ABSTRACT
Introduction: Many studies report a lack of public awareness of the risk factors and complications of Diabetes Mellitus. Adequate glycemic control is crucial in preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes complications, and medication adherence is one of the key factors in achieving this goal. This study aimed to measure the knowledge about diabetes mellitus and practices regarding lifestyle factors and diabetes management in the study population in the Aseer region, of Saudi Arabia. Material and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted in Abha, a city in the Aseer region of Saudi Arabia. The general population of 18 years of age and above, who were residing in the study area during the period of study, ie, January 2023 to June 2023, were included. The questionnaire was distributed through social media and e-mail for data collection. The descriptive variables were presented using frequency, percentage, and graphs. Pearson's chi-square test was used at a 5% level of significance. Multivariate tests were applied to further explore the findings of univariate analysis. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Results: Out of the total 348 participants, a higher proportion was males (56.3%). About 78.7% of the participants were ever diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and 21.3% were never diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. Nearly 31.6% knew that the major cause of diabetes mellitus was obesity and 31.3% knew that it was a hereditary disease. About 42.2% of respondents exercised regularly and 27.6% were smokers. Adherence to prescribed anti-diabetic medications was seen in 63.2% of the respondents. Self-alterations in the timing and dose of prescribed anti-diabetic drugs were seen in 36.5% and 34.8%, respectively. About 60.1% had a moderate level of self-rated knowledge about Diabetes Mellitus, and 27.6% and 12.4% had good and poor self-rated knowledge levels of Diabetes mellitus, respectively. On multivariate analysis, the age group 60-69 years had significant variations as compared to the other age groups on DM, bachelor's degree holders had significant variations as compared to other education variables, being married had significant differences as compared to those unmarried, those employed had significant variations as compared to the other occupation categories, and smokers had a significant impact on DM as compared to non-smokers. Conclusion: Findings indicated less number of respondents exercised regularly, low adherence to prescribed anti-diabetic medications and low levels of self-rated knowledge of diabetes mellitus. Enhancing the patients' knowledge of diabetes mellitus and improving their self-management and adherence to its medications is necessary through public health education.
ABSTRACT
Background Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way the body processes blood sugar (glucose). This issue is of considerable importance in the field of public health, as it has a global impact on a substantial number of individuals. The primary emphasis in the management of type 2 diabetes is centered around achieving glycemic control, implementing lifestyle adjustments, and employing pharmaceutical therapies as preventive measures or for the purpose of managing problems that may arise as a result of the disease. Aim This research aimed to investigate the prevalence of sleep-belated issues among individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Methodology A total of 230 participants with type 2 diabetes patients of primary healthcare in Abha city whose age is ≥18 years were included in the study. The data collection process involved the distribution of a self-administered questionnaire that assessed various aspects of sleep disturbances, including difficulties in falling asleep, waking up during the night, excessive daytime sleepiness, and restless legs or leg muscle cramps. The questionnaire also collected demographic information and data on potential risk factors such as alcohol consumption, caffeine consumption, and smoking/tobacco product use. Data analysis was conducted using chi-square tests and significance levels were set at p < 0.05. Results The findings revealed a prevalence of sleep disturbances among individuals with type 2 diabetes. Difficulties in falling asleep and waking up during the night were reported by a substantial proportion of participants, and a notable number experienced excessive daytime sleepiness. Restless legs or leg muscle cramps that interrupted sleep were experienced occasionally by 16.5% and frequently by 8.7% of the participants. The study also found a significant association between the presence of sleep problems and lower sleep quality ratings. However, no significant associations were found between sleep disturbances and the duration of type 2 diabetes or the examined risk factors. Conclusion The findings from this study emphasize the detrimental effects of sleep disturbances on sleep quality and suggest that improving sleep quality can positively influence the overall health and well-being of individuals with type 2 diabetes.
