Prevalence of Acute Tonsillitis and Its Association With Oral Hygiene Among the Population of Taif City, Saudi Arabia.

Introduction  Dental surfaces have dense bacterial deposits, and poor oral hygiene can exacerbate bacterial infections, causing acute tonsillitis. The study aims to quantify acute tonsillitis prevalence and assess its association with oral hygiene practices. Methods  A descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of acute tonsillitis and its association with oral hygiene was conducted among adults aged 20 and above in Taif City, Saudi Arabia. Illiterates and those unwilling to participate were excluded. We employed an Arabic online self-administered questionnaire that was disseminated conveniently via Google Forms to social media assessing oral hygiene such as last dental visit, age at starting dental care, number of toothbrushes per day, frequency of toothbrush change, and duration of brushing teeth, and acute tonsillitis characteristics of the participants. Results About 393 participated in the study. Of them, 54% were aged 20-30, 53% were males, and 70% had a university education. The prevalence of acute tonsillitis was 64%. Approximately 28% reported dental clinic visits within three months, and 21% initiated oral hygiene practices at age 20. Among participants, 43% brushed twice daily, with 33% spending one minute and 43% two minutes. About 31% replaced toothbrushes every three months, while 23% acknowledged having bad breath. Experiencing bad breath, changing toothbrushes every three months, and having dental visits within less than three months were associated with having acute tonsillitis (p<0.05). However, regression analysis revealed that experiencing bad breath (OR: 2.11, 95% CI: 1.23, 3.70) was associated with a higher risk of acute tonsillitis, while less frequent toothbrush changes correlated with a lower risk (OR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.30, 0.94). Conclusion  This study revealed a substantial prevalence of acute tonsillitis among adults in Taif City. Oral care practices need improvement. There are significant associations between oral hygiene practices, bad breath, and the occurrence of acute tonsillitis. Addressing oral hygiene practices could be a key focus for preventative measures.

Anxiety-Related Factors Associated With Symptom Severity in Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Jazan, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND:  This study in Jazan, Saudi Arabia aims to identify anxiety-related factors associated with symptom severity in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is a common gastrointestinal disorder causing abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. The prevalence of IBS in Saudi Arabia is estimated to be 10%-20% among the general population. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine anxiety-related factors associated with symptom severity in irritable bowel syndrome in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. Understanding these factors will provide insights into the overall impact of IBS on patients' quality of life. METHODS: The study utilized a cross-sectional, descriptive observational design to examine the general population in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. The sample size of 385 individuals was calculated based on the population size and desired error margin. A convenience sampling technique was employed to select participants who met the inclusion criteria. A validated anonymous self-administered electronic survey was distributed through social media channels. The survey consisted of four sections gathering demographic information, personal risk factors, IBS types with anxiety and risk factors, and a questionnaire to determine the level of anxiety. A pilot study was conducted to improve the survey's clarity. Ethical considerations were followed, and data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Descriptive statistics and significance tests were performed. RESULT: A study with 637 participants found a 31.08% prevalence of IBS, which was more common in females. Participants with IBS had a higher rate of chronic disease. There were no significant differences in demographic factors between IBS and non-IBS participants. The duration of IBS diagnosis varied, with the majority of IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D) sufferers being diagnosed five years prior. Symptom severity differed among IBS types, with those with an unspecified type reporting the highest percentage of severe symptoms. IBS types were also correlated with anxiety levels, with IBS-D sufferers reporting moderate anxiety and those with an unspecified type reporting severe anxiety. CONCLUSION: A study with 637 participants found the prevalence of IBS to be 31.08%, with higher rates in females. IBS was associated with chronic diseases and higher anxiety levels. The findings emphasize the need for comprehensive management of IBS, including psychological interventions and dietary modifications, to improve patients' overall health and quality of life. Further research on genetic and modifiable risk factors is needed.

