Prevalence of Obesity and Associated Dietary Habits among Medical Students at King Khalid University, Southwestern Saudi Arabia.

Background and Objectives: Healthy eating is a crucial approach to improving overall health, encompassing a well-balanced diet of natural and fresh foods, plenty of fruits and vegetables, and foods rich in minerals and vitamins. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of obesity and associated dietary habits among medical students at King Khalid University, Aseer, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted through face-to-face interviews. A structured predesigned questionnaire was used to collect data. Results: A total of 540 medical students were included; 43.3% of participants were aged 20-22 years, 24.8% were in the 3rd year, and 82.0% had an average income level. Of them, 21.9% were overweight and 14.6% were obese. There was a significant association between obesity and grade (p = 0.004). Significant differences were observed between males and females in adding sugar to beverages, the frequency of eating out, cooking meat, and drinking water (p < 0.05). The predictors of obesity were being male (OR = 3.5, 95% CI [1.6-7.8], p = 0.002), age (OR = 1.8, 95% CI [1.1-3.0, p = 0.019], being at grade 2 (OR = 38.8, 95% CI [4.0-375.8], p = 0.002), having grilled meat (OR = 0.42, 95% CI, [0.20-0.99], p = 0.048), using artificial sweeteners [OR = 0.24, 95% CI [0.08-0.73], p = 0.012], and drinking sparkling bottled water (OR 8.6, 95% CI [1.2 333-63.8], p = 0.034). Conclusions: The study revealed a high prevalence of obesity and overweight among medical students of both sexes. It recommends education on healthy eating habits, balanced nutrition, and regular physical activity, as well as gender-specific health initiatives, nutritional counseling, and the inclusion of physical activity.

Association between serum ferritin level and lipid profile among diabetic patients: A retrospective cohort study.

High serum ferritin (SF) levels have been linked to obesity, metabolic syndrome, atherosclerosis, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and cancer. This study aimed to investigate the association between SF and dyslipidemia in adults diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. This cross-sectional study retrospectively analyzed the electronic medical records of eligible patients from 3 primary locations in Saudi Arabia namely - Abha, Khamis Mushyt, and Jeddah - from 2010 to 2020. The study included adult patients aged 18 years or older who were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and identified with an HbA1c level of ≥6.5. This study involved 3674 participants, with males accounting for 26.6% of the total. The mean age of the studied population was 48.0 ±â€…18.4 years. The median [interquartile range] of SF among males was higher than females, however, this difference was not statistically significant (60.0 [23.4-125.8] vs 55.4 [24.0-113.4], P = 0.204). On the other hand, age and region were significantly associated with SF (P = .032 and 0.035). SF had a significant positive correlation with cholesterol (r = 0.081, P < .001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = .087, P < .001), and triglycerides (r = 0.068, P < .001) and negative correlation with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = -0.13, P < .001). Multivariate analysis revealed that age, sex, residence, and HbA1c were significantly affecting the lipid profile. Clinicians should consider including SF testing as part of the comprehensive evaluation of patients with diabetes and dyslipidemia.

Assessment of the Impact of Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction on Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis Patients in Saudi Arabia-A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) is caused by neurogenic factors that could lead to permanent injury in affected patients, and therefore result in substantial annual healthcare expenses. LUTD is very prevalent in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and has a drastic impact on their quality of life (QOL). This study aimed to assess the effect of LUTD on the QOL of Saudi MS patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Saudi Arabia using a self-administered questionnaire that included the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) and LURN Symptom Index (LURN SI-29). Data were analyzed and presented as frequencies and percentages. RESULTS: There were 428 patients who participated in this study; 270 were females and 158 were males. Most of the patients received a low score in all sections of the LURN part of the questionnaire. The highest scores (urgent need to urinate and excessive urination at night) were recorded in the urgency domain (47.20 ± 36.88) rather than the nocturia domain (44.74 ± 32.91). Meanwhile, the lowest score (complete control of bladder) was recorded in the incontinence domain (22.80 ± 26.80). For the WHOQOL-BREF score, the highest score (more social stability) was in the social domain (65.07 ± 21.16 for females, 60.41 ± 21.54 for males), and the lowest score (less psychological stability) was in the psychological domain (46.36 ± 9.84 for females, 46.20 ± 10.03 for males). However, there was no significant association between the four domains of the WHOQOL-BREF and the gender of the MS patients. CONCLUSIONS: LUTD is significantly associated with a lowered quality of life. Therefore, patients are recommended to consult with and be evaluated by appropriately experienced healthcare providers and clinicians. This ensures that the patients receive the best advice, accurate and effective treatment, and long-term analysis that can lead to an improvement in their quality of life.

