Effects of life-story review on quality of life, depression, and life satisfaction in older adults in Oman: a randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: There is a need for healthcare providers to develop life-story review interventions to enhance the mental well-being and quality of life of older adults. The primary aim of this study is to examine the effects of telling their life stories and creating a life-story book intervention on QoL, depressive symptoms, and life satisfaction in a group of older adults in Oman. METHODS: A repeated-measures randomized controlled design was conducted in Oman. A total of 75 older adults (response rate = 40.1%) were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 38) or control (n = 37) groups. Demographic data were collected as the baseline. Depression, life satisfaction, and quality of life scores were collected from each participant at weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8. RESULTS: Their average age is 67.3 ± 5.5 years (range 60-82 years). There are more women (n = 50, 66.7%) than men. Over the 8 weeks, the intervention group exhibited a notable decrease in depression (intervention: 2.5 ± 1.2 vs. control: 5.3 ± 2.1, p < .001) but an increase in life satisfaction (24.6 ± 3.1 vs. 21.9 ± 6.1, p < .001) and quality of life (physical: 76.2 ± 12.7 vs. 53.6 ± 15.5, p < .001; psychological: 76.4 ± 12.1 vs. 59.9 ± 21.5, p < .001; Social relation: 78.3 ± 11.7 vs. 61.8 ± 16.6, p < .001; environment: 70.8 ± 10.2 vs. 58.6 ± 16.1, p < .001) compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: The life-story review intervention proved effective in diminishing depression and boosting life satisfaction and quality of life among the older sample within the 8-week study. Healthcare providers can apply such interventions to improve older adults' mental health and well-being.

P38 initiates degeneration of midbrain GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons in diabetes models.

Diabetes mellitus may cause tau protein hyperphosphorylation and neurodegeneration, but the exact mechanism by which diabetic conditions induce tau pathology remains unclear. Tau protein hyperphosphorylation is considered a major pathological hallmark of neurodegeneration and can be triggered by diabetes. Various tau-directed kinases, including P38, can be activated upon diabetic stress and induce tau hyperphosphorylation. Despite extensive research efforts, the exact tau specie(s) and kinases driving neurodegeneration in diabetes mellitus have not been clearly elucidated. We herein employed different techniques to determine the exact molecular mechanism of tau pathology triggered by diabetes in in vivo and in vitro models. We showed that diabetes-related stresses and glucose metabolism deficiency could induce cis P-tau (an early driver of the tau pathology) accumulation in the midbrain and corpus callosum of the diabetic mice models and cells treated with 2-deoxy-D-glucose, respectively. We found that the active phosphorylated level of P38 was increased in the treated cells and diabetic mice models. We observed that oxidative stress activated P38, which directly and indirectly drove tau pathology in the GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons of the midbrain of the diabetic mice after 96 h, which accumulated in the other neighboring brain areas after 2 months. Notably, P38 inhibition suppressed tau pathogenicity and risk-taking behaviors in the animal models after 96 h. The data establish P38 as a central mediator of diabetes mellitus-induced tau pathology. Our findings provide mechanistic insight into the consequences of this metabolic disorder on the nervous system.

Geriatric Mental Health and COVID-19: An Eye-Opener to the Situation of the Arab Countries in the Middle East and North Africa Region.

While the detrimental ramifications of the COVID-19 outbreak on the mental wellbeing of the general public continue to unravel, older adults seem to be at high risk. As the geriatric population continues to grow in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, it is essential to explore the influence of this outbreak on geriatric mental health, a topic often neglected. In this review, we depict the status of geriatric psychiatry in the Arab countries of the MENA region, exploring the variations from one nation to another. While some have a null exposure to the field, resources and expertise in other countries range from very limited to extensive. Furthermore, we highlight the measures implemented in the Arab region to address mental health during the COVID-19 outbreak; these tend to be insufficient when targeting the geriatric population. Finally, we provide short- and long-term recommendations to stakeholders that aim at enhancing the mental healthcare of older adults in the Arab countries of the MENA region, particularly during this pandemic.

