Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of adults in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia regarding Helicobacter pylori-induced gastric ulcers, cancers, and treatment.

Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection presents a significant threat to global health with serious associated morbidities. This study aimed to assess awareness, attitudes, and practices related to HP in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) through a survey-based cross-sectional study involving 2,541 respondents. We used a structured online questionnaire to gather data on personal and sociodemographic characteristics, as well as HP-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices. The survey was distributed through various social media platforms. The results revealed that 59.4% of respondents demonstrated good knowledge about HP, with a mean knowledge score of 3.7 ± 1.0 out of 5. Knowledge gaps were particularly evident regarding the contagiousness and transmission modes of HP. The mean attitude score was 12.2 ± 2.2 out of a maximum score of 15. In total, 37.6% of respondents reported ever being tested for HP, with 54.2% testing positive. Among those treated for HP, only 79% received antibiotic therapy and 37.8% received acid-reducing medications. Knowledge levels were significantly higher among younger and highly educated respondents (P < 0.001), and respondents with higher knowledge scores also had higher attitude scores than those with lower knowledge scores (12.6 ± 2.0 vs. 11.6 ± 2.0, P < 0.001). Individuals who had undergone HP testing had significantly higher knowledge levels than those who did not (62.3 vs. 57.8, P = 0.024). These findings underscore the urgent need for raising the population's awareness regarding the risks, prevention, and management of HP infection through targeted educational strategies.

Modulatory effects of Moringa oleifera leaf extract on sodium nitrate-induced experimental colitis via regulation of P53, Ki-67 and PCNA biomarkers.

BACKGROUND: Ulcerative colitis is a risk factor for colorectal carcinoma. Different mechanisms are related to colitis like apoptosis and hyperproliferation. Moringa oleifera leaves extract (MO) provides a promising option to overcome the risk. PURPOSE: To examine the colonic changes in a rat model of colitis induced by sodium nitrate (SN) and study the effects of MO. STUDY DESIGN: Eight adult male rats were allocated in each of the three group; control (distilled water), SN (100 mg/kg/day, orally via gastric gavage), and SN + MO (100 mg/kg/day, orally via gastric gavage). METHODS: Body weight was measured after the end of the experiment. Colonic homogenates were tested for levels of oxidative stress indicators. Immunohistochemistry for P53, PCNA and Ki-67 was performed. Fresh colon specimens were used for quantitative real-time PCR for assessment of P53, PCNA and Ki-67 gene expression. RESULTS: SN group revealed a significant decreased weight (p = 0.002). MDA and NO levels were higher with SN administration than with MO co-administration (p= 0.04, 0.01 respectively). GSH level was reduced in SN group (p = 0.02) and significantly increased with MO intake (p = 0.04). SN-induced colonic destructive changes were reversed with MO. P53, PCNA and Ki-67 levels of gene expression were reduced in SN + MO group than SN group (P = 0.007, 0.02, 0.001 respectively). CONCLUSION: MO protected the colonic mucosa against SN-induced changes regulating apoptosis, and cell proliferation.

Assessing the relationship between burnout syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome among medical health providers and medical students in Saudi Arabia.

Burnout syndrome, characterized by chronic unmanageable workplace stress, has been linked to lower gastrointestinal disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome. However, the relationship between burnout syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome among medical health providers and medical students in Saudi Arabia has not been fully explored. This cross-sectional correlational study was conducted in Southern Saudi Arabia from 2021 to 2022 and involved 931 medical health providers and medical students who completed an electronic questionnaire. The study assessed the presence and severity of burnout and irritable bowel syndrome and examined their relationship. Burnout syndrome was evaluated using the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey (MBI-SS), while irritable bowel syndrome criteria and severity were assessed using validated tools. The study found that 85% of medical health providers and medical students experienced high levels of burnout and irritable bowel syndrome severity, with physicians and nurses mainly affected. Occupational exhaustion was high in 44.4% of participants, while depersonalization was high in 53% of participants. Personal accomplishment was low in 73.5% of participants. Mild, moderate, and severe irritable bowel syndrome was reported in 25.6%, 23.8%, and 12% of participants, respectively. The study highlights a significant association between burnout syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome severity among medical health providers and medical students in Saudi Arabia. These findings underscore the importance of developing effective interventions to prevent and manage burnout syndrome and related health issues among healthcare professionals and medical students in the region.

