ABSTRACT
Background The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a crucial connective tissue that links the femur to the tibia, playing a vital role in stabilizing the knee by resisting forward and rotational movements. ACL tears can occur due to both contact and non-contact sports injuries. Diagnosis and assessment typically involve the Lachman test and magnetic resonance imaging. Initial treatment focuses on reducing swelling, followed by physical therapy or surgery to restore long-term knee functionality. Objective This study aimed to assess the injury prevalence and awareness of ACL and the engagement of preventing training programs among Bahraini athletes across diverse sports. Methods A cross-sectional survey was utilized to evaluate injury prevalence and awareness of ACL and engagement in preventing training among 161 Bahraini athletes from different sports. Data were collected through a detailed questionnaire addressing demographics, sports involvement, ACL injury history, and preventive training. The analysis involved descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, and independent t-tests to compare knowledge across sports types. A chi-square test was performed to examine correlations between injury history and training. Results The results showed that athletes in full-contact sports exhibited significantly higher ACL injury awareness compared to those in semi-contact and non-contact sports. Furthermore, a higher percentage of athletes in semi-contact and non-contact sports reported a history of ACL injuries when compared to those in full-contact sports. However, there was no significant difference in the engagement of preventive exercise training across different sports categories. Conclusion A notable gap in ACL injury awareness exists among Bahraini athletes, varying significantly across sport types. The data highlight the need for customized educational programs catering to different sports.
ABSTRACT
Background In the face of the ongoing global health crisis posed by COVID-19, it becomes imperative to understand the disease's dynamics, particularly in specific regions. This study provides a detailed examination of the factors influencing mechanical ventilation (MV) duration among COVID-19 patients in an intensive care setting, focusing on a diverse patient cohort from the Al Hassa region of Saudi Arabia. The primary aim of this study was to identify key demographic factors, clinical outcomes, and comorbidities that affect the duration of MV among ICU patients with COVID-19. This understanding is crucial for enhancing patient care and informing healthcare strategies in the context of the pandemic. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and admitted to the ICU in the Al Hassa region. The total number of participants was 1,259. Using a systematic sampling method, these participants were chosen to create a representative sample that reflects the prevailing treatment protocols in ICUs across these hospitals. Data encompassed patient demographics, comorbidities, clinical outcomes, and MV duration. Statistical analyses were employed to explore the associations between these variables. Results Our findings reveal a total of 1,259 participants significant associations between MV duration and various factors, including nationality, legal status, travel history, and comorbidities like heart failure and immunocompromised status. These insights are instrumental in understanding the nuances of COVID-19 management in critical care. Conclusion The study provides valuable insights into the determinants of MV duration in severe COVID-19 cases, emphasizing the need for individualized patient care approaches. It highlights the complexity of managing COVID-19 in ICU settings and underscores the importance of tailored healthcare responses to this global health challenge, particularly in the Al Hassa region.