Adherence to Hydroxyurea and Patients' Perceptions of Sickle Cell Disease and Hydroxyurea: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and Objectives: Hydroxyurea is a crucial treatment for sickle cell disease (SCD), but some patients' adherence to it remains suboptimal. Understanding patients' perspectives on SCD and HU is essential for improving adherence. This study aimed to assess hydroxyurea adherence and patients' perceptions of SCD and hydroxyurea among SCD patients in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study collected data from 217 SCD patients using self-administered questionnaires from August 2022 to January 2023. The survey covered patient demographics, SCD consequences, and other clinical data. We used the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (B-IPQ) to measure patients' disease perception and the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) to evaluate patients' adherence to HU. Data were analysed using descriptive, t-test, and chi-square tests, and the p-value was set at <0.05 for significance. Results: More than half of the patients were male, with a mean age of 28.09 ± 8.40 years. About 57.6% of the patients were currently using HU. About 81.6% of HU users reported low adherence. The adherence was lower among individuals with infections/recurrent infections and in patients who received repeated blood transfusions. ICU admission, blood transfusion, and certain SCD complications were associated with HU use. Male patients had a higher perception of SCD consequences, concern, and understanding. ICU-admitted and recurrent hospitalized patients had a higher perception of the SCD-related consequences, symptoms, concerns, and emotional responses. Conclusions: HU seems a well-established and efficacious disease-modifying agent, but its underutilization for SCD patients remains challenging. To overcome the adherence challenges, healthcare providers must educate SCD patients about the role of hydroxyurea in lowering disease severity and addressing side effects to obtain maximum benefits. Healthcare providers may consider tailored educational interventions to improve adherence, particularly for patients with infections, recurrent hospitalizations, or repeated blood transfusions. Further research is needed to identify strategies for improving hydroxyurea adherence and patient education among SCD patients.

Awareness of Seizure First Aid among the population in Jazan, Saudi Arabia: A survey Study.

Background: First aid during a seizure is critical, but many people in Jazan, Saudi Arabia may not know what to do. This is because epilepsy is often stigmatized in the region and regarded as a spiritual or mental disorder. This study investigated the awareness of seizure first aid among the population living in Jazan. Methods: An online survey was conducted. Healthcare workers and people who had never heard of epilepsy were excluded. Participants were asked to identify correct measures of seizure first aid from a list of 20 statements [9 correct and 11 incorrect]. A composite awareness score was calculated by subtracting the number of incorrect statements from the number of correct statements. Participants were classified into three groups: high, intermediate, and low awareness. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with high awareness. Results: Of the 1215 participants, 80.5 % had low awareness of seizure first aid. The most common correct responses were clearing the area of dangerous objects (91.3 %), putting a pillow under the neck (69.3 %), and timing the seizure (68.5 %). However, only 32.2 % knew to tell the person what happened after the seizure. The most common misconception was that an ambulance should be called immediately, regardless of the details (88.3 %). Other common misconceptions included putting something in the person's mouth (87.5 %), holding them down (83.0 %), taking out their contact lenses (79.9 %), and giving antiseizure medications orally (73.2 %). People who previously watched an educational video on seizure first aid (OR = 4.27, 95 % CI = 1.48-12.34, p = .007) or who knew someone with epilepsy (OR = 9.01, 95 % CI = 2.82-28.83, p < .001) were more likely to have a high awareness of seizure first aid. Conclusion: The study found that most people in Jazan, Saudi Arabia do not know how to provide first aid for seizures. The findings inform future research and highlight the need for increased education and training on seizure first aid in this region.

A Cross-Sectional Study on the Knowledge and Awareness of Lung Cancer and Screening in Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia.

