Exploring ethnic disparities in pediatric molluscum contagiosum in Southern Israel.

Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a common skin infection affecting children globally, including in Israel, which has a diverse population comprising mainly Jews (73.2%) and Arabs (21.1%). Despite documented disparities in various diseases between these groups, research on differences in dermatological care is scarce. This study aimed to investigate MC as a potential differentiator between Arab and Jewish children. A retrospective analysis of MC cases among children (0-18 years) from 2013 to 2022 was performed at Soroka University Medical Center, a tertiary hospital serving over a million patients. 615 patients participated in our study, with 95.2% Jewish and 4.8% Arab. Both groups showed similar characteristics in lesion quantity (P = 0.535), diameter (P = 0.341), inflammation markers, and lesion location. Additionally, management, treatment response, and outcomes were found to be similar between the two groups. In conclusion, the Arab representation in the study was disproportionately low compared to their population in the area. While Jewish patients may rely more on medical specialists, we believe Arabs may prefer self-management practices, such as the use of traditional medicine, possibly hindering effective physician-led care. Understanding such disparities could improve dermatological care by tailoring approaches to diverse populations.

Prevalence of stress urinary incontinence symptoms and their impact on the quality of life of Palestinian women: the first large cross-sectional study among the general population.

BACKGROUND: Little studies were conducted to assess the prevalence of stress urinary incontinence among Palestinian women. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of stress urinary incontinence symptoms, their impact on the quality of life, and the risk factors that were associated with stress incontinence symptoms among Palestinian women. METHODS: This study was conducted in a cross-sectional design from 2023 to 2024. The data were collected through an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire collected the demographic and health characteristics of the women. Additionally, the questionnaire also contained the PRAFAB questionnaire (PRAFAB-Q). Moreover, the questionnaire included the Assessment of Quality of Life (AQoL)-8D scale. RESULTS: Data were collected from 386 Palestinian women (response rate = 85.8%). The mean age of women in this study was 37.1 ± 14.7 years. In this study, 104 (26.9%) reported stress urinary incontinence symptoms. Of the women, 102 (26.4%) reported urinary leakage during coughing, 100 (25.9%) reported urinary leakage during sneezing, and 94 (24.4%) reported urinary leakage during laughing. The women who had a family history of stress incontinence were 2.5-fold (95% CI: 1.2-5.2) more likely to have stress incontinence symptoms compared to the women who did not have a family history of stress incontinence. Similarly, the women who were overweight/obese were 2.0-fold (95% CI: 1.1-3.7) more likely to have stress incontinence symptoms compared to the women who were underweight or had a normal weight. PRAFAB-Q scores were predicted by place of residence, family history of stress incontinence, and being recruited from a hospital. CONCLUSION: The study reported a high prevalence of stress urinary incontinence and identified the risk factors that were associated with stress incontinence symptoms among Palestinian women. The findings showed that the intensity of stress urinary incontinence symptoms was associated with deteriorated quality of life of the affected women. These findings could be used by urologists, gynecologists, obstetricians, and other healthcare providers caring for women to design ways to reduce the burden of stress urinary incontinence among Palestinian women and improve their quality of life.

Depression, anxiety and coping strategies among Palestinian university students during political violence: a cross sectional study.

Background: There are numerous wars and ongoing political violence in Palestine and little is known about how they have affected Palestinian undergraduate students' mental health and coping strategies. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of depression, and anxiety symptoms and coping mechanisms among Palestinian university students during the times of current political violence in Palestine after October 7, 2023. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study design was utilized for a sample of students from 3 universities in Palestine (Al Quds University, Hebron University, and An-Najah University) and 1815 participants responded. Data were collected using self-reported questionnaires, including Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Brief COPE scale. Person correlation test, chi-square test, and bivariate analysis were performed to examine the associations between research variables. Results: The estimated prevalence of depression was 65.9, and 60.9% for anxiety. The logistic regression showed that students from the Arts Faculty, females, and those with working parents were significantly more likely to experience depression and anxiety symptoms. Also, active coping, emotional support, and humor reduced the likelihood of experiencing depression symptoms, while active coping, positive reframing, humor, and acceptance decreased the likelihood of developing anxiety symptoms. Further, the study found that using religion, self-blame, denial, and behavioral disengagement increased the likelihood of depression symptoms while planning, venting, religion, self-blame, denial, and behavioral disengagement increased the likelihood of anxiety symptoms. Conclusion: The study found that political violence often leads to symptoms of depression and anxiety among undergraduates. Furthermore, the use of maladaptive coping mechanisms increases the likelihood that these symptoms will occur. Providing immediate assistance to university students affected by political violence and conflicts is crucial for their emotional and mental recovery and coping with difficulties.

