Association of Hyperparathyroidism with Depression and Anxiety Among Chronic Hemodialysis Patients in the Al Baha Region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Introduction Anxiety and depression are prevalent psychological issues among hemodialysis patients, adversely affecting their well-being and treatment response. The study aims to identify the relationship between these mental health concerns and hyperparathyroidism in chronic hemodialysis patients from the Al Baha Region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods This retrospective study included 143 chronic hemodialysis patients aged 18-85 years. Monthly laboratory records for parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) for mental health assessment were utilized. Demographic information and the primary causes of end-stage renal disease were obtained through patient interviews. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests, odds ratio, and significance tests, were performed to assess associations. Results Elevated PTH levels were associated with increased anxiety and depression in hemodialysis patients. Patients with PTH levels >400 pg/ml exhibited higher rates of abnormal HADS scores for anxiety and depression than those with PTH levels <400 pg/ml. Gender differences were evident, with women showing a higher predisposition to anxiety disorders and men having depression. Additionally, patients with PTH levels <150 pg/ml had a significantly higher proportion of the "normal" depression score than those with PTH levels >800 pg/ml. Conclusion The study underscores the association between hyperparathyroidism and adverse mental health outcomes in chronic hemodialysis patients. Maintaining optimal PTH levels plays a crucial role in mitigating anxiety and depression. Gender differences in mental health outcomes highlight the need for tailored interventions. Routine mental health assessments, utilizing tools such as the HADS, are important in the comprehensive care of hemodialysis patients.

Perceived Social Stigma of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Hubuna, Saudi Arabia.

Background: Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) is a vector-borne skin infection that remains prevalent in regions with poor socioeconomic conditions. Stigmatization occurs when individuals with physical or psychological disorders interact with societal stereotypes. The aim of this study was to explore the perceived social stigma surrounding CL among people residing in Hubuna, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional community-based survey recruited 618 individuals aged 18 years and above using the snowball sampling technique to reach hidden cases within the target population. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire and the Explanatory Model Interview Catalogue for Perceived Social Stigma (EMIC-SS-12) was used to assess the level of perceived social stigma. It includes questions on demographic variables, behaviors, and experiences. The analysis was performed using SPSS. Results: The study included 618 participants, the majority of whom were women and girls (54.2%), with a mean age of 28 ± 12.7 years. The median score for perceived social stigma was 26.0. Only 2.1% (n = 13) of participants had the highest EMIC-SS-12 score of 36, while 7.6% (n = 47) scored zero. The mean score for overall perceived social stigma was 1.89 ± 0.91, while the mean score for experienced stigma was 1.99 ± 1.02. Univariate analysis showed that sex, employment, location of lesions, and number of lesions were insignificantly associated with stigmatization (P-value < 0.05), because these associations were uncertain because the CI includes or very close to 1. Conclusion: The study reveals insights into stigmatization associated with CL in the Habuna area of Saudi Arabia. It found that the median of perceived social stigma was 26. Factors such as sex, employment status, and location of the lesion are uncertainly associated with stigma. It is crucial to explore negative behaviors and perceptions and develop suitable health education programs.

Pharmacists' Attitudes Towards Long-Term Use of Nasal Decongestants: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Rhinitis medicamentosa is a nonallergic inflammation of the nasal mucosa caused by topical decongestants overuse. It mainly affects young and middle-aged adults. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the attitudes of pharmacists regarding the utilization of over-the-counter intranasal decongestants. Methods: An online cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2021 to January 2022. The target population of the study included pharmacists who work in community pharmacies in Saudi Arabia. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of having positive attitude towards controlling the use of decongestant. Results: A total of 220 participants were included in this study. Around 15.0% of them reported that ND come with a physician prescription. The majority of the participants (87.3%) reported that the less than 5 days is the maximum safe duration for the use of NDs. Overall, the study participants demonstrated moderately positive attitude towards controlling the use of decongestant with a mean attitude score of 2.5 (standard deviation: 1.2) out of 5; which represents 50.0% of the maximum score. Binary logistic regression analysis identified that pharmacists aged 31-40 years were two-folds more likely to have positive attitude towards controlling the use of decongestant compared to others (p<0.05). Around 45.9% of them reported that they recommend other over-the-counter treatments like nasal irrigation, nasal steroids, or antihistamine if they see a patient with RM asking for ND with or without prescription. Conclusion: The majority of pharmacists in Saudi Arabia demonstrated sufficient awareness and understanding on the adverse effects associated with the excessive use of NDs. Rhinitis medicamentosa can be avoided by appropriate measures, highlighting the importance of raising awareness about the excessive use of decongestants among healthcare professionals and patients alike.