CERAD Neuropsychological Battery-Arabic Version: Regression-Based and Stratified Normative Data and Effects of Demographic Variables on Cognitive Performance in Older Omanis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Normative data on cognitive performance for the Omani population are scarce. In this study, we tested a sample of older (≥50 years) community-dwelling Omanis on the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease neuropsychological battery-Arabic version (CERAD-ArNB). We analyzed the participants' cognitive performance and how it was affected by their sex, age, and level of education. METHODS: We enrolled 150 older Arabic-speaking Omanis from March 2014 to June 2015. Most of the participants were visitors to patients admitted to a tertiary referral center in the Sultanate of Oman. All participants underwent screening to ensure normal cognitive function before taking the CERAD-ArNB. We used multiple regression analysis and stratification according to demographic variables to illustrate the normative data. RESULTS: A total of 125 participants, 65 men (52%) and 60 women (48%), met the inclusion criteria and completed the testing. Multiple regression and univariate analyses showed that although sex and age significantly affected cognitive performance on some CERAD-ArNB subtests, education level had by far the greatest effect. CONCLUSIONS: Lower education level was associated with poorer CERAD-ArNB performance in a sample of cognitively normal Omanis aged 50 years and older. The normative data obtained from this study will help clinicians correctly interpret cognitive performance in the Omani elderly population, and probably in other, culturally similar Arabic-speaking communities.

Workplace Violence Against Nurses in Psychiatric Hospitals in Oman: A cross-sectional multi-centre study.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of workplace violence (WPV) against nurses in Oman's psychiatric hospitals and explore associated factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between October and December 2021 and included all tertiary mental healthcare hospitals in Oman (Al Masarra Hospital and Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman). The participants completed a sociodemographic survey and a questionnaire on WPV in the health sector. Results: A total of 106 participants (response rate = 80.3%) were included in this study. Most were female (52.8%) and Omani (72.6%) and aged 30-39 years. WPV prevalence was high (90.6%), with verbal (86.8%) and physical violence (57.5%) being the most common types. WPV incidents were more frequent on weekdays (26.4%) and during morning shifts (34%), while 81.1% of the nurses worked in shifts and had direct physical contact with patients (83.0%). The majority (92.5%) were aware of standardised WPV reporting procedures and 89.7% confirmed the presence of such procedures in hospitals. WPV was more prevalent among nurses in inpatient wards (P = 0.047). Conclusion: WPV against nurses in Omani psychiatric hospitals is alarmingly high. Future studies should investigate contributing factors among healthcare providers and emphasise violence prevention by providing staff nurses with effective training to handle violent incidents involving psychiatric patients.

Telephone-based telepsychiatry consultations: a qualitative exploration of psychiatrists' experiences in Oman.

OBJECTIVES: The utilisation of tele-mental health services has the potential to address challenges in mental health services within the Eastern Mediterranean Region. However, the adoption of tele-mental health in Oman remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the experiences of psychiatrists with telephone consultations, offering valuable insights to advance the field of telepsychiatry. DESIGN: This is a qualitative exploratory study. The analysis of the data involved the application of manifest content analysis. SETTING: The semi-structured interviews were conducted with the psychiatrists at Al Masarra Hospital. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 10 semi-structured interviews were conducted. RESULTS: The study reveals that psychiatrists encounter communication challenges in telephone consultations, such as the absence of visual cues, confirming patient identity, conducting comprehensive assessments and effectively communicating with younger patients who may lack developed social skills or patients with specific health conditions. Infrastructure limitations, such as outdated medical records, lack of electronic prescriptions and limited availability of child/adolescent psychiatric medications, further restrict the effectiveness of telepsychiatry consultations. In contrast, telephone appointments offer convenience and flexibility for psychiatrists, allowing them to manage non-clinical responsibilities and provide focused consultations tailored to individual needs. In addition, it benefits patients by improving appointment adherence, diminishing stigma and financial savings compared with in-person consultations. CONCLUSIONS: Tele-mental health has emerged as a promising avenue for enhancing mental healthcare services in Oman. Addressing psychiatrists' challenges is crucial to further developing and strengthening these services.

Personality Traits and Potential Career Choices Among Medical Students at Sultan Qaboos University: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Personality plays a vital role in choosing a medical specialty. Despite this, research is scarce on this subject, especially in Oman. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the personality traits of medical students at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), Muscat, Oman, and the specialty they wished to undertake after graduation. Methods This was a cross-sectional study. Two hundred and thirty-four medical students completed the Big Five personality questionnaire and were asked what specialty they would like to choose. The specialties were divided into three namely, surgical-oriented, medicine-oriented, and basic medicine. An ANOVA test was used to find any statistically significant correlation between personality traits and the desired specialty. Results The students who chose surgery-oriented specialties had significantly higher scores in the extraversion and openness means (P<0.05) than the students who opted for medicine-oriented specialties and basic medicine. The students who chose basic medicine had significantly higher scores in the neuroticism means (P<0.05) than the other groups. Conclusion The students who chose surgery-oriented specialties were more likely to be highly extraverted and open, while the medical students who chose basic medicine were more likely to have higher neuroticism levels when compared with the other groups. This study indicates that there is a correlation between personality traits and desired specialty. Further studies should be done to investigate if these personality traits remained similar after graduation.

