challenges, and suggestions of hospital pharmacists in Saudi Arabia regarding communication with hearing-impaired patients in pharmacy settings. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted using an open-ended online survey distributed to hospital pharmacists across Saudi Arabia between April and May 2025. Twenty-six pharmacists responded to eight open-ended questions covering their experiences, training, communication barriers, and institutional support. Responses were analyzed thematically to identify key themes and insights. Six major themes resulted from the analysis: (1) lack of formal training and preparedness, (2) limited direct experience with hearing-impaired patients, (3) communication barriers including time constraints and lack of tools, (4) suggestions for communication aids such as tablets and visual boards, (5) institutional responsibilities for training and infrastructure, and (6) pharmacists' recommendations for inclusive service improvement. The findings highlight a critical gap in pharmacist training and system-level policies to support disability-inclusive communication in hospital pharmacy practice. Hospital pharmacists in Saudi Arabia reported limited preparedness and suggested various practical solutions, including written communication tools and visual aids. Findings indicate opportunities for structured training and institutional support to enhance inclusive communication.

Beta-blockers are a cornerstone of guideline directed medical therapy for cardiovascular diseases; however, their underutilization remains a global concern. Healthcare professionals' knowledge, attitudes, and practices play a critical role in optimizing beta-blocker prescribing and monitoring. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of physicians and nurses regarding beta-blocker use in cardiovascular patients in Saudi Arabia. A national cross-sectional study was conducted among physicians and nurses working in government hospitals across Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire assessing demographics, knowledge, attitudes and practices related to beta-blocker use and monitoring. Descriptive statistics, group comparisons, and multivariable linear regression analyses were performed. A total of 553 healthcare professionals participated, including 249 physicians (45.0%) and 304 nurses (55.0%). The median knowledge score was 6.0 (IQR: 5.0-8.0). Nurses demonstrated higher knowledge in titration principles (79.3% vs. 59.8%, < 0.001) and recognition of rebound effects (74.3% vs. 65.5%, = 0.014). In contrast, physicians showed greater knowledge in appropriate beta-blocker selection (52.2% vs. 40.8%, = 0.008) and were more likely to correctly identify that beta-blockers are not contraindicated in all patients with diabetes (42.6% vs. 31.9%, = 0.017). Fear of adverse effects, particularly bradycardia and hypotension, was more frequently reported among nurses (58.6% vs. 36.1%, < 0.001). Participants with 1-5 years (β = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.14-1.07, = 0.010) and 6-10 years (β = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.03-1.35, = 0.040) had higher knowledge scores, while frequent patient management was associated with lower knowledge (β = -0.85, 95% CI, -1.52 to -0.18, = 0.013). Attitude scores were lower among nurses (β = -1.28, 95% CI, -2.08 to -0.48, = 0.002) and those managing patients less frequently (β = -1.64, 95% CI, -2.99 to -0.28, = 0.018). Healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia demonstrated moderate knowledge regarding beta-blocker therapy, with distinct professional differences in knowledge domains and perceived barriers. Fear of adverse effects emerged as a key obstacle to optimal beta-blocker use, particularly among nurses. Targeted educational interventions, unified institutional protocols, and enhanced interprofessional collaboration are needed to improve adherence to guideline-directed beta-blocker therapy and optimize cardiovascular outcomes.

Nutraceutical consumption has expanded globally and in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, influenced by digital platforms, cultural norms, and preventive health behaviors. In Saudi Arabia, market growth is pronounced, yet little is known about how consumers construct trust and make purchasing decisions in this evolving landscape. This study was conducted to evaluate patterns of nutraceutical use, purchasing channels, and trust mechanisms among adults in Saudi Arabia. A nationwide cross-sectional online survey was conducted among adults in Saudi Arabia. Of 1,169 responses received, 672 respondents who reported recent nutraceutical use and met the inclusion criteria were included in the analysis. Data collected covered product categories, purchasing frequency, trust determinants, and sociodemographic characteristics. Associations were examined using multivariable regression models. Vitamins and minerals were most common (554 of 672, 82.4%), followed by probiotics (492 of 672, 73.2%) and botanicals (452 of 672, 67.3%). Purchasing was frequent, with 252 of 672 (37.5%) buying more than once per month. Higher purchasing frequency was associated with very high health consciousness (OR 12.4, 95% CI 6.31-24.8), mid-tier income (OR 2.07, 1.34-3.21), and Northern residence (OR 1.77, 1.11-2.84). Frequent purchasers were more likely to trust online peer reviews (OR 4.34, 2.31-8.22), perceive online and in-store products as equivalent (OR 5.18, 2.80-9.65), and still value pharmacist advice (OR 3.02, 1.65-5.56). Social media was a common discovery route (408 of 672, 60.7%), with 362 of 672 (56.2%) reporting greater trust when influencer content referenced evidence or long-term use. Halal, clinical, or regulatory marks also enhanced confidence (401 of 672, 59.7%). Women reported lower holistic-integration scores, while mid-income groups showed greater responsiveness to influencer cues. The findings indicate that participants reported relying on both digital sources (online reviews and influencer content) and offline validation (pharmacist advice and quality markers) when making purchasing decisions; initiatives that improve the clarity of product information and professional guidance may support more informed use.

Drug-drug interactions (DDIs) remain a significant but often overlooked threat to patient safety. While Pharmacists are expected to play a critical role in identifying and preventing DDIs, real-world practice may not reflect this responsibility. This study aimed to assess the gap between community Pharmacists' DDI knowledge and their actual dispensing practices in Western Saudi Arabia. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods study was conducted between September and November 2025 among 356 licensed community Pharmacists in Makkah, Jeddah, Madinah, and Taif. The quantitative phase involved a validated, structured questionnaire evaluating Pharmacists' knowledge and self-reported practices regarding DDIs. This was followed by a qualitative observational phase involving 134 unannounced simulated patient (SP) visits, each presenting one of four predefined high-risk DDI scenarios (ibuprofen-furosemide, omeprazole-clopidogrel, fluconazole-phenytoin, and phenytoin-warfarin). Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, non-parametric group comparisons (Wilcoxon and Kruskal-Wallis tests), multivariable linear regression, and Fisher's exact test, conducted using RStudio (  < 0.05). Survey findings demonstrated moderate to high theoretical DDI awareness, with 62-79% of Pharmacists correctly identifying major interaction pairs. Pharm. D. graduates achieved higher knowledge scores than B. Pharm graduates (median 5.0 vs. 4.0;  < 0.001). However, simulated visits revealed a substantial practice gap: only 15% of Pharmacists identified the DDI in real-time, and approximately 75% took no corrective action. Most encounters lasted less than one minute, and over 80% of interacting medications were dispensed without inquiry or reference checking. Despite adequate theoretical knowledge, community Pharmacists demonstrated limited real-world application of DDI management. This knowledge-practice gap poses a patient safety concern and underscores the need for system-level interventions, including decision-support tools, workflow optimization, and strengthened prescriber-Pharmacist communication.