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Background Binge-watching has become increasingly popular in recent years. Although it can provide a form of entertainment and mood regulation, it has also been associated with adverse mental health issues. In this study, we explored the association between binge-watching behavior and mental health. Methods Using a cross-sectional survey conducted from May to November 2018, we surveyed 535 participants over 18 years old from Ain Shams University by using a combination of online and pen-and-paper methods. Data on sociodemographic characteristics and TV series watching patterns were collected, and participants completed the Binge-Watching Engagement and Symptoms Questionnaire (BWESQ), the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-18), and the Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS). Results Among the 535 participants surveyed, 333 were retained and divided into three groups (i.e., non-binge-watchers, trouble-free binge-watchers, and problematic binge-watchers) in accordance with previous binge-watching research. Significant between-group differences were found in terms of relationship status, commonly used devices (mobile, laptop, TV), and perceived dependency on TV series watching. Problematic binge-watchers showed significantly higher scores for all BWESQ and BSI-18 subscales. Conclusion Trouble-free binge-watchers and problematic binge-watchers were more likely to be single than non-binge-watchers and demonstrated a marked preference for using mobile phones and laptops over traditional television. A significant positive relationship was found between problematic binge-watching and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and somatization.

Background The transition to college life is a highly demanding period for all students, especially when enrolling into an academically-challenging field as that of medicine. First-generation medical students represent an overlooked demographic and are thought to be more vulnerable to the stressors of college. This study’s aim is to explore the differences between first and continuing-generation medical students in Egypt regarding their academic performance, extracurricular training opportunities and future expectations. Methods Two identical 24-item online questionnaires, in English and Arabic were distributed with five main themes: general demographics, academic performance, extracurricular training opportunities (outpatient clinics, hospitals and operating rooms), future expectations and if participants have relatives in the medical field. Results Responses from 1652 eligible respondents from all 36 medical universities in Egypt were received. Continuing-generation medical students achieved a higher cumulative grade, with 46.1% getting an “Excellent” grade compared to only 38.4% in the first-generation. The gap between the two groups was best noted in Year 1 (p-value < 0.001) , as continuing-generation medical students were almost twice more likely to score an “Excellent” grade [Odds Ratio = 1.85 (1.48–2.31)] . First-generation group had less training opportunities in clinics ( p < 0.001 ) and operating rooms ( p < 0.001 ). There was a significant difference ( p < 0.001 ) across all three clinical settings in regard to how the training opportunity was acquired. The majority of continuing-generation medical students credited their family members for it. Amongst those who wish to travel, the majority of the first-generation medical students plan to pursue their career in the United States; whereas, most of continuing-generation medical students aimed for the Middle East and Western Europe. Conclusion First-generation medical students had lower grades at first mainly due to their lack of awareness of proper resources that were provided by the families of continuing-generation medical students. However, the challenges posed to first-generation medical students prompted the development of higher resilience, enabling them to catch up and even surpass their continuing-generation counterparts. Continuing-generation medical students obtained further extracurricular training (outpatient clinics and operating rooms), accessed mainly through their family members and connections; whereas, first-generation medical students received most of their training by searching for it themselves.

Majority of the assessments, appraisals and placements have been disturbed, with some being cancelled, postponed, or modified in design. New approaches for assessment should be well-thought-out. This work attempts at capturing the collective wisdom of educators in the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA), providing an understanding of the online assessment conceptual framework in the era of COVID-19 that tells the story rather than determining cause and effect, and identifying the biggest gaps that derail the digital transformation. A qualitative inductive study using the grounded theory approach was implemented following a synchronous virtual online meeting, a summary of the reflections as well as experiences of medical education experts was prepared. Data for this qualitative study were collected from the meeting. The meeting was video-recorded and transcribed by the researchers. Thematic analysis was performed by three separate researcher coders. The authors then discussed together until they reached a consensus. Three main thematic areas were identified: 1) feasibility, 2) exam fairness/equity and 3) acceptable graduate attributes, society/community acceptance. The COVID-19 era necessitated revisiting of our assessment strategies to cope with new changes within the available context. Rapid adaptation is required.

Background: Variable models of care have been adopted in different countries in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Egypt has assigned certain hospitals specifically for the quarantine of COVID-19 patients, where operational medical teams work continuously for 14 days, after which they are released for self-isolation at home for a similar period. Aims: The study aimed to evaluate and compare perceived adverse psychological symptoms (stress, anxiety, depression), and insomnia by health-care professionals working in quarantine and non-quarantine hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic in Egypt, and to explore associated factors with adverse psychological symptoms and insomnia. Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was performed in April 2020, using a snowball sampling method. Sociodemographic information perceived general health, healthy lifestyle, insomnia (using Insomnia Severity Index), adverse psychological symptoms (using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21), worries and concerns about COVID-19, future perspective about COVID-19, and coping strategies were collected. Results: Five hundred and forty health-care professionals participated; 10.2% (n=55) worked in quarantine hospitals. Younger age (ORa=o.96, 95% CL0.93-0.99, ORa=o.95; 95% CL0.92-0.97; ORa=o.96 CL0.93-0.99), being not ready/sure of readiness to work in quarantine hospital (ORa=1.91, 95% CL1.22-3.00; ORa=2.01, 95% CL1.28-3.15; ORa=1.91, 95% CL1.222.98), and insomnia (ORa=5.22, 95% CL3.38-8.05; ORa=7.58, 95% CL4.91-11.68; ORa=6.38 95% CL4.19-9.73) significantly predicted stress, depression and anxiety, respectively. Being female (ORa=1.59, 95% CL1.04-2.42; ORa=2.09, 95% CL1.383.16) could also significantly predict stress and anxiety. Conclusion: Female and younger age health care professionals were more prone to report adverse psychological symptoms. More and earlier screening for health-care professionals dealing with COVID-19, in addition to providing psychological support, is highly encouraged.