The Effect of an Education Program on School Children Oral Health in Khartoum, Sudan.

Background: Oral health education programs have long been considered an essential part of oral health policies. This is important for reducing the risk of oral diseases through health enhancement and voluntary behavioral changes due to learning opportunities. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of school-based oral health education program on oral health in school children in Sudan. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted at four governmental schools in Khartoum, Sudan, between August 2018, and March 2022. A total of 423 school children were randomly allocated into the control (n = 211) and study (n = 212) groups. An adapted questionnaire was administered to students before and after the intervention to assess their knowledge and practice of oral health. The study group participated in oral health education activities. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 21. Results: The findings revealed that the mean knowledge at the pre-educational program was 9.3066 (SD = 3.91078) and the mean knowledge after the educational program was 21.2736 (SD = 2.13982). The scores indicated that the school children had significantly higher knowledge and practice scores after the oral health education program. Conclusion: The study concluded that education program on oral health improved students' oral health knowledge and practices. Imposing theoretical and practical lessons on oral and dental health in school curricula can motivate students to maintain oral health care, and this improves oral health status.

Structure-based virtual screening and molecular docking approaches to identify potential inhibitors against KIF2C to combat glioma.

Glioma, a kind of malignant brain tumor, is extremely lethal. Kinesin family member 2C (KIF2C) was found to have an aberrant expression in several cancer types, including lung cancer and glioma. KIF2C may therefore be a useful therapeutic target for the treatment of glioma. In the current study, new drug candidates that may function as KIF2C enzyme inhibitors were discovered. MTi OpenScreen was used to carry out the structure-based virtual screening of an inbuilt drug library containing 150,000 compounds. These compounds belong to different classes, such as natural product-based compounds (NP-lib), purchasable approved drugs (Drugs-lib), and food constituents compound collection (FOOD-lib). Based on their binding affinities, a total of 84 compounds were further pushed to calculate ADMET properties. The compounds (16) meeting the ADMET cutoff ranges were then further docked to the receptor to find their plausible binding modes using the Glide tool's standard precision (SP) technique. The docking results were examined using the Glide gscore, and the best binding compounds (Rimacalib and Sarizotan) were chosen to test their stability with KIF2C protein through molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Similarly, Principal Component Analysis and cross-correlation matrix were also examined. The MM/GBSA binding free energies showed a considerable energy contribution in the binding of hits with the KIF2C. Collectively, these findings strongly suggest the potential of the lead compounds to inhibit the biological function of KIF2C, emphasizing the need for further investigation in this area.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Subependymal Giant Cell Astrocytoma Apoplexy: A Case Report and Systematic Review.

Subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA) is the most common intracranial tumor in tuberous sclerosis (TS) patients. The tumor generally localizes in the proximity of Monro's foramen; as it grows, it subsequently causes hydrocephalus and increases intracranial pressure (ICP). However, acute symptoms of increased ICP due to intratumoral bleeding rarely manifest in SEGA patients. We present a 27-year-old male with TS who presented due to hemorrhagic complications of SEGA with intratumoral bleeding and vitreous orbital hemorrhage. We then conducted a systematic review with four databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Cochrane) to identify similar cases using the following keywords: "Subependymal giant cell astrocytoma," "Hemorrhage," "Haemorrhage," and "Bleeding." Our review identified 12 articles reporting 14 cases of hemorrhagic complications of SEGA in addition to our case report. The median age of diagnosis was 21 (range 5-79) years with unequal gender distribution (M:F ratio, 11:4). Headache was the most presented symptom, followed by hemiparesis, seizure, altered mental status, visual deterioration, and headache accompanied by seizure. TS was seen in most of the cases (80%). Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 53.5% of the patients. Regarding the clinical outcome, 66.7% had a good outcome, 20% died, and 13.3% had no report of their outcomes. No tumor recurrence was seen in the cases with a reported duration of follow-up. Catastrophic presentation of SEGA apoplexy is a rare occurrence. We present a case report with a systematic review and discuss SEGA apoplexy's possible pathophysiology and outcome.

