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Seasonal influenza poses significant health and economic challenges globally each year, particularly impacting the elderly population (aged ≥ 65 years) with increased rates of hospitalization, and mortality. The population of older adults is steadily increasing in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and is likely to increase even further. In addition, there is a high burden of chronic comorbidities in these countries like diabetes and obesity, which increases the likelihood of severe consequences of influenza infection. The GCC countries also host mass gathering events like Hajj, Umrah pilgrimage, Arba'een (nearby Iraq) pilgrimage, and international sports and business events, which further intensify the risk of outbreaks like influenza. These events facilitate the mixing of visitors from various countries. Thus, influenza activity in this North Hemisphere (NH) geography is usually present even before the availability of NH seasonal influenza vaccine. This is especially problematic for the elderly, whose protection from the previous year's immunization would have waned. Higher dosages of antigens or adjuvants have been used to improve immunogenicity in older people with superior vaccine effectiveness. Therefore, there is a compelling argument in favor of the implementation of high-dose seasonal influenza vaccines in the GCC countries to improve the protection of individuals aged 65 years and older against influenza infection and associated severe complications.

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Infections caused by bacteria originating from tainted food sources are a widespread concern due to their large economic impact and detrimental effects on public health. We aimed to explore literature focusing on the presence of Salmonella in the food supply chains of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and to provide an overview of available information concerning health-related issues and the status of salmonellosis in humans in GCC countries. The reviewed evidence underscored a gap in our comprehensive understanding of the prevalence of Salmonella in the food supply of GCC countries. Molecular characterization efforts to pinpoint the sources of Salmonella in these nations were limited. Surveys targeting Salmonella in the food supply of GCC countries have been infrequent. While qualitative data indicated the presence or absence of Salmonella, there was a noticeable lack of quantitative data detailing the actual quantities of these bacteria in chicken meat supplies across GCC countries. Although reports regarding Salmonella in animal-derived foods were common, the literature highlighted in this review emphasized the persistent challenge that Salmonella pose to food safety and public health in GCC countries. Addressing this issue requires concerted efforts to enhance surveillance, improve control measures, and promote greater awareness among stakeholders in the food supply chain.

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This report addresses a notable knowledge gap concerning the work experiences and challenges of female oncologists in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). It aims to bridge this gap by providing an in-depth analysis of the various obstacles and disadvantages encountered in their professional environment. Furthermore, the article proposes targeted interventions to alleviate these challenges, thereby aiming to encourage the presence and active participation of women oncologists in the region. It also outlines the current progress and future outlook for female oncologists. We aim to have this report as a reference to further advance Women in Oncology in the GCC.

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Objectives: This study was aimed at comparing deaths, years of potential life loss (YPLL), and economic loss due to nine non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among Health Council of Gulf Cooperation (GCC) countries. Methods: The number of deaths and life expectancy by age and sex in each country, obtained from the 2019 World Health Organization database, were used to calculate YPLL by disease and sex. Economic loss was estimated by combining the annual income adjusted for the present value multiplied by the YPLL for each disease by sex and country. Results: The nine NCDs were responsible for 152,854 deaths, 3 million YPLL, and 23.9 billion US$ economic loss in GCC countries. The most common cause of death was ischemic heart disease, which caused 82,232 deaths (54% of the total), 1.6 million YPLL (54% of the total), and a 12.8 billion US$ economic loss (53% of the total). The least common cause of death was lung cancer, which caused 1,960 deaths, 37,287 YPLL, and a 317.6 million US$ economic loss. KSA was the most affected country among all GCC countries in terms of deaths (68,027), YPLL (1.4 million), and economic loss (14.3 billion US$). Notably, KSA had 45%, 49%, and 60% of the entire region's deaths, YPLL, and economic loss, respectively. In contrast, Qatar was the least affected country in terms of deaths and YPLL, and Yemen was the least affected country in terms of economic loss. Conclusion: The burden of NCDs in GCC countries in terms of deaths, YPLL, and economic loss is substantial. Policymakers should pay greater attention to detecting, preventing, and controlling these NCDs and their risk factors.