Examining the perception, frequency, and intensity of domestic violence inflicted by Palestinian wives against their husbands.

This study examines domestic violence perpetrated by wives against husbands in Palestine, utilizing structured interviews with 53 married participants. Findings reveal prevalent female-perpetrated domestic violence, often involving mutual conflict initiation. External stressors and power dynamics significantly influence behaviors, reflecting situational pressures and control issues. Verbal abuse and emotional manipulation are widespread, indicating covert and challenging violence dynamics. Responses to violence vary, suggesting barriers to accessing support systems. Effective conflict resolution is crucial to address ongoing relationship challenges. The study underscores the multifaceted nature of domestic violence, emphasizing the need to address underlying psychological factors and promote healthier relationship dynamics. Based on the study's findings, actionable recommendations include educational outreach, customized support services, legal advocacy initiatives, community engagement projects, professional development activities, and sustained research efforts to promote positive societal change.

Occupational stress and associated sources and risk factors among nurses in Gaza strip, Palestine: A cross-sectional survey.

AIM: To determine the occurrence of occupational stress among Palestinian nurses, and their associated sources and risk factors. DESIGN: A cross-sectional descriptive design. METHODS: A total of 250 registered nurses from eight governmental hospitals, using a convenience sampling method. Data collection were conducted using the 30-items self-reported Occupational Stress Scale from December 2022 to March 2023. Descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test, one-way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression analysis were applied to analysis data. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test, one-way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of high occupational stress levels was 64.8% (Mean = 3.9 out of 5). The main sources of stress are too much responsibility and work, understaffing, lack of promotion and recognition, inadequate pay, time pressure, and management style. The results regression analysis demonstrated that male nurses with a Masters or PhD degree and those working in fixed shifts experienced higher occupational stress. Moreover, participants who worked overtime hours were more susceptible to stress. CONCLUSIONS: The research indicates that occupational stress presents a notable challenge for nurses in the Gaza Strip, Palestine. It suggests that in order to alleviate this stress, decision-makers in healthcare policy and hospital management should prioritize the execution of strategies aimed at addressing the primary stressors and risk factors identified. REPORTING METHOD: This study adhered to the STROBE guidelines. PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: A total of 250 registered nurses were taken part in this study by answering a self-administered study survey.

The relationship between lifestyle habits and obesity among students in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia: using the Arab Teens Lifestyle (ATLS) questionnaire.

BACKGROUND: The Arab Teens Lifestyle (ATLS) questionnaire was an initiative to assess the lifestyle habits influencing obesity rates in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, including physical activity (PA) patterns, sedentary and eating behaviours. Since its implementation, the ATLS questionnaire has been used in several studies among different age groups and populations. This instrument has not previously been administered among the university students of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, where the obesity rates are the highest in the country. This research was the first that aimed to identify lifestyle habits influencing the rates of obesity among 18-25-year-old university students in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) using the ATLS questionnaire. METHODS: Quantitative cross-sectional research among n = 426 students of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia using the ATLS questionnaire. RESULTS: Out of n = 426 participants, n = 200 (47%) were categorised (using body mass index) as normal weight; n = 113 (26.5%) were overweight, and n = 73 (17.1%) were obese. The findings showed that most of the nutritional, PA, and sedentary behavioural factors (e.g., screen time) in the questionnaire were not associated with obesity status amongst the participants. In the obese group, more of the males that consumed fruits, French fries, cakes, sweets and doughnuts more than three times per week were likely to be obese, which was not the case for females. CONCLUSION: The reported lifestyles of the students could potentially lead to long-term negative health effects, which is of concern given the rising rates of overweight, obesity, and obesity-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among the Kingdom's adult and ageing population. Further studies are recommended to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of Saudi students in the Eastern Province in relation to PA, sedentary behaviours, and dietary habits, along with their views on how these can be improved.

Civilians under missile attack: post-traumatic stress disorder among the Jewish and Bedouin population of Southern Israel.