Identification of a Novel Interferon-Stimulated (ISG15) Gene Variant Associated With Inflammatory Cutaneous Lesions and Zinc Deficiency in a Unique Family: A Case Series and Literature Review.

Interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) is a pivotal protein involved in antiviral defense and immune regulation. This study presents a remarkable case series of a consanguineous family with a homozygous variant in the ISG15 gene, leading to a complex interplay of intriguing dermatological manifestations and concurrent zinc deficiency. The range of cutaneous phenotypes observed in the family members, from severe ulcerative lesions to atopic dermatitis, highlights the intricate relationship between the identified genetic variant and dermatological conditions. Furthermore, zinc deficiency adds another layer of complexity to the understanding of these conditions. Comprehensive assessments of zinc levels were conducted for three siblings, while the fourth sibling's evaluation was impeded. This extraordinary case series offers a unique opportunity for scientific exploration, shedding light on complex genetic disorders and potentially paving the way for novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in medical science. The convergence of familial genetics, the homozygous ISG15 variant, and the captivating spectrum of cutaneous manifestations hold promise for advancing our understanding of these conditions and their underlying mechanisms.

A Challenging Diagnosis of Kawasaki Disease Shock Syndrome Complicated by Bilateral Pleural Effusion: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute illness primarily affecting children under the age of five. It is characterized by fever and inflammation of small to medium-sized arteries. This case report presents the case of a nine-year-old boy with KD who developed Kawasaki disease shock syndrome (KDSS) complicated by bilateral pleural effusion, which is a rare occurrence. KDSS is defined as KD accompanied by low blood pressure or signs of inadequate blood flow, leading to increased cardiovascular complications. The patient exhibited typical KD symptoms, including conjunctivitis, mucosal changes, rash, extremity swelling, and lymphadenopathy. Additionally, he presented with shock symptoms, such as hypotension and tachycardia. Laboratory findings showed elevated inflammatory markers. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent coronary artery lesions and other severe complications. The patient received intravenous immunoglobulin and showed significant improvement, with resolution of fever and respiratory distress. Follow-up echocardiography revealed normal results. While pulmonary involvement in KD is rare, the presence of bilateral pleural effusion underscores the challenges in diagnosing KDSS. Early recognition and management are essential for favorable outcomes in KD and its complications.

Awareness of Oral Cancer Among Users of Smokeless Tobacco: A Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION:  Smokeless tobacco (SLT) stands out for its higher nicotine absorption and its role in preventable fatalities. The Global Adult Tobacco survey in Saudi Arabia revealed SLT usage, while past legislation restricted its use. Linking SLT consumption to oral cancer and oral mucosal ulcers, the study addresses its prevalence in head and neck malignancies. METHODOLOGY: This study is cross-sectional and includes adult users of SLT. Raosoft (Raosoft Inc., Seattle, WA) was used to calculate the sample size. The data was analyzed using SPSS software (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). RESULTS: The research study investigated various sociodemographic characteristics and prevalence of SLT use among participants. All participants reported using SLT, with toombak (33.2%) and shamma (36.0%) being the most prevalent. Notably, reasons for initiating SLT included influence from peer pressure (33.6%), alternatives to smoking (32.0%), and influence from relatives (19.0%). While 75.1% intended to quit within a year, awareness of SLT's harmfulness varied: 40.3% believed it was less harmful than smoking, and 57.7% recognized its link to oral cancer. Additionally, 62.2% believed SLT could lead to dependence. Sociodemographic factors generally did not significantly affect awareness of SLT causing oral cancer. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate a significant prevalence of SLT use, with toombak and shamma being the most common types consumed. Awareness of the potential harm of SLT use in relation to oral cancer varied among participants, with a notable proportion misunderstanding its harmfulness compared to smoking tobacco.

The anterior gradient homologue 2 (AGR2) co-localises with the glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) in cancer stem cells, and is critical for the survival and drug resistance of recurrent glioblastoma: in situ and in vitro analyses.

