RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease with a high burden. We aim to be the first to investigate the prevalence of fibromyalgia (FM) in Syria and assess its risk factors. METHODS: A self-reported questionnaire was distributed to the public to identify fibromyalgia patients using the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 2010 modified criteria. Identified cases were matched using age with controls free from rheumatic disorders that were randomly sampled from the same population. RESULTS: Out of 2966 participants, 350 (11.8%) satisfied the diagnostic criteria. Of these, only 29 (8.2%) were previously diagnosed by a physician, 239 (68.3%) were females, and 69 (19.71%) were diagnosed with depression. Female sex (OR = 1.31), diagnosis of major depressive disorder (OR = 2.62), irritable bowel syndrome (OR = 1.8), and Restless legs syndrome (OR = 1.72) were associated with a higher likelihood of fibromyalgia. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed one of the highest prevalence rates of fibromyalgia ever reported in the general population. Efforts must be intensified to increase awareness about this disease in Syrian society as well as among healthcare providers.
RESUMEN
Background Antibiotic resistance is a serious public health threat that results mainly secondary to antibiotics misuse. The present study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practice toward antibiotic use among the Syrian population. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted at the outpatient clinics of two major hospitals in Damascus, Syria. Applying a random convenience sampling, data were collected in a 1-week period by interviewing participants using a structured questionnaire, which targeted demographics, practice, knowledge, and attitude. Data were used to assess the relationship between the knowledge level and attitudes and demographics. Results Most respondents had a moderate level of knowledge (187, 74.8%) and a moderate attitude score (148, 59.2%). In addition, most respondents (149, 59.6%) stated that they take antibiotics based on pharmacist advice only and do not complete the full antibiotic course (200, 80%). A significant association was found between the knowledge level and financial status ( p -value = 0.003), education level ( p -value = 0.001), and having relatives working in the health care sector ( p -value = 0.021). In addition, a significant association was found between the attitude and having health insurance. Conclusion This study provides baseline evidence about the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding antibiotics among the Syrian population, that will help in designing targeted interventions to solve the inappropriate use of antibiotics.