BACKGROUND: Over the past 20 years, Jewish and Bedouin civilians in southern Israel have faced the ongoing threat of missile attacks from Gaza, with possible mental health consequences. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among Jewish and Bedouin adult civilians in southern Israel in a period with few missile attacks from Gaza, and no military operations. METHODS: The study population included 389 participants (246 Jews, 143 Bedouins) living within 40 km/25 mi from Gaza for at least 2 years and interviewed between January and March 2023 (before the ongoing war that started on October 7th, 2023). The PTSD Checklist (PCL-5) was used, with a score of 33 as a cutoff point for the presence of PTSD. RESULTS: Compared to Jews, a significantly lower proportion of Bedouins reported accessibility to bomb shelters and siren warning systems. Overall, 20.3% of the respondents exhibited PTSD. Multivariate analysis revealed that after adjustment for demographic and household characteristics, Bedouins had a six-fold significantly higher probability of PTSD in comparison to Jews (OR 5.6, 95%CI 2.8-10.8). Compared to participants with high socioeconomic status (SES), participants with low SES had a six-fold significantly higher probability of PTSD (OR 6.0, 95%CI 2.2-16.5). Participants who did not have an alarm system had more than two-fold odds for PTSD (OR 2.3, 95%CI 1.1-5.5). Being single, living in urban areas, or having a disability significantly increased the probability of PTSD. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study demonstrate a significantly higher prevalence of PTSD among the Bedouin population of Southern Israel. Several sociodemographic characteristics were associated with the increased prevalence of PTSD, the most prominent of which was low SES. Healthcare professionals and authorities should be proactive in screening for PTSD, and provide tailored treatment and support, taking into account ethnical and cultural background. Authorities should address the disparity in bomb shelter access and siren warning coverage between Bedouin and Jewish communities.

Trends and characteristics of the metabolically healthy obese phenotype in an Arab population.

The metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) phenotype represents a complex and distinctive trait, the trends and characteristics of which remain unknown in the Saudi Arabian adult population. The present study aims to fill that gap. A combined total of 10,220 Saudi adults from 2 independent cohorts [2008-2019, N = 7,896 (2,903 males and 4,993 females), and 2021-2023, N = 2,324 (830 males and 1,494 females)] aged 19-70 years old was screened, of whom 9,631 (3,428 males and 6,203 females) were included. Anthropometric data were measured, and fasting blood samples were collected to assess glucose, lipids, adipocytokines and inflammatory markers using routine methods and commercially available assays. Obesity was defined as a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2. Screening for MHO was done using the empiric definition proposed by Zembic and colleagues and the by the National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATPIII). Of the 3,949 (41.0%) participants with obesity, 33.4% (95% confidence interval, CI, 32-35) were considered MHO using the empiric definition, and 32.8% (95% CI, 31-34) using NCEP-ATPIII. The overall age and gender adjusted prevalence of MHO in the Saudi adult population was 31.6% (95% CI, 30-33) and 30.1% (29-31) by the two definitions, respectively. Females had a higher age-adjusted prevalence of MHO than males (OR = 1.22, 95% CI 1.1-1.4, p = 0.009) as per the ATPIII criteria. MHO prevalence substantially increased over time from 2008 to 2023 (p < 0.001) for both definitions. Circulating leptin levels and insulin resistance were significantly higher in the MUO group than the MHO group independent of the definition used, suggesting the presence of a more severe form of leptin resistance in the MUO group which may explain the worse cardiometabolic profile as compared to the MHO group. In summary, the study highlights the first time the characteristics and trends of the MHO phenotype among Saudi Arabian adults. The pluripotent effects of leptin and its resistance may be central to MHO's progression, or lack thereof, to the MUO phenotype, and this needs further investigation.

IQOS point-of-sale marketing: a comparison between Arab and Jewish neighborhoods in Israel.

