Background Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a prominent sequela of rheumatic fever (RF) and the most common cause of acquired valvular disease worldwide. Patients develop RHD as a result of autoimmune reactions caused by an untreated group A Streptococcus (GAS) throat infection, resulting in significant valvular destruction. Objectives The current study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude of RF and RHD among the Makkah city population in Saudi Arabia. Methods An observational cross-sectional study was conducted on a convenience sample of 1364 adult participants from Makkah city in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected through an online survey that was disseminated on different electronic platforms. Then, the obtained data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 (IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, USA). Results A total of 1364 participants completed the questionnaire; female participants constituted 58.1% (n = 792) and those between 18 and 30 years old represented 57.6% of the sample (n = 785). Knowledge of rheumatic fever was classified as poor (31.9%, n = 435), fair (44.8%, n = 611), and good (23.3%, n = 318). Female participants were shown to have better knowledge than males (p = 0.034). The attitude toward rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease was classified as negative (27.9%, n = 380), neutral (49.1%, n = 670), and positive (23%, n = 314). Conclusions This study concludes that adults in Makkah city, Saudi Arabia, have poor knowledge about RF and RHD. There is a notable gap in their knowledge regarding the association between sore throat and RF, bacterial dermatitis and RF, the common age for RF, and the necessity of using antibiotics appropriately to prevent this disease. The study also revealed negative attitudes toward RF and RHD among Makkah citizens, but most of them recommended health education campaigns to increase public awareness about this important disease. The results of this study will assist in the development of awareness campaigns about RF and RHD. Finally, qualitative studies are recommended to fully understand what the population perceives about this morbidity.
Introduction Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is one of the most common avoidable reasons for hearing impairment worldwide. Work-related, genetic, infectious, and environmental factors all have a part in defining the level of hearing impairment. Nevertheless, the use of personal listening devices (PLDs) is popular nowadays, particularly among younger people. Healthy behaviors are needed to prevent them from developing hearing loss. Our objective is to evaluate the knowledge level of NIHL among the people of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, and understand its association with PLDs. Methods A cross-sectional survey was performed in December 2022 by sending an online survey on various social media applications. An electronic Arabic questionnaire with a total of 37 questions was designed to explore the participants' demographic data, history of hearing loss, risk factors, attitudes, and awareness of NIHL. Results Almost 22% of the study had mild-to-severe hearing impairment. Hearing issues were especially common among male individuals. A higher incidence of hearing impairments was seen in individuals who were utilizing a sound degree of more than 80%. The causes for NIHL comprised exposure to occupational noise, duration of the listening session per day, and the level to which the sound of the television or the broadcasting was raised. Approximately 77% of the participants preferred to reduce the sound of their personal audio devices (PADs) to prevent NIHL. Conclusion According to this study, there is a high prevalence of hearing problems in the Saudi population. Most of the respondents understood the risk factors linked to NIHL. There is a need for more NIHL awareness campaigns to educate the Saudi population and reinforce positive, healthy listening habits.
Background Syncope is a transient loss of consciousness and postural tone due to global cerebral hypoperfusion which is followed by spontaneous recovery. It is relatively common and increases the risk of subsequent falls and injury. There is scant literature and targeted research on the population's knowledge of syncope. Hence, this study aimed to assess awareness and evaluate the knowledge of syncope among the population of the Makkah region. Methodology An online cross-sectional study was done on 563 participants. A questionnaire was used to collect data about participants' demographics, experiencing syncope in relatives, and knowledge about syncope using case scenarios. Results Females represented 72.6% of the participants and about one third of participants admitted that they had experienced syncope throughout their life. About one-third of participants admitted that they had experienced syncope throughout their life. Most of the study participants (68.9%) showed a good level of knowledge about syncope while 31.1% of them had poor knowledge; the average awareness score was 5.3±1.64. Cardiogenic syncope was the most commonly recognized type of syncope. Furthermore, participants aged between 18 and 35 years and widowed participants demonstrated a good amount of knowledge about syncopal attacks (p<0.001). Conclusions General population of the Makkah region in Saudi Arabia had a sufficient level of knowledge about syncope. Additional studies along with educational programs are needed.
Introduction Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common behavioral disorder in children and is described as a disease involving loss of self-control. The core symptoms of ADHD are inattentiveness, impulsivity, and motor unrest. Furthermore, poor concentration, distraction, hyperactivity, and poor academic achievement at school or at home are other symptoms. ADHD, like other prevalent medical disorders such as asthma and schizophrenia, may be impacted by several genes and has multiple contributing causes that are not all related to each other. The management of ADHD contains multimodal treatments, starting with psycho-education for parents and the child or adolescent patient in an age-appropriate manner called cognitive behavioral therapy. The worldwide prevalence rate of ADHD among children is 7.2% and, in some countries, can be higher and reach 15.5%; studies show the average prevalence of ADHD in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is 9.2%. Method A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2022 to January 2023 among children who live in Makkah between the ages of 4 and 14 years old via an online survey that contained the ADHD Rating Scale-IV for parents/teachers, and caregivers based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-IV criteria. The scale was translated into Arabic and contains 18 questions about ADHD symptoms. Result The overall prevalence of combined ADHD among children in Makkah is 52.5% (n=203 out of 387); most of them were males (30.8%) and 21.7% were females (P=0.09), and most of the combined ADHD prevalence was between the ages of 11 and 14 (20.4%), then the age of 4-7 (16.8%), and 15.3% of them were between 8 and 10 years old. Additionally, the results show a higher prevalence of combined ADHD in Makkah city (33.1%) (n=121) in comparison to rural areas 19.4% (n=82) (P=0.132). Conclusion The aim of the study was to measure the prevalence rate of ADHD in the Makkah region. The study showed a high prevalence rate of ADHD (52.5%) among children in Makkah; the study was carried out online using an ADHD scale, and more accurate results could be found by using face-to-face interviews and including both parents and teachers.
