Psychiatry Residents' Attitudes towards Spirituality in Psychiatric Practice in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined residents' attitudes and practices regarding the relevance of spirituality in psychiatry within Saudi residency training programs; their experiences and comfort levels in addressing patients' spiritual concerns; and their interest and past learning experiences in this area of training and practice. METHODS: This cross-sectional study targeted trainees and recent graduates of residency programs across Saudi Arabia. The study materials consisted of an electronic questionnaire that was adapted with permission. RESULTS: The total number of respondents was 71 out of 180 potential participants (39.44%). Most residents (64.8%) felt that it was appropriate to inquire about the spiritual aspects of patients' lives and that it was essential to address spiritual problems or needs that patients may have within the clinical setting (71.8%). Many participants (40.80%) described themselves as being both religious and spiritual. Most respondents (94.4%) did not receive any training on spirituality and psychiatry, and 80.3% said they would like to learn more about the subject. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that residents have an overall high level of personal spirituality and that they feel it is relevant in clinical practice. However, they have not had much training in this area and are interested in learning more. Educational initiatives would be beneficial for improving the effectiveness of residents and patient care in this untapped area of spirituality in psychiatry.

The Public's Awareness and Willingness to Undergo Plastic Surgery Procedures during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: In March 2020, the Saudi Ministry of Health implemented mitigation measures to control the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, including media campaigns, a nationwide lockdown, and closures of plastic surgery clinics. The aim of this study was to explore the public's knowledge of COVID-19, their willingness to undergo cosmetic surgery during the pandemic, and the factors influencing their decisions. METHODS: An internet-based cross-sectional survey was conducted. We collected data on demographic information, knowledge about COVID-19, and willingness to undergo cosmetic procedures. Participants also completed the cosmetic procedure screening questionnaire to assess body dysmorphic disorder. RESULTS: The sample included a total of 1643 participants (women, n = 1002; 61%). A total of 613 (37.3%) participants were aged between 30 and 40 years. The majority (n = 1472; 89.6%) referred to official government accounts for information regarding COVID-19. Most participants (n = 1451; 88.3%) felt that the pandemic was serious, and 1387 (85%) said they would not leave home to undergo cosmetic procedures during the outbreak. Being women, the presence of body-image concerns, and higher cosmetic procedure screening questionnaire scores were associated with an increased willingness to undergo cosmetic procedures. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to explore the public's willingness to undergo cosmetic procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic. The public was well educated about the pandemic, via government actions. This was reflected in participants who wished to undergo a cosmetic plastic procedure; we identified factors associated with an increased willingness to undergo procedures, which may help design awareness initiatives.