Prevalence and Factors Associated with Metabolic Syndrome among Non-Diabetic Saudi Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.

(1) Introduction: given the high prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Saudi Arabia, especially in Jeddah, this study aims to understand the dietary and lifestyle-related risk factors among Jeddah's non-diabetic adults. (2) Material and Methods: Employing a cross-sectional design, non-diabetic adults were sourced from public healthcare centers. Demographics, lifestyle, and dietary habits were surveyed. Blood pressure, anthropometrics, and fasting blood samples measuring plasma glucose, serum triglycerides, and HDL cholesterol were collected. The age cut-off for MetS was ascertained using the receiver operating characteristic curve. Variables influencing MetS were evaluated using univariate logistic regression, and consequential factors underwent multivariate analysis, adjusted for age and sex. (3) Results: Among 1339 participants, 16% had MetS, with age being the strongest predictor (p < 0.001). The optimal age cut-off was 32 years. For those <32, elevated BP in men and waist circumference (WC) in women were most prevalent. For those >32, elevated WC was dominant in both sexes. Univariate logistic regression revealed that higher income and education correlated with lower MetS prevalence, while marriage and smoking were risk factors. Adjusting for age and sex, only very high income had a significant low-risk association (p = 0.034). (4) Conclusion: MetS is notable in the studied group, with age as the pivotal predictor. High income reduces MetS risk, while marital status and smoking could increase it. Since this was a cross-sectional study, cohort studies are needed to validate our findings.

Exploring the Validity of Available Markers and Indices in the Diagnosis of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) in People with Type 2 Diabetes in Saudi Arabia.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is common among Saudi patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). However, recommended clinical procedures to detect it are unavailable in many locations. Therefore, better and more available diagnostic biomarkers for NAFLD are needed. Various serum parameters were suggested, and algorithms that employ routine measurements in clinical practice have been developed for the prediction of fat stores in the liver in different populations. However, no such studies have been conducted on Saudis. We aimed to compare selected biochemical markers and calculated indices in T2DM patients diagnosed with NAFLD and patients without NAFLD to find the best markers associated with NAFLD. A cross-sectional study was employed to recruit 67 people with T2DM from endocrine outpatient clinics at King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital. NAFLD was detected by ultrasonography in 28 patients. Demographic information, anthropometric, and blood pressure (BP) measurements were taken. Fasting blood samples were obtained to measure glucose, glycated haemoglobin, lipid profile, liver function tests, and highly sensitive C-reactive protein. Fatty liver index, hepatic steatosis index, NAFLD-liver fat score, and triglyceride and glucose index were calculated. Following stepwise forward likelihood ratio regression with independent variables included in one model using binary logistic regression with age and waist circumference (WC) entered as covariates, elevated diastolic BP and low high-density lipoprotein- cholesterol remained significantly associated with NAFLD (p = 0.002 and 0.03, respectively). However, none of the investigated indices could be used to diagnose the disease adequately due to low specificity, even after calculating new cut-off values. Investigating novel markers and adjusting existing equations used to calculate indices to improve sensitivity and specificity in our population is needed.

Association Between Anthropometric Indices and Nonanthropometric Components of Metabolic Syndrome in Saudi Adults.

Context: Waist circumference (WC) is used in screening for metabolic syndrome (MetS) based on its association with cardiometabolic risk. This might apply differently in ethnically different populations. Associations with other measures are also unclear. Objective: This work aimed to investigate the association between neck circumference (NC), WC, WC:hip circumference, WC:height (WC:Ht), NC:Ht, fat percentage, body mass index (BMI), conicity index, abdominal volume index, and weight-adjusted waist index with nonanthropometric components of MetS in nondiabetic Saudi adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study took place in public health centers in Jeddah, comprising 1365 Saudi adults (772 men and 593 women) aged 18 years or older not previously diagnosed with diabetes. Main outcome measures included: the presence of 2 or more nonanthropometric components of the MetS were used to define clinical metabolic abnormality (CMA). The predictive ability of studied anthropometric indices for CMA was determined using the area under receiver operating characteristics (AUC) curve and binary logistic regression. Results: A total of 157 men and 83 women had CMA. NC and NC:Ht had the highest predictive ability for CMA in men (odds ratio [OR]NC = 1.79, P < .001 and ORNC:Ht = 1.68, P < .001; AUCNC = 0.69 [95% CI, 0.64-0.74] and AUCNC:Ht = 0.69 [95% CI, 0.64-0.73]). In women, WC had the highest predictive ability ORWC = 1.81, P < .001; AUCWC = 0.75 [95% CI, 0.69-0.80]). Conclusion: Upper-body anthropometric indicators that were associated with subcutaneous fat had the highest predictive ability for CMA in men whereas abdominal obesity indictors had the best predictive ability in women, suggesting that fat distribution might contribute to CMA in a sex-specific manner.