Burden and Risk Factors of Postpartum Depression in Southwest Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: The burden of postpartum depression (PPD) is significant because it remains unrecognized, and it not only affects the mother adversely but also has a negative consequence on the family life and the development of the infant. The aim of the study was to measure the prevalence of PPD and identify the risk factors of PPD among mothers attending the well-baby clinic of six Primary Health Care centers in Abha city, Southwest Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 228 Saudi women having a child aged between two weeks to one year were recruited in the study by using a consecutive sampling technique. The Arabic version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used as a screening tool to measure the prevalence of PPD. The mothers were also inquired about their socio-demographic characteristics and risk factors. RESULTS: The prevalence rate of postpartum depression was 43.4%. Family conflict, and lack of support by spouse and family during pregnancy were found to be the strongest predictors of developing PPD. Women who had reported family conflict were at six times higher risk for developing PPD compared to those who did not have a family conflict (aOR = 6.5, 95% CI = 2.3-18.4). Women who reported a lack of spousal support during pregnancy encountered 2.3 fold increased risk for PPD (aOR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.0-4.8) and women who had not received family support during pregnancy period were more than three times (aOR = 3.5, 95 % CI 1.6-7.7) likely to experience PPD. CONCLUSION: The risk of PPD among Saudi postnatal women was high. PPD screening should be an integral part of postnatal care. Awareness of women, spouses and families about potential risk factors can be a preventive strategy. The early identification of high-risk women during the antenatal and post-natal period could help to prevent this condition.

Bullying Prevalence among Secondary School Children in Khamis Mushait City, Southwestern Saudi Arabia.

Bullying is a type of behavior that involves frequent, hostile activities expected to harm another person physically, mentally, or emotionally. Bullying behavior uses force, pressure, or threats to maltreat, forcefully dominate, or terrify another individual. The aim of this study was to assess the bullying prevalence and related features among secondary school pupils in Khamis Mushait city, southwestern Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional investigation was performed among governmental and private secondary schools in Khamis Mushait city. Data were gathered from the study pupils using a pre-structured questionnaire. Bullying was assessed using the school climate bullying survey. The study included 300 secondary school students (163 females and 137 males). The overall rate of bullying was 64.7% (95% CI 59.1-69.9). The most prevalent type of bullying was verbal (41.7%, 95% CI 36.0-47.5) followed by physical (17.0%, 95% CI 12.9-21.7), and social (6.0%, 95% CI 3.6-9.3). Males had more than two times greater probability of having been bullied than females (aOR = 2.522, 95% CI 1.408-4.518). Similarly, students in first-level grade classes had more than three times greater probability of being bullied victims than those in the higher classes, i.e., second- and third-level grade classes (aOR = 3.417, 95% CI 1.159-10.07). More than half of the students tell teachers when other students are being bullied (53.7%) and tell a teacher or staff member at the school if they are being harassed (53.6%); teachers are doing anything they can to help if they are told that a student is being bothered (58.7%), and teachers are making clear to students that bullying is not tolerated (52.3%). In conclusion, in the present study, we reported a high prevalence rate of bullying among secondary school pupils in Khamis Mushait city, southwestern Saudi Arabia. Concerted efforts among teachers and health care providers in the region should be mandatory to deal with the problem.