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Background Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a significant health concern affecting both adults and children. However, limited research has focused on SDB and its association with orofacial symptoms in primary school children in the Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia. Understanding the prevalence and impact of SDB in this specific population is crucial for early detection and intervention. The study aims to investigate the prevalence of SDB and its associations with orofacial symptoms among primary school children. Method A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted, involving 307 primary school children aged six to 12 years in the Aseer Region. Data was collected through a web-based questionnaire, analyzing demographic information, orofacial symptoms, sleep apnea symptoms, general symptoms, growth-related symptoms, and behavioral symptoms. Results The study showed a balanced gender distribution, with 67.8% of children falling between ages six and nine years. Most children were Saudi nationals, and 58.6% were enrolled in primary education. Orofacial symptoms were reported by 63.5% of children, with finger-sucking and grinding teeth while sleeping being the most common. Sleep apnea symptoms affected 44.3% of children, with snoring being the prevalent symptom. General symptoms were reported by 45% of children, with daytime sleepiness being the most common. Approximately 44.6% of children exhibited sleepiness and growth-related symptoms. No statistically significant relationship was found between age and the occurrence of these symptoms. Conclusion The study offers valuable insights into the prevalence of SDB and its associations with orofacial symptoms among primary school children in the Aseer Region. To truly gauge the impact of interventions on SDB, further research with therapeutic interventions is warranted. In the meantime, targeted strategies and awareness initiatives are needed to address SDB in this population and enhance their overall health and quality of life.
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Background and aim Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders with a huge impact on the physical and psychological well-being of the individuals affected. Unwanted behavioral practices regarding epilepsy emergencies result in poor management, costly clinical interventions, and frequent unnecessary visits to the emergency departments. We aimed at conducting a large-scale investigation of behavioral practices, beliefs, and perceptions regarding epilepsy first aid measures among the Saudi public. Methods This is a descriptive questionnaire-based cross-sectional study of the general public residing in the Southwestern region of Aseer in Saudi Arabia. Results The study included 1230 participants. There were about 70.4% shows good knowledge about epilepsy and 74.2% with good knowledge about epilepsy first-aid. About 87.1% reported that they know what epilepsy really is, and nearly 38.1% know somebody diagnosed with epilepsy. Only 25.4 sought doctors for epilepsy-related knowledge. About 16.7% thought spirit possession to be the aetiology for epilepsy and about 14.1% believed that evil eye was the cause. In terms of the adjusted impact for background factors on epilepsy knowledge, high education, attending seminars, or getting information from doctors was associated with a better knowledge score. However, housewives were less knowledgeable in terms of epilepsy-related knowledge. Conclusion We uncovered in our present investigation the upward trend for behavioral practices regarding epilepsy during the last few years among the Saudi public. We noted that behavioral practices and knowledge levels about epilepsy were far better among highly educated graduates. One concerning finding is the huge reliance on media for information about epilepsy. The media may not be the ideal channel for the dissemination of health-wise information about epilepsy. Our study results showed that there was a very low level of first-hand experience of knowing some acquaintances living with epilepsy, likely because of stigma. Spirit possession and evil-eye beliefs are embedded in the Saudi culture. It was notable that 25% and 19% of minorities reported getting information about epilepsy from doctors and seminars, respectively. These were the two groups with the highest adjustable knowledge score though. Knowledge about first aid for epilepsy was satisfactory in several aspects. Sadly, housewives were less knowledgeable in terms of epilepsy-related knowledge than other categories of employment. Public healthcare facilities should be more proactive. Health education should be provided to the general public using simple and understandable language to help improve knowledge and attitudes towards epilepsy and all related chronic illnesses.
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INTRODUCTION: Cataract is the most prevalent age-related eye disease and the most curable cause of adult visual impairment. The aim of this study was to assess the cataract disease rate and knowledge regarding its definition, symptoms, risk factors, prognosis, and treatment. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study of 600 randomly selected people aged 18 and up was conducted from May 2022 to August 2022, among adults. Participants were given an online survey via social media that included items testing their knowledge of cataracts. RESULTS: Study participants had a 3.4% cataract previous exposure rate. Four hundred forty-eight (75.9%) participants had good knowledge about cataracts. Participants with higher educational levels were more likely to correctly answer questions about different aspects of knowledge about cataracts. CONCLUSION: Future studies should focus on improving awareness about cataracts. Risk factors, complications, treatment options, complications of cataract surgery, and regular follow-ups should be explained to patients. Through routine eye checks, early detection and treatment of this condition will be better understood.