Gender Differences in The Factors associated with Hypertension in Non-Diabetic Saudi Adults-A Cross-Sectional Study.

The association between lifestyle practices, obesity and increased BP are under-investigated. We aimed to investigate this association to identify the factors associated with hypertension and prehypertension in Saudis. Non-diabetic adults were recruited from public healthcare centers using a cross-sectional design. Recruits were interviewed using a predesigned questionnaire. Weight, height, waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), neck circumference (NC) and BP were measured. The variables were analyzed by comparing the prehypertensive and hypertensive groups with the normotensive group. A total of 1334 adults were included. The study found that 47.2% of men and 24.7% of women were prehypertensive, and 15.1% of men and 14.4% of women were hypertensive. High BMI, WC, NC, and WC: HC ratios were associated with an increased risk of prehypertension and hypertension in men and women. Low physical activity was associated with an increased risk of elevated BP in men, while sleep duration of ≤6 h and sitting for ≥4 h were associated with increased risk in women. Women from central Asia, southeast Asia, and those of mixed origin had a higher prevalence of hypertension compared to those from Arabian tribes. In conclusion, prehypertension and hypertension increase with age and obesity. Gender differences were apparent in the association between several lifestyle practices and prehypertension or hypertension among various ethnic/racial groups.

The association between hypertension and other cardiovascular risk factors among non-diabetic Saudis adults-A cross sectional study.

Population specific associations between cardiovascular disease with various risk factors including pre-hypertension and hypertension were reported. We aimed to investigate the association of higher than optimal blood pressure with measures of dysglycemia, dyslipidemia, and markers of inflammation in non-diabetic Saudi adults hoping to improve current Saudi guidelines to prevent cardiovascular disease. Volunteers were recruited randomly from public healthcare centers in Jeddah. Demographic information, blood pressure (BP), and anthropometric measurements were taken. Fasting blood samples were drawn, then again following 1-hour oral glucose tolerance test. Glycated hemoglobin, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), lipid profile, highly sensitive C- reactive protein, gamma glutamyl transferase, and 1-hour plasma glucose were measured. Complete data was found for 742 men and 592 women. Pre-hypertension was found in 47.2% of men, and 24.7% of women, while 15.1% of men, and 14.6% of women were hypertensive. Means of measured variables differed significantly between normotensive, pre-hypertensive, and hypertensive groups of men and women in gender specific manner. Association between measured variables and elevated BP, and hypertension were assessed using logistic regression models. After adjustment for age, body mass index and waist circumference, elevated blood pressure was associated with elevated triglycerides in men, while hypertension was significantly associated with elevated fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein- cholesterol, and low high density lipoprotein- cholesterol in men, and elevated triglycerides, and total cholesterol in women. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to measure lipid profile, specifically TG, for all diagnosed pre-hypertensive and hypertensive patients in addition to FPG for men.

