Headache Characteristics and Risk Factors Among Healthcare Providers in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.

Introduction Headache is a considerable factor in decreased productivity and work efficiency. This study aims to measure the characteristics of headaches and the risk factors among healthcare providers in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Methods This cross-sectional study included 353 healthcare providers from Al-Alhsa, Saudi Arabia. An online questionnaire was conducted to assess the demographic and occupational characteristics, headaches, numerous factors such as smoking, caffeine intake, physical activity, and medical conditions to determine their associations with headaches, as well as the impact of headaches on productivity. Results Among participants who reported headaches, 15.6% and 4.5% had been previously diagnosed with tension headaches and migraines, respectively. The mean duration of headaches was 7.09±18.16 hours; 38.5% of headaches were throbbing in nature, while 61.5% were pressing. The headache was on one side in 51.6% and accompanied by nausea and vomiting in 41.1% and 24.1%, respectively. Moreover, 53% and 41.9% experienced worsening of headaches by exercise and light, respectively. Tension headaches occurred more in older healthcare providers (P <0.05) and those who reported working night shifts (P=0.002). Healthcare providers with tension headaches reported having an intrusive leader and violence at work (P=0.038 and P=0.013, respectively). Caffeine consumption, emotional stress, and using oral contraceptive pills (OCP) were significantly correlated with migraine (P=0.023, P=0.017, and P=0.004, respectively). The reported headache affected the productivity of 62.59% of individuals. Conclusions Headache is common among healthcare providers in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. The study indicates that tension headache is associated with aging, night shifts, having an intrusive leader, and violence at work. In contrast, migraine is correlated with caffeine consumption, emotional stress, and OCP use. The productivity of healthcare providers is affected negatively by headaches.

The Prevalence of Restless Legs Syndrome Among Pregnant Women in Saudi Arabia.

INTRODUCTION: Pregnancy has been associated with restless legs syndrome (RLS). RLS is underdiagnosed in most countries. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of RLS among Saudi pregnant women. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 459 pregnant women from all Saudi provinces between December 2022 and March 2023. A structured online questionnaire assessing demographic and pregnancy characteristics, medical conditions, sleep quality, and RLS symptoms was conducted. RESULTS: The prevalence of RLS was 26.6% among the participants. Calcium deficiency was significantly associated with RLS (adjusted odds ratio (OR)=2.16, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.2-3.9, p=0.01), but there was no significant association between RLS and vitamin D and iron deficiencies (p>0.05), according to multivariate binary logistic regression analysis. Moreover, RLS increased the risk of insomnia and frequent waking up (adjusted OR=4.95, 95% CI=2.50-9.83, p<0.001, and adjusted OR=2.87, 95% CI=1.55-5.32, p=0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: RLS is common among pregnant women in Saudi Arabia. The study indicates that RLS during pregnancy is linked to calcium deficiency and negatively affects sleep quality.