Retrospective study on the emotional status of healthcare workers in a COVID-19 field hospital in Oman.

Overview: To combat the overwhelming demand for medical services and care during the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Sultanate of Oman launched the COVID-19 Field Hospital in 2020, designed to respond and alleviate the burden on the medical infrastructure. Several studies globally and from the Middle East suggested that frontline healthcare workers (HCW) were at risk of developing markers of psychological distress. It was further understood through research findings that HCW were resilient during times of crisis. However, there is a dearth in studies evaluating the emotional status of frontline HCW posted in the COVID-19 field hospitals in Gulf Countries, including Oman. This study attempts to shed light on the emotional status of HCW that were on the frontlines in the field hospital in the Sultanate of Oman. Aim: This study aims to quantify and evaluate the emotional status of HCW in the frontline field hospital by screening for symptoms of depression, anxiety, and sleep quality. Method: The data was collected by a local private mental healthcare facility as part of digital feedback to design and implement supportive strategies. Data was collected between September 2021 and October 2021 from 121 HCW in the COVID-19 Field hospital in Oman via 'WhatsApp'. Results: Chi square and binary logistic regression tests were administered to evaluate the data. The participants comprised of 63.6% females and 79.3% were between 30 and 39 years of age. Majority of the participants (65.2%) described themselves as 'financially unstable' and possess an average of 7.5 years of work experience. Of the participants 73.6% of the HCW were based solely in the field hospital for 6-9 months at the time of the survey. Majority of the participants denied the presence of emotional distress expressed through depression (92.6%), anxiety (92.6%) and poor quality of sleep (59.5%). Conclusion: The findings of the present study reflect the HCW ability to cope during challenging situations likely owing to a variety of environmental, social and personal protective factors. The findings of this study can translate into further research on identifying and addressing stressors and targeting the enhancement of protective factors to safeguard the well-being of HCW.

Knowledge and Attitude Towards the Elderly Among Doctors and Medical Students: A Questionnaire-Based Study.

INTRODUCTION:  There is a continuous rise in the total number and percentage of elders globally, and as such, they are expected to utilize healthcare services more often. Therefore, this study aimed to determine doctors' and students' current knowledge and attitudes toward elders and compare those findings with other studies worldwide. The specific objectives of this study were to determine and compare the differences in attitudes between medical students and doctors regarding geriatrics. This comparison will focus on the following four key domains: social values, resource distribution, compassion, and medical care. Another objective was to assess the knowledge of medical students and doctors regarding geriatric topics. This assessment will help determine the necessity for interventions such as educational programs and workshops on geriatrics. METHODS: This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted by disseminating a Google Forms survey to medical students and doctors. The survey included the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Geriatrics Attitudes Scale and the UCLA Geriatrics Knowledge Test. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 29.0.2.0 (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.). RESULTS:  A total number of 126 medical students and 72 doctors filled out the survey. Both medical students and doctors demonstrated moderate scores on the attitudes scale, with overall average scores of 2.92 out of 5 and 2.93 out of 5, respectively. As for knowledge, medical students achieved an average score of 41%, while doctors attained an average score of 43%. CONCLUSION:  This study provides significant insights regarding the knowledge and attitudes of students and doctors and attitudes towards geriatrics. The moderate attitudes score and poor knowledge score across both groups indicate the need for medical educators in Oman to further emphasize and teach about geriatrics in medical curricula.

Psychiatry in the sultanate of Oman.

Oman has been recognised as the leading country in terms of recent developments in public health. However, there is a shortage of mental health services, which poses challenges for people seeking such services, particularly those from rural areas. This often results in delayed treatment and longer periods of untreated mental illness.

Psychogenic hiccups in an older adult: A case report and literature review.

