Awareness of Diabetic Patients in the Qassim Region About Diabetic Foot and Its Complications.

Introduction Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic condition brought on by either insufficient insulin production by the pancreas or inefficient insulin utilization by the body. A hormone called insulin controls blood sugar. Patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes frequently experience diabetes complications, which are also a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Microvascular and macrovascular problems of diabetes are the two main categories, with the former having a significantly higher prevalence than the latter. In contrast to macrovascular problems, which include cardiovascular disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease (PAD), microvascular sequelae include neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy. The occurrence of a foot ulcer coupled with neuropathy, PAD, and infection is known as diabetic foot (DF) syndrome, and it is a primary factor in lower limb amputation. Finally, there are additional diabetes problems that fall outside of the two categories listed before, including birth defects, dental disease, and decreased infection resistance. Aim This study aimed to evaluate the awareness of diabetic patients in the Qassim region about diabetic foot and its complications. Patient and methods This retrospective cohort study was conducted between January 2021 and January 2022 among diabetic patients. The patients were contacted through the contact numbers listed in their medical charts at the Diabetic Center in King Saud Hospital in Unaizah and the Diabetes Center in King Fahad Specialist Hospital. The data were collected by sending the link to the targeted patients using the Google Form questionnaire. Results Of the 384 diabetic patients, 51.6% were females, and 28.6% were aged between 18 and 30 years old. A previous history of foot ulcers has been reported by 10.4%. The overall mean score was 11.3 (SD 2.99) out of 20 points, with poor, moderate, and good awareness levels constituting 25.8%, 66.4%, and 7.8%, respectively. Factors associated with increased awareness include younger age, female gender, having no associated chronic disease, and not experiencing soreness on the foot or leg. Conclusion There was modest awareness among the diabetic population regarding diabetes foot care and its complications. Independent significant predictors of increased knowledge include younger age, female gender, having no associated chronic disease, and not experiencing soreness on the foot or leg. Increased diabetic education is vital to improving awareness levels of diabetic foot complications.

Secondary School Male Students Perception Towards Their Weight, Almethnab Town, Qassim, Saudi Arabia.

Objective To determine the perception of Almethnab town secondary school male students towards their body weights. Methodology We surveyed male secondary school students in Almethnab town in Qassim using a self-administered questionnaire and weighing/height scale. All of the four secondary schools were targeted. The calculated sample size was 256 students. A stratified cluster sampling technique was used to select research participants. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated and interpreted using web-based CDC childhood and adolescent BMI calculator. Weight status perception was assessed by comparing students' opinions about their weight against BMI percentile status. Results Out of 363 selected students, all of the available 270 students participated, with a response rate of 74%. Thirty-two (12.2%) of the students were underweight, 143 (54.6%) were normal, 30 (11.5%) were overweight, and 57 (21.8%) were obese. Students perception towards their weight was correct for 159 (65%) of students. Out of the 87 overweight/obese students, 16 (18.4%) perceived their weight as appropriate, 17 (53.1%) of 32 underweight students look at their bodies as normal, while 29 (20.4%) of normal weight students perceive themselves as overweight. Obese students exercise less both in frequency and duration than non-obese ones. Sweetened drinks, fast food and frequent snacks are weakly associated with obesity. Conclusion Prevalence of obesity is very high among male secondary school students in Almethnab town.One-third of students have misperceptions about weight status.