BACKGROUND: Philip Morris International's IQOS, with its heatsticks (HEETS), is the heated tobacco product with the largest global market share. IQOS and/or electronic cigarettes use rate is higher among Arabs vs. Jews in Israel. This paper aims to compare IQOS point-of-sale marketing strategies, and regulatory compliance in Arab vs. Jewish neighborhoods in Israel. METHODS: We integrated data from two separate studies including a cross-sectional survey with IQOS retailers (December 2020-April 2021) and audits of points-of-sale that sold IQOS/HEETS (April 2021-July 2021) in 5 large cities in Israel, after marketing restrictions including a points-of-sale display ban and plain packaging became effective in Israel (January 2020). The survey included 69 points-of-sale (21 Arab, 48 Jewish neighborhoods) and the audits included 129 points-of-sale (48 Arab, 81 Jewish neighborhoods). Comparisons of IQOS marketing strategies between points-of-sale in Arab and Jewish neighborhoods were conducted using Chi-Square test, Fisher's exact test or Mann-Whitney test, as appropriate. Thematic analysis was used to analyze open-ended questions. RESULTS: The survey showed that most marketing strategies, such as promotions to customers, were uniform across points-of-sale in Arab and Jewish neighborhoods. The most noteworthy differences were that a higher proportion of retailers from Arab neighborhoods were invited to IQOS parties (47.6% vs. 21.7%, p < 0.05) and reported personal communication with a Philip Morris International's representative (80.0% vs. 51.2%, p < 0.05). Additionally, Philip Morris International's representatives assisted points-of-sale in both Arab and Jewish neighborhoods in implementing the display ban by providing free compliant cabinets and product placement instructions, and directly interacted with customers. The audits showed that points-of-sale in Arab neighborhoods were more compliant with the display ban (25.5% vs. 8.8%, p < 0.05), but less compliant with plain packaging (62.5% vs. 79.3%, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There were not many notable differences in IQOS marketing across points-of-sale in Arab vs. Jewish neighborhoods, but Philip Morris International utilized marketing elements of cultural significance, especially for points-of-sale in Arab neighborhoods, such as more personal communication and invitation to social events. Continuous surveillance of tobacco points-of-sale marketing and legislation compliance is needed, with a special focus on demographic/location-based differences.

The Prevalence and Correlates of Depression, Anxiety, and Insomnia among Camp Residing Palestinian Women Migrants during the Outbreak of the War on Gaza: A Cross-Sectional Study from Jordan.

Background and Objectives: The current war on the Gaza strip and the circulating violent content is believed to negatively impact the mental health of the Palestinians living in refugee camps outside their homeland. This study explores the prevalence and correlates of depression, anxiety, and insomnia in a cohort of female Palestinian refugees in Jordan who have family members entangled in the persistent conflict in the Gaza strip. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study employed validated tools to assess depression, anxiety, and insomnia in women residing in a Gaza camp located in Jerash, Jordan. The correlates were determined by regression analysis. Results: The study unearths disconcerting statistics from 177 recruited women, revealing alarmingly high rates of severe depression (73%), anxiety (60%), and insomnia (65%). Multivariable analysis revealed that severe depression was significantly associated with prior diagnosis with chronic diseases (OR = 3.0, CI = 1.36-6.58), and having a first-degree relative in Gaza (OR = 0.42, CI = 0.20-0.85). Additionally, severe insomnia was associated with "losing relatives or friends in the war" (OR = 3.01, CI = 1.41-6.44), and "losing connection with families and friends" (OR = 3.89, CI = 1.58-9.53). Conclusions: The implications of these results are profound, underscoring the immediate and imperative need for both medical and psychiatric interventions aimed at addressing the substantial psychological burden borne by this population because of the ongoing conflict.

Exploring the Overlooked Depression, Anxiety, Insomnia and Fibromyalgia Syndrome Burden in Arab Women with Type 2 Diabetes: New Avenues for Chronic Disease Management.

