RESUMO
The impact of different sociodemographic and clinical characteristics on the COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality rates have been studied extensively around the world; however, there is a dearth of data on the impact of different clinical and sociodemographic variables on the COVID-19-related outcomes in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to identify those at high risk of worse clinical outcomes, such as hospitalization and longer length of stay (LOS) among young and middle-aged adults (18 to 55â¯years). In this questionnaire-based cross-sectional study, 706 patients with real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) confirmed COVID-19 infection were interviewed. Patients' demographic characteristics, dietary habits, medical history, and lifestyle choices were collected through phone interviews. Patients with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension, reported a higher rate of hospitalization, ICU admission, oxygen-support needs, and a longer period of recovery and LOS. Multiple logistic regression showed that diabetes, hypertension, and pulmonary disease (e.g., asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)) were associated with a higher risk of hospitalization and longer LOS. Multiple logistic regression showed that symptoms of breathlessness, loss of smell and/or taste, diarrhea, and cough were associated with a longer recovery period. Similarly, breathlessness, vomiting, and diarrhea were associated with higher rates of hospitalization. The findings of this study confirm the similarity of the factors associated with worse clinical outcomes across the world. Future studies should use more robust designs to investigate the impact of different therapies on the COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality in Saudi Arabia.
RESUMO
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) are the most commonly used bariatric procedures. There is an increasing awareness about a comorbidity-based indication for bariatric surgery regardless of weight (metabolic surgery). The best operation to mitigate obesity-associated comorbidities is a matter of controversy. This review is aimed at comparing LRYGB and LSG for the treatment of diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemias, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Cochrane library for articles comparing these two commonly used bariatric approaches. We identified 2,457 studies, 1,468 of which stood after the removal of duplications; from them, 81 full texts were screened and only 16 studies were included in the final meta-analysis. LRYGB was equal weight to LSG for diabetes (P-value = 0.10, odd ratio, 1.24, 95% CI, 0.96-1.61, I 2 for heterogeneity = 30%, P-value for heterogeneity, 0.14), and OSA (P-value = 0.38, odd ratio, 0.79, 95% CI, 0.47-1.33, I 2 for heterogeneity = 0.0%, P-value for heterogeneity, 0.98). However, LRYGB was superior to LSG regarding hypertension (P-value = 0.009, odd ratio, 1.55, 95% CI, 1.20-2.0, I 2 for heterogeneity = 0.0%, P-value for heterogeneity, 0.59), dyslipidemia (odd ratio, 2.18, 95% CI, 1.15-4.16, P-value for overall effect, 0.02), and GERD (P-value = 0.003, odd ratio, 3.16, 95% CI, 1.48-6.76). LRYGB was superior to LSG for gastroesophageal reflux, hypertension, and dyslipidemia remission. While the two procedures were equal regarding diabetes and obstructive sleep, further reviews comparing LSG, and one anastomosis gastric bypass are recommended.
RESUMO
PURPOSE: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a highly prevalent gastrointestinal disorder with modifiable risk factors and it is associated with considerable health and economic burden. The current study was conducted to assess the frequency and risk factors related to GERD in the previously unstudied population of Southern Punjab, Pakistan. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted for assessing the frequency and risk factors of GERD by using a self-administered questionnaire. The gastroesophageal reflux disease questionnaire (GerdQ) was utilized to detect the presence of the disease. RESULTS: The study included 308 participants; among them, 55.2% were female and 44.8% were male. The participants diagnosed with GERD (GerdQ score ≥8) were 26.6%. The various risk factors like higher BMI, past disease and smoking history, frequent use of NSAIDs, soft drinks, pickles, and spicy foods were significantly associated with GERD. CONCLUSION: The present study showed that GERD is prevalent in Southern Punjab and is associated with various modifiable risk factors. The ascendance of GERD can be prevented by public health education and awareness campaigns.
RESUMO
The world is still in need of an effective therapy to treat coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). This cross-sectional study was conducted on COVID-19 survivors in Saudi Arabia to investigate the influence of a healthy diet on the recovery time from COVID-19. A questionnaire was developed to assess participants' dietary habits, based on the 2015 Dutch food-based dietary guidelines. A total of 738 COVID-19 survivors participated in the study, of whom 237 (32.1%) were hospitalized for COVID-19 treatment while 501 (76.9%) were not hospitalized, and 320 (43.4%) were females and 418 (56.6%) were males. Overall, no significant difference was noted in healthy diet score between males and females; however, this score was significantly lower for Saudis compared to non-Saudis. Among the non-hospitalized patients, eating a more healthy diet was associated with a shorter duration of recovery (p < 0.05) and was significantly affected by gender (15.8 ± 9.3 male vs. 12.1 ± 8.9 female; p < 0.001) and marital status (12.1 ± 8.4 singles vs. 13.7 ± 9.3 married vs. 16.1 ± 11.8 divorced; p < 0.05). In contrast, no significant correlation was found with age or BMI. In this study, a more healthy diet was associated with a shorter duration of recovery from COVID-19. However, further studies are needed to thoroughly investigate the relationship between diet and recovery time from COVID-19.