Sinusitis and its association with deviated nasal septum at a tertiary hospital: A retrospective study.

Objectives: Sinusitis is common and deviated nasal septum (DNS) is a frequent anatomical variant in the paranasal sinuses (PNS). Whether DNS can cause sinusitis has been a subject of debate. This study determined the rate of sinusitis and its possible association with DNS and other factors in patients attending King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH). Methods: We conducted a hospital-based cross-sectional study and reviewed the electronic health records of KAUH retrospectively. We recruited all patients aged ≥18 years who were referred to the Diagnostic Radiology Department for a PNS computed tomography scan from January 2018 to December 2020. Descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated. Results: A total of 676 participants met the eligibility criteria, with a mean (SD) age of 38.9 (13) years. Sinusitis was present in 47.5% of patients, 54.8% ofwhich were males. Patients aged 31-40 years suffered sinusitis more than the other age groups.Approximately three-fourths (75.1%) of the total sample had DNS, and 51.3% of them had sinusitis. Those who did not have DNS but had sinusitis were 27.8%.There were significant associations between sinusitis and both sex (P <0.001) and age (P <0.05). Patients with DNS were approximately three times more likely to have sinusitis than those without DNS (OR =2.74, 95% CI:1.86-4.04; P <0.001). Conclusion: Almost half of the patients had sinusitis, and three-fourths had DNS. Sex, age, and DNS are possible factors associated with sinusitis. Assessing the presence of DNS and correcting it, if possible, is recommended to prevent the occurrence of sinusitis.

Effect of Premarital Education on the Quality of Life of Female Partners: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background A happy and satisfied marriage is the result of two happy spouses. Getting premarital education is one of the most significant reasons for marital and sexual satisfaction. This study aimed to assess the effect of premarital education on the quality of life of Saudi women. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted on 596 Saudi women married for ≤15 years selected from the general population. Data on participants' demographics were collected, and the quality of life was assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF). Results Only 37.2% of the participants had premarital counseling and education, even though 86.4% thought it was crucial before marriage. When this study was conducted, most participants with shorter mean marriage durations had received premarital education or counseling. The mean WHOQOL-BREF score, which measures the quality of life, was considerably higher for participants who indicated that premarital education significantly impacted the quality of their marriage and those who received premarital counseling or attended any form of premarital education. Conclusions Even though premarital education was viewed favorably, only 37.2% of couples obtained it. There is a need to increase public awareness of premarital education's significance and incorporate it into the education curriculum due to the positive associations between receiving it and a higher quality of life.

Correction: Effect of Premarital Education on the Quality of Life of Female Partners: A Cross-Sectional Study.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.32186.].

Are proton pump inhibitors among the risk factors for acute coronary syndrome? A multi-centric case-control study between patients attending governmental hospitals in western Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the predictors of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and to determine the relationship between usage of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and the occurrence of a first non-fatal ACS event among patients that attended governmental hospitals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A matched, multi-centric case-control study was performed between January and June of 2015 in Jeddah involving 2 governmental hospitals and the main university hospital. A total of 118 cases aged ≥18 years who were recently diagnosed with ACS were selected. For each case, one control matched by age and gender was selected. Information from an interview questionnaire and from reviewing patients' medical records was recorded on a standardized data collection sheet. RESULTS: Risk factors for ACS and the relationship between usage of PPIs and the occurrence of a first non-fatal ACS event were measured in 236 cases and matched controls. Current smoking (OR: 4.5; 95% CI: 1.92-10.98), excessive body weight (OR: 2.99; 95% CI: 1.38-6.45), and dyslipidemia (OR: 2.51; 95% CI: 1.07-5.84) were the predictors of ACS. Hypertension, diabetes, and moderate-to-high physical activity were associated with ACS. However, there was no statistical association between use of PPIs and occurrence of the first non-fatal ACS event (p greater than 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There was no association between PPIs and the occurrence of a first non-fatal ACS event. Smoking, increased weight, and dyslipidemia are considered predictors of ACS. Furthermore, ACS is associated with self-reported diabetes, hypertension, and physical activity.

Vitamin D status and its correlates in Saudi male population.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin-D deficiency is a universal health problem caused primarily by inadequate exposure to sunlight. This study aimed to assess the vitamin D status and investigate the factors affecting vitamin D distribution among Saudi males. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the King Saud University Medical City from December 2015 to August 2016. Saudi males attending the outpatient primary health care clinics were invited to participate in the study. Data were collected on the current and past health status along with biochemical investigations for total 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), blood sugar, and cholesterol. RESULTS: Majority of the participants (76.1%) had vitamin D deficiency. Blood sugar level, age, and cholesterol level were the most significant factors associated with vitamin D status. The highest percentage of deficiency was observed in the youngest age group (30-40 years). With increasing age, the percentage of deficiency decreased significantly. Those with normal blood sugar and cholesterol level had higher serum vitamin D levels compared to those with diabetes and hypercholesterolemia. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D deficiency is still endemic in Saudi Arabia, particularly among younger males and those with diabetes and hypercholesterolemia. Vitamin D screening, supplementations, and vitamin D-fortified foods should be provided especially for these groups.

