Evaluating the public's readiness to combat vector-borne disease threats in Jazan, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional survey.

Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) pose a significant public health challenge in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the Jazan region. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding VBDs among the population of Jazan and to identify factors associated with these variables. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 642 adult residents of Jazan using a convenience random sampling technique. The survey tool consisted of 6 domains: demographics, knowledge of VBDs, preventive practices, care-seeking behavior, knowledge of specific VBDs, and attitudes towards VBDs. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, t tests, ANOVA, and multivariable logistic regression. The majority of participants (60.0%) had high knowledge scores, while (75.5%) and (77.7%) had high attitude and practice scores, respectively. However, knowledge gaps were identified in specific areas, such as the transmission of leishmaniasis and Rift Valley fever. Gender was a significant predictor of both knowledge and practice scores, with males having higher knowledge and females demonstrating higher levels of preventive practices. Age, education, income, and working status were also associated with knowledge scores. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions and educational campaigns to address the identified gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Future research should focus on exploring the effectiveness of different intervention strategies and investigating the integration of VBD prevention and control measures into existing healthcare systems. By employing a multi-disciplinary approach, evidence-based strategies can be developed to prevent and control VBDs, ultimately improving public health outcomes in Jazan and other endemic regions worldwide.

Multiple Cesarean Section Outcomes and Complications: A Retrospective Study in Jazan, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Given the increase in the rate of cesarean sections (CSs) globally and in Saudi Arabia, this study was conducted to assess the maternal and perinatal complications after repeat cesarean sections in the studied population. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted by reviewing the records of all women who underwent CSs between January and July 2023 in three hospitals in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia. RESULTS: Of the 268 women studied, 195 (72.7%) had a CS for the first or second time and 73 (27.3%) had two, three, or four previous CSs (repeat CS). The most common maternal intra-operative complications reported by the repeat CS group were intra-peritoneal adhesions (7.5%) and fused abdominal layers (7.1%) while the most common postoperative complications were the need for blood transfusion (22%) and UTIs (3%). The most common neonatal complications were a low Apgar score (19%), needing neonatal resuscitation (2.6%), and intensive care admission. In addition, 3.7% of mothers failed to initiate breastfeeding in the first 24 h. CONCLUSIONS: The frequent complications were intra-peritoneal adhesions, fused abdominal wall layers, blood transfusion, and postoperative infections which were overcome by the optimal hospital care. However, the frequent neonatal complications were a low Apgar score, needing neonatal resuscitation, and intensive care admission.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Eating Disorders Among Female Students at Jazan University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A Survey Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Concerns about the incidence of eating disorders (EDs) among university students are spreading throughout the world. In Saudi Arabia, little is known about the prevalence and associated factors of EDs among female university students. Thus, this study investigated the prevalence, common types, and potential associated factors of EDs among female students of Jazan University.  Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between August 31, 2020, and November 2, 2020. The snowball technique was used to recruit female students via an electronic survey distributed in Arabic. The survey collected information about demographic characteristics, and SCOFF (Sick, Control, One, Fat, Food) and Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) scales. Cronbach's alpha for the SCOFF and EAT-26 scales was calculated to be 0.78 and 0.58, respectively, in this study. RESULTS: A total of 566 female students participated in the survey, with a mean age of 22.12 ± 2.93 years. The results showed that 47.9% of participants were at risk for EDs based on SCOFF scores, while 26.5% were at risk based on EAT-26 scores. The most common types of EDs were bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. Furthermore, the study identified several sociodemographic characteristics, including year of study (p = 0.042), college type (p = 0.004), body weight (p = 0.001), and BMI (p = 0.001), that are significantly associated with EDs. However, no significant relationships were observed between marital status (p = 0.103), age (p = 0.147), and height (p = 0.509) with SCOFF scores. Some students reported frequent binge eating, purging, or laxative/diet pill misuse. CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed a moderate to high prevalence of risk for EDs among female university students in Jazan, Saudi Arabia, associated with higher study years, college majors, and body weight and BMI. Dangerous ED behaviors reported by some students signal an urgent need for resources to identify and support those suffering from these disorders. Targeted interventions and services may help address this critical issue on campuses and support vulnerable students in need. Continued research and public health action are needed to curb the spread of these disorders.