BACKGROUND: Glioblastomas (GBs) are characterised as one of the most aggressive primary central nervous system tumours (CNSTs). Single-cell sequencing analysis identified the presence of a highly heterogeneous population of cancer stem cells (CSCs). The proteins anterior gradient homologue 2 (AGR2) and glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) are known to play critical roles in regulating unfolded protein response (UPR) machinery. The UPR machinery influences cell survival, migration, invasion and drug resistance. Hence, we investigated the role of AGR2 in drug-resistant recurrent glioblastoma cells. METHODS: Immunofluorescence, biological assessments and whole exome sequencing analyses were completed under in situ and in vitro conditions. Cells were treated with CNSTs clinical/preclinical drugs taxol, cisplatin, irinotecan, MCK8866, etoposide, and temozolomide, then resistant cells were analysed for the expression of AGR2. AGR2 was repressed using single and double siRNA transfections and combined with either temozolomide or irinotecan. RESULTS: Genomic and biological characterisations of the AGR2-expressed Jed66_GB and Jed41_GB recurrent glioblastoma tissues and cell lines showed features consistent with glioblastoma. Immunofluorescence data indicated that AGR2 co-localised with the UPR marker GRP78 in both the tissue and their corresponding primary cell lines. AGR2 and GRP78 were highly expressed in glioblastoma CSCs. Following treatment with the aforementioned drugs, all drug-surviving cells showed high expression of AGR2. Prolonged siRNA repression of a particular region in AGR2 exon 2 reduced AGR2 protein expression and led to lower cell densities in both cell lines. Co-treatments using AGR2 exon 2B siRNA in conjunction with temozolomide or irinotecan had partially synergistic effects. The slight reduction of AGR2 expression increased nuclear Caspase-3 activation in both cell lines and caused multinucleation in the Jed66_GB cell line. CONCLUSIONS: AGR2 is highly expressed in UPR-active CSCs and drug-resistant GB cells, and its repression leads to apoptosis, via multiple pathways.

Nasal Septal Deviation: A Comprehensive Narrative Review.

The nasal septum is an osteocartilaginous wall that divides the nose into two nasal cavities. Asymptomatic minor deviation of the septum is considered a normal developmental variation found in the majority of the population. The reported global prevalence rates had great variation due to the extent of deviation considered in the reporting studies. Previous classification systems have been proposed to classify the nasal septal deviation according to the characteristics of the nasal septum seen horizontally and vertically. For some patients, the degree of the deviation may affect the nasal airflow causing obstruction or impairing the olfactory function. Headache, rhinosinusitis, high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea, and breathing sounds are also among the clinical presentations of nasal septal deviation. Clinical assessment is sufficient to make the diagnosis while imaging techniques are required for decision-making. Radiological imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) are used to classify and assess the severity of the deviated septum. Surgical correction is the treatment option for nasal septal deviation. Septoplasty is the most common procedure used for nasal correction with high satisfaction levels and low complication rates. In this review, we present a comprehensive summary of the concept, presentation, diagnosis, management options, and quality of life of patients with nasal septal deviation.

Assessment of Hydration Status and Blood Pressure in a Tertiary Care Hospital at Al-Khobar.