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Background: Various factors, including dietary habits, lifestyle choices, socio-economic status, cultural attitudes, academic stress, and access to mental health support services, influence the relationship between obesity and mental health among university students in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Understanding these complex interactions is crucial for developing effective interventions to promote both physical and mental well-being among students in the region. Therefore, this systematic review aims at understanding the variables associated with the relationship between obesity and mental health among university students in the (GCC) countries. Methods: This systematic review protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) [CRD42024517806]. We conducted a systematic literature search using electronic databases including PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to identify relevant studies published up to 28-February-2024. A narrative synthesis approach was employed to summarize the findings of included studies. Data were synthesized according to predefined themes related to variables associated with the relationship between obesity and mental health among university students in GCC countries. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among university students in GCC countries is alarmingly high, with a mean rate of 29.4%. Depression, anxiety, and body image dissatisfaction are significantly associated with obesity in this population. Poor sleep patterns are both a predictor and a consequence of obesity-related mental health issues. Socio-cultural factors play a crucial role in shaping students' perceptions of body image and mental health. Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of comprehensive approaches to address the intertwined nature of obesity and mental health in this population, necessitating targeted interventions and further research efforts.

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Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a complex multisystem genetic disorder that requires long-term, age-specific monitoring and multidisciplinary care. NF1 symptom burden can significantly affect the quality of life and impose a substantial economic burden on patients and their families. The approval and widespread availability of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK) inhibitors such as selumetinib for NF1-related plexiform neurofibromas have revolutionized the standard of care for patients with NF1, however their effective utilization hinges on early recognition of NF1. We present a consensus manuscript describing the challenges observed in the Arabian Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for diagnosing and managing NF1. Experts from the GCC also present recommendations for the early recognition and management of NF1 and its complications. A referral pathway that can play a crucial role in helping primary healthcare providers refer their patients to experts is also proposed. Increasing the availability and accessibility of genetic testing at an affordable cost and optimizing personalized NF1 care are essential for NF1 management. Developing regional guidelines for NF1 management and establishing NF1 centers of excellence may facilitate better care and outcomes for patients with NF1 in the GCC region.

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BACKGROUND: Cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This study aims to provide cancer incidence and mortality estimates in 2020 in the GCC countries alongside future projections for 2040 to shape cancer control policy in the region. METHODS: The estimated numbers of new cancer cases and deaths were extracted from the GLOBOCAN database developed by the International Agency for Research on Cancer; new cancer cases, cancer deaths, and corresponding age-standardized incidence and mortality rates for the year 2020 are presented. RESULTS: An estimated 42,475 new cancer cases and 19,895 deaths occurred in the GCC countries in 2020, with corresponding age-standardized incidence and mortality rates of 96.5 and 52.3 per 100,000, respectively. Female breast (16%), colorectal (13%), and thyroid (9%) were the most common types of cancer in the GCC countries, accounting for almost 40% of all cancer incidence. Colorectal (14%) followed by breast cancer (9%) were the leading causes of cancer death, though the magnitude of rates of the major cancer types varied substantially across the GCC countries. Even if we assume rates in the region will remain unchanged over the next two decades, the cancer burden in the GCC will increase by 116% (Saudi Arabia) to 270% (Qatar), reaching nearly 104,000 cancer cases by the year 2040. CONCLUSION: The sharp increase in the estimated cancer incidence and mortality predicted over the next decades in the region requires workforce and financial planning for the healthcare systems in the constituent countries, alongside broader strengthening of national cancer prevention and control efforts.