The Association Between Dietary Habits and Other Lifestyle Indicators and Dysglycemia in Saudi Adults Free of Previous Diagnosis of Diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: Study the association of dietary habits and other indicators of lifestyle with dysglycemia in Saudi adults. METHODS: In a cross-sectional design, data were obtained from 1403 Saudi adults (⩾20 years), not previously diagnosed with diabetes. Demographics, lifestyle variables and dietary habits were obtained using a predesigned questionnaire. Fasting plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin and 1-hour oral glucose tolerance test were used to identify dysglycemia. Regression analysis was performed to determine the associations of dietary factors and other indicators of lifestyle with dysglycemia. RESULTS: A total 1075 adults (596 men, and 479 women) had normoglycemia, and 328 (195 men, and 133 women) had dysglycemia. Following adjustment for age, BMI and waist circumference, in men the weekly intake of 5 portions or more of red meat and Turkish coffee were associated with decreased odds of having dysglycemia odds ratio (OR) 0.444 (95% CI: 0.223, 0.881; P = .02) and 0.387 (95% CI: 0.202, 0.74; P = .004), respectively. In women, the intake of fresh juice 1 to 4 portions per week and 5 portions or more were associated with OR 0.603 (95% CI: 0.369, 0.985; P = .043) and OR 0.511 (95% CI: 0.279, 0.935; P = .029) decreased odds of having dysglycemia, respectively compared with women who did not drink fresh juice. The intake of 5 times or more per week of hibiscus drink was associated with increased odds of having dysglycemia, OR 5.551 (95% CI: 1.576, 19.55, P = .008) compared with women not using such a drink. Other lifestyle factors were not associated with dysglycemia. CONCLUSION: Dietary practices by studied Saudis have some impact on risk of dysglycemia, with obvious sex differences.

The Association between Dyslipidemia, Dietary Habits and Other Lifestyle Indicators among Non-Diabetic Attendees of Primary Health Care Centers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Diet and other lifestyle habits have been reported to contribute to the development of dyslipidemia in various populations. Therefore, this study investigated the association between dyslipidemia and dietary and other lifestyle practices among Saudi adults. Data were collected from adults (≥20 years) not previously diagnosed with diabetes in a cross-sectional design. Demographic, anthropometric, and clinical characteristics, as well as lifestyle and dietary habits were recorded using a predesigned questionnaire. Fasting blood samples were drawn to estimate the serum lipid profile. Out of 1385 people, 858 (62%) (491 men, 367 women) had dyslipidemia. After regression analysis to adjust for age, body mass index, and waist circumference, an intake of ≥5 cups/week of Turkish coffee, or carbonated drinks was associated with increased risk of dyslipidemia in men (OR (95% CI), 2.74 (1.53, 4.89) p = 0.001, and 1.53 (1.04, 2.26) p = 0.03 respectively), while the same intake of American coffee had a protective effect (0.53 (0.30, 0.92) p = 0.025). Sleep duration <6 h, and smoking were also associated with increased risk in men (1.573 (1.14, 2.18) p = 0.006, and 1.41 (1.00, 1.99) p = 0.043 respectively). In women, an increased intake of fresh vegetables was associated with increased risk (2.07 (1.09, 3.94) p = 0.026), which could be attributed to added salad dressing. Thus, there are sex differences in response to dietary and lifestyle practices.

Dysglycemia risk score in Saudi Arabia: A tool to identify people at high future risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

AIMS/INTRODUCTION: To develop a non-invasive risk score to identify Saudis having prediabetes or undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Adult Saudis without diabetes were recruited randomly using a stratified two-stage cluster sampling method. Demographic, dietary, lifestyle variables, personal and family medical history were collected using a questionnaire. Blood pressure and anthropometric measurements were taken. Body mass index was calculated. The 1-h oral glucose tolerance test was carried out. Glycated hemoglobin, fasting and 1-h plasma glucose were measured, and obtained values were used to define prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (dysglycemia). Logistic regression models were used for assessing the association between various factors and dysglycemia, and Hosmer-Lemeshow summary statistics were used to assess the goodness-of-fit. RESULTS: A total of 791 men and 612 women were included, of whom 69 were found to have diabetes, and 259 had prediabetes. The prevalence of dysglycemia was 23%, increasing with age, reaching 71% in adults aged ≥65 years. In univariate analysis age, body mass index, waist circumference, use of antihypertensive medication, history of hyperglycemia, low physical activity, short sleep and family history of diabetes were statistically significant. The final model for the Saudi Diabetes Risk Score constituted sex, age, waist circumference, history of hyperglycemia and family history of diabetes, with the score ranging from 0 to 15. Its fit based on assessment using the receiver operating characteristic curve was good, with an area under the curve of 0.76 (95% confidence interval 0.73-0.79). The proposed cut-point for dysglycemia is 5 or 6, with sensitivity and specificity being approximately 0.7. CONCLUSION: The Saudi Diabetes Risk Score is a simple tool that can effectively distinguish Saudis at high risk of dysglycemia.

