Efficacy of Faculty Development Training Workshops (FDTWs) on Writing High-Quality Multiple-Choice Questions at Northern Border University (NBU) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

BACKGROUND: A multiple-choice question (MCQ) is a frequently used assessment tool in medical education for both certification and competitive examinations. Well-constructed MCQs impact the utility of the assessment and, thus, the fate of the examinee. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To analyze the basic science faculty perceptions of writing high-quality MCQs, to create awareness of item-writing flaws in constructing high-quality MCQs, and to determine the impact of faculty development training workshops (FDTWs) on MCQ writing skills. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An online workshop was held over two weeks for basic science faculty to learn high-quality MCQ construction. Faculty-made MCQs were analyzed for flaws, and a questionnaire assessed the impact of the workshop on MCQ construction. Pre- and post-workshop responses were compared to evaluate the necessity of such workshops for improving faculty skills in MCQ assessments. RESULTS: A total of 47 (83.2%) of participating faculty believed the workshop could reduce MCQ construction errors. The participants agreed that a series of workshops were needed for lasting improvements in MCQ construction. CONCLUSIONS: One-day short-duration workshops, such as the current one alone, cannot achieve the objectives of training participants to write high-quality MCQs. To improve student assessment through high-quality MCQs, the faculty needs to be exposed to continuous and frequent sessions that will help them.

The Awareness of Child Abuse and Neglect Among the Saudi Population: A Narrative Review.

Child abuse and neglect (CAN) is a pressing global issue with profound implications for the well-being of children. The aim of this review is to examine the existing literature and synthesize evidence on the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes toward child abuse and neglect within the Saudi population. This review synthesizes the existing literature to illuminate the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes surrounding CAN within the Saudi population. Ten studies spanning the years 2019-2023 were meticulously analyzed, offering a comprehensive snapshot of CAN perceptions across various segments of society. The studies, encompassing diverse methodologies and populations, collectively underscore the commendable levels of awareness and knowledge demonstrated by healthcare professionals, including primary healthcare (PHC) physicians, nurses, and medical practitioners. Notably, several studies reveal that these professionals exhibit robust recognition of different forms of child abuse, a vital aspect in the identification and prevention of abuse cases. While positive attitudes toward CAN were prevalent among healthcare providers, barriers to reporting were highlighted. The fear of consequences and uncertainty emerged as key deterrents to reporting among medical and dental students and nurses, respectively. These findings emphasize the necessity for creating supportive environments that empower professionals to report suspected cases of abuse while addressing apprehensions. The parental perception of CAN also came into focus, revealing a disparity between the recognition of CAN as a common problem and the adequate knowledge of emotional abuse and neglect. These findings point toward a need for targeted public awareness campaigns that differentiate between disciplinary practices and abusive behaviors. In conclusion, this review offers a nuanced understanding of the Saudi population's awareness, knowledge, and attitudes toward child abuse and neglect. The synthesis of findings across diverse studies informs future interventions, advocating for enhanced awareness, reporting, and prevention strategies. By empowering individuals and professionals alike, a safer environment for Saudi children can be nurtured, fostering a future free from the shadows of abuse and neglect.

Single-Anastomosis Sleeve Jejunal Bypass as a Treatment for Morbid Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Single-anastomosis sleeve jejunal (SASJ) bypass is a bariatric surgery technique with promising results. However, evidence of its efficacy and safety is still lacking. This study aimed to summarize the evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of SASJ bypass surgery in the treatment of morbid obesity. The literature was searched for English-language studies published from inception till November 26, 2023, on MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, ProQuest, Scopus, SCINAPSE, and Google Scholar. The search terms included "morbid obesity," "bariatric surgery," and "single anastomosis sleeve jejunal bypass." Extracted data included the body mass index (BMI) before and after surgery, percent total weight loss (%TWL), percent excess weight loss (%EWL), and improvement in preoperative comorbidities. Pooling of the data was done using random effects or fixed-effect models based on the presence of significant heterogeneity. Nine studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The change in BMI from baseline at 12 months after SASJ bypass was significant (standardized mean difference (SMD) = -3.576, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -5.423, -1.730; I² = 99.23%). At 12 months after surgery, the pooled %TWL was 42.526 (95% CI = 37.948, 47.105; I² = 97.15%), and the pooled %EWL was 75.258 (95% CI = 67.061, 83.456; I² = 99.26%). The pooled incidence of postoperative improvement in diabetes mellitus was 91% (95% CI = 79.6%, 98%, I² = 82%). The overall rate of complications was 9.9% (95% CI = 2.5%, 21.6%; I² = 92.64%). Regarding the short- and mid-term outcomes, SASJ bypass is a safe and effective procedure for weight loss in patients with morbid obesity, with an acceptable rate of complications. The procedure is also associated with a marked improvement in obesity-related comorbidities.