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BACKGROUND: BMI has been reported to be a major risk factor for the increased burden of several diseases. This study explores the burden of cancer linked to high body mass index (BMI) in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and assesses the correlation with Socio-demographic Index (SDI). METHOD: Using Global burden of disease (GBD) 2019 data, the authors quantified cancer burden through mortality, DALYs, age standardized mortality rate (ASMR), and age standardized DALYs rate (ASDR) across sexes, countries, cancer types, and years. Spearman's correlation tested ASMR against SDI. The authors estimated 95% uncertainty limits (UIs) for population attribution fraction (PAFs). RESULTS: Between 1990 and 2019, all six GCC countries showed increased number of the overall cancer-related deaths (398.73% in Bahrain to 1404.25% in United Arab Emirates), and DALYs (347.38% in Kuwait, to 1479.35% in United Arab Emirates) reflecting significant increasing in deaths, and burden cancer attributed to high BMI. In 2019, across GCC countries, pancreatic, uterine, and kidney cancer accounted for 87.91% of the total attributable deaths associated with high BMI in females, whereas in male, colon and rectum cancer alone accounted for 26% of all attributable deaths associated with high BMI. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the significant impact of high BMI on cancer burden in GCC countries. Moreover, the study identifies specific cancers, such as pancreatic, uterine, and kidney cancer in females, and colon and rectum cancer in males, as major contributors to attributable deaths, urging targeted prevention strategies at reducing weight and encouraging physical activity could greatly lessen the impact of diseases in the GCC countries.

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BACKGROUND: An increasing number of Epilepsy Monitoring Units (EMU) display various practices and safety protocols. EMU settings should meet clear, standardized safety protocols to avoid seizure adverse events (SAE). We aim to provide the foundational framework facilitating the establishment of unified evidence-based safety regulations to address the practices and safety measures implemented within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, EMU directors in the GCC were contacted directly by phone to personally complete an electronic 37-item questionnaire sent via text messages and email. From January 2021-December 2021. RESULTS: Seventeen EMUs from six GCC countries participated in the study. All EMU directors responded to the study. Twelve (70.6%) EMUs monitored adults and children, five (29.4%) monitored adults, and none monitored children only. The number of certified epileptologists in the EMUs ranged from one to eight per unit. Fifteen (88.2%) EMUs applied a continuous observation pattern, whereas two (11.8%) performed daytime only. The precautions most commonly used in the video Electroencephalogram (EEG) were seizure pads and bedside oxygen in 15 EMUs (88.2%). For invasive EEG, seizure pads were used in 9 EMUs (52.9%), %) and IV access in 8 EMUs (47.1%). The occurrence of adverse events varied among EMUs. The most common conditions were postictal psychosis 10 (58.8%), injuries 7 (41.2%), and status epilepticus 6 (35.3%). Falls were mainly related to missed seizures or delayed recognition by video monitors in 8 EMUs (47.1%). The extended EMU stay was because of an insufficient number of recorded seizures in 16 EMUs (94.1%), poor seizure lateralization and localization in 10 (58.8%), and re-introduction of AEDs in nine (52.9%). All EMUs had written acute seizure and status epilepticus management protocols. A postictal psychosis management protocol was available for 10 (58.8%). Medications were withdrawn before admission in 6 EMUs (35.3%). The specific medication withdrawal speed protocol upon admission was available in 7 EMUs (41.2%). Pre-admission withdrawal of medication demonstrated a shorter length of stay in both video and invasive EEG, which was statistically significant (ρ (15) = -.529, p =.029; ρ (7) = -.694, p =.038; respectively). CONCLUSION: The practice and safety regulations of EMUs in the GCC vary widely. Each EMU reported the occurrences of SAE and injuries. Precautions, protective measures, and management protocols must be reassessed to minimize the number of SAEs and increase the safety of the EMU.

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Objectives: To determine the proportion of diabetic retinopathy (DR) among individuals with diabetes mellitus in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Methods: This study was executed in compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines. Online databases including Scopus, Web of Sciences, PubMed, Index Medicus for the eastern Mediterranean region, Medline, and ProQuest, were utilized to retrieve studies on the prevalence of DR in GCC countries that were conducted from 2003 to 2019. Results: Twenty articles were included in the meta-analysis, involving 61 855 patients. The prevalence of DR was 20.5% (95% CI: 20.212-20.850). The highest prevalence rate was observed in Saudi Arabia (69.8%; 95% CI: 64.989-74.216) and the lowest in the UAE (6.0%; 95% CI: 2.780-11.084). There was a significant heterogeneity between the reviewed studies (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The prevalence of DR was high in the GCC countries. Our findings provide crucial information for the public healthcare systems in these countries to actively educate the public and screen at-risk populations for undiagnosed cases of diabetes, detect early stages of retinopathy, and provide required care to minimize the number of untreated cases.