Hiccups are typically benign and self-limiting. However, persistent or intractable hiccups can be debilitating, and may indicate the presence of an underlying physiological or psychological disorder. A 63-year-old man presented to the behavioral medicine clinic at a tertiary care hospital in Muscat, Oman, with a 4-year history of intractable hiccups. After exclusion of all organic causes of intractable hiccups, a diagnosis of psychogenic hiccups was made. Psychogenic hiccups are very rare, and only seven case series and reports have been published to date, according to PubMed and Google Scholar. This report includes a comprehensive review of the literature on all reported cases of psychogenic hiccups published to date, according to these two databases, to thoroughly investigate the effectiveness of various therapies for this condition. Psychogenic hiccups are very rare, and diagnosis should be made after exclusion of organic causes. Management can be challenging because of the lack of evidence-based interventions.

Prevalence and economic burden of dementia in the Arab world.

BACKGROUND: The growing prevalence of dementia is a global concern, especially in the Arab world, where updated economic impact data are scarce. Understanding its prevalence and cost is crucial for effective policies and support systems. AIMS: To estimate dementia prevalence and cost in Arab countries for 2021. METHOD: United Nations population data and dementia prevalence estimates were used to calculate total cases. Direct costs were based on gross domestic product (GDP) per capita (purchasing power parity) and income classification. Indirect caregiver support costs were estimated using average monthly wages and two distinct scenarios. RESULTS: The highest dementia prevalence among those aged more than 60 years was in Lebanon (4.88%), Tunisia (4.43%) and Algeria (4.19%). The total direct cost in the Arab region was $8.18 billion for those over 50 years old. Indirect costs ranged from $2.25 billion (best case) to $5.67 billion (worst case), with a mean value of $3.98 billion. Total dementia care costs (direct and indirect) under the mean scenario for the entire Arab world amounted to $12.17 billion, with costs as a percentage of GDP ranging from 0.05% (Sudan) to 0.44% (Lebanon). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights dementia as a growing public health issue in the Arab world, with 1 329 729 individuals affected in 2021 and total costs between $10.43 billion and $13.90 billion. The findings emphasise the urgent need for investment in research and specialised services for older adults, particularly those with dementia.

A Qualitative Study to Explore the Life Experiences of Older Adults in Oman.

BACKGROUND: Reminiscence studies and life reviews have a number of proven advantages. Future generations gain by learning from elders' life experiences, as do older adults themselves who share their memories. Despite Oman's sizable geriatric population, research on older individuals' life experiences is scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the life experiences of older Omani individuals across their many life stages, from childhood to the present. METHODS: This was a qualitative study design. Convenience sampling was employed and conducted from December 2021 to October 2022. A total of 13 Omani older adults (9 females and 4 males), with an average age of 68 years, were recruited for this study (response rate = 34%). Socio-demographic and life review information was gathered according to a set of semi-structured guiding questions. The responses were then captured on audio recordings, which underwent transcription and translation. Thematic analysis techniques were applied to the extracted data. RESULTS: Three main themes were evident in this study's findings: childhood memories, friendships, and relationships, as well as the elders' past. Additionally, older adults passed on a number of gems of wisdom to be shared with the younger generations. CONCLUSIONS: This study aided in revealing the resiliency, social connections, and life reflections of Omani older adults. These themes can guide the creation of age-inclusive laws, social support initiatives, and healthcare services specifically designed to satisfy the special requirements and ambitions of the elderly population. Based on these themes, this study recommended that the local community or society build a more sympathetic and compassionate atmosphere that honors and respects the accomplishments of this essential group by recognizing and comprehending the complex experiences of older adults. In addition, future studies could explore particular aspects of these older experiences and pinpoint solutions to improve their quality of life and wellbeing.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Among Medical Students at Sultan Qaboos University.

Background Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly used in healthcare, but more data are needed about the knowledge, perceptions, attitudes, and preparedness of medical students in Oman towards this technology. This study aimed to investigate these aspects among clinical-year medical students at Sultan Qaboos University. Methodology A web-based validated exploratory questionnaire adapted from a study conducted at the University of Toronto was distributed to all clinical year (phase III) medical students at Sultan Qaboos University. The questionnaire collected demographic and background information, tested students' knowledge of AI, and assessed their perceptions and attitudes toward it. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results A total of 221 out of 368 clinical-year medical students (60%) completed the survey. Most respondents were in their junior clerkship year (n = 94, 42.5%). Most students (n = 167, 75.4%) had no prior exposure to AI in healthcare, with a median knowledge score of 3.25 out of 5 in AI, and showed no improvement over the years. However, they overall had positive perceptions and attitudes towards AI. Students also had concerns about the impact of AI on employment prospects and ethical issues but were generally receptive to incorporating AI into medical school curricula, as 174 students (78.7%) believed every medical trainee should receive training on AI competencies. Conclusion This study provides valuable insights into the knowledge, perceptions, attitudes, and preparedness of medical students in Oman toward AI in healthcare. Medical educators in Oman should consider incorporating AI into medical school curricula to prepare future physicians for using this technology in healthcare.

