Faisal Al Rashdi

BACKGROUND: Medication adherence is essential for achieving therapeutic outcomes in individuals with mental illnesses, yet remains a challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study assessed adherence to psychotropic medications among Omani adults using complementary self-reported and pharmacy-based tools and examined associated sociodemographic and clinical factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 246 adults attending psychiatric outpatient departments at two tertiary referral hospitals in Oman. Participants were Omani nationals aged ≥18 years, diagnosed with a mental illness for at least six months, and prescribed psychotropic medication. Adherence was measured using the 10-item Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS) and the Proportion of Days Covered (PDC) based on a 3-month refill history. A structured questionnaire captured demographic and clinical data. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, Chi-square tests, and Cohen’s kappa to explore associations and agreement between measures. RESULTS: Based on PDC, 85.3% of participants were adherent, compared with 51.4% via MARS, demonstrating a clear discrepancy between objective and subjective measures. Lower MARS scores were associated with younger age, higher education, and more frequent hospitalizations ( r = –.168, P = .008). Agreement between MARS and PDC was poor (κ = 0.03, P = 0.59). CONCLUSIONS: Although refill-based adherence appeared high, self-reports indicated considerable non-adherence, suggesting objective data may overestimate adherence. Sociodemographic factors, particularly age, marital status, and education, influenced adherence patterns. Employing multiple assessment methods and tailoring interventions to patient profiles are essential to improve psychiatric treatment outcomes.

Background: Pressure injuries are a preventable source of morbidity, mortality, and excess healthcare costs among hospitalized adults. They represent a significant burden in acute and critical care settings in the Eastern Mediterranean region, yet data from Oman remain limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and burden of pressure injuries and to identify their clinical determinants among adult hospitalized patients in Oman. Methods: A multicenter, descriptive correlational cross-sectional study was conducted in four tertiary hospitals in Oman. A total of 169 adult inpatients were assessed using standardized pressure injury definitions and staging criteria. Point and periodic prevalence of pressure injuries, including hospital- and community-acquired cases, were calculated over a three-month data collection period. Demographic and clinical data (comorbidities, hemoglobin levels, prior pressure injury history, ventilator use) were extracted from medical records. Chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression were used to identify factors independently associated with the presence of pressure injuries. Results: The overall point prevalence of pressure injuries was 8.7%, including 4.2% hospital-acquired and 4.7% community-acquired cases; periodic prevalence over the three-month study period was also estimated to capture pressure injuries occurring at any time during hospitalization. Most lesions were located over bony prominences and ranged from stage 1 to stage 4. In multivariable analysis, lower hemoglobin levels (odds ratio [OR] 0.059, p = 0.019), prior pressure injury history (OR 0.156, p = 0.003), cancer diagnosis (OR 4.328, 95% CI: 1.225–15.291, p = 0.023), and ventilator use (OR 0.211, p = 0.001) were significantly associated with pressure injury development. Conclusions: Pressure injuries represent a considerable burden among adult hospitalized patients in Oman, with almost half of cases being hospital-acquired and therefore potentially preventable. Identified determinants particularly anemia, cancer, previous pressure injury, and mechanical ventilation highlight the need for targeted risk stratification and intensified preventive measures in high-risk groups. Integrating routine risk assessment, nutritional optimization, and device-related pressure relief into standard care may reduce pressure injury occurrence and improve patient outcomes.

Individuals with mental illnesses are at increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome (MetS), a cluster of cardiovascular and metabolic abnormalities. Despite growing evidence globally, there is a lack of research in the Gulf region, particularly in Oman. This study is the first to assess the prevalence and associated factors of MetS among Omani adults with mental illnesses. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed. Three diagnostic criteria were used to assess MetS: the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria, the modified Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III), and the Joint Statement of the IDF Task Force with other organizations, aiming to enhance comparability and diagnostic consistency. A convenience sample of 251 Omani adults with mental illnesses was recruited from the outpatient departments of two tertiary hospitals in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. Metabolic syndrome prevalence was 29.9%, 30.3%, and 33.1% according to the ATP III-A, IDF, and Joint Statement criteria, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that greater waist circumference (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.03–1.09, p < 0.001) and higher triglyceride levels (OR = 2.43, 95% CI: 1.40–4.22, p = 0.002) were significantly associated with increased odds of MetS. Higher physical activity (OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.95–0.99, p = 0.031) and the use of antidiabetic medication (OR = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.04–0.73, p = 0.017) were associated with lower odds. Our findings indicate substantial metabolic risk among Omani adults with mental illnesses. Accordingly, two concrete service actions are warranted: embed routine metabolic screening within psychiatric outpatient care; and implement structured lifestyle-support programs prioritizing physical-activity counselling and weight-management/nutrition referral pathways. These steps align directly with the study’s observed risk profile.

Background: Critical care nurses often experience second victim syndrome (SVS), characterized by psychological distress stemming from adverse patient incidents, which can negatively impact their mental health and performance. This study investigates the relationship between SVS and resilience among critical care nurses in Oman. Methods: A descriptive correlational research design was employed with a convenience sample of 199 critical care nurses. Data were collected through an online survey using the Second Victim Experience and Support Survey (SVEST) and the Rushton Moral Resilience Scale (RMRS). Results: The study found a mean SVS score of 50.65 (SD = 13.71). Age was significantly correlated with SVS ( F = 3.11, p = 0.027), revealing that younger nurses reported higher levels of SVS. A linear regression analysis showed a significant positive association between resilience and SVS ( β = 0.197, p = 0.005). Discussion: Despite some resilience, nurses remain vulnerable to emotional distress, largely due to demanding work environments and the cultural stigma surrounding vulnerability. Conclusion: Comprehensive support systems, including mentorship, debriefing sessions, and peer support, are crucial for enhancing emotional well‐being and improving patient care outcomes among critical care nurses in Oman.