Background: Lung cancer (LC) is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. With lung cancer often diagnosed at advanced stages, understanding the local population's awareness levels is crucial for designing effective preventive strategies. By identifying gaps in knowledge, the research aims to inform targeted health education efforts, optimize resource allocation, influence policy development, and contribute to the limited body of research on lung cancer awareness in the region, ultimately fostering improved public health outcomes. Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted in Jazan region, Saudi Arabia, from July 2022 to June 2023, 671 participants over 18 years old, encompassing both genders, were gsurveyed. Data was collected through a questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics and LC-related awareness. SPSS 23 was used for analysis. Factors associated with knowledge scores were explored using independent t-tests and ANOVA, with the Tukey post-hoc test identifying specific group differences. Results: The study included 671 participants, most participants were between 18 and 35 years (73.5%), with 38.5% males and 61.5% females. Lung cancer (LC) awareness was high (95.1%), with 4.9% reporting a family history. Knowledge assessment revealed a mean score of 14.66, with 41.6% having low, 49.5% moderate, and 8.9% high knowledge levels. Correct responses were notable for recognizing LC as a common cancer, a leading cause of death, and associating smoking and shisha with risk. Symptoms were well identified. Screening awareness was at 63.5%, with 78.8% willing to undergo tests if at risk. Age, marital status, and occupation were associated with knowledge, while factors like gender, nationality, residency, education, income, and smoking status showed no significant associations. Conclusion: The findings indicate that there are knowledge gaps related to LC and its screening in Jazan region in Saudi Arabia. Effective awareness programs targeting specific sociodemographic groups are needed to improve the early detection and outcomes.

The Impact of Heart Attack and Sudden Cardiac Death Risk Perception on Lifestyle Modification Intention Among Adults in Jazan Province.

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the perception of sudden cardiac death (SCD) and heart attack risk and its influence on the intention to adopt healthy lifestyle behaviors among the general population in Jazan province, Saudi Arabia. SCD refers to an abrupt and unexpected loss of heart function resulting in death, and its incidence has been alarmingly increasing worldwide. Several factors, including smoking, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and specific medications, have been associated with an elevated risk of SCD. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a pretested questionnaire distributed among the general population in Jazan province. Descriptive statistics, chi-square, and t-tests were employed for data analysis. Results: The study included 974 participants with a mean age of 27.90 ± 9.32 years, of whom 56% were female. More than half of the participants perceived themselves as highly susceptible to SCD, and all participants demonstrated a moderate willingness and readiness to modify their unhealthy lifestyle behaviors. Age, gender, marital status, body mass index (BMI), history of hypertension, dyslipidemia, medication use, physical exercise, and family history of chronic diseases and SCD were statistically associated with the perception of SCD. Conclusion: The study revealed a high-risk perception and a moderate readiness to adopt lifestyle modifications. These findings can inform the development of effective strategies and support programs aimed at reducing the burden of SCD.

Knowledge, attitude and practices towards surgical wound care and healing among the public in the Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia.

The purpose of this research was to evaluate how much the people in the Jazan region know about the care and healing of surgical wounds. Proper care of surgical wounds is very important to achieve the best treatment outcomes and to avoid negative consequences. However, factors like obesity, diabetes, and certain medications can impair wound healing, with surgical site infections being a major problem in the healthcare system. Therefore, this study aimed to determine public awareness and perceptions of surgical wound care to help improve education and raise awareness of the importance of proper wound care for better results. We run an observational cross-sectional study among adults above 18 years in the Jazan region. An online self-administered questionnaire was used in the collection of data. Simple random sampling was the used technique and 384 participants were calculated. The study used Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) for data analysis and employed descriptive statistics, independent t test, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Pearson's correlation, and multivariate logistic regression to identify factors associated with knowledge of surgical site infection and wound care. This study analyzed 599 participants' knowledge, attitude, and practice about surgical site infection and wound management. While participants had a strong general understanding of surgical wounds, only 17% had a high degree of knowledge about surgical site infection and wound management. Medical students had the highest degree of knowledge, and being a medical student was the only significant predictor of having a high level of knowledge about surgical site infection (SSI) and wound care. The study emphasizes the necessity of enhanced patient education and investment in medical education quality. The participants in this study had high overall knowledge regarding surgical wounds but lacked particular knowledge concerning surgical site infection and wound management. Medical education was discovered to be a strong predictor of having a high level of knowledge about surgical site infection and wound management. Healthcare professionals should take the lead in giving accurate and reliable information regarding wound care techniques to patients, and legislators should invest in enhancing medical education quality.