Investigating Impostorism Among Undergraduate Medical Students at Sultan Qaboos University: A Questionnaire-Based Study.

Background Imposter syndrome or phenomenon (IP) is a behavioral phenomenon observed in successful individuals where they fail to recognize and internalize their achievements. It is often accompanied by feelings of self-doubt, anxiety, depression, and worries of being exposed as frauds, with the impostors often attributing their achievements to external factors like good luck and timing. The presence of IP among medical students is gaining more attention, with studies reporting a strong association with burnout phenomenon, anxiety, and depression. Objectives This study sought to determine the prevalence of IP among Omani medical students and classify the levels of severity among the sample. Methodology This was a cross-sectional, observational study conducted at a public university in Muscat, Oman. The Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (CIPS), a validated publicly available questionnaire, was used to determine whether students exhibited impostorism. Students who scored 63 or higher in the CIPS were classified as impostors. In addition, students were also classified based on the severity of their impostorism. As per the CIPS, scores between 41 and 60 indicate mild impostorism, scores between 61 and 80 indicate moderate impostorism, and finally scores between 81 and 100 indicate severe impostorism. Results A total of 276 students participated (M 34%, F 66%), of which 144 (52.2%) were found to have IP with 12.7% exhibiting severe impostorism.  Conclusion The results show that IP is present in significant frequencies among medical students; further studies are needed to address this problem.

A promising future for tele-mental health in Oman: A qualitative exploration of clients and therapists' experiences.

Objectives: Tele-mental health services can play an important role in overcoming barriers in mental health services in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. However, despite its potential, tele-mental health has not been widely adopted in Oman. This study is an exploratory investigation into the experiences of therapists and their clients in utilizing video-based tele-mental health care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A total of 19 semistructured qualitative interviews were individually conducted, it included 13 adult clients with mental health conditions who received video-based tele-mental health care and six clinical psychologists who provided video-based tele-mental health care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: The clients reported favorable experiences using tele-mental health, with the primary benefits being convenience, easy accessibility to subspecialized care, reduced absenteeism from work with commuting costs, and alleviated mental health stigma. The therapists also expressed experiencing benefits from tele-mental health, such as reduced risk of intrahospital infection, reduced healthcare costs, and the achievement of work-life balance. Primary concerns were related to the lack of public tele-mental health services, lack of specified tele-mental health guidelines, shortage of trained therapists, limited access to high-speed Internet, electronic devices, privacy, and concerns toward the security of telehealth systems in general. Conclusion: Clients and therapists report that tele-mental health offers new opportunities to improve the quality of mental healthcare services in Oman, and that the challenges could be resolved by establishing governmental tele-mental health services along with developing tele-mental health guidelines and implementing local postgraduate clinical psychology programs in universities in Oman.