Challenges and Barriers Toward Medical Research Among Medical and Dental Students at King Khalid University, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Background: Medical research is a systematic method to obtain new knowledge, reduce diagnosis problems, discover the latest or best treatment for a disease, and also used for disease prevention. Objective: The study aims to assess the challenges and barriers to conduct medical research among medical and dentistry students and determine the reasons that hinder the conduct of the study. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the research population consisted of medical and dental students affiliated with King Khalid University in Saudi Arabia in 2020. The study followed a descriptive approach based on quantitative analysis. The Statistical Package of the Social Sciences (SPSS) program (V. 16.0, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) was used for data analysis. Results: A total of 327 students participated in this study, and the response rate was 100%. Among them, 61.5% were females. In this study majority (63.3%) had a moderate attitude toward conducting medical research and the average was 56.17. The majority (53.8%) had a reasonable behavior toward conducting medical research, and the average was 29.06. Lack of time, skills, funding, facilities, and limited access to medical journals and related databases were the significant barriers found. Most of the students had positive attitudes, except that they are not awarded on their research, do not attend the sessions, and do not speak their thoughts. A significant relationship between demographic characteristics (age, level, and Grade Percentage Average), attitudes & perceived barriers toward research was found (<0.05). Conclusion: The majority of the students demonstrated a positive attitude toward and moderate behavior of research. However, most are not awarded on their research, do not attend the sessions, and do not speak their thoughts. Intensive training and adequate support in research activities of medical and dental students at the undergraduate level may help reduce these challenges and barriers toward research.

Dietary Supplement Use among Primary Health Care Attendants in Abha City, Southwestern Saudi Arabia.

Dietary supplements are commercially available manufactured products used as an addition to the normal diet and involve vitamins, minerals, herbs (botanicals), amino acids, and various other products. With the use of a cross-sectional survey, the present paper intended to analyze dietary supplement usage and its health and sociodemographic determinants among attendants of primary health care centers in Abha City, southwestern Saudi Arabia. The sample was selected randomly using the two-stage cluster sampling technique. The study included 438 participants (115 males and 323 females). Their ages ranged from 18 to 59 years, with an average of 36.2 ± 11.7 years. The study showed that 330 people used dietary supplementation, giving a prevalence of 75.3% (95% CI: 71.1-79.2%). The most commonly used supplements were multivitamins (215, 65.2%), specific vitamins (60, 18.2%), and mineral pills (38, 11.5%). Advice from health care workers was the most frequent reason for using dietary supplements (49.4%). The majority (71.2%) reported feeling a better quality of life after using dietary supplements. The most frequent disadvantages of using dietary supplements were constipation and headache (30%) and the most frequent advantage was increasing appetite (59.8%). The people who most frequently recommended the use of supplements were health care workers (190, 57.6%), followed by friends or family members (62, 18.8%), and people on social media (43, 13%). Females had a significantly higher probability of using dietary supplements than males did (Cor = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.21-3.27), and those with a chronic disease had a considerably higher likelihood of using dietary supplements (cOR = 3.48, 95% CI = 2.04-6.06). Age, educational level, and marital status were not significantly related with dietary supplement usage. In conclusion, health care workers should focus on females and persons with chronic diseases in their practice. They should provide them with evidence-based advice regarding the use of dietary supplements. Continued medical education training programs tailored to the needs of health care staff addressing this issue should be provided. New guidelines should be developed to help health professionals to provide their patients with comprehensive care at the primary health care level.

Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Obesity among Male Adolescents at Abha City, Southwestern Saudi Arabia.

