RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Differences in the blood, resulting from the presence or absence of antigens corresponding to specific blood types, have indirect implications for susceptibility to diseases. The aim of this study was to examine the association between the ABO type and obesity in patients with diabetes mellitus. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional observational study that was conducted at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a simple random method through hospital records during the period between August and September 2022. Patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and T2DM were included in this study. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify the association between blood group and obesity. RESULTS: A total of 411 patients were involved in this study. More than half of the patients (54.3%; n= 223) are diagnosed with T1DM. O-positive was the most common blood group type among the patients, accounting for 38.6% (n= 161). Only 23.6% (n= 97) of the patients were classified as having normal weight. Around 32.6% (n= 134) of the patients were classified as having the pre-obesity stage. More than one-third of the patients (35.1%; n= 145) were classified as being obese. There was no statistically significant difference between the patients in terms of their blood type group and its association with obesity (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Many diabetics are overweight or obese, according to this study. This shows the importance of weight management for diabetes treatment. Many patients were overweight, emphasizing the importance of obesity prevention and diabetes care. Most patients were O-positive, according to blood type tests. Previous research suggests that blood types may be linked to diabetes. However, this study found no significant relationships. More research is needed to understand the complex link between blood types, weight, and diabetes.
RESUMEN
Background Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic and progressive knee joint condition that is influenced by multiple factors. This research aims to examine the prevalence and characteristics of knee OA among the general public in Saudi Arabia. Methodology This cross-sectional online survey was conducted in September 2023 in Saudi Arabia. This research used a previously developed questionnaire to validate the diagnosis of OA, which was performed in accordance with the diagnostic criteria established by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR). The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index questionnaire (WOMAC) was used to examine the severity and characteristics of knee OA patients. A binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the variables that influence the severity of knee OA and the likelihood of developing OA. Results A total of 1,019 individuals participated in this study. Around one-third of the participants (34.5%) fulfilled the ACR criteria for knee OA diagnosis. Overall, the mean WOMAC score was 34.1 (18.8) out of 96, which represents 35.5% of the maximum obtainable score and demonstrates a low degree of knee OA severity. The mean pain sub-scale score was 7.4 (3.8) out of 20, which represents 37.0% of the maximum obtainable score and demonstrates a low level of pain intensity. The mean stiffness sub-scale score was 2.7 (1.8) out of 8, which represents 33.8% of the maximum obtainable score and demonstrates a low degree of stiffness in joints. The mean physical function sub-scale score was 24.0 (14.0) out of 68, which represents 35.3% of the maximum obtainable score and demonstrates a low level of physical function difficulty. Females, older participants (above 40 years), those with high body mass index (28.8 kg/cm2 and higher), non-smokers, those with comorbidities, those who did not practice daily physical activity, those who had a family history of knee OA, and those who suffered from flat feet, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, or back or hip pain were more likely to develop knee OA and have severe OA (p < 0.05). Conclusions The findings of this study demonstrated a significant prevalence rate of knee OA and highlighted a discrepancy between the rates obtained by diagnostic criteria and those determined through clinical diagnosis. Several significant factors that contribute to the development of OA encompass lifestyle choices such as food and exercise, familial predisposition, genetic influences, and the presence of comorbidities. To effectively tackle this intricate matter, it is imperative to adopt a patient-centered strategy and prioritize early intervention.
