Prevalence and Risk Factors of Voice Disorders Among Teachers in Saudi Arabia.

Introduction Voice is a crucial tool for communication, and voice problems are more likely to occur in professionals who frequently use their voice for work. Teachers, whose profession requires sustained vocal use, are particularly susceptible to occupation-related voice disorders. This study aimed to quantify the prevalence of voice disorders among teachers in Saudi Arabia, with the general population serving as a control group, and to identify associated risk factors. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted utilizing an online self-administered questionnaire, which was completed by both teachers and the general population in Saudi Arabia. The latter group acted as a control. The questionnaire included sections on sociodemographic data, teaching patterns, symptoms of voice issues, and the Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) for assessing voice disorders among participants. Results The study included 640 participants, with 438 (68.4%) being teachers, the majority of whom were females (N = 406; 63.4%). The most common voice-related symptoms reported by teachers were hoarseness (N = 210; 37.9%) and dry throat (N = 147; 26.9%). Voice disorders, as determined by the VHI, affected 355 (55.5%) of the teachers. A high VHI score was associated with a diagnosis of voice disorders and GERD. There was no significant difference in the VHI scores between teachers and the general population (p > 0.05). Conclusion Teachers in Saudi Arabia exhibited a higher prevalence of voice disorders compared to the general population. Risk factors, such as smoking, longer teaching experience, and more teaching hours per week, were more common among teachers with voice disorders. Further investigative studies are warranted to elucidate the causal relationships between these variables and voice disorders.

Retraction: Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome in a Child Presenting With Chronic Diarrhea: A Rare Case in Family Medicine Practice.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.19391.].

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Toward the Prevention of Hepatitis B Virus Infection Among Medical Students in Medina City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

INTRODUCTION: This study focuses on assessing the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to Hepatitis B virus (HBV) prevention among medical students in Medina, Saudi Arabia. HBV is a significant global health concern, with a high prevalence in Saudi Arabia. Medical students due to their field, are at higher risk of exposure. Prior studies in Saudi Arabia show varied levels of awareness. This research aims to provide insights that can inform educational initiatives for this specific population. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from June 2023 to September 2023 by using a pre-designed online questionnaire that was distributed among medical students in Medina. Data was analyzed using IBM Corp. Released 2020. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 27.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp. RESULTS: This study included 307 participants. 67.8% of the participants correctly identified the link between HBV and liver cancer, and 77.5% recognized the transmission risk from carriers. 91.9% acknowledged the transmission via contaminated blood and fluids, and 88.9% recognized the risk from unsterilized instruments. Positive attitudes were observed, with 92.2% agreeing that following infection control guidelines would protect them at work. Practice scores were generally positive, including high rates of screening (57.3%) and adherence to infection control measures (90.2%). Knowledge scores correlated positively with attitude (rho = 0.204) and practice scores (rho = 0.390). CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of participants had a strong understanding of HBV transmission and the importance of infection control measures. Positive attitudes towards infection control were prevalent, although some reluctance to provide care to HBV-infected individuals was noted.

Awareness of Oral Cancer Among Users of Smokeless Tobacco: A Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION:  Smokeless tobacco (SLT) stands out for its higher nicotine absorption and its role in preventable fatalities. The Global Adult Tobacco survey in Saudi Arabia revealed SLT usage, while past legislation restricted its use. Linking SLT consumption to oral cancer and oral mucosal ulcers, the study addresses its prevalence in head and neck malignancies. METHODOLOGY: This study is cross-sectional and includes adult users of SLT. Raosoft (Raosoft Inc., Seattle, WA) was used to calculate the sample size. The data was analyzed using SPSS software (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). RESULTS: The research study investigated various sociodemographic characteristics and prevalence of SLT use among participants. All participants reported using SLT, with toombak (33.2%) and shamma (36.0%) being the most prevalent. Notably, reasons for initiating SLT included influence from peer pressure (33.6%), alternatives to smoking (32.0%), and influence from relatives (19.0%). While 75.1% intended to quit within a year, awareness of SLT's harmfulness varied: 40.3% believed it was less harmful than smoking, and 57.7% recognized its link to oral cancer. Additionally, 62.2% believed SLT could lead to dependence. Sociodemographic factors generally did not significantly affect awareness of SLT causing oral cancer. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate a significant prevalence of SLT use, with toombak and shamma being the most common types consumed. Awareness of the potential harm of SLT use in relation to oral cancer varied among participants, with a notable proportion misunderstanding its harmfulness compared to smoking tobacco.

Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome in a Child Presenting With Chronic Diarrhea: A Rare Case in Family Medicine Practice.

Diarrhea remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Chronic diarrhea often represents a diagnostic challenge for family medicine and pediatric physicians because of its broad spectrum of possible etiologies. The differential diagnoses can be narrowed by taking a detailed history and performing an appropriate physical examination. In general, chronic diarrhea can be due to osmotic, secretory, inflammatory, or dysmotility-related pathologies. We present the case of a 30-month-old male who was brought to the family medicine clinic with a complaint of abdominal bloating and persistent diarrhea after every feeding for four months. His stools were foul-smelling and occurred more than four times a day. The patient was below the second standard deviations for weight and height. He appeared pale, and there was no scleral icterus. The patient underwent upper endoscopy, which showed no abnormal gross findings. A dedicated abdominal computed tomography scan was performed to evaluate the pancreas for any structural abnormalities. The scan demonstrated complete replacement of the pancreatic parenchyma by fatty tissue. The diagnosis of Shwachman-Diamond syndrome was established as the analysis revealed a mutation in the SBDS gene. The patient was treated with pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy. After two months of follow-up, the parents reported that the patient had significant improvement in diarrhea. Shwachman-Diamond syndrome is a very rare inherited disorder characterized by bone marrow failure, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction, and skeletal abnormalities. Despite its rarity, clinicians should keep a high index for this condition when they encounter a child with unexplained chronic diarrhea.