Knowledge and attitude toward do-not-resuscitate among patients and their relatives visiting outpatient clinics at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: To assess knowledge and attitudes about do not resuscitate (DNR) among patients and their relatives visiting outpatient clinics at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH), Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study conducted between March and April 2018 with a self-administered questionnaire among patients and their relatives visiting outpatient clinics at KAUH. A systematic random selection of individuals every other day. RESULTS: The questionnaire was filled by 400 participants. Fifty-four percent were patients' relatives, and approximately 60% were female. Out of 105 (26.3%) who were familiar with DNR term, 44.8% chose the correct definition, 5.2% had previous experience with the DNR term, and 34.3% of them had DNR-related knowledge from social media. Out of the 400 participants, 169 (42.3%) disagreed with DNR. The majority of responders did not know if there is DNR policy or fatwa (a legal opinion on the point of Islamic law). CONCLUSION: There is a lack of knowledge regarding DNR among participants.

Health related quality of life among Saudi children and adolescents with celiac disease.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated enteropathy triggered by gluten ingestion in genetically susceptible individuals. This study reports on the quality of life (QOL) of Saudi children and adolescents with CD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a case control study that included Saudi patients with CD, aged 9-18 years, who attended CD Clinic at KAU between February 2017 and July 2018. The study was conducted using the Short-Form (SF-36) questionnaire for all candidates, CD-specific QOL questionnaire for the CD patients group, and CD screen questionnaire for the control group. RESULTS: Overall, 354 subjects were studied (111 CD patients and 243 control). Female subjects constituted 56.8% of both patient and control groups. In the generic SF-36 questionnaire, QOL was comparable between patients and controls in all domains except for the general health domain, which showed difference in favor of the controls (55.01 ± 26.41 and 62.96 ± 18.16, P = 0.005). We also found that males have lower QOL scores in the domains comprising health change (P = 0.02), physical functioning (P = 0.04, role functioning/emotional and emotional well-being (P = 0.049). The CD-specific QOL showed excellent and good scores for 79.3% of patients overall in the tested domains. Patients with poor adherence showed poor QOL in all generic (SF-36) domains but not in CD-specific domains. CONCLUSION: The HRQOL for Saudi CD children on GFD is generally comparable to the healthy control with exception of the general health domain. Adherence to the GFD improves the generic (SF-36) QOL domains.

Factors associated with adherence to Mediterranean diet among Saudi non-diabetic patients attending primary health care centers: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the degree and factors responsible for adherence to a Mediterranean diet among non-diabetic patients attending primary health care centres (PHCCs). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Jeddah PHCCs using a validated self-administered questionnaire which assessed adherence levels to 14 dietary aspects related to the Mediterranean diet. The questionnaire enabled calculation of an adherence score (0-14), where inadequate adherence was assumed for scores ≤7. Factors of adherence included general socio-demographic characteristics, medical history, lifestyle, and cardiovascular risk factors such as body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, blood pressure, and fasting and 1-h postprandial blood glucose levels. RESULTS: Of the 265 participants (50.6% males), inadequate adherence was reported in 74.3%. Adherence scores were higher in married participants than in unmarried ones (6.68 ± 1.74 vs. 6.24 ± 1.79, p = 0.04), as well as in those who engaged in regular physical activity vs. those who did not (6.79 ± 1.90 vs. 6.30 ± 1.63, p = 0.02). Furthermore, Mediterranean diet adherence increased with age (B = 0.02, r = 0.133; p < 0.001). Interestingly, adherence scores were not associated with major cardiovascular risk factors except for a significantly higher diastolic blood pressure in participants with adequate as opposed to low adherence (77.96 ± 12.20 vs. 74.01 ± 12.24, respectively, p = 0.022). CONCLUSION: One out of 4 non-diabetic patients attending PHCCs exhibited good adherence to a Mediterranean diet without considerable association with cardiovascular risk factors. Further studies are recommended to investigate awareness and knowledge regarding the Mediterranean diet among Saudi populations. Subsequently, awareness programs could be tailored accordingly.