Background High blood pressure is a major cardiovascular risk factor. It is a leading cause of increasing morbidity and mortality worldwide. One-third of the adult population worldwide suffers from hypertension. Salt intake, obesity, decreased physical activity, and smoking are well known to increase blood pressure. Fluid retention is the main contributing factor to primary hypertension and adversely affects the cardiovascular system. The emerging evidence suggests a relationship between blood pressure and hydration status. Our study aims to assess the correlation between hydration status and blood pressure. We aim to assess the hydration status in subjects with normal and high blood pressure and to investigate the association of hydration status with hemodynamic measurement. Methodology This cross-sectional and observational study included adult (>18 years) male and female subjects who agreed to participate. In total, 235 subjects were recruited by convenience sampling from (1) patients and caregivers attending geriatric and internal medicine clinics, and (2) visitors coming to King Fahad University Hospital at Al-Khobar. There were five patients on oral diuretics who were excluded from the study. Data were collected from September 2021 to March 2022. Hydration status was measured by a bioelectrical impedance analyzer (Bioscan 920, Maltron International Ltd. Rayleigh, UK). Hemodynamic measurements included heart rate per minute, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse pressure (the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure), and mean arterial pressure calculated as blood diastolic pressure plus one-third of pulse pressure. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS statistics for windows, version 28.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Descriptive data were reported using means with standard deviations for numerical data and relative frequencies (percentage) for categorical data. P-values of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Comparison between groups was done using a one-way analysis of variance test. Results Extracellular water percentage was higher in hypertensive (45.0 ± 2) than prehypertensive (43.5 ± 3) or normotensive (43.0 ± 2) (p = 0.001) subjects. In contrast, intracellular water percentage and total body water percentage were significantly negatively related to hypertension status. Conclusions Our results have shown a strong association between hypertension status and hydration parameters. In our study, hypertensive subjects tended to have lower total body water percentage and intracellular water percentage (bioimpedance value) than normotensive subjects. This might promote more research regarding the relationship between hypohydration and cardiovascular disease pathophysiology. This outcome should raise awareness about proper hydration as hypohydration can be a causative factor for hypertension.

Pelvi-abdominal ACTINOMYCOSIS as a complication of long-term use of intrauterine device (IUD). The important role of imaging in diagnosis and follow-up.

ACTINOMYCOSIS is a rare chronic granulomatous disease caused by anaerobic filamentous gram-positive bacteria, the most common of which is Actinomyces israelii. Actinomycetes are commensal inhabitants of the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract, but they may become pathogenic through invasion of breached or necrotic tissue. Pelviabdominal ACTINOMYCOSIS is uncommon and can mimic a variety of disease processes, including abdominal mass mimicking malignancy, acute abdomen, asthenia, and weight loss. We describe a 38-year-old woman who presented with acute abdominal pain and tenderness, as well as constitutional manifestations and elevated inflammatory markers. On initial computerized tomography (CT) and MRI, a large fluid collection underlining the anterior abdominal wall at the false pelvic cavity, as well as parietal peritoneal enhancement and smudging of the mesenteric fat and a bulky fibroid uterus with an implanted IUD, were identified. The ultrasound guided aspiration and anaerobic culture revealed positive growth for Actinomyces bacteria. An exploratory laparoscopy revealed extensive adhesions between the abdominal wall and the small intestine, as well as hyperemic and thickened peritoneum, and peritoneal biopsy confirmed ACTINOMYCOSIS. After the diagnosis was established, the IUD was removed and the patient was given Ceftriaxone 2 gm once daily for 6 weeks before switching to oral doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for another 3 months. A significant regression of the suprapubic fluid collection, and peritoneal-mesenteric changes were confirmed on follow-up. The case is discussed, and the relevant literature reviewed and analyzed.

A paediatric dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumour (DNET) with deregulated stem cell markers: a case report.

Background: Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumours (DNETs) are rare, with only a few reported lethal cases. Currently, there are focused efforts by neuro-oncology professionals to reveal the molecular characterisations of individual central nervous system tumours (CNSTs). Here, we report the status of cancer stem cell (CSC) genes associated with resilience and drug resistance in a paediatric DNET, since the deregulations and variations of CSC genes may prove critical to these tumours' molecular characterisations. Case Description: Immunofluorescence, clonogenic assay and whole exome sequencing (WES) were applied to the patient's tissue and its corresponding cell line. The case is for of a 6-year-old boy with intractable epilepsy and unremarkable physical and neurological examinations. Following magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histopathological tests, the patient was diagnosed with DNET. The child underwent a right posterior temporoparietooccipital neuronavigation-assisted craniotomy. Several CSC markers were upregulated in situ, including the metastasis-related protein, anterior gradient 2 (AGR2; 67%), and the Wnt-signalling-related protein, frizzled class receptor 9 (FZD9; 79%). The cell line possessed a similar DNA profile as the original tissue, stained positive for the tumorigenic marker [BMI1 proto-oncogene (BMI)] and CSC markers, and displayed drug resistance. Variants identified in the tissue DNA, which are listed in the catalogue of somatic mutations in cancer (COSMIC) database for genes previously known to be necessary for the development of the embryonic brain, included variants in the cell division cycle 27 (CDC27) gene. Conclusions: we report the in situ and in vitro presence of CSCs in a paediatric DNET.

