Conectar
To assess HIV knowledge, stigma and perceived adequacy of HIV curricular coverage among medical students in Egypt and to identify factors associated with HIV stigma.
An online-based cross-sectional study.
Medical schools across Egypt. Data were collected in August 2025 using a bilingual (Arabic/English) online questionnaire using convenience sampling.
First- through fifth-year students enrolled in Egyptian medical schools.
HIV knowledge was assessed using the Brief HIV Knowledge Questionnaire (HIV-KQ-18); HIV-related stigma was assessed using the Healthcare Providers HIV/AIDS Stigma Scale (HPASS) and perceived adequacy of HIV curricular coverage.
A total of 1503 students participated (mean age 20.6 years; 57.4% female), half of whom (48.9%) rated curricular coverage of stigma and psychosocial aspects of HIV as inadequate. The mean HIV-KQ-18 score was 8.96/18 (SD 4.26). Only 39.9% recognised that HIV cannot be transmitted through kissing, 47% believed washing after sex is protective and just 41.3% knew that not all infants born to mothers with HIV will have AIDS. The mean HPASS score was 60.1/108 (SD 17.6). Most students (76.8%) worried about contracting HIV from patients, 52% believed patients acquired HIV through risky behaviours and 43.6% endorsed a right to refuse providing care. Knowledge and stigma were inversely but weakly correlated (r = –0.17, p<0.001), and higher knowledge was independently associated with lower stigma on multivariable regression (B=–0.16, p<0.001). Despite higher knowledge, males reported significantly higher stigma (B=0.25, p<0.001) compared with their female counterparts. Similarly, participants who completed the Arabic form had significantly lower knowledge and higher stigma (B=0.24, p<0.001).
HIV stigma is prevalent among medical students in Egypt, with significant variations observed across gender, survey language and levels of HIV knowledge. These findings call for multifaceted interventions and curriculum reform to reduce stigma among future clinicians.
by Saleh Abualhaj, Anas Alyazouri, Mosleh M. Abualhaj, Lina Alshadfan, Shadi Hamouri, Obada Alaraishy, Eman Alkhawaja, Amro Mureb, Ali Aloun, Abdallah Arabyat
BackgroundBariclip is an emerging non- resective bariatric device designed to restrict gastric capacity while preserving anatomical integrity. Unlike traditional sleeve gastrectomy, Bariclip implantation does not involve gastric resection, potentially minimizing surgical risk and allowing reversibility. However, data on its early efficacy and safety remain limited.
ObjectiveTo evaluate short-term surgical outcomes, weight loss metrics, and comorbidity resolution among patients undergoing Bariclip implantation.
MethodsThis retrospective observational study included 82 patients who underwent Bariclip placement at a single tertiary care center. Data were extracted from electronic medical records, operative logs, and follow-up notes. Outcomes assessed included total weight loss (TWL%) and excess weight loss (EWL%) at 2 weeks, 1, 2, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Additional variables included operative time, hospital stay, early postoperative complications (within 30 days), reintervention rates, and changes in obesity-related comorbidities.
ResultsThe cohort had a mean age of 37.6 ± 9.9 years, with the majority being female (76.8%) and obese (mean BMI = 36.6 ± 4.7 kg/m²). Most patients (91.5%) underwent surgery for obesity management. Postoperatively, patients reported low pain scores (mean = 5.2), with no need for opioid analgesia and early mobilization in 62.2%. Complication rates were low (3.6%). Repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant reduction in BMI over time (p Conclusion
Bariclip surgery demonstrated favorable short-term safety and efficacy, with substantial weight loss and low complications rate observed within six months. These findings support Bariclip as a promising minimally invasive option for weight management in select patient populations.
FreshRSS 