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Despite the availability of international recommendations for the management of Infantile Epileptic Spasms Syndrome (IESS), there is a lack of recommendations adapted to the local context of clinical practice of pediatric neurology in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. By an initiative from the Saudi Pediatric Neurology Society (SPNS), a literature review was performed and an expert panel comprised of 13 pediatric neurologists from all GCC countries (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates) was subsequently convened to discuss all issues related to the management and diagnosis practices of IESS in the GCC. The overall aim of this consensus document was to develop practical recommendations to support the care of patients with IESS in the GCC and to reflect on how clinical management approaches compare with those adopted internationally.

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With the increased focus on patient-centered care, consensus on healthcare outcomes of importance to patients becomes crucial. Based on a systematic review of the literature, this study confirms the perspectives of patients on healthcare quality in GCC countries. Online databases were searched for relevant peer-reviewed articles published from 2012 to 2023. Twenty-two articles retrieved from the search were qualitatively analyzed based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Most articles (90%) reported studies conducted in Saudi Arabia. Patients in GCC countries face common problems in the care delivery process, which contribute to negative perceptions of quality. These problems include diagnostic and medication errors, provider-patient communication problems, missed appointments with physicians, problems in emergency care access due to geographical distance and transportation barriers, long waiting times, and physical environments. Notably, healthcare quality is perceived to be an outcome of multiple factors dependent on the location and category of healthcare service providers; for instance, disparities in perceptions of quality were observed between patients attending Primary Health Care (PHC) centers in rural and urban areas. Issues such as lack of equitable healthcare delivery and deficiencies in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) effectiveness were disparately recognized as quality concerns by different patient populations. The findings provide insights into healthcare quality and area of weakness needing strategies and policies to ensure patient-centered, safe, equitable, timely, and effective healthcare. Healthcare providers and policymakers in GCC countries can use the results to plan, assess, and improve care delivery. Trial registration: PROSPERO ID: CRD42022326842.

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BACKGROUND: The prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity has increased at alarming levels in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar). Weight-related interventions are urgently required in these countries to tackle childhood overweight and obesity and their-related consequences. To date, no systematic review has synthesised school-based weight-related interventions in the six GCC countries. This study aims to systematically review school-based, weight-related interventions conducted in the GCC countries, investigating the intervention characteristics, components, and outcomes. METHODS: Medline, Scopus, and ProQuest databases were searched for peer-reviewed literature published in English without date restriction and Google Scholar for grey literature using combined Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms and keywords under five relevant concepts including population, setting, interventions, outcomes, and geographical location. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), records were identified, screened for eligibility, and included in this review. Using the Effective Public Health Practice Project tool, the methodological quality of the included studies was assessed independently by two authors. RESULTS: Out of 1303 initially identified records, eight peer-reviewed articles and three doctoral theses were included in this review. The age of the students in the included studies ranged between 5 to 19 years, and the sample sizes between 28 and 3,967 students. The studies included between one and thirty public and private schools. Of the included studies, six were randomised controlled trials, four pre-post studies and one used a post-study design. Only four of the eleven studies were theory based. The included studies reported various improvements in the students' weight or weight-related lifestyle behaviours, such as healthier dietary choices, increased physical activity, and decreased sedentary behaviour. CONCLUSIONS: This review suggests the potential effectiveness of school-based interventions in the GCC countries. However, a thorough evaluation of these studies revealed significant methodological limitations that must be acknowledged in interpreting these results. Future studies in this field should be theory-based and use more rigorous evaluation methods. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020156535.