Risk factors for recurrence of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps after endoscopic sinus surgery: A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the pathophysiological factors leading to chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) recurrence with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and compare the clinical and imaging findings between both groups. METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out at a tertiary hospital. Patients with recurrent nasal polyps were compared to those with no recurrence by demographics, risk factors, anatomical abnormalities, clinical features, and Lund-Mackey (LM) scores. Both groups were followed up for 24 months after the primary surgery to detect recurrence. RESULTS: Among the 134 patients who underwent ESS for CRSwNP, 69 patients were in the recurrence group and 65 in the non-recurrence group. No significant difference was found in demographics, comorbidities, and anatomical abnormalities between both groups. However, asthma was more prevalent in the recurrence group (73.9% vs. 29.2%; p<0.01). All clinical features were similar between both groups. However, the recurrence group had more patients with bilateral polyps than non-recurrence (95.7% vs. 80%; p<0.01). We found that 26.1% (n=18) of the 69 patients with recurrence needed revision surgery. Smoking rates were significantly different between reoperated vs. non-reoperated patients (16.7% (3/18) vs. 2% (1/51); p=0.02), and the extent of primary ESS was different between them. CONCLUSION: Asthma is a significant risk factor for CRS recurrence. Furthermore, smoking and inadequate primary surgery increase the chance of revision surgery in case of recurrence.

Septic Arthritis of the Knee in Children.

Septic arthritis of the knee is the most common form of septic arthritis in children and can lead to irreversible damage to the joint. Staphylococcus aureus is the primary pathogen associated with septic arthritis, although other causative pathogens may be isolate in children with specific risk factors. The diagnosis of knee septic arthritis is based on comprehensive evaluation, including the patient's medical history, physical examination, blood tests, and arthrocentesis. Empirical treatment typically involves anti-staphylococcal penicillin or a first-generation cephalosporin, although modifications may be made based on local resistance patterns and clinical culture data. Surgical debridement, either through open surgery or arthroscopy, involving extensive debridement of the joint, is effective in eliminating the infection. In most cases, additional surgical intervention is not necessary.

Nutritional Rickets Among Children: A Retrospective Study from Saudi Arabia.

Background: Nutritional rickets remains a significant concern in certain countries, with increasing prevalence attributed to factors such as limited sunlight exposure and undernourishment. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with rickets due to nutritional deficiency in children from Jazan Province, southwestern Saudi Arabia. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using descriptive data from medical records at a tertiary hospital in Jazan Province. Records of patients diagnosed with rickets between January 2010 and December 2020 were analyzed. Symptomatic rickets cases from pediatric clinics were included, and diagnoses were based on biochemical and clinical tests. Risk factors were assessed using patient medical records. Data were analyzed using percentages, mean, and standard deviation. Results: The study included 84 patients with rickets (53 females and 31 males), primarily between 11-18 years old. The mean body mass index (BMI) of the participants was 21.21. The most common risk factor was nutritional deficiencies, including vitamin D deficiency or calcium deficiency, with 75 patients reporting a family history of vitamin D deficiency. The children had limited sunlight exposure and low levels of calcium and vitamin D. Malnutrition was identified as the highest risk factor for rickets in the study population. Conclusion: Nutritional rickets appears to be prevalent in the Jazan Province, emphasizing the need for government organizations to address this preventable disease. Adequate sun exposure and recommended dietary vitamin D intake are crucial to prevent rickets, as this study detected inadequate levels of calcium and vitamin D in children. National studies are required to further identify risk factors and develop appropriate strategies.

