Diabetes-related social stigma among university students in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

Diabetes-related stigma encompasses stereotypes, discrimination, and blame, significantly influencing diabetes management and overall well-being. Despite high diabetes-related stigma prevalence in various contexts, there is limited research in Saudi Arabia, especially that perceived/enacted by non-diabetics, the so-called social stigma. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess diabetes-related social stigma (DRSS) and to identify correlates among university students in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. A convenience sampling was employed to collect responses from 536 Jazan University students using an online questionnaire. After excluding participants with diabetes mellitus (n = 17), data from 519 individuals were analyzed. The DRSS questionnaire comprised 2 scales: social distancing and negative attitudes and stereotyping. The study found mixed results regarding the student population's attitude toward diabetic patients. Most students displayed favorable answers on social distancing scale statements, with the majority of statements showing willingness to engage in different social aspects with diabetics getting a positive response from at least 96% of respondents. The study identified various types of negative attitudes and stereotyping, for example, 46% of the sample agreed that dealing with a diabetic is upsetting or tiring. Correlates of social distancing included academic year, rural residence, and nonmedical field of specialty, while predictors of negative attitude and stereotyping included female gender and higher family income. The findings indicate a need to improve attitudes related to diabetics among university students in Saudi Arabia, with a particular focus on negative attitude stereotyping. Raising awareness about DRSS, especially among future healthcare professionals, is essential. Further refinement of the DRSS measurement scales is recommended through broader testing among the general population to enhance our understanding of this important issue.

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Urinary Tract Infection among Diabetic Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common long-term complications of diabetes mellitus (DM). Additionally, various factors, such as socio-demographics, type of DM, fasting blood glucose, regular diabetes monitoring, comorbid chronic diseases, HbA1c, body mass index (BMI), and duration of DM, are also thought to predispose individuals to developing UTIs more frequently when they have DM. This research aims to evaluate the risk factors for UTIs and their prevalence among people with DM in Saudi Arabia (KSA). This cross-sectional study was conducted among 440 adults with type 1, type 2, and gestational DM. The participants had to be at least 18 years old, of both genders, and had been suffering from DM for any period of time. A self-administered questionnaire was utilized to collect data on demographic characteristics, such as sex, age, height, weight, material state, education level, income, and clinical profiles of DM and UTI. The crude (COR) and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) were calculated using logistic regression in the IBM SPSS software. The incidence of types 1 and 2 DM and gestational diabetes reached 34.1, 60.9, and 5%, respectively. Most of the participants had first-degree relatives with DM (65.9%). UTI was common in 39.3% of participants. A chi-squared statistical analysis revealed that the frequency of UTI varied depending (χ2 = 5.176, P = 0.023) on the type of DM. Burning urination and abdominal pain were the most common symptoms. The CORs for sex, marital status, hypertension, and BMI were significant (P < 0.05) and had values of 2.68 (95% CI = 1.78-4.02), 0.57 (95% CI = 0.36-0.92), 1.97 (95% CI = 1.14-3.43), and 2.83 (95% CI = 1.19-2.99), respectively. According to the adjusted model, only sex influenced the occurrence of UTIs. The AOR for sex was 3.45 (95% CI = 2.08-5.69). Based on this study, the authorities related to the health of DM patients can use its findings to guide awareness programs and clinical preparedness.