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The effectiveness of third-wave psychotherapies has been demonstrated in a range of mental and physical health conditions in Western cultures. However, little is known about the cultural appropriateness and effectiveness of third-wave psychotherapies for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) populations. This review aimed to critically evaluate cultural adaptations to third-wave psychotherapies and explored the effectiveness of these interventions on physical and mental health outcomes in GCC populations. Five bibliographic databases and grey literature were searched; both English and Arabic studies conducted in the GCC were included. Mental and physical health-related outcomes were included. Eleven studies were identified. The overall degree of cultural adaptation ranged from 2 to 5, based on Bernal et al.'s cultural adaptation framework. Language and assessment tools were most frequently adapted. Several studies incorporated goal, method, and context adaptations, whereas metaphor and content were least frequently adapted. None of the studies incorporated person or concept adaptations. Culturally adapted third-wave psychotherapies were associated with improvement in numerous mental health outcomes, including psychological distress, well-being, and psychological traits. No physical health outcomes were identified. Although findings are promising with respect to the effectiveness of third-wave psychotherapies for GCC populations, they should be interpreted with caution due to the small number of studies conducted, cultural adaptation evaluations relying on explicit reporting in studies, and the weak methodological quality of studies. Future rigorous research is needed in the evaluation of culturally adapted third-wave psychotherapies in GCC populations, with more comprehensive reporting of cultural considerations.

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Breast cancer stands as the prevailing malignancy across all six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations. In this literature review, we highlighted the incidence and trend of breast cancer in the GCC. Most of the studies reported a consistent increase in breast cancer incidence over the past decades, which was particularly attributed to the adoption of a Westernized lifestyle in the region and the implications of emerging risk factors and other environmental and societal factors, the increase in screening uptake, as well as the improvement in data collection and reporting in the GCC. The data on breast cancer risk factors in the GCC were limited. In this geographic region, breast cancer frequently manifests with distinctive characteristics, including an early onset, typically occurring before the age of 50; an advanced stage at presentation; and a higher pathological grade. Additionally, it often exhibits more aggressive features such as human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positivity or the presence of triple-negative (TN) attributes, particularly among younger patients. Despite the growing body of literature on breast cancer in the GCC, data pertaining to survival rates are, regrettably, meager. Reports on breast cancer survival rates emanating from the GCC region are largely confined to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In the UAE, predictive modeling reveals 2-year and 5-year survival rates of 97% and 89%, respectively, for the same period under scrutiny. These rates, when compared to Western counterparts such as Australia (89.5%) and Canada (88.2%), fall within the expected range. Conversely, Saudi Arabia reports a notably lower 5-year survival rate, standing at 72%. This disparity in survival rates underscores the need for further research directed toward elucidating risk factors and barriers that hinder early detection and screening. Additionally, there is a pressing need for expanded data reporting on survival outcomes within the GCC. In sum, a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of breast cancer dynamics in this region is imperative to inform effective strategies for prevention, early detection, and improved patient outcomes.

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In an era marked by a sweeping pandemic and the encroaching shadow of an energy crisis, the well-being and lifespan of global populations have become pressing concerns for every nation. This research zeroes in on life expectancy (LE), a powerful indicator of societal health in Oman and Qatar. Our study juxtaposes 3 key factors affecting LE: health status and resources (HSR), macroeconomics (ME), and sociodemographic (SD) factors. To achieve this, we tapped into a comprehensive data set from the World Bank, encompassing a transformative 3-decade span from 1990 to 2020. The intricate interplay between these factors and LE was deciphered through robust Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Our findings construct a compelling narrative: ME has an indirect yet considerable influence on LE-manifesting with an effect of 0.602 for Oman and 0.676 for Qatar. This influence is mediated by SD and HSR components. Similarly, SD elements impact LE indirectly-with an effect of 0.653 for Oman and 0.759 for Qatar- this effect is mediated by HSR. In contrast, HSR themselves wield a robust and direct influence on LE, indicated by an effect of 0.839 for Oman and 0.904 for Qatar. All these aforementioned effects were statistically substantial (P < .001). Our research magnifies the robust direct influence of HSR on LE in both Oman and Qatar, simultaneously highlighting the noteworthy indirect role of ME and SD factors. This emphasizes the significance of adopting an integrated policy approach that considers all the SD, ME, and HSR factors to improve the population health in both countries, which are also crucial for promoting LE growth in the Gulf Cooperation Council region.