Bariatric Surgery Reduces Weight Loss, Comorbidities Prevalence, and Improves Quality of Life in the Southern Region of Saudi Arabia.

Background and Objectives: Bariatric surgery has been proposed as a treatment option for type 2 diabetes, but there is limited research on its efficacy and the use of standardized outcome measures. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of bariatric surgery in managing type 2 diabetes and to assess the BAROS protocol postoperatively. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in southern Saudi Arabia, involving 346 bariatric surgery patients aged 18-60. This study collected data through an electronic questionnaire distributed via a Telegram group and Twitter hashtag. Anthropometric data, postoperative complications, and the evolution of obesity-related comorbidities were collected. The quality of life was evaluated using the Moorehead-Ardelt questionnaire of the BAROS protocol. The total BAROS score was classified as "Insufficient", "Moderate", "Good", "Very good", or "Excellent", considering the presence of comorbidities. The data were analyzed using SPSS software ver.23. Results: The mean age of the participants was 30.97 ± 8.49 years, and 70.81% were female. Sleeve Vertical Gastrectomy was the most common surgical technique used (n = 336). The excess weight loss percentage (EWL%) was 70.55 ± 22.57%, and 27.75% of participants achieved complete remission of type 2 diabetes. The total BAROS score was "Excellent" for 40.17% of participants and "Moderate" for 27.16%. The presence of comorbidities was negatively correlated with the BAROS score (r = -0.651, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Bariatric surgery effectively manages type 2 diabetes with a high rate of EWL% and complete remission. The BAROS protocol is a valuable tool for assessing the quality of life postoperatively, with most participants achieving a "Moderate" to "Excellent" score. Comorbidities negatively impact the BAROS score, highlighting the importance of managing these conditions postoperatively.

Frequency of Knee Pain and Risk Factors and Its Impact on Functional Impairment: A Cross-Sectional Study from Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Adolescents frequently self-report pain, according to epidemiological research. The knee is one of the sites wherein pain is most commonly reported. Musculoskeletal disorders play a significant role in the prolonged disability experienced by individuals, leading to substantial global personal, societal, and economic burdens. Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is a clinical knee pain commonly affecting adolescents. This study aimed to estimate the frequency of knee pain in Saudi adolescents. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey was conducted from June to November 2022 and included 676 adolescents aged 10 to 18 years. The participants were questioned regarding their demographics, school habits, and the impact of these factors on back pain, musculoskeletal pain in the past 12 months, as well as quality-of-life scale and knee pain symptoms. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, with frequencies and percentages presented for categorical variables. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to compare means between groups, while the chi-squared test was used to compare categorical variables. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 676 adolescents participated in the study, with 57.5% females and 42.5% males. Among the participants, 68.8% were aged between 15 and 18 years. The prevalence of knee pain was notably higher among females (26%) compared to males (19.2%). Age and BMI were identified as significant predictors of knee pain. A significant association was also found between BMI classification and knee stiffness (p-value = 0.008). Furthermore, a significant difference was observed between adolescents who engaged in physical activities during leisure time and those who experienced difficulty bending (p-value = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlights a high prevalence of knee pain among Saudi adolescents, emphasizing the need for increased awareness about its risk factors. Preventive measures, including conservative approaches and lifestyle/activity modifications, can effectively mitigate adolescent knee pain.