The objective was to study depression, anxiety, stress, and obesity among male adolescents in Abha City, southwestern Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 398 male students. Standard methods for measuring body weight and height were applied. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated. The Arabic version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) was used to detect common mental disorders. Results of the study showed that only 69 (17.3%) adolescents had normal body weight, 176 (44.2%) had overweight, and 153 (38.4%) were obese. The present study showed that obese male adolescents had more stress, anxiety, and depression (44.4%, 73.2%, and 65.7%, respectively) than normal weights. The study showed that obesity was a significant risk factor for anxiety (aOR = 1.97; 95% CI: 1.01-3.27) and depression (aOR = 1.90; 95% CI: 1.06-3.40). In conclusion, there is an urgent need for depression and anxiety screening and treatment programs among adolescents to prevent adolescent obesity. It should be hand in hand with nutritional and exercise-based interventions as an essential tool in preventing teenage obesity.

Toxocara Awareness Among Medical Practitioners in Saudi Arabia.

Human toxocariasis is a zoonotic infection with global and regional impacts. Worldwide it is underestimated and clinically overlooked. Medical practitioners are generally unaware of the extent of the resulting disease spectrum. The objective of the study was to assess knowledge and disease awareness among medical practitioners in Aseer, south-western Saudi Arabia. A questionnaire addressing knowledge about the parasite, its visceral larva migrans and the disease spectrum generated was used to interview participants. The study included 285 participants. In answer to the question what is toxocara, only 27%, answered correctly that it is a nematode, paediatricians being the majority. With regard to years of experience among participants, 56.8% of those who answered correctly had less than 5-year experience, as opposed to 35.4% for those with more than 10-year experience. The cumulative awareness about the disease manifestations and spectrum, i.e. those who knew, was less than 30% across specialties and years of experiences. Lack of awareness regarding Toxocara infection and the disease spectrum it can generate is evident. The consequence for such lack of knowledge within our practising medical community is simply unacceptable as it might translate into misdiagnosis and consequently misguided treatment.

Risk factors of colorectal cancer among Saudi Population: Case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and related mortalities have been steadily increasing in KSA over the past 20 years. CRC in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) population presents in younger ages and in more advanced disease states as compared to other countries. This study was aimed to determine factors (demographic, habitual, environmental, nutritional, and genetic) associated with CRC in Riyadh, KSA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A matched case-control study conducted in the major hospitals in Riyadh (King Khalid university Hospital, King Faisal Specialist Hospital, Riyadh Military Hospital, Security Force Hospital, King Fahd Medical City). Here most of CRC cases are managed. The cases (n = 121) group included all recently diagnosed and pathologically confirmed Saudi cases of CRC identified during the period 1st of January 2017 till 31st of December 2018 who agreed to participate and fulfilled the inclusion criteria. A similar number of controls attending the study settings were selected consecutively from the clinics where cases were managed and matched on a 1:1 basis with cases based on age (+/-3 years) and gender. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Conditional logistic regression models were fitted to determine factors associated with risk of CRC. RESULT: This study included similar number of males and females in both groups: males 69 (57%) and females 52 (43%) in each group (Chi-square test P = 1.0). The mean (S.D) age in the cases group was 53.6 (S.D = 12.9) and 53.3 (S.D = 12.9) in the controls group (Student test P = 0.86). In the final multivariate conditional logistic regression model, variables independently associated with risk of colorectal cancer were body mass index (OR = 0.93; 95% CI 0.87-0.98; P = 0.011) employment status (inverse relation: OR = 0.33; 95% CI 0.14-0.77; P = 0.010), colon polyps (OR = 4.09; 95% CI 1.06-15.82; P = 0.041), and constipation (OR = 4.98; 95% CI 1.91-15.99; P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Factors associated with CRC in the major referral hospitals in KSA were colon polyps, chronic constipation, and unemployment. These factors should be considered when screening for patients at risk for CRC.

