Impact of Depression on Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)-Associated Gastrointestinal Symptoms: A Cross-Sectional Study in Makkah City, Saudi Arabia.

Background Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal chronic disorder associated with symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation. One of the factors that could affect the pathogenesis of IBS is depression, a common psychological disorder that causes social and physical disability and affects productivity. A number of Saudi teachers were found to have depression, which was linked with multiple risk factors including chronic illnesses. However, there is limited data that exhibits the association between IBS and depression, specifically. Therefore, our study aims to determine the impact of depression on IBS-associated gastrointestinal symptoms in Makkah City schools, Saudi Arabia. Methods In this cross-sectional study, we used two validated scales and translated them into Arabic and then we distributed them to our targeted population. Our sample size was determined to be 383 but we succeeded in recruiting 477 participants in our study. Data were statistically analyzed using the statistical software Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 23.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results Generally, participants who demonstrated mild levels of Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) depression scale corresponded significantly with minimal/mild and moderate levels of Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale-IBS (GSRS-IBS) scores (n = 85 and 76, respectively; p ˂ 0.001), while participants who scored moderately on the PHQ-9 depression scale corresponded significantly with a severe level of GSRS-IBS scores (n = 29; p ˂ 0.001). Conclusion Our study found a significant association between different levels of depression and IBS among participants with a positive history of IBS. Further studies about the prevalence of IBS, depression, and the nature of their relationship are strongly recommended, in addition to the necessity of a suicide risk assessment for those with severe depression.

Assessment of the Level of Knowledge and Awareness of the Risk of Chronic Use of Steroids in Causing Cataracts Among the General Population in the Western Region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA): A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Cataracts consequence blindness to burden and impose health and economic burdens on communities. Steroid-induced cataracts have scarcely been highlighted in previous literature, creating a demand for reinvestigating this issue among the general population of western Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022 using an online survey distributed among the target participants via social media platforms. The data were gathered and statistically analyzed using IBM Corp. Released 2015. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 23.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp. software. RESULTS: Overall, 866 respondents (males = 42.5%, females = 57.5%) were enrolled in this survey (mean age = 28.08, SD = 13). The participants' correct responses to questions about steroid-induced cataracts showed inadequate representation (below 50%). Additionally, most of the participants (94.23%) had a poor understanding of steroid-induced cataracts. CONCLUSION: The participants' level of understanding of the risk factors associated with chronic steroid usage and its impact on cataracts was inadequate.

Comparison of Knowledge of Lactose Intolerance and Cow's Milk Allergy Among the Medical Students at Two Universities in Saudi Arabia.

Lactose intolerance is a condition causing an inability to absorb and digest lactose leading to gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and flatulence. Because of the similarities between lactose intolerance and cow's milk allergy, it is becoming necessary to increase physicians' understanding of these two diseases. Consequently, we aimed to determine the level of knowledge of lactose intolerance and cow's milk allergy among medical students. An electronic survey was distributed to 399 medical students at two universities in Saudi Arabia from October to November 2022. The majority of the respondents had an inadequate knowledge of both lactose intolerance and cow's milk allergy (99.75% and 97.99%, respectively). According to the study's results that showed a lack of awareness among health-related students, further studies and awareness programs are highly recommended.

Knowledge of Cancer Genetics and the Importance of Genetic Testing: A Public Health Study.

Background Cancer represents a global concern as the second-leading cause of mortality worldwide. It is defined as a genetic disease that develops as a result of several genetic abnormalities and changes to specific genes. Thus, early preventive measures and clinical interventions can be implemented with impressive results using genetic testing and screening for hereditary susceptibility. Objectives The present study assessed the knowledge of cancer genetics and of the importance of genetic testing among the general population in Saudi Arabia's Makkah Province. Methods  A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among the general population in Makkah Province. The data were collected through an online questionnaire from November 2022 through December 2022. Results The study recruited 1,329 participants, the largest group of whom were 21-30 years old (n=524, 39.4%). About 60.1% of the respondents were female. The findings reveal that 52.52% of the respondents had poor knowledge, while only 4.82% exhibited good knowledge. Conclusion Approximately half the total participants possessed an inadequate understanding of cancer genetics and the importance of genetic testing. This indicates the need for awareness campaigns and programs to improve the general population's understanding of the genetic predisposition to cancer.

Ocular Chemical Injuries in Western Saudi Arabia: A Study of the Public's Level of Knowledge and Experience.

BACKGROUND: Chemical burns are potentially blinding eye injuries and are serious ocular emergencies that necessitate prompt evaluation and treatment. AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and experience of the current practice of ocular chemical injuries among the general population in western Saudi Arabia. METHODS: An electronic self-administrated structured survey was distributed among citizens using social media channels in November 2022. RESULTS: This survey includes 929 participants from western Saudi Arabia. Most of the participants were more than 20 years old (82.7%), while females represented 82.7%. Most participants reported an inadequate level of awareness about previous hearing of ocular chemical injury terms compared with their level of knowledge, in which the majority (56.62%) showed a good level of understanding. Female participants, participants 20 years old or older, and Saudis corresponded significantly with a good level of knowledge (p-values <0.001, <0.00, and 0.025, respectively). CONCLUSION: This study showed a fair level of knowledge compared to awareness, which can be improved by further national studies in the Saudi region. We recommend expanding the studies' findings and developing suitable interventions, like health awareness campaigns about ocular chemical damage and prompt corrective measures.