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[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285187.].

Gender equality in the workforce and the promotion of woman leadership is critical to economic growth and the sustainable development of society and the global community. However, gender diversity in leadership positions is a concern as women continue to be underrepresented. Ensuring equal opportunities in leadership positions in the health sector can help advance the achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs). The aim of this study was to explore Saudi women's perspectives and leadership experiences at senior-level positions in the healthcare sector. A descriptive qualitative approach was adopted to address the study aim. This included nine semi-structured interviews with Saudi women who have held leadership positions in the health sector over the past ten years. Reflexive thematic analysis was conducted by adopting the six phases. The results showed that internal factors, such as qualifications, experience, and the innate qualities of a winner, are the most important factors that contribute to women's leadership. Women's role expectations, gender norms, and the patriarchal nature of the community have a negative impact on women's leadership. One of the new findings of this study was negative attitudes and lack of support from female colleagues. Women leaders in health care in Saudi Arabia share similarities and differences with women leaders around the world. However, the Saudi community has its own social norms and gender roles that cannot be denied. While Vision 2030 brought a number of positive changes in women's empowerment that participants spoke of, more research is needed to explore men's perceptions, which can complete the picture and lead to organizational improvement and changes.

Background Globally, 27% of ever-partnered women aged 15–49 have experienced physical, sexual, or intimate partner violence at least once in their lifetime. In Saudi Arabia, domestic violence (DV) remains a concern despite cultural and economic advancements. This study aims to measure the prevalence and factors associated with DV as well as childhood trauma (CT) in the Al Hasa region. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted on 503 married women by using convenient sampling reporting DV and CT using two validated questionnaires, respectively. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the numbers and percentages. Pearson’s r correlation was applied to investigate the correlation between risk factors. The multilayer perceptron model has been applied to estimate the most important factors contributing to DV and CT. Results Out of 503 respondents, most of them had low experience of DV and childhood trauma, while the prevalence of DV was 4.86%, with controlling behavior of the intimate partner (6.09%) and psychological violence most commonly reported. CT was experienced by 18.90% of respondents, primarily emotional neglect (31.44). The median score of DV was 1.99 (0.81), and that of CT was 2.15(0.45). Among the DV subscales, the median score of psychological violence (2.00, IQR = 0.50) and controlling behavior (2.25 with IQR 0.50) was higher compared to physical and sexual violence, whereas the emotional neglect subscale mean score was the highest among the CT subscales, 2.50 (0.50). DV and childhood trauma were significantly associated with BMI ( < 0.001) and education of women ( < 0.001) respectively. The result of ML model showed that the influential predictors of DV and CT are physical violence and physical neglect respectively. Conclusion The present study revealed a positive correlation between CT and DV. Women who experienced emotional neglect or abuse during childhood were more likely to report controlling behaviors and psychological violence in their relationships. CT was reported more frequently than DV and women with higher education levels reported greater childhood trauma. Even with low prevalence, such sensitive subjects must not be discredited. Saudi women should embrace education, employment, and awareness of their rights with the rapid societal change, marking a new beginning for women’s empowerment and safety.

Background Biobanks have recently been established in several low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in the Arab region of the Middle East. We aimed to explore the views of biobank managers regarding the challenges, ethical issues, and governance arrangements of their biobanks. Methods In-depth semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of eight biobank managers from Egypt (6), Jordan (1), and Sudan (1). Interviews were performed either face-to-face, by phone, or via Zoom and lasted approximately 45–75 min. After verbal consent, interviews were recorded and then transcribed. The authors performed a thematic analysis of the transcripts independently and then integrated the themes via a consensus process. Results Biobank managers discussed the main challenges in establishing their biobanks. These included the staff’s lack of experience and training, limited funds, deficit awareness of biobanks, obtaining funding from different sources. Only four reported they were active in distributing biospecimens and health data to researchers. Six biobanks used a broad consent model, one used tiered consent, and another allowed participants to opt-out of being recontacted. Five managers avoided partnerships with pharmaceutical companies due to concerns with unfavorable reactions from the community. Five managers did not have clear policies for returning research results to the donors. Five expressed challenges with sample and data sharing with international collaborators; all five used material transfer agreements. The biobank managers revealed variable governance arrangements and activities with community involving awareness and educational efforts rather than active engagement. Several expressed the importance of transparency with the operations of their biobanks and gaining the trust of their stakeholders. Conclusion Managers of biobanks in LMICs in the Arab Middle East encounter financial, operational, and social challenges toward their sustainability efforts. Discussions with key stakeholders are warranted to manage ethical issues involving informed consent, privacy, data sharing, and the return of results. We recommend that biobank managers in the Arab Middle East form collaborative networks within the region and internationally, develop trusting governance relationships with their stakeholders, and pursue engagement activities with their communities to enhance trust.