Current Practices and Existing Gaps of Continuing Medical Education among Resident Physicians in Abha City, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Continuing medical education (CME) is an everlasting process throughout the physician's working life. It helps to deliver better services for the patients. OBJECTIVES: To explore CME among resident physicians in Abha City; their current practices, their opinions, and barriers faced. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among resident physicians at the Ministry of Health hospitals in Abha City using a validated self-administered questionnaire. It included personal characteristics, current CME practices, satisfaction with CME, and barriers to attendance. RESULTS: The present study included 300 residents from 15 training specialties. Their reported CME activities during the previous year were lectures and seminars (79.7%) followed by conferences (43.7%), case presentations (39.7%), workshops (34.0%), group discussion (29/7%), and journal clubs (27.3%). Astonishingly enough, very few (8%) attended online electronic CME activities. There were significant differences in CME satisfaction scores by different training specialties. Regarding residents' perceptions of the effectiveness of different CME activities (conferences/symposia, workshops/courses, and interdepartmental activities) the results showed that workshops and courses were significantly the most effective method compared to the other two methods in retention of knowledge, improving attitudes, improving clinical skills, improving managerial skills, and in improving practice behaviors. Barriers reported were being busy, lack of interest, high cost, and lack of suitable providers. CONCLUSION: Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that online learning be promoted as a CME format for trainees. There should be support of residents and clinicians through the provision of protected time for their CME activities outside their daily clinical commitments.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice among Saudi primary health care attendees about family planning in Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of contraception are influenced by a host of interdependent demographic, cultural, economic, and social factors, therefore, KAP vary not only in different countries but also from region to region in a country. A cross-sectional study was carried out among Saudi primary health care attendees at Abha city, Saudi Arabia, with the aim to help in developing strategies that may enhance family planning in Abha. METHODS: A structured questionnaire was designed by the researcher to obtain the necessary information from all reproductive age group patients who attended primary health care centers in Abha for a period of 1 month (July to August 2017). Statistical analysis was done using two-tailed tests and alpha error of 0.05. P value less than or equal to 0.05 was considered to be significant. RESULTS: The study included 314 participants, with age ranging from 18 to 55 years. Among them, 70.4% were female, and 56.1% of the sample were university graduates. Approximately 80.6% of the participants knew about family planning, and 68.1% correctly defined family planning. Hormonal pills were recognized by 53.2% of the participants followed with intrauterine devices. Family members were the most common source of information (51.8%), followed by internet reading (37.5%) and healthcare workers (21.8%). The attitude of the studied group varied. Most of them only wanted to use family planning in agreement with their spouses, and 11.8% had negative attitude due to their fear of side-effects. Currently, 29.6% of the participants were using family planning methods whereas 53.5% had used contraception in the past. Oral contraception was the most commonly used method (49.5%), followed by surgical methods (30.1%) and natural methods (16.1%). CONCLUSIONS: The present study reveals that a significantly higher proportion of respondents know about contraception and more than half had good knowledge about contraception. However, the current practice of contraception methods is lower than many regions in the country. The selection of oral contraception as the method of choice is similar to other studies.

Burnout Syndrome among Emergency Physicians and Nurses in Abha and Khamis Mushait Cities, Aseer Region, Southwestern Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the magnitude and determinants of burnout among emergency physicians and nurses working at emergency departments of hospitals in Abha and Khamis Mushait cities. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted in emergency departments of hospitals in Abha and Khamis Mushait cities belonging to Ministry of Health. All physicians (n=95) and nurses (n=187) currently working at these sites were invited to participate in the study by filling a validated self-administered questionnaire including two main sections: personal and professional characteristics of physicians and nurses as well as Maslach burnout inventory (MBI) to assess the three components of the burnout syndrome: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment. RESULTS: The study included 282 physicians and nurses. The age of more than half of them (54.3%) ranged between 31 and 35 years. Most of them (70.9%) were females. About two-thirds of the respondents (66.3%) were nurses while the remaining 33.7% were physicians. Majority of the emergency healthcare professionals (88.7%) had high emotional exhaustion. The prevalence of high depersonalization (cynicism) was 20.6% whereas that of low personal accomplishment was 41.1% among emergency healthcare professionals. The overall prevalence of burnout among healthcare professionals was 16.3%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that male healthcare professionals were at almost higher three-folded risk for developing burnout compared to females (aOR=2.76; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.21-6.28, p=0.017)). Smokers were at higher significant risk for burnout compared to nonsmokers (aOR=15.37; 95% CI: 7.06-33.45, p<0.001). Healthcare professionals who reported a history of taking medications for sleep disorders expressed higher risk for burnout opposed to those with no history of sleep disorder medication (aOR=6.59; 95% CI: 2.08-20.81, p=0.001). CONCLUSION: A considerable proportion of physicians and nurses working at emergency departments of hospitals in Abha and Khamis Mushait cities had burnout syndrome, particularly high emotional exhaustion and low personal accomplishment.

