RESUMEN
Background/aims Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), also known as "shin splint", is most often described as exertional leg pain along the shinbone (tibia), which occurs due to the inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue in this area. This study aims to assess the prevalence, risk factors, and their association with the development of MTSS, as well as the effective treatments that reduce pain and improve functions among the Saudi general population. Materials and method The present cross-sectional study was conducted on the general population of Saudi Arabia through an electronic survey over a period of three months. The study sample of 443 patients was deemed and considered. The study included participants from the general population in Saudi Arabia above the age of 18. A structured self-response questionnaire was given to the participants after institutional research ethical approval was obtained for the study. Results Among the 443 participants, the majority were male (n = 228, 51.5%), aged 18-29 (n = 227, 51.2%), and residing in the central region of Saudi Arabia (n = 398, 89.8%). Most participants reported engaging in sporting activities (n = 211, 47.6%), with high-intensity training being the most common (n = 93, 44.1%). Only a small proportion (n = 8, 1.8%) reported a previous diagnosis of MTSS. Analysis revealed associations between MTSS prevalence and certain demographic factors, including walking surface preferences and engagement in specific sports. Treatment strategies for MTSS included rest, ice application, physiotherapy, and pain-relieving medication, with varying degrees of satisfaction and recurrence rates among participants. Conclusion The study provides valuable insights into the prevalence, risk factors, management, and preventive measures related to MTSS among the Saudi general population. While certain demographic factors and exercise practices were associated with MTSS prevalence, effective treatment options such as rest, physiotherapy, and appropriate footwear were reported. Moreover, adherence to preventive measures such as stretching, proper footwear selection, and gradual training progression may help mitigate the risk of MTSS development.
RESUMEN
Background/aims Most countries have gone through lockdowns to varying degrees during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce the spread of the disease. The successive pandemic waves have impacted the health system, imposing restrictions set by the government. This changed people's daily life routines and they felt more socially isolated, which in turn had an impact on their mental health. Some factors were linked to the severity and outcome of COVID-19 on patients. One of these factors was smoking. This study was carried out to investigate the prevalence and impact of lockdown on smoking habits, as well as the changes in attitudes, behavior, and the rate of consumption before and after the government restrictions in the general population of Saudi Arabia. Materials and methods The present cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 921 participants from the general population of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected via an online questionnaire. A structured self-response questionnaire was given to the participants after institutional research ethical approval was obtained for the study. Results A total of 921 participants from the smoker population of Saudi Arabia were included in the study. The majority of participants were male (72.9%), and more than half were aged between 18 and 34 years (53.7%). Single individuals had a higher prevalence of increased smoking and a lower rate of quitting compared to married individuals. Participants with higher education levels were more likely to continue smoking at the same rate. While 40.5% of participants reported no change in their smoking rate during the pandemic, 15.4% reported a decrease, 39.0% reported an increase, and 5.1% reported quitting smoking. Participants who reported feeling more stressed during the pandemic had a higher prevalence of increased smoking. The majority of participants believed that smoking increased the risk of COVID-19 infection. Conclusion The study highlights the need for targeted smoking cessation interventions and support services during the pandemic, considering demographic factors, living arrangements, and psychological impact. Efforts should be made to raise awareness about the negative health consequences of smoking during the pandemic and provide resources for stress management and alternative coping strategies. These findings have important implications for public health interventions and policies in Saudi Arabia.