Efficacy of a Six-Week-Long Therapist-Guided Online Therapy Versus Self-help Internet-Based Therapy for COVID-19-Induced Anxiety and Depression: Open-label, Pragmatic, Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a notable increase in psychological distress, globally. Oman is no exception to this, with several studies indicating high levels of anxiety and depression among the Omani public. There is a need for adaptive and effective interventions that aim to improve the elevated levels of psychological distress due to the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to comparatively assess the efficacy of therapist-guided online therapy with that of self-help, internet-based therapy focusing on COVID-19-induced symptoms of anxiety and depression among individuals living in Oman during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This was a 6-week-long pragmatic randomized controlled trial involving 60 participants who were recruited from a study sample surveyed for symptoms of anxiety or depression among the Omani public amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants in the intervention group were allocated to receive 1 online session per week for 6 weeks from certified psychotherapists in Oman; these sessions were conducted in Arabic or English. The psychotherapists utilized cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy interventions. Participants in the control group received an automatic weekly newsletter via email containing self-help information and tips to cope with distress associated with COVID-19. The information mainly consisted of behavioral tips revolving around the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy. The primary outcome was measured by comparing the change in the mean scores of Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale from the baseline to the end of the study (ie, after 6 sessions) between the two groups. The secondary outcome was to compare the proportions of participants with depression and anxiety between the two groups. RESULTS: Data from 46 participants were analyzed (intervention group n=22, control group n=24). There was no statistical difference in the baseline characteristics between both groups. Analysis of covariance indicated a significant reduction in the GAD-7 scores (F1,43=7.307; P=.01) between the two groups after adjusting for baseline scores. GAD-7 scores of participants in the intervention group were considerably more reduced than those of participants in the control group (ß=-3.27; P=.01). Moreover, a greater reduction in mean PHQ-9 scores was observed among participants in the intervention group (F1,43=8.298; P=.006) than those in the control group (ß=-4.311; P=.006). Although the levels of anxiety and depression reduced in both study groups, the reduction was higher in the intervention group (P=.049) than in the control group (P=.02). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides preliminary evidence to support the efficacy of online therapy for improving the symptoms of anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 crisis in Oman. Therapist-guided online therapy was found to be superior to self-help, internet-based therapy; however, both therapies could be considered as viable options. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04378257; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04378257.

Prevalence and determinants of burnout Syndrome and Depression among medical students at Sultan Qaboos University: A cross-sectional analytical study from Oman.

This study investigated the prevalence and determinants of Burnout Syndrome and Depressive Symptoms among medical students in Oman. Then, it explored whether the three-dimensional aspects of Burnout Syndrome (High Emotional Exhaustion, High Cynicism and Low Academic Efficacy) would predict the presence of Depressive Symptoms in a logistic regression model. A cross-sectional study was conducted among a random sample of medical students of Sultan Qaboos University. 662 students participated in the study with a response rate of 98%. The prevalence of Burnout Syndrome and Depressive Symptoms were; 7.4% and 24.5% respectively. Preclinical students reported high levels of both Burnout Syndrome (Odds Ratio-OR 2.83, 95% Confidence Interval CI 1.45-5.54) and Depressive Symptoms (OR 2. 72, 95% CI 1.07-6.89). The three-dimensional aspects of Burnout Syndrome(High Emotional Exhaustion, High Cynicism, low Professional efficacy) were statistically significant predictors of the presence of Depressive Symptoms; OR 3.52 (95% CI: 2.21-5.60), OR 3.33 (95% CI:2.10-5.28) and OR 2.07(95%CI:1.32-3.24) respectively. This study indicates that Burnout Syndrome and Depressive Symptoms are common among medical students, particularly in preclinical grade. Furthermore, the presence of high occupational burnout elevates the risk of depression.

Trait Emotional Intelligence and Its Correlates in Oman Medical Specialty Board Residents.

BACKGROUND: As part of the globalization of medical education, residency programs in Oman have adopted competency-based standards by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education International (ACGME-I). Correctly perceiving the emotions of others and managing one's own emotions are essential to high-quality patient care. OBJECTIVE: We tested the reliability and construct validity of the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire-Short Form (TEIQue-SF), and assessed trait Emotional Intelligence (EI) in Oman Medical Specialty Board (OMSB) residents in multiple specialties. We explored for correlations with trainees' sociodemographic background data. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional, observational study between February and August 2017. Participants were OMSB residents. We administered the TEIQue-SF and collected sociodemographic data from participants. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to identify independent predictors of trait EI. RESULTS: The present cohort scored high in the trait EI subscale of Well-being, followed by Sociability, Self-control, and Emotionality. Among sociodemographic factors, female gender and high income were significant predictors of TEIQue-SF's Well-being subscale and high income and living in a rented home were significant predictors of the Sociability subscale. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study conducted among medical residents in Oman regarding trait EI and its correlates. Our findings of overall high EI and several socioeconomic predictors echo the literature on the assessment of EI in trainees. The findings add to the evidence of cross-cultural applicability of instruments to measure trait EI, and use assessments of EI in resident selection and education.

Ramadan fasting triggering koro-like symptoms during acute alcohol withdrawal: a case report from Oman.

This article describes a case of koro-like symptoms from Oman associated with alcohol withdrawal and illustrates how the socio-cultural practices of Ramadan-fasting affected the patterning and timing of presentation of severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms. The patient was severely distressed by the delusion that his penis had been amputated. The acute anxiety involving this delusion appears to be conceptually and phenomenologically similar to koro.