Background and Objectives: Although physical health is always studied for women with diabetes, the mental health aspect is generally overlooked for this chronic disease. The present study aimed to examine the prevalence of psychosomatic symptoms, namely, fibromyalgia syndrome, depression, anxiety, and insomnia, and how these symptoms related to the medications used in a cohort of women diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (DM) in Jordan. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited women diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and validated scales (PSRS, PHQ-9, GAD-7, and ISI-A) for fibromyalgia syndrome, depression, anxiety, and insomnia were used. The associations between the different medications used and the dependent variables were examined using four separate multivariate logistic regression models. Results: Data were analyzed from 213 participants. Of them, 27.2% met the threshold for fibromyalgia syndrome diagnosis, 38% met the threshold for severe depression, 36.2% met the threshold for severe anxiety, and 39.9% met the threshold for severe insomnia. Fibromyalgia syndrome symptoms were significantly associated with glimepiride (OR = 1.92, CI = 1.00-3.68), ß-blockers (OR = 2.21, CI = 1.03-4.70), diuretics (OR = 3.13, CI = 1.26-7.78), herbal remedies (OR = 2.12, CI = 0.98-4.55), and prescriptions for centrally acting medication (OR = 2.78, CI = 1.24-6.29). Significant associations were found between depression and diuretics (OR = 2.62, CI = 1.05-6.67), over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (OR = 3.49, CI = 1.69-7.23), and herbal remedies (OR = 5.07, CI = 2.40-10.69). In addition, anxiety was significantly related to diuretics (OR = 2.48, CI = 1.02-6.02), and OTC NSAIDs (OR = 2.60, CI = 1.29-5.21). Significant associations were evident between insomnia and ß-blockers (OR = 3.23, CI = 1.51-6.95), acetaminophen (OR = 2.09, CI = 1.06-4.08), NSAIDs (OR = 4.61, CI = 2.18-9.76), and herbal remedies (OR = 5.95, CI = 2.71-13.07). Conclusions: Medications are associated with high burden of fibromyalgia syndrome, depression, anxiety, and insomnia. These findings underscore the importance of revising and optimizing the pharmacotherapy of these vulnerable patients, performing close mental health monitoring and the implementation of non-pharmacological interventions by integrating mental health services for women with chronic diseases such as diabetes.

Dairy Consumption and Inflammatory Bowel Disease among Arab Adults: A Case-Control Study and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), is a complex disease with increasing global incidence and prevalence. Although dairy consumption has been linked to various chronic diseases, its relationship with IBD remains uncertain. Additionally, there is a lack of data on this topic from Arab countries. This study aimed to investigate the association between dairy consumption and IBD through a case-control study among Arab populations, followed by a meta-analysis of available studies. METHOD: First, we used data from 158 UC patients, 244 CD patients, and 395 controls attending a polyclinic in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. All participants were aged ≥ 18 years. Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) of UC and CD for individuals who reported the highest versus the lowest frequencies of dairy consumption. Next, we conducted a meta-analysis, combining our results with those from other eligible studies after searching several databases. We used the I2 statistics to examine statistical heterogeneity across studies and the regression test for funnel plot asymmetry to assess publication bias. RESULTS: The case-control study showed a negative association between frequent dairy consumption and UC (OR (95% CI) = 0.64 (0.41, 1.00)) but not CD (OR (95% CI) = 0.97 (0.65, 1.45)). In the meta-analysis, the highest frequencies of dairy consumption were negatively associated with both UC and CD: ORs (95% CIs) = 0.82 (0.68, 0.98) and 0.72 (0.59, 0.87), respectively. A moderate heterogeneity across studies was noticed in the UC meta-analysis (I2 = 59.58%) and the CD meta-analysis (I2 = 41.16%). No publication bias was detected. CONCLUSIONS: Frequent dairy consumption could protect against the development of UC and CD, suggesting potential dietary recommendations in the context of IBD prevention.

Barriers to mental health service utilization among Arab society in Israel: Perspectives from service providers.

This study attempted to identify the barriers to the utilization of mental health services among the Arab society in Israel, as perceived by professionals working with this population. Twenty-seven therapists from community mental health services participated in structured in-depth interviews with at least 5 years of experience. Five main types of barriers to the utilization of mental health services were discovered: barriers related to attitudes and perceptions regarding mental disorders and their treatment, low literacy in the field of mental health, exposure and stigma, family characteristics and cultural values, and instrumental barriers. Flexibility and sensitivity to the socio-cultural context of the target population while allocating resources to create equality in access to mental health care may increase the utilization of mental health services in a traditional society such as the Arab society in Israel.