Primary Central Nervous System Burkitt Lymphoma, Presenting with Long-Term Fluctuating Level of Consciousness: A Case Report and Literature Review on Challenges in Diagnosis and Management.

BACKGROUND Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is an aggressive subtype of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) rarely affecting the central nervous system (CNS) as a primary disease. Over the past years, only a few cases of primary CNS Burkitt lymphoma were reported. There is a challenge in early recognition and diagnosis of this type of brain lymphoma. Furthermore, there is no specific treatment protocols for primary CNS Burkitt lymphoma, which adds to the difficulty in managing those patients. We introduce a case of a 65-year-old who presented with fluctuating memory disturbance diagnosed as cerebral Burkitt lymphoma. CASE REPORT A 65-year-old man developed a gradual decrease in his level of consciousness over a span of 4 days, associated with fluctuating memory disturbances. A CT scan showed a hyperdense mass in the region of the trigon of the left lateral ventricle and marked obstructive hydrocephalus involving the temporal, occipital horns, and the left lateral ventricle, with no evidence of other suspicious lesions. A brain biopsy of the lesion revealed features of encephalitis initially, but the patient presented later with worsening symptoms, and a repeated brain biopsy showed features of Burkett lymphoma, with normal pan-CT scan. CONCLUSIONS Primary CNS Burkitt lymphoma (PCNSBL) is a rare disease with no clear evidence in the literature of how to deal with it. Reporting such cases provides a better understanding of how to approach such unusual presentations. Treatment of PCNSBL is challenging and even with the currently adopted approaches, the disease still has a very poor outcome.

Exploring parents' knowledge and attitudes towards the influenza vaccine in a rural community of Saudi Arabia.

Influenza is a highly transmissible respiratory virus. Public awareness about the nature of the disease and how to prevent it must be explored to effectively mitigate the adverse effects of the disease. This study aimed to assess the parents' knowledge and attitudes towards the influenza and the influenza vaccine in Al-Kharj Governate, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was performed, and an electronic questionnaire was distributed from December 2020 to the end of April 2021 to parents living in Al- Kharj, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 21. The study had 510 participants, of which 75.1% were mothers. Overall knowledge about the influenza disease was found to be low in 68.6% of participants. In addition, 55.7% of respondents displayed an inadequate level of knowledge of the influenza vaccine. Almost 75% of parents had chosen not to vaccinate their children in the past and of those, only 35.9% were willing to vaccinate their child this year. The most common reason for parents choosing not to vaccinate their children was that they believed the child to be in good health. This demographic studied in Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia did not demonstrate sufficient knowledge about the influenza disease and vaccine. Study participants were hesitant to vaccinate their children. This should prompt healthcare workers and the Ministry of Health to lead a broad awareness campaign on influenza vaccination that extends to both urban and rural areas.

Public awareness of first-aid management of seizures in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: First aid measures in cases of epileptic seizures are crucial. Misconceptions about seizure first-aid measures are probably common. Most of the previous data focused on teachers and healthcare providers. The objective of this study was to assess the awareness of seizure first-aid measures and their associated factors in a community sample in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out using an online questionnaire between July 2020 and February 2021. Those who had never heard of epilepsy and healthcare workers were excluded. Overall and individual scores were calculated for first-aid measures during and after the seizures as well as calling the ambulance. RESULTS: A total of 1542 participants were included in the study. The overall awareness score of seizure first-aid measures was 57.3%. The awareness of the need to call the ambulance in special circumstances was the highest individual score (78.3%), followed by measures after the seizure (54.2%), and finally measures during the seizure (48.4%). For the latter, the awareness of injury prevention measures was the highest (74.9%), while the awareness of treatment options was the lowest (12.2%). Overall awareness score was significantly higher in older age (p = 0.015), female gender (p < 0.001), divorced status (p = 0.014), knowing someone with epilepsy (p < 0.001), attending a course or workshop about seizure first-aid (p < 0.001), watching a video on seizure first-aid on any platform (p < 0.001), and having basic life support training (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The awareness of seizure first-aid measures is still inadequate among the public in Saudi Arabia. The current finding underscores the importance of simulation videos on social media and/or field-training campaigns to improve the public awareness of seizure first-aid measures.

