Majdi Alhadidi

Background: Separation anxiety disorder (SAD) is a common childhood condition characterised by excessive distress related to separation from attachment figures, often leading to social, emotional, and academic difficulties. If untreated, SAD can increase the risk of future psychopathology, highlighting the importance of effective interventions. Aim: This scoping review systematically maps and analyzes the current evidence on intervention strategies to reduce separation anxiety and promote emotional and social well‐being in children. Method: Following Arksey and O'Malley's framework and PRISMA‐ScR guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, etc.) for studies published from 2005 to 2025. Inclusion criteria focused on original peer‐reviewed research evaluating therapeutic, parental, or educational interventions targeting separation anxiety in children. Result: Eight studies from diverse settings demonstrated that interventions such as child‐centred group play therapy, attachment‐based play, art therapy, storytelling, laughter yoga, and schedule‐based paradoxical therapy effectively reduced separation anxiety symptoms. These approaches also improved social‐emotional skills, resilience, and parent‐child relationships. Combining therapies and involving parents enhanced outcomes, while the importance of school transition strategies was highlighted. Discussion: Findings suggest that multimodal, relationship‐focused interventions are most effective in alleviating separation anxiety and fostering broader emotional development. Incorporating expressive activities and strengthening attachment bonds are crucial, and tailored, culturally sensitive approaches are recommended. Conclusion: A comprehensive, developmentally sensitive framework integrating therapeutic, familial, and educational strategies holds promise for effective management of childhood separation anxiety. Further research with larger, diverse samples is needed to confirm long‐term benefits.

Background: Depression is highly prevalent among patients undergoing hemodialysis in Arab countries, adversely affecting quality of life, treatment adherence, and clinical outcomes. Despite its significance, mental health issues remain underdiagnosed and undertreated due to cultural stigma, limited healthcare integration, and resource constraints. Aim: This systematic review aims to evaluate the prevalence, key predictors, and management challenges of depression among hemodialysis patients in Arab countries. Method: Following PRISMA guidelines, comprehensive searches of multiple databases were conducted for studies published from 2010 to June 2025. Inclusion criteria encompassed original quantitative, qualitative, and mixed‐methods research focusing on depression in dialysis patients across Arab nations. Data extraction and quality assessment used standard tools, with a narrative synthesis employed to integrate findings due to heterogeneity. Results: Analysis of 59 studies revealed a high prevalence of depression, averaging 55.6%, with rates ranging from 18% to 86.9%. Key predictors include female gender, older age, longer dialysis duration, low socioeconomic status, and comorbidities. Cultural stigma, lack of integrated mental health services, and limited provider training pose significant management barriers. Discussion: The findings underscore the substantial mental health burden among dialysis patients, exacerbated by socio‐cultural factors unique to the region. Addressing these challenges requires culturally sensitive screening, integrated psychosocial support, and healthcare system reforms to improve early diagnosis and treatment. Conclusion: Depression among hemodialysis patients in Arab countries is a critical public health issue, necessitating multidisciplinary, culturally tailored strategies to enhance mental health care, improve adherence, and elevate overall patient outcomes.

Aim: This study aimed to assess the impact of online health information and AI-based tools on treatment decisions, trust, and care-seeking behaviors among migraine patients in Arab speaking countries from MENA region. Methods: A multinational, cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 4276 adults with migraine across 13 MENA countries. Data collected included sociodemographic characteristics, migraine history, digital health literacy (eHEALS), AI tool usage, and trust in health information sources. Results: The mean eHealth literacy score was 29.9 ± 6.2. Overall, 75.6% demonstrated adequate digital health literacy. Neurologists and physicians were the most trusted sources, whereas social media influencers were the least trusted. Approximately one-third of participants reported modifying migraine treatment or delaying medical consultation based on online information. In multivariable analyses, higher trust in online information was strongly associated with delayed medical consultation (aOR 6.48, 95% CI 5.53–7.58, p < 0.001). In contrast, use of AI tools was associated with lower odds of reporting treatment modification based on online advice (aOR 0.29, 95% CI 0.17–0.49, p < 0.001). Higher trust in online information was consistently associated with both delayed care and treatment changes. Younger age, male sex, and active online information-seeking independently predicted AI use. Conclusion: Digital health engagement, including trust in online sources and AI tool use, was significantly associated with migraine-related decision behaviors in this multinational MENA cohort. While AI use was linked to more cautious treatment behaviors, higher trust in online information was associated with delayed medical consultation and treatment modification. These findings highlight the importance of strengthening digital health literacy and promoting reliable online resources.