Knowledge and attitudes towards Zika virus among medical students in King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Zika Virus (ZIKV) and its associated consequences remain vital public health challenge of international concerns. The current study was done to assess knowledge and attitudes towards ZIKV and the factors associated with good knowledge among medical students in King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 426 students. They were selected through multistage stratified random sample method, 2016. A validated, confidential, interviewing questionnaire contained 25 knowledge and 10 attitude items was used. Descriptive and inferential statistics were done. Results revealed that Facebook was the commonest source of ZIKV information. About half of the participants correctly identified mosquito bites and vertical route as ZIKV transmission modes. However, smaller percentages recognized the sexual and blood transmission modes. Calculations of knowledge score revealed that 77.5%, 15.0%, and 7.5% of the participants obtained poor, fair, and satisfactory scores, respectively. Age, educational year and attending ZIKV training were significantly associated with good knowledge (p<0.05). Concerning attitudes, about half of the participants agreed that ZIKV could add new burden on healthcare system of the affected countries. Most of participants were interested in learning more about ZIKV, emerging diseases and travel epidemiology. In conclusion, medical students had limited knowledge about ZIKV, and good attitudes towards learning about it. Conduction of ZIKV educational programs, and development of courses about emerging disease epidemiology are required.

Cross-infection and infection control in dentistry: Knowledge, attitude and practice of patients attended dental clinics in King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The objective of the study was to determine the level of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) of patients attended dental clinics at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH) regarding cross infections and infection control in dentistry. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 225 patients who attended the dental clinics of KAUH, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, 2014. A standardized, confidential, anonymous, interviewing questionnaire was used. Knowledge about dental infections was assessed by 12 MCQs. The attitudes were assessed through answering seven statements on a three- point Likert scale. Patients' self reported practices were also evaluated. Descriptive and inferential statistics were done. Results of the study revealed that 39.5%, 38.7% and 21.8% of the participants obtained poor, fair and satisfactory level of knowledge about infections and infection control in dentistry, respectively. Social media was the commonest source of information about dental infection. Participant's educational level was significantly associated with the level of knowledge about dental infection. Patients had positive attitudes towards infection control in dentistry. Regarding self-reported practice, only few participants would ask dentists about sterilization of dental instruments (9.3%), wearing face mask (13.3%) and gloves (16.4%) if they don't do so. In conclusion, our participants had good attitudes towards infection control in dentistry. However, their knowledge and practice need improvements. Conduction of educational programs is needed through social media, mass media, schools and public places. These programs involve both patients and providers.

Prevalence and Determinants of Prehypertension and Hypertension among Preparatory and Secondary School Teachers in Jeddah.

UNLABELLED: Hypertension (HTN) is most likely the most common disease on Earth. It represents the single greatest preventable cause of death in humans and one of the most important modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors of HTN and pre-hypertension among preparatory and secondary school teachers in Jeddah, KSA, during the educational year 2006 /2007. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted and a multistage stratified random sampling technique was used. HTN (using JNC VII criteria) was defined as Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) >/= 140 mmHg and / or Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) >/= 90 or concurrent use of antihypertensive agents. RESULTS: The prevalence of HTN & pre-hypertension were 25.2 % & 43.0 %, respectively, among the sample of 1476 teachers. Only 30.4 % of hypertensive teachers were aware of their condition. Linear regression indicated that for every 4 Kg increase of weight, there is increase of one mm Hg of SBP and 0.87 mm Hg of DBP. Logistic Regression illustrated that age >/= 40 years (aOR= 4.31, CI: 2.77, 6.73), Body Mass Index (BMI) >/= 25 (aOR= 3.03, CI: 1.77-5.19), males, and diabetes were significantly associated with HTN. Predictors of pre-hypertension were male gender (aOR = 3.22, CI: 2.49- 4.16), age >/= 40, and BMI >/= 25. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of pre-hypertension and HTN was high among teachers in Jeddah & BMI was the strongest modifiable risk factor. Lifestyle modification and implementation of screening programs for obesity, diabetes, pre-hypertension and HTN are recommended.

Prevalence, risk factors and outcome of childhood abuse reported by female university students in jeddah.

Child abuse constitutes all forms of physical and /or emotional ill treatment, sexual abuse, neglect or negligent treatment or commercial or other exploitation, resulting in actual or potential harm to the child's health, survival, development or dignity in the context of a relationship of responsibility, trust or power. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence, types, main predictors and outcome of child abuse, retrospectively reported by female university students in Jeddah. A cross sectional study was conducted and the Standardized Arabic Version of Child Abuse Screening Tool for Young Adult (18-24 years old) was used. Ethical standards of confidentiality and freedom to participate were followed. Multistage stratified random sample was used with selection of 1,897 females. About two-thirds (68.3 %) of students reported exposure to some form of child abuse. Physical and emotional forms were recalled by 45.1 % & 50.6 % of students, respectively, while, 2.9 % reported exposure to forced contact sexual assault. Parents and siblings were the commonest perpetrators of both physical & emotional abuse, while other relatives and extra-familial persons were the main offenders of sexual violence. The predictors of exposure to three forms of abuse together were: existence of parent who hit the other (aOR= 2.54; 95 % CI: 1.88-3.42), non-university graduated mother (aOR =1.83; p