Objective We aimed to explore compliance with and barriers to wearing facemasks at the workplace among university teaching staff in Egypt. Methods An online survey was shared with teaching staff members at 11 public and 12 private Egyptian universities and high institutes, and 218 responses were received. All participants were asked about beliefs related to wearing facemasks. For participants who taught in-person classes, compliance with and barriers to wearing facemasks at the workplace were assessed. Compliance level was classified into: Non-compliance, inadequate and adequate, based on the degree of adherence to having facemasks on and not taking them off at five main work settings. We compared demographic characteristics, beliefs, and barriers scores across compliance levels. Results Most participants (81.7%) believed that facemasks reduce infection risk to others and 74.3% believed facemasks can reduce risk to the wearer. Around 80% of the respondents who taught in-person classes wore facemasks, but only 37.8% met the criteria of adequate compliance. Difficulty breathing and impaired communication were cited as major barriers by 42.2% and 30.3% of in-person class tutors respectively. The risk of reporting COVID-19 like symptoms among non-compliant participants was double the risk among those with adequate compliance (45.9% vs 25.7% respectively). Adequate compliance was significantly associated with higher positive beliefs scores and lower barriers scores. Conclusion Adequate compliance with wearing facemasks at the workplace was low. Addressing negative beliefs may improve compliance. Difficulty breathing, and impaired communication were important barriers, therefore we recommend replacing in-person interactions with online classes whenever applicable.

Méthodes : Une enquête transversale a été réalisée en ligne en avril 2020, en recourant à un échantillonnage boule de neige. Des données sociodémographiques, des informations concernant la santé générale perçue, un mode de vie sain, l'insomnie (au moyen de l'indice de gravité de l'insomnie), les symptômes psychologiques (au moyen de l'échelle Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21), les inquiétudes et les préoccupations à propos de la COVID-19, la perspective future vis-à-vis de la COVID-19 et les stratégies d'adaptation ont été recueillies.

Currently, nonalcoholic liver disease (NAFLD) is the most predominant chronic liver disorder. NAFLD has been linked to hepatic and extrahepatic morbidities. We aimed to investigate the role of acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI), hepatorenal index (HRI), and serum microRNA-130b as non-invasive predictors for chronic kidney disease (CKD) in NAFLD patients. In a case-control design, we included 40 NAFLD patients (20 NAFLD with CKD and 20 NAFLD without CKD) and 20 healthy controls. After clinical evaluation, laboratory assessments including liver test profile, renal function test, and quantification of microRNA-130b were done. Liver steatosis and stiffness were evaluated using HRI and ARFI. HRI and ARFI readings were significantly higher among NAFLD with CKD patients compared to other groups (P < 0.001). The median values of microRNA-130b were 32.1, 27.01, and 25.36 copies/[micro]l in NAFLD with CKD, NAFLD without CKD, and healthy controls, respectively, with significant differences between groups (P < 0.05). ARFI values and HRI were positively correlated with microRNA-130b (P 28.13 copies/[micro]l, microRNA-130b could differentiate between \"NAFLD with CKD\" and \"NAFLD without CKD\" patients with a sensitivity and specificity of 75% and 70%, respectively (AUC = 71.9%, P = 0.018). Serum microRNA-130b, HRI, and ARFI are valuable noninvasive markers for the assessment of NAFLD. MicroRNA-130b is suggested as a sensitive biomarker for the prediction of CKD among NAFLD patients with good sensitivity and specificity.

Background: We aimed to review and analyze the status of Medical Parasitology course including current problems and challenges on human resources, infrastructure, research capacities, educational and investigative priorities in Iran, and to develop a roadmap and future development in this field. Methods: A questionnaire was prepared to obtain information on Medical Parasitology departments in the country followed by field visits in many cases to collect data on the status of the faculty members, laboratory experts, physical spaces, laboratory equipment, microscopic slides, training Parasitology techniques, research projects and theses, published articles and books, access to Parasitology journals, books and e-books during 2022-2023. A roadmap and future development for Medical Parasitology in Iran and the formulation of a desirable status concerning short term to long-term goals was compiled. Results: While prominent strengths such as capable research laboratories, experienced faculty, suitable educational spaces, active research centers, the existence of centers for keeping and working with laboratory animals, international and national collaborations are seen in a number of medium to large centers, shortcomings related to expert human resources, lack of educational equipment and slides, the need to upgrade especially in practical subjects, journal clubs, and lab meetings, research infrastructure such as laboratory animal houses, budget for theses and research projects urgently need attention. Among 132 universities, faculties, and educational-research centers training personnel in allied medical sciences disciplines, a considerable number lack Parasitology specialists. Conclusion: Iran has a strong foundation in Medical Parasitology. However, using non-permanent faculty paid per course in medical education undermines quality and strains resources, exacerbating shortages. Universities must implement tailored strategic plans for parasitology, regularly updated to strengthen education, research, and health services, ensuring sustained excellence in training and public health contributions.