University students' behavioral intention and gender differences toward the acceptance of shifting regular field training courses to e-training courses.

During the COVID-19 lockdown, all the courses at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU) were delivered fully online, including field-training courses. Since there was no previous experience in offering field-training courses in a distance format, the current study aims to identify factors that could impact students' behavioral intention to accept the e-training approach in teaching field training courses at IAU. In order to gather the data, the researchers designed a questionnaire based on the UTAUT model and they ensured the face, content, and construct validity of the questionnaire by sending it to five experts in the relevant field and by using exploratory factor analysis. Also, all the questionnaire's items were reliable since the Cronbach's alpha values were above 0.77 for all the items. A total of 397 participants provided valid responses. The result of this study indicated that Effort Expectancy (EE), Facilitating Condition (FC), Performance Expectancy (PE), and Social Influence (SI), respectively were the primary predictors for students' intention to use e-training. These factors explained 32.1% of the variance in students' behavioral intentions. As far as students' gender is concerned, there were significant differences between students' PE, FC, and SI. Based on these results, policymakers at IAU will have a clear image of the most essential factors that colleges should target to increase students' acceptance of e-training.

Study of Post-COVID-19 Syndrome in Saudi Arabia.

Background Post-COVID-19 syndrome may be predisposed by organ damage as a complication of COVID-19. Patients may experience persistent symptoms after recovering from their initial illness. Objectives To identify manifestations and predisposing factors for post-COVID-19 syndrome in Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2021 through June 2021 using an online structured pre-coded closed-ended, pilot-tested questionnaire in Arabic. It included male and female inhabitants of Saudi Arabia aged 18 years and above with a past history of COVID-19 infection. Descriptive statistics were carried out for all variables. A univariate analysis Chi-square test and independent t-test were used. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results A total of 85.3% of post-COVID-19 cases had general manifestations: 77.3% had musculoskeletal and joint complaints, 61.3% had mental and psychological problems, 58.7% had gastrointestinal manifestations, 44% had renal complaints, 41.3% had respiratory complaints, and 36.0% had cardiovascular symptoms. Gender, age, smoking, BMI, associated morbid condition, number of previous COVID-19 attacks, the severity of illness, place of treatment, and complications of COVID-19 due to treatment or hospitalization were significantly correlated with the occurrence of post-COVID-19 syndrome. Conclusion Post-COVID-19 syndrome could be manifested by fatigue, malaise, myalgia, joint pain, depression, anxiety, sleep, memory and concentration disturbances, cough, dyspnea, palpations, arrhythmias, and chest pain. It may be influenced by male gender, smoking, old age, high BMI, comorbidities, and past COVID-19 attacks with regard to the number, place of treatment, and occurrence of complications.

Awareness and attitude about basic life support among medical school students in Jeddah University, 2019: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: To measure the level of knowledge and awareness towards basic life support (BLS) among students in preclinical years at Jeddah University (JU), and to determine their willingness to participate in BLS training in the near future. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among first-, second-, and third-year medical students of JU. A 27-item questionnaire measured the level of awareness and knowledge about BLS, including: 1) basic Information (seven items); 2) rescue reflex (eight items); and 3) CPR technique and process (12 items). Demographic and academic data, experience and exposure to BLS, and attitude regarding BLS (six items) were analysed as factors of adequate knowledge. RESULTS: One hundred and four male students participated and 65 (62.5%) of them were in the second academic year. The correct answers varied from 10.6% to 67.3%, with eight items having <30% correct answers; and seven items showed >50% correct answers. Mean (SD) and median (P75) overall knowledge scores were 37.86 (13.92) and 37.04 (44.44) out of 100, respectively. Twenty-four (23.11%) participants attended a training course in BLS and 13 (12.5%) have ever performed BLS, either voluntarily or not voluntarily, and 18 (17.3%) felt that their current knowledge was sufficient. Knowledge level showed no statistically significant association with any of the investigated factors. CONCLUSION: There is an urgent need to integrate BLS courses to medical students to enrich their knowledge and improve resuscitation skills and ensure implementation of correct resuscitation techniques.