Population-based genomics studies have proven successful in identifying genetic variants associated with diseases. High-quality biospecimens linked with informative health data from diverse segments of the population have made such research possible. However, the success of biobank research depends on the willingness of the public to participate in this type of research. We aimed to explore the factors associated with the willingness of the public to participate in biobank research from four low- and middle-income countries in the Arab region (Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, and Sudan). We used a previously validated questionnaire to assess several constructs that included the public’s perceptions, attitudes, and willingness to participate in biobank research. We recruited 967 participants. More than half did not have prior awareness of biobanks. Participants’ willingness to donate biospecimens and health data was less than 10%. Our results also showed that participants harbored concerns with trust, privacy, and with data-sharing involving international researchers. Predictors of willingness to participate in biobank research included no previous involvement in research and positive attitudes toward biobanks. Finally, our study showed several differences between the four countries regarding several of the investigated constructs. We conclude there should be additional efforts to raise public awareness and enhance perceptions of the public in biobanking research to enhance trust. We further recommend qualitative research to explore the underlying factors that contribute to the public’s concerns with international data sharing that would enhance global health.

Technology has increasingly influenced the provision of healthcare services by enhancing patient safety, optimising workflows, and improving efficiency. Large healthcare facilities have adopted automated dispensing cabinets (ADCs) as an advanced technological solution. A key gap exists in understanding the ADC implementation experience in different contexts. Therefore, this study seeks to fill this literature gap by exploring key stakeholders’ perspectives on the benefits, barriers, and improvement opportunities related to ADCs, offering valuable insights to support their effective integration across various healthcare settings. This qualitative study was conducted in Saudi Arabia. The implementation of ADCs generally has positive outcomes for all staff. The system has brought about enhanced medication tracking, greater time efficiency, along with reduced workload and medication errors. However, there are barriers to their implementation, including changes in workflow and workload distribution, cabinet design, technical medication management challenges, and the need for staff training. To maximise the effectiveness of ADCs, healthcare organisations should focus on improving operational workflows, providing ongoing staff training, and maintaining robust system monitoring. Additionally, manufacturers should focus on advancing technology to further enhance the efficiency and functionality of ADCs.

Background: According to prevailing views in neuroscience, near-death experiences (NDE) occurring after severe head trauma, critical illness, or coma are often life-transforming experiences in which no awareness or sensory experience of any kind is possible. Although there are general patterns, each case is quite different from the other and requires accurate recording and reporting to potentially explain the phenomenon. Aim: This narrative study aimed to explore a pregnant woman’s NDE due to complications from MERS-CoV. Methods: This was a qualitative narrative study with the administration of two unstructured interviews. After the second interview, the participant completed the Greyson NDE scale, presented through descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analyzed using Labov’s model of narrative analysis through abstract, orientation, complicating action, evaluation, resolution, and coda. Results: The Greyson scale resulted in a total score of 12, confirming that the patient had experienced an NDE. Labov’s model of narrative analysis revealed that the patient’s experience was not limited to the NDE but had implications for her recovery and life. The patient experienced all three types of NDEs: out-of-body, transcendental, including the transition of consciousness to another dimension, and a combined experience. She also suffered from prolonged hallucinations, neuropathy, and post-intensive care syndrome (PICS). At the same time, the patient experienced what is known as NDE aftereffects, which are caused by a change in beliefs and values; she began to lead a more altruistic life and became interested in the meaning of life. Conclusions: NDE survivors should be encouraged to talk more and share their stories with others if they wish. This study not only investigates the NDE but also considerably adds to the existing literature by integrating a unique cultural view from a country outside of the US and other Western nations, and it highlights the significant role of healthcare providers in NDEs and the importance of communication with comatose patients. It underscores the need for compassion when dealing with patients with NDEs.

BackgroundGender equality in the workforce and the promotion of woman leadership is critical to economic growth and the sustainable development of society and the global community. However, gender diversity in leadership positions is a concern as women continue to be underrepresented. Ensuring equal opportunities in leadership positions in the health sector can help advance the achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs).PurposeThe aim of this study was to explore Saudi women's perspectives and leadership experiences at senior-level positions in the healthcare sector.MethodsA descriptive qualitative approach was adopted to address the study aim. This included nine semi-structured interviews with Saudi women who have held leadership positions in the health sector over the past ten years. Reflexive thematic analysis was conducted by adopting the six phases.ResultsThe results showed that internal factors, such as qualifications, experience, and the innate qualities of a winner, are the most important factors that contribute to women's leadership. Women's role expectations, gender norms, and the patriarchal nature of the community have a negative impact on women's leadership. One of the new findings of this study was negative attitudes and lack of support from female colleagues.ConclusionWomen leaders in health care in Saudi Arabia share similarities and differences with women leaders around the world. However, the Saudi community has its own social norms and gender roles that cannot be denied. While Vision 2030 brought a number of positive changes in women's empowerment that participants spoke of, more research is needed to explore men's perceptions, which can complete the picture and lead to organizational improvement and changes.

Abstract The supernumerary intranasal teeth are unusual phenomena. They may be asymptomatic or present with different signs and symptoms such as epistaxis, infection, and nasal obstruction. We report a case of a supernumerary intranasal tooth that erupted more than 2 years ago and was treated with surgical removal under local analgesia.