The Risk of Severe Fibromyalgia, Depression, Anxiety, and Insomnia Symptoms in Arab Women: An Implication of Self-Medication with Analgesics? A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and Objectives: The investigation of the psychosomatic symptoms in women residing in developing countries is still emerging. To be precise, the prevalence and correlates of severe fibromyalgia, depression, anxiety, and insomnia are understudied in Arab women, as these symptoms could relate to improper self-medication. This study mainly investigated the association between self-medication with analgesics and fibromyalgia, depression, anxiety, and insomnia symptoms among a community-based cohort of females in Jordan. Materials and Methods: We used a web-based cross-sectional study design. Fibromyalgia, depression, anxiety, and insomnia were assessed using validated scales. The used over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers were recorded. Results: Data were analyzed from 741 women, and fibromyalgia was screened in 16.4%, depression in 37.4%, anxiety in 27.8%, and insomnia in 38.3%. Fibromyalgia was associated with "married" (OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.017-2.305), "using OTC acetaminophen" (OR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.15-2.69), "using herbal remedies" (OR = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.33-3.07), and "using antiseizure medications" (OR = 2.43, 95% CI = 1.38-4.28). Severe depression was significantly associated with "age" (OR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.96-0.99), "high school education" (OR = 1.90, 95% CI = 1.21-2.98), "smoking" (OR = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.15-2.56), "OTC acetaminophen" (OR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.02-1.92), "OTC non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs" (OR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.15-2.65), and "antiseizures" (OR = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.30-3.70). Severe anxiety was significantly associated with "smoking" (OR = 2.08, 95% CI = 1.40-3.12), "OTC acetaminophen" (OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.06-2.06), and "antiseizure medications" (OR = 2.04, 95% CI = 1.22-3.41). Severe insomnia was significantly associated with "age" (OR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.96-0.99), "high school education" (OR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.01-2.47), "smoking" (OR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.01-2.25), "OTC non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs" (OR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.13-2.64), "antiseizure medications" (OR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.09-3.11), and "No analgesics" (OR = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.32-0.71). Conclusions: Self-medication with analgesics is associated with a high burden of psychosomatic symptoms in Arab women, and awareness campaigns are required to guide self-medication behavior.

Deodorant use and related adverse effects: A cross-sectional survey among Palestinian students.

Background: Deodorants are widely used to mask unpleasant body odors. They are reported to cause some adverse effects depending on the form and ingredients. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of deodorant use and related adverse effects among Palestinian students. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out at An-Najah National University from Aug 2018 to Mar 2020. A questionnaire was constructed using a Google survey form. All analyses were done using SPSS 21.0, Fisher test was used for comparative analysis and the P-value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: A total of 554 students participated in the study. About 93% of the participants were using deodorants and adverse effects were reported by 25% of the participants. The reported adverse effects were itching (26%), coloration (25%), sneezing (21%), and eye redness (8%). Only 4.1% of the participants visited a physician for counselling regarding various adverse effects. Conclusion: Deodorants were widely used by Palestinian students with reported adverse effects, but these side effects rarely prompted the participants to seek medical advice.

Implementation of Universal Pan-Cancer Germline Genetic Testing in an Arab Population: The Jordanian Exploratory Cancer Genetics Study.

PURPOSE: Germline genetic testing (GGT) significantly affects cancer care. While universal testing has been studied in Western societies, less is known about adoption elsewhere. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 3,319 unselected, pan-cancer Jordanian patients diagnosed between April 2021 and September 2022 received GGT. Pathogenic germline variant (PGV) frequency among patients who were in-criteria (IC) or out-of-criteria (OOC; 2020 National Comprehensive Cancer Network criteria) and changes in clinical management in response to GGT results were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using two-tailed Fisher's exact test with significance level P < .05. RESULTS: The cohort was predominantly female (69.9%), with a mean age of 53.7 years at testing, and 53.1% were IC. While patients who were IC were more likely than patients who were OOC to have a PGV (15.8% v 9.6%; P < .0001), 149 (34.8%) patients with PGVs were OOC. Clinical management recommendations in response to GGT, including changes to treatment and/or follow-up, were made for 57.3% (161 of 281) of patients with high- or moderate-risk PGVs, including 26.1% (42 of 161) of patients who were OOC. CONCLUSION: Universal GGT of patients with newly diagnosed cancer was successfully implemented in Jordan and led to identification of actionable PGVs that would have been missed with guidelines-based testing.