Background Allergic rhinitis (AR) is considered a high global disease burden; hence, the shortage of knowledge would lead to poor adherence to management and preventive measures and increase the exacerbation of AR symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors, and assess the knowledge and practices of the population regarding AR among the population in Makkah city, Saudi Arabia. Methodology This was an online survey cross-sectional study conducted in December 2022 via social media platforms (WhatsApp and Twitter) to collect data on participants' demographics, prevalence, risk factors, knowledge, and attitudes toward AR, using a validated Arabic version of a self-administered questionnaire. Results The study involved 466 participants. Of the participants, 55.8% were aged 31 to 45 years, and 286 (61.4%) were females. The prevalence of AR among the participants was 45%. The most common symptoms were a blocked nose (79.6%), sneezing (74.2%), and a runny nose (71.5%). Furthermore, the prevalence of rhinoconjunctivitis in this study was 56%. The most common inhalant allergen was house dust (73.0%). Only the age and history of asthma or eczema were significant factors associated with AR. Overall, most of the subjects (94.85%) had adequate knowledge regarding AR. Conclusion A high prevalence of AR was observed. Understanding the factors linked with AR is imperative to ensure better adherence to preventive management plans.
BACKGROUND: Host factors related to failure of eradication of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) are increasingly studied. This work aimed to study the influence of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D [25(OH)-vitD] status on the rate of H. pylori eradication. METHODS: One hundred and fifty patients infected with H. pylori were tested for serum 25(OH)-vitD level prior to 14 days clarithromycin-based triple eradication therapy. Accordingly, patients were divided into: group I (eradication successful) and group II (eradication failure). Both groups were compared regarding mean level of serum 25(OH)-vitD and number and percentage of patients with deficient 25 (OH)-vitD. RESULTS: Overall rate of eradication was 72%. Mean serum level of 25(OH)-vitD was higher in the eradication successful group compared to the group of eradication failure (28.12 ± 8.10 vs. 13.54 ± 6.37; p < 0.001). The percentage of patients with 25(OH)-vitD deficiency was higher in the group of eradication failure compared to the group of successful eradication [30 (71.5%) vs. 19 (17.5%); p < 0.001]. Patients with sufficient 25(OH)-vitD had a higher rate of eradication compared to patients with deficient 25(OH)-vitD (88% vs. 38.5%). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggested that deficiency of 25(OH)-vitD could be a risk factor for H. pylori eradication failure, and it recommends to investigate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on H. pylori eradication.
Helicobacter Infections , Helicobacter pylori , Vitamin D Deficiency , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Drug Therapy, Combination , Helicobacter Infections/diagnosis , Helicobacter Infections/drug therapy , Humans , Risk Factors , Vitamin D Deficiency/diagnosis , Vitamin D Deficiency/drug therapy , Vitamins
BACKGROUND: Public measures to confine the spread of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection involves partial or full lockdown by some countries including Saudi Arabia. Social isolation, and financial insecurity are potential risk factors for mental changes. This study aimed to address public concerns, and assess mental health changes, and the factors associated with mental health burden in response to the COVID-19 outbreak in Saudi Arabia after the full lockdown is widely employed. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted between 30th of April, and 10th of May, 2020 by posting an online survey on social media platforms (WhatsApp, and Twitter) to collect data on participants' demographics, concerns and worries related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and mental health changes using a validated Arabic version of the self-rated Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). RESULTS: A total of 1,921 responded to the questionnaire. Of them, 1,429 (74.5%) were ≤ 45 years old, and 967 (50.3%) were males. Reported public concerns included disturbed lifestyle, getting self or family member infected, loss job or part of income, difficult access to routine health care, and 55.8% reported negative impact on their mental health. Hospital anxiety and depression scale revealed high rates of depression [717 (37.3%)], and anxiety [508 (26.4%)]. Binary logistic regression revealed that female gender, working for the private sector, smokers, and people with chronic diseases were at increased risk of mental illnesses (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study addressed serious public concerns, and substantially high rates of depression and anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and lockdown.
Communicable Disease Control/methods , Coronavirus Infections , Mental Health/trends , Pandemics , Pneumonia, Viral , Social Isolation/psychology , Adult , Betacoronavirus , COVID-19 , Coronavirus Infections/epidemiology , Coronavirus Infections/prevention & control , Coronavirus Infections/psychology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Pandemics/prevention & control , Patient Health Questionnaire , Pneumonia, Viral/epidemiology , Pneumonia, Viral/prevention & control , Pneumonia, Viral/psychology , Public Opinion , SARS-CoV-2 , Social Perception , Socioeconomic Factors