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Preference of Radiology as a Future Specialty Among Medical Students at Jazan University, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare continues to spark interest and has been the subject of extensive discussion in recent years as well as its potential effects on future medical specialties, including radiology. In this study, we aimed to study the impact of AI on the preference of medical students at Jazan University in choosing radiology as a future specialty. Methodology An observational cross-sectional study was conducted using a pre-tested self-administered online questionnaire among medical students at Jazan University. Data were cleaned, coded, entered, and analyzed using SPSS (SPSS Inc., USA) version 25. Statistical significance was defined as a P-value of less than 0.05. We examined the respondents' preference for radiology rankings with the presence and absence of AI. Radiology's ranking as a preferred specialty with or without AI integration was statistically analyzed for associations with baseline characteristics, personal opinions, and previous exposures among those who had radiology as one of their top three options. Results Approximately 27.4% of males and 28.3% of females ranked radiology among their top three preferred choices. Almost 65.2% were exposed to radiology topics through pre-clinical lectures. The main sources of information about AI for the studied group were medical students (41%) and the Internet (27.5%). The preference of students for radiology was significantly affected when it is assessed by AI (P < 0.05). Around (16.1%) of those who chose radiology as one of their top three choices strongly agree that AI will decrease the job opportunities for radiologists. Logistic regression analysis showed that being a female is significantly associated with an increased chance to replace radiology with other specialty when it is integrated with AI (Crude odds ratio (COR) = 1.91). Conclusion Our results demonstrated that the students' choices were significantly affected by the presence of AI. Thereover, to raise medical students' knowledge and awareness of the potential positive effects of AI, it is necessary to organize an educational campaign, webinars, and conferences.

Awareness of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury-Preventive Training Programs among Saudi Athletes.

BACKGROUND: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is a common medical condition that entails a stretch or sprain of the ACL, which is present in the knee joint. The incidence of ACL injury in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is estimated to be 31.4%. Prevention training programs (PTPs) can be used to reduce ACL injuries sustained during physical activity, as they primarily focus on improving strength, balance, and lower limb biomechanics and reducing landing impact. This study aimed to assess Saudi athletes' awareness of ACL injury PTPs. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey in the form of a self-administered questionnaire in the Arabic language was carried out from 22 December 2022 to 7 March 2023 and included 1169 Saudi athletes. Statistical analyses were performed on the collected data using frequency and percentages. Binary logistic regression was used for the adjusted analysis and determining associations between athletes playing high- and low-risk sports. RESULTS: Overall, 52% of participants were female athletes, and 48% were male athletes. The western region of the country had the highest response rate (28.9%). The most common sport played was football at 36.6%. Most participants (70.97%) reported that their information on ACL injury was taken by their coaches. When assessing whether participants were familiar with the concept of an ACL injury PTP, the majority of the participants answered no, representing 971 (662 high-risk, 309 low-risk), compared to those who answered yes, representing only 198 (167 high-risk, 31 low-risk), with a statistically significant difference (adjusted OR: 2.106; 95% confidence interval: 1.544-2.873; p-value < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In general, the level of awareness of ACL injury PTPs among Saudi athletes was poor.

Assessment of Influenza Vaccine Uptake According to the Presence of a Chronic Disease.

Patients diagnosed with a chronic disease are at higher risk of influenza complications. This investigation aimed to estimate influenza vaccine uptake rates among healthy subjects and patients with chronic diseases, and to identify barriers to and facilitators of its uptake. This study was a cross-sectional investigation that targeted the general population in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected via online platforms between October and November 2022. Data were collected via a self-administered questionnaire that assessed the demographics, influenza vaccine uptake, and factors associated with the uptake. A chi-squared test was used to investigate factors associated with the uptake of the influenza vaccine. A total of 825 adult subjects participated in the current investigation. The proportion of male participants was higher (61%) compared to females (38%). The mean age of the participants was 36, with a standard deviation of 10.5. Nearly 30% of the sample reported being diagnosed with a chronic disease. Among the recruited sample, 576 (69.8%) reported having ever received the influenza vaccine, and only 222 participants (27%) indicated that they receive the influenza vaccination annually. Only history of being diagnosed with a chronic disease was statistically associated with the history of ever receiving the influenza vaccine (p < 0.001). Among the 249 participants with a chronic disease, only 103 (41.4%) ever received the influenza vaccine and only 43 (17.3%) of them received the vaccine annually. The main barrier to the uptake was fear of side effects due to the vaccination. A minority of the participants indicated that they were motivated by a healthcare worker to have the vaccine. This suggests an area for further investigation to assess the involvement of healthcare workers in motivating their patients with chronic diseases to have the vaccine.