Comparison of premenstrual symptoms, psychological well-being, and nutritional status between Palestinian women with and without polycystic ovarian syndrome: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a widely seen reproductive and endocrinological disorder. PCOS can exert substantial effects on many aspects of an individual's life, including reproductive health and psychological well-being. The objective of this study was to assess the nutritional status, premenstrual syndrome, and mental health of women affected by PCOS in comparison to women without PCOS. METHODOLOGY: A case-control observational study in Palestine included 100 PCOS patients and 200 healthy women. The collected data included socio-demographic information, medical history, premenstrual syndrome, mental health, nutritional status, and lifestyle. Anthropometric measurement and the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) were used to evaluate the nutritional status. The General Health Questionnaire (12-GHQ) was used to evaluate the state of mental health. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) severity was evaluated using a validated Arabic premenstrual syndrome questionnaire. RESULTS: The study's findings indicated that there was a statistically significant increase in the three dimensions of PMS among participants with PCOS, p < 0.05. Similarly, PCOS patients demonstrated elevated ratings across all aspects of mental health, p < 0.05. In terms of the other variables, it has been observed that PCOS patients have a notably greater prevalence of perceived sleep disturbances and decreased adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Regression analysis revealed that PCOS is associated with mental health problems indicated by a higher GHQ score (OR: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.03; 1.16, p < 0.05), lower adherence to the MD diet (OR: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.76; 0.98, p < 0.05), and pre-menstrual syndrome, especially the physical symptoms (OR: 1.06; 95% CI: 1.003; 1.12, p < 0.05) after adjusting for age, smoking, waist-hip ratio, and body mass index (BMI). CONCLUSION: The study has linked polycystic ovary syndrome to negative mental health outcomes and an increased severity of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Additional investigation is required in order to establish a causal association between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and lifestyle behaviors within the Palestinian population. Intervention and instructional studies are necessary to investigate the efficacy of management strategies in alleviating the effects of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) on both physical and mental well-being.

COVID-19 Stress and Cognitive Disparities in Black, MENA, and White Older Adults.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Population aging has led to an increased interest in cognitive health and, in particular, the role that stress plays in cognitive disparities. This paper extends previous work by characterizing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) stress type prevalence and its association with cognitive health in metro-Detroit among Black, Middle Eastern/Arab (MENA), and White older adults. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Data come from a regionally representative sample of adults aged 65+ in metro-Detroit (N = 600; MENA n = 199; Black n = 205; White n = 196). We used generalized linear models to compare groups on sociodemographic, objective stress, and social stress indicators. Multiple group structural equation models evaluated whether COVID-19 stress predicted cognitive health and whether that association varied across racial/ethnic groups. RESULTS: MENA and Black older adults reported higher levels of objective stress than Whites. There were no racial/ethnic group differences in social stress. More objective stress was associated with better cognitive health, and more social stress was associated with worse cognitive health. The positive effect of objective stress was especially apparent for White older adults. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Though it appears that minority stress was not exacerbated in the context of pandemic stress, links between greater objective stress and better cognitive health apparent among White older adults were not evident among MENA or Black older adults. Broadening health disparities research by including underrepresented populations allows us to elevate scientific knowledge by clarifying what is universal and what is unique about the stress process.

[THE EFFECT OF ETHNICITY ON THE AGE OF SINGLE PATIENTS APPLYING FOR SPERM DONATION].

INTRODUCTION: Sperm banks have shifted from assisting heterosexual couples with male infertility to primarily serving single women and female couples through medical services, reflecting advances in fertility treatments and societal changes. AIMS: Evaluate demographic changes among single women who have applied for sperm donation during 30 years in the State of Israel. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study includes 4265 single women who received sperm donation between January 1992 and December 2021, at a tertiary medical center. We divided the follow-up period into 6 groups of 5 years each. A comparison was made of the demographic characteristics of single women applying for sperm donation in different periods according to: 1) age at the beginning of the treatment; 2) ethnic origin - 7 ethnic groups. RESULTS: The average age of single women who received sperm donation was 38.2±4.4 years. The average age of patients decreased from 39.58 years in 1997-1992 to 38.08 years in 2017-2021 (p-value<0.05). Ashkenazic Jews (38.4%) and Sephardic Jews (37.7%) were the most common ethnic origins among single women, with Arab women comprising only 0.2%. Single Jewish women of Ashkenazi descent seek sperm donation treatment almost a year earlier than their Sephardic counterparts (Arab countries and North Africa). CONCLUSIONS: Single Israeli women opting for early sperm donation carries significant clinical, social, and economic implications. Women from conservative social backgrounds appear to be less inclined to seek sperm donation as single individuals or tend to delay this option until a later age, in contrast to women from liberal backgrounds.