Awareness of Lactose Intolerance Disorder in Saudi Arabia Population.

Background: Lactose intolerance is defined as "Lactose malabsorption with gastrointestinal symptoms." Also, lactose malabsorption can be defined as "Not all ingested lactose was absorbed and that some has reached the large intestine." The common symptoms associated with the maldigestion of lactose are bloating, diarrhoea, nausea, and abdominal pain. Aim: The current study aims to assess knowledge of people awareness of the lactose intolerance disorder and its relation to nutrition and dietary habits in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional approach was used targeting all accessible population in Saudi Arabia aging 18 years or more and accept to participate in the study. Data were collected from participants using an online pre-structured questionnaire. The researchers constructed the survey tool after intensive literature review and expert's consultation. The questionnaire covered the following data: participants' socio-demographic data like age, gender, and monthly income. Second section covered participants' dairy products intake with associated symptoms. Third part covered personal and family history of glucose intolerance disorder among the study participants. Awareness was assessed using multiple repose and mutually exclusive questions. Results: A total of 1189 participants fulfilling the inclusion criteria completed the study questionnaire. Participants ages ranged from 18 to 58 years old with mean age of 25.1 ± 12.9 years. Exact of 692 (58.2%) participants were females. Exact of 104 (8.7%) of the study participants reported that they had lactose intolerance disorder which started at the age of 11 to 20 years among 41 (39.4%) and at the age of 21 to 30 years among 36 (34.6%). About 77% of the study participants know that lactose indolence disorder symptoms appear after eating dairy or its derivatives. A total of 45.8% reported that leaky gut syndrome (diarrhoea and bloating) is caused by symptoms that occur with lactose intolerance and 39.4% know lactose intolerance is an uncurable disease. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study revealed that nearly one out of each three persons on Saudi Arabia is knowledgeable regarding lactose intolerance disorder and its related factors and relieving factors. Dairy products use in daily basis was reported among two thirds of the study population with abdominal distention and abdominal pain was the main accompanying symptoms.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for the treatment of achalasia: A multicenter Middle Eastern experience.

BACKGROUND: Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) was proposed in 2010 as a minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of achalasia. In this article, we describe the Middle Eastern experience with the procedure in terms of efficacy, length of admission, and short- and long-term complications. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of our prospectively collected data on patients who underwent a POEM procedure was conducted between March 2019 and May 2020. The primary outcome was clinical success rate, defined as a postprocedure Eckardt score ≤3 at ≥3 months. Secondary outcomes included the length of hospital stay, presence of reflux symptoms or need for proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) ≥3 months, and adverse events. RESULTS: During the study period, 67 patients (35 females) underwent the procedure for achalasia. The participants' ages ranged from 11 to 80 years (mean 41 ± 18 years). Eckardt scores before the treatment ranged between 4 and 12 (mean 8.85 ± 1.75). Sixty-four patients (95.5%) achieved Eckardt scores of ≤3 at ≥3 months after the procedure (95% confidence interval [CI]: 91%-100%). The difference between pre- and post-procedural Eckardt scores averaged around -8 points (95% CI: -7.5 to -8.5 P < 0.0001). Adverse events were reported in 24 patients (35.8%) and included pneumoperitoneum (32.8%), reflux symptoms at 3 months (29.9%), and surgical emphysema (3%). Six patients had adverse events that led to prolongation of admission; 3% of whom had aspiration pneumonia, 3% had pneumoperitoneum, 1.5% had both, and 1.5% had an esophageal tear. CONCLUSIONS: POEM is a promising procedure for the treatment of achalasia with a high clinical success rate, short hospital admission, and a reassuring safety profile.