A Comparison of Symptom Improvement and Outcomes After Septoplasty Alone Versus Septoplasty With Turbinoplasty.

Background Various causes can lead to nasal obstruction, with the most frequent anatomical cause being deviated nasal septum. It seriously affects patients' quality of life. As a result, septoplasty is performed to enhance the nasal airways. This study aimed to compare the improvement of nasal symptoms following septoplasty with or without turbinoplasty and evaluate the surgical outcomes in both different groups. Methodology A retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary hospital among patients who had undergone septoplasty with or without turbinoplasty between 2020 and 2022. Data regarding demographics, clinical features, surgical data, and complications were collected from patient files. The Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale score was assessed through structured interviews. Results In our analysis of 209 patients who underwent surgery for deviated nasal septum, septoplasty was done in 110 (52.6%) patients, whereas the remaining 99 (47.4%) underwent septoplasty with turbinoplasty. The mean NOSE score was found to be 32.94 ± 35.67%. Patients who underwent septoplasty alone significantly showed higher mean scores (56.36 ± 34.62%) compared to those who underwent septoplasty with turbinoplasty (11.14 ± 18.93%) (p < 0.001). The long-term complications showed revision surgery was done in 13 patients, which was comparatively more often done in patients who underwent a septoplasty. Other long-term complications were found to be significantly higher in patients who underwent septoplasty (76.9%) compared to those who underwent septoplasty with turbinoplasty (23.1%). Conclusions Patients who underwent additional turbinoplasty experienced an improvement in nasal symptoms than those who underwent septoplasty alone. In addition, more long-term complications were noted in patients who underwent septoplasty alone.

An Assessment of Dementia Knowledge and Its Associated Factors Among Health College Students in Saudi Arabia.

Background Dementia is a public health concern and the main cause of impairment and dependency among the elderly worldwide. It is characterized by a progressive decline in cognition, memory, and all domains of quality of life with preserving the level of consciousness. Accurate measurement of dementia knowledge among future health professionals is required to improve targeted educational initiatives and supportive care of patients. This study aimed to assess knowledge of dementia and its associated factors among health college students in Saudi Arabia. Methods A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among health college students from various regions in Saudi Arabia. Data on sociodemographic characteristics and dementia knowledge were gathered using a standardized study questionnaire Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale (DKAS) distributed on different social media platforms. Data analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 24.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) statistical software. A P-value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results A total of 1,613 participants were included in the study. The mean age was 20.5 ± 2.5 years (range 18-25 years). The majority of them were males (64.9%), and females represented 35.1%. The mean knowledge score of the participants was 13.68 ± 3.18 (out of 25). According to DKAS subscales, we found that the respondents scored the highest in care considerations (4.17 ± 1.30) and the lowest in risks and health promotion (2.89 ± 1.96). Furthermore, we found that the participants with no previous dementia exposure had a significantly higher level of knowledge than those with previous dementia exposure. In addition, we found that both genders, aged 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 years; the geographic distribution of respondents; and previous dementia exposure significantly affected the DKAS score. Conclusions Our findings showed that health college students in Saudi Arabia had poor knowledge about dementia. Ongoing health education and comprehensive academic training are recommended to improve their knowledge and provide competent care for dementia patients.

