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Background Thyroid cancer incidence has been increasing worldwide over the last few decades. It is the most common endocrine cancer and is most common among females. The study contributes to filling the knowledge gap among Saudi people regarding thyroid cancer. Objectives This research aims to investigate the level of thyroid cancer knowledge and awareness in Saudi Arabia, identify potential knowledge gaps, and develop targeted strategies for enhancing public awareness and education. Methods A cross-sectional, voluntary online survey was conducted from 1st August 2023 to 1st October 2023 among residents living in Saudi Arabia over 18 years of age. The participants included were 2030 respondents. Data analysis was performed using RStudio (R version 4.3.0; R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria). Results Among the participants, the majority were female (60.4%). A total of 49.7% of the individuals reported having a moderate to high level of knowledge about thyroid cancer. While 63.9% knew the association of a lump in the neck to thyroid cancer, 82.6% affirmed to consult a doctor upon discovering a lump, 72.1% knew that regular monitoring of neck lumps is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment of precancerous conditions, 38.7% were aware of females being prone to thyroid cancer, and 59.2% were aware of the link between lifestyle and increased risk. Higher awareness scores were positively associated with female gender, previously having thyroid function tests done, and previously undergoing a US scan of the thyroid. Conclusion In this study, Saudi individuals are reported to lack some aspects of knowledge and perception of thyroid cancer. This study emphasizes filling the existing knowledge gap in thyroid cancer awareness in the Saudi population.
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BACKGROUND: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with high morbidity. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence and types of cardiovascular complications among patients with SLE in the Aseer region of Saudi Arabia. METHOD: This study is retrospective record-based research conducted at Aseer Central Hospital in the Aseer region from 2020 to 2022. We conducted a comprehensive review of the medical records of patients. RESULTS: Out of the 189 patients diagnosed with SLE, 18.0% (34 out of 189) experienced cardiovascular complications. Of the patients who experienced cardiovascular complications, around two-fifths (15/34) fell between 35 and 44 years (44.12%), females represented (31/34) 91.20%, the majority were nonsmokers (32/34) 94.0%, (6/32) 17.65% were diabetic, (17/34) 50.0% had hypertension, and (13/34) 38.24% had vasculitis. Pericarditis and myocarditis are seen in (5/34) 14.7% of each of the cases, endocarditis accounts for (4/34) 11.7% of the cases, a myocardial infarction occurs in (7/34) 20.6% of patients, coronary artery disease is prevalent in (14/34) 38.2% of cases, and valvular lesions at (5/34) 14.7%. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the prevalence of cardiovascular complications in SLE patients is crucial for healthcare providers to tailor treatment plans and preventive measures to address this aspect of the disease.
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Background In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of the internet and information technology for accessing health information. This study aimed to determine the factors that affect patients with neurological disabilities and their willingness to search for information via the internet. In addition, we aimed to assess how patients manage this information, considering the increasing availability of online information and websites that discuss health and diseases, as well as the spread of communication technology and its accessibility to the public. Methodology A cross-sectional, online, self-administered, questionnaire study was conducted in Saudi Arabia. The study targeted patients with neurological diseases who had disabilities. The questionnaire was designed to measure the demographic data, physical disability using the 10-item physical function component of the 36-Item Short Form Health survey, the perceived usefulness of online health information, the perceived ease of use, and the perceived risk of online health information. Lastly, the questionnaire measured online health information-seeking intentions and information use. Data analysis was performed using RStudio (R version 4.1.1, Posit, Boston, USA). Results We received 1,179 responses, of which 399 were excluded due to using another way to get information rather than the internet, 31 did not have neurological disabilities, and 136 did not complete the questionnaire. The remaining 613 responses were included in the final analysis. The participants were mostly male (54.6%), not married (54.6%), and had a bachelor's degree (49.99%). The average age of participants was 18-25 years (24.5%) and 26-35 years (23.2%), Additionally, most participants resided in the western (26.9%) and eastern (25.9%) regions. Most participants (39.5%) had a monthly income of 5,000 to 10,000 SAR. Further, the most common neurological diseases were multiple sclerosis and epilepsy (26.9% and 23.2%, respectively). Based on the analysis of the data, the most important factor affecting online health information-seeking intention was that people with higher monthly incomes were more likely to seek online health information; these included people with an income of 10,000-20,000 SAR and >20,000 SAR. The most common factor affecting information use was the region of residence. The southern and western regions were less likely to adopt information use. Conclusions The monthly income and the area of residence had the greatest impact on people with neurological disabilities who sought online health information in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Educational campaigns and workshops should be arranged to increase the population's awareness of this topic, as well as to reveal the extent and prevalence of online health information seeking among disabled patients.
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INTRODUCTION: Cataract is the most prevalent age-related eye disease and the most curable cause of adult visual impairment. The aim of this study was to assess the cataract disease rate and knowledge regarding its definition, symptoms, risk factors, prognosis, and treatment. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study of 600 randomly selected people aged 18 and up was conducted from May 2022 to August 2022, among adults. Participants were given an online survey via social media that included items testing their knowledge of cataracts. RESULTS: Study participants had a 3.4% cataract previous exposure rate. Four hundred forty-eight (75.9%) participants had good knowledge about cataracts. Participants with higher educational levels were more likely to correctly answer questions about different aspects of knowledge about cataracts. CONCLUSION: Future studies should focus on improving awareness about cataracts. Risk factors, complications, treatment options, complications of cataract surgery, and regular follow-ups should be explained to patients. Through routine eye checks, early detection and treatment of this condition will be better understood.