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Medical advances have increased the number of children living with life-threatening/life-limiting illnesses worldwide, including in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Pediatric palliative care (PPC) is a relatively young subspecialty that cares for children with life-threatening/life-limiting illnesses and their families. PPC aims to alleviate physical, psychological, and social distress in children with life-threatening/life-limiting illnesses and their families and improve their quality of life. PPC is an essential service that should be implemented in all nations, as it is a human right. Moreover, a core value of PPC services is to alleviate children's suffering, irrespective of cure availability. Hence, the global consensus on palliative services must be universal and include developing countries with limited resources. While PPC services are growing internationally, the GCC countries have yet to implement these valuable services in the region. This work aims to define the local base information important to facilitating the PPC program. We explored and identified the information vital for establishing a successful program, which was then categorized and mapped into subgroups. In doing so, we outline a roadmap to facilitate the smooth introduction of PPC in GCC countries to benefit the lives of children with life-limiting illnesses.

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The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is a regional organisation, consisting of six Arab countries that share common objectives and cultural identities, with a total population of 57.3 million. The prevalence of patients requiring dialysis in GCC countries is increasing, with a current mean prevalence of 551 per million population. Despite the several patient-level and healthcare system benefits of peritoneal dialysis (PD) compared to in-centre haemodialysis, the growth in PD utilisation has been limited. This is related to several factors, including deficiencies in modality education for chronic kidney disease patients, nephrology training and governmental policies advocating for this dialysis modality. Establishing a detailed PD registry in GCC countries is an important step towards understanding our patients' characteristics, outcomes, current PD practices and challenges in order to increase the use of PD and to facilitate future initiatives aimed at optimising the management of PD patients in this part of the world. This article reviews common challenges around PD practices and utilisation in GCC countries and provides possible solutions to overcome these challenges. It should be noted that the literature on PD patients, outcomes and treatment practices in GCC countries is limited, and as a result, many of our recommendations and discussion are based on clinical observations, experience and data when available.

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PURPOSE: The emergence of the Omicron variant in November 2021 appears to have impacted food-related activities and behaviors and caused disruptions in food supply systems. Accordingly, this article aims to explore the effects of the Omicron variant on consumers' food-related behaviors in Qatar. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: This research is based on an online survey performed in Qatar in December 2021 and January 2022. The survey consisted of 23 questions arranged into three sections, including both multiple-choice and one-option items. There were 459 valid responses in total. FINDINGS: The Omicron variant has altered diets and food shopping in Qatar. Indeed, the findings indicated (i) consumers in Qatar are shopping less often and purchasing more each trip; (ii) an increase in food online shopping; (iii) an increase in the use of online applications to buy ready-made food; and (iv) an increase in the consumption of healthy foods, especially immunity-boosting ones. Furthermore, consumers' awareness and general understanding regarding the virus, its transmission, food safety risks, etc., have evolved. On the one hand, consumers take precautionary measures to protect themselves. On the other hand, they are learning to live with the virus. ORIGINALITY: This research, along with subsequent ones, will provide the foundation for institutional and governmental readiness in the face of potential shocks, crises, and pandemics. The repercussions of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine on food systems throughout the globe (cf. food prices increase) imply that it's a crucial and pressing issue that needs immediate attention.

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BACKGROUND: Motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) are the leading cause of child deaths in the Gulf Cooperation Council. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a social media educational campaign on parents' knowledge of child safety seats. METHODS: We conducted a pre-post interventional study as an online educational module in Arabic and English. The module link was shared on social media and was accompanied by a pre-post survey that included questions about demographics, knowledge, and practices of car seat use. RESULTS: A total of 303 participants completed the campaign, with 23.8% fathers and 76.2% mothers answered the survey. The majority of participants were from Saudi Arabia (95.7%), while 4.3% were from other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Most parents agreed on the importance of organizing awareness campaigns and having a law to enforce the use of car seats. The pre-survey mean knowledge score was 11.64, which significantly increased to 13.1 in the post-survey (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The intervention of the educational campaign through social media resulted in a significant increase in parents' knowledge and awareness of the importance of using car seats correctly. This study highlights the potential effectiveness of social media campaigns in improving parents' knowledge and awareness of child safety seats.

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