A Cross-Sectional Study about Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices among Primary Health Care Physicians in Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia, Regarding Rome IV Criteria for Diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Background and objectives: Most individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are diagnosed by primary health care (PHC) physicians. However, a significant percentage of patients remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed owing to the lack of knowledge or a systematic strategy regarding the use of ROME IV criteria for the diagnosis of IBS. Thus, in this study, we aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices among primary health care physicians in Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia, regarding ROME IV criteria for the diagnosis of IBS. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a pretested self-administered questionnaire that determines participants' sociodemographic data and measures knowledge about ROME IV criteria, targeting PHC physicians in Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) v.23. Results: We included 200 participants, and the majority of participants in our study (approximately 78%) were aware of the ROME IV diagnostic criteria for IBS; this awareness was associated with age, nationality, specialty, and classification. The participants' mean level of knowledge was 4.30 (out of 6). However, knowledge was higher among Saudi and family medicine doctors in this study, as compared to non-Saudi and doctors of other specialties. More than two-thirds of participants who were aware of ROME IV criteria thought that they are sufficient to diagnose IBS; however, only 47.5% of physicians reported using ROME IV frequently in their daily practice. Conclusions: Most of the participants of this study are aware of ROME IV criteria, and better knowledge was noted among Saudi and family medicine physicians. About 70% thought that ROME IV criteria are effective enough to diagnose IBS, and only about half of the participants use ROME IV criteria in their practice. Therefore, due to its high prevalence in the region, further efforts are required to disseminate basic knowledge and improve attitudes and practices related to ROME IV criteria among PHC physicians of all specialties.

Impact of COVID-19 on Patients with Diabetes Standard of Care in the Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia.

Background: COVID-19 patients with DM have increased mortality and severity of the disease. Although telemedicine helps to minimize the impact of COVID-19 on the DM standard of care, it is increasingly evident that COVID-19 has a significant impact on DM standards of care, especially in areas where telemedicine is not available. Objective: The study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on patients with diabetes standard of care in the Jazan region, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study using an online pretested questionnaire targeted adult diabetic patients living in the Jazan region between December 2021 to March 2022. The participants were selected through a random sampling method. They completed self-administered questionnaires that included demographic variables. Results: A total of 258 study subjects participated in this study. In comparison to DM standards of care before and during COVID-19, there was no clinically significant difference in medication compliance, blood glucose checking, or experiencing blood glucose extrusion. However, with the spread of the corona pandemic and the closure of clinics, the percentage of those who have difficulty controlling blood sugar levels has increased to 22%, despite the availability of telemedicine. Conclusion: DM standards of care have not been affected and were not statistically significant, which could be explained by the rapid adoption of telemedicine during the lockdown. However, as corona spread participants had difficulty controlling blood sugar levels. This indicates that governmental multidisciplinary work limits the COVID-19 impact; however, further work is still needed to ensure that DM care is not compromised.

The Impact of Sickle Cell Disease on Academic Performance among Affected Students.

BACKGROUND: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disease that is highly prevalent in Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia, and is mostly characterized by many complications such as vaso-occlusive crises (VOC), acute chest syndrome (ACS) and well-documented neurological complications. These complications may affect patients' academic performance. METHODS: An observational, cross-sectional, retrospective study was conducted in Jazan Province. General and demographic data were collected and questions about academic performance of students with SCD were answered. Both t-tests and chi-square tests, along with multiple logistic regression, were used for analysis. RESULTS: 982 participants were selected for this study with a mean age of 23 years (SD: 7). Most of the participants were female (64%). The number of participants with SCD was 339 (36%), of whom 42% were male. Students with SCD recorded lower grade point averages (GPA) and more absences compared to healthy participants. Further, about 60% of students with SCD thought they performed better than 40% of the participants without SCD during the COVID-19 pandemic when most of the educational activities were online. CONCLUSION: As has been previously reported, this study suggested that the academic performance of students with SCD is negatively affected compared to healthy individuals, and this is mostly due to complications associated with the disease. Further, students with SCD acknowledged better performance with online education, an option that should be considered to improve their academic performance. National studies on a larger population are required by health and education officials, and supportive online educational programs are warranted to enhance the academic performance of this population.