The Association Between Prediabetes and Dyslipidemia Among Attendants of Primary Care Health Centers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

INTRODUCTION: Early detection and treatment of dysglycemia including diabetes and prediabetes is demonstrated to improve disease outcomes and prevent complications. OBJECTIVE: To assess the association of prediabetes with lipid metabolism disorders to clarify whether systematic screening for prediabetes should be proposed for individuals with dyslipidemia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study design, employing a stratified two-stage cluster sampling method recruited non-diabetic adults (age ≥18 years) from attendees of Primary Health Care (PHC) centers in Jeddah. Anthropomorphic measurements, demographic and clinical information were taken, and blood pressure was measured. Fasting blood sample was obtained for the measurement of plasma glucose (FPG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), and lipid profile. Plasma glucose was estimated 1 hr after the ingestion of 50 g glucose (1h-OGTT). Prediabetes and dyslipidemia were defined according to international guidelines. Demographic and clinical factors of subjects with prediabetes, and those with normoglycemia were compared. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to adjust for confounding factors. RESULTS: A total of 613 individuals were included with a mean age (±SD) of 32±11.8years, and 54.8% being female. Prediabetes was detected in 28.7%, and dyslipidemia in 54.2% of participants. After adjusting for age, an association was found for high low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and prediabetes based on any definition. After adjustment for body mass index (BMI), the association was retained for any type of dyslipidemia and in particular high LDL-C. After adjusting for both age and BMI, a significant association was found only between high LDL-C and prediabetes based on any definition (OR, 95% CI=1.50,1.02-2.19, P= 0.037). CONCLUSION: Even though high LDL-C is associated with an increased probability of prediabetes, a recommendation for universal screening of dyslipidemic patients requires further cohort studies.

Mobile Phone Addiction and Its Relationship to Sleep Quality and Academic Achievement of Medical Students at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Adverse effects of Mobile Phone (MP) usage could lead to dependency problems, and medical students are not excluded from it. We aimed to determine the pattern of MP usage, and its relation to sleep quality and academic performance between medical students at King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. METHODS: A multistage stratified random sample was used for selection of 610 participants, during 2016-2017. A validated, anonymous data collection sheet was used. It inquired about the Grade Point Averages (GPA). It included the Problematic Mobile Phone Use Questionnaire (PMPU-Q) for assessing various aspects of cellphone addiction (dependency, financial problems, prohibited and dangerous use). The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was also included. Descriptive and inferential statistics were done. RESULTS: A high frequency of MP usage prevailed among participants (73.4% used it >5 h/day). About two-thirds of participants had poor sleep quality. Females, owners of smartphone for >1 yr, and increasing time spent on MP were associated with MP dependency. Lower academic achievers had significantly worse MP scores on financial problems, dangerous use, and total PUMP. MP dependency was correlated with subjective sleep quality score, and sleep latency. Global PSQI scale was correlated with prohibited MP use. CONCLUSIONS: Lower achievers had significantly worse scores on MP financial problems, dangerous usage, and the total PMPU. MP dependency was correlated with poor subjective sleep quality, and sleep latency. Rationale MP usage is needed to decrease the dependency, improve sleep quality, and academic achievement of medical students.

Premarital Screening and Genetic Counseling program: knowledge, attitude, and satisfaction of attendees of governmental outpatient clinics in Jeddah.

