ABSTRACT
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.
ABSTRACT
Background: Traditional medicine has potential benefits, but distinguishing safe from risky procedures is crucial for safeguarding children's health. Harmful practices in Aseer Region of Saudi Arabia, deeply rooted in cultural heritage, require scrutiny of parental attitudes and awareness. Aim: The study aims to investigate and analyze the awareness, attitudes, and associated factors contributing to Harmful Traditional Medical Practices towards children in Aseer Region of Saudi Arabia. Methodology: This study employed a cross-sectional design, using an online survey to collect data via a structured questionnaire developed from an extensive literature review on harmful traditional child medical practices in Aseer Region of Saudi Arabia. Results: The study found that most respondents were aged 41-49 years (42.4%), lived in cities (77%), had at least an undergraduate degree (50.1%), and favored traditional medicine (55.9%). Common traditional medicine choices included "Herbs" (28.4%) and "Belly massage" (27.6%). Age significantly affected treatment preferences, while "Place of Resident" and "Education Level" hinted at potential differences. Personal experiences (37.2%) and family networks (31.4%) were key sources of information. Logistic regression analysis uncovered intricate links between sociodemographic and traditional medicine practices. Respondents' views on "Awareness", "Effectiveness", and "Complications" demonstrated notable statistical significance, influencing parents' and caregivers' perspectives in the study. Conclusion: The study's outcomes underscore the imperative for heightened awareness and education concerning the potential hazards and complications tied to harmful traditional medical practices among parents and caregivers in Aseer Region of Saudi Arabia, particularly with regard to their children's well-being. The evident inclination towards traditional medicine, reliance on personal experiences and familial networks for healthcare insights, and reservations regarding contemporary medical approaches underline the significance of addressing cultural beliefs.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Appendicitis is a common abdominal emergency requiring swift medical intervention. Misconceptions about this condition can lead to delayed diagnosis and potentially life-threatening complications. In the Aseer region of Saudi Arabia, where healthcare accessibility and awareness levels vary, addressing such misconceptions is of paramount importance. The aim of this study is to investigate and identify the prevalent misconceptions regarding appendicitis among the resident population of the Aseer region. Understanding the prevalent misconceptions and knowledge gaps is essential to develop targeted educational interventions and enhance public awareness. METHODS: This study utilized a cross-sectional study design to investigate misconceptions about appendicitis among residents in the Aseer region. Over a period of three months, 329 Aseer region resident population were interviewed. The symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and preventive measures of appendicitis were all covered in a questionnaire that was created to gather information on people's knowledge of appendicitis. Data were collected using an online questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was performed using frequencies and percentages, while inferential analysis employed appropriate statistical tests such as chi-square. RESULTS: The study's 329 participants were made up of 56% men and 44% women. 40% of the sample size was between the ages of 18 and 30, 26% were between the ages of 31 and 40, 15% were between the ages of 41 and 50, and 10% were above 50 years, with those under the age of 18 years accounting for the smallest proportion (9%). The majority of the respondents (37%) were college graduates, 25% were college students, 23% were in high school and 15% were in middle school. Chi-square tests were conducted to examine the associations between background knowledge and pain area, as well as between background knowledge and source of information. For the association between background knowledge and pain area, the Chi-square test yielded a significant result (X² = 9.104, p = 0.028); the Chi-square test also revealed a significant result (X² = 8.078, p = 0.044) between background knowledge and the source of information about appendicitis. CONCLUSION: The analysis suggests a notable knowledge gap among the participants, with a significant portion displaying limited understanding or responding with "I don't know" when queried about appendicitis. It is important to note that this observation includes middle school students, who may be too young to be expected to possess knowledge about medical conditions. Additionally, there appears to be gender-related variation in opinions, misconceptions, and understanding regarding appendicitis.
ABSTRACT
Introduction Food allergies have become a significant health concern worldwide, affecting individuals of all age groups. It is particularly challenging for parents who have children diagnosed with food allergies, as they bear the responsibility of managing their child's condition and ensuring their safety. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness about food allergies among mothers with allergic children in the Aseer region, Saudi Arabia. Methodology A cross-sectional study design was employed, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 400 mothers. The participants were selected through convenience sampling. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were used to summarize the demographic characteristics, knowledge and awareness levels, prevalence of allergenic foods, manifestations of food allergies, and factors influencing food allergies. Chi-squared tests were conducted to assess associations between variables. Results The study revealed a balanced representation across different age groups among the surveyed mothers, with the highest proportion falling in the 31-40 years range. A significant proportion of mothers had a university education, indicating a relatively higher level of education among the participants. The majority of mothers were employed in governmental positions, followed by housewives and those working in the private sector. Regarding knowledge and awareness, a substantial percentage of mothers correctly identified key aspects of food allergies. However, knowledge gaps were observed, particularly in understanding the hereditary nature. The prevalence of allergenic foods varied, with seafood (fish, shrimp, and tuna) emerging as the most commonly reported allergenic foods, followed by eggs, milk, wheat, chocolate, fruits, nuts, and other food types. Manifestations associated with food allergies were reported, including skin, respiratory, eye, nasal, gastrointestinal, and other symptoms. The associations between different feeding methods and the occurrence of medically diagnosed food allergies were found to be non-significant. However, having other children with food allergies showed a highly significant association with the occurrence of food allergies in the current child. The age of introducing solid food did not demonstrate a significant association with the occurrence of food allergies. Conclusion This study provides insights into the knowledge and awareness about food allergies among mothers with allergic children in the Aseer region, Saudi Arabia. While mothers demonstrated a reasonable understanding of food allergies, knowledge gaps were identified, particularly regarding the hereditary nature. The prevalence of allergenic foods aligns with previous studies, although variations across populations should be considered. The manifestations reported by the participants corroborate known allergic reactions, necessitating further analysis.