UNLABELLED: Premarital care (PMC) is a worldwide activity that aims to diagnose and treat unrecognized disorders and reduce the transmission of diseases to couples and children. OBJECTIVES: To assess the knowledge and attitude of individuals attending governmental outpatient clinics regarding the Premarital Screening and Genetic Counseling (PMSGC) programs, to identify predictors of high knowledge scores and to determine the satisfaction and recommendations of clients of the program. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to April 2009. Individuals who attended three governmental hospital outpatient clinics on the day of the interview and agreed to participate in the study were recruited. The three hospitals were the two hospitals in Jeddah that offer the PMSGC programs and the King Abdulaziz University Hospital. Ethical considerations were followed and data were collected through an interview questionnaire that had been constructed for the study. The questionnaire asked for personal and socio-demographic data and for responses, on a 5-point Likert scale, to 30 knowledge items and 14 attitude statements. Individuals who participated in the PMSGC program were asked questions regarding the services and activities of the program to ascertain their satisfaction with the program and their recommendations for program improvement. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 16 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). RESULTS: The sample included 655 participants, of whom 38.8% completed the PMSGC program. The participants' knowledge about the program was generally low. Education was the first predictor of a high knowledge score; individuals having ≥ university degree obtained a higher score (aOR=2.73; 95% CI: 1.77-4.20). The second predictor was the nationality of the participants, with Saudis gaining a higher score (aOR=2.04; 95% CI: 1.002-4.16). The third predictor was monthly income. Regarding attitudes, the vast majority of participants (96.0%) strongly agreed on the importance of the program. Concerning the satisfaction levels of those who benefited from the program, 80.0% gave an excellent or very good score for program confidentiality, whereas lower scores were given for counseling. Counseling before the tests was conducted for only 11.7% of the study participants. The majority of participants recommended adding testing for other genetic diseases and STDs as well as additional topics for counseling. CONCLUSION: Knowledge in the general population about the PMSGC program was low. Implementation of school and university educational campaigns is important. Improved counseling and adding new topics for counseling on genetic, chronic, and psychiatric problems; building healthy families; reproduction and fertility are recommended.

An educational program about premarital screening for unmarried female students in King Abdul-Aziz University, Jeddah.

UNLABELLED: The present study was conducted to assess knowledge and attitude of unmarried female students in King Abdul-Aziz University (KAU) towards premarital screening (PMS) program, to determine predictors of high students' knowledge scores and to improve their knowledge about PMS through conduction of an educational campaign. Multi-stage stratified random sample method was used with recruitment of 1563 students from all faculties of KAU, during the educational year 2008-2009. The Pre-test included 30 knowledge items and 14 attitude statements with student's response through a 5-point Likert scale. Health education was conducted using audiovisual aids through pre-designed educational materials. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS version 16. RESULTS: Students' knowledge about the program was generally low before the educational campaign. The predictors of high knowledge scores were being a health science student (aOR=4.15; 95% CI: 2.97-5.81), age ≥20 years (aOR=2.78; 95% CI: 2.01-3.85), family history of hereditary diseases and income ≥10,000 SR/month. Regarding attitude, almost all students (99.0%) agreed on the importance of PMS. After the educational program, students' knowledge about PMS was markedly improved. The mean students' knowledge score was 9.85 ± 5.36 in Pre-test and improved to 18.45 ± 4.96 in Post-test, with a highly statistical significant difference (paired t=25.40, p<0.000). CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The educational program was successful in improving students' knowledge about the PMS. Conduction of similar educational programs and adding PMS in the curriculum of secondary and university education are recommended.

Prevalence, risk factors and outcome of childhood abuse reported by female university students in jeddah.

Child abuse constitutes all forms of physical and /or emotional ill treatment, sexual abuse, neglect or negligent treatment or commercial or other exploitation, resulting in actual or potential harm to the child's health, survival, development or dignity in the context of a relationship of responsibility, trust or power. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence, types, main predictors and outcome of child abuse, retrospectively reported by female university students in Jeddah. A cross sectional study was conducted and the Standardized Arabic Version of Child Abuse Screening Tool for Young Adult (18-24 years old) was used. Ethical standards of confidentiality and freedom to participate were followed. Multistage stratified random sample was used with selection of 1,897 females. About two-thirds (68.3 %) of students reported exposure to some form of child abuse. Physical and emotional forms were recalled by 45.1 % & 50.6 % of students, respectively, while, 2.9 % reported exposure to forced contact sexual assault. Parents and siblings were the commonest perpetrators of both physical & emotional abuse, while other relatives and extra-familial persons were the main offenders of sexual violence. The predictors of exposure to three forms of abuse together were: existence of parent who hit the other (aOR= 2.54; 95 % CI: 1.88-3.42), non-university graduated mother (aOR =1.83; p