Dysmenorrhea, associated symptoms, and management among students at King Khalid University, Saudi Arabia: An exploratory study.

BACKGROUND: Dysmenorrhoea is a common health problem among females in their reproductive years. Available information on dysmenorrhoea in university student in abah, Saudi Arabia is limited. The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of dysmenorrhea and associated menstrual symptoms and their self-management techniques among female university students of King Khalid University (KKU). METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at College of health science in KKU, Saudi Arabia. Sample: A total of 197 students aged between 18 and 23 years. A Self-administrated questionnaire was used to collect data. RESULTS: Dysmenorrhea was reported by more than two-thirds of the girls (70.6%). In the 139 girls, who reported dysmenorrhea, its related information on severity of pain, medication use, and care-seeking behavior is detailed in the table. Severe pain was reported by (35.2%) respondents. Two-third of the respondents (66%) reported using medications for pain relief and use of herbal medicine was also found to be quite prevalent (69.1%). The gastrointestinal problems were the most common symptoms experienced by the students and were significantly high among the dysmenorrheal students. Less than one in four respondents (23%) reported consulting a doctor for their dysmenorrheal while most of them consulted with friends and family. CONCLUSION: Dysmenorrhea is a very common problem among the university students. A number of symptoms were related with dysmenorrhea. Even though it is common, and may not have a pathological cause, few students seek medical advice. Increasing the awareness can help in relieving the burden of this common health problem.

Acceptance of H1N1 vaccine among healthcare workers at primary healthcare centres in Abha, KSA.

BACKGROUND: One of the major concerns related to the pandemic outbreak of H1N1 influenza in 2009 was the cost burden on medical resources, which led to a negative impact on mortality and morbidity. This situation placed healthcare workers (HCWs) in an unusual position of being both the main actors and one of the main targets of the prevention strategies against the 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1). AIM: The aim of the study was to find out and compare the acceptance of H1N1 vaccine among different categories of primary HCWs in primary healthcare centres in Abha as well as to explore the reasons among them for not accepting the HINI vaccine. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted including all HCWs serving at primary healthcare centres in Abha. A self-administered validated questionnaire was used to collect data reflecting the intake of H1N1 vaccine and its association with other parameters that may influence the uptake of this vaccine. RESULTS: The overall response rate was 347/402 (86.3%). The age of the participants ranged between 22 and 59 years with a mean of 34.9 years and SD of 8.4 years. The percentage of physicians, nurses and technicians who took the H1N1 vaccination was 32.6, 28 and 10%, respectively. The overall vaccine intake rate was 28.2%. The main reasons given by HCWs for being immunized were personal protection (51%), fear of transmitting disease to their family and relatives (49%) and fear of transmitting the disease to their patients (43.9%). The main reasons given by HCWs for rejecting H1N1 vaccination were fear of side effects (70.3%) and doubts regarding the safety of the vaccine (68.3%). In general, knowledge about H1N1 was insufficient. However, it was better among physicians than among nurses and technicians. CONCLUSION: The low rate of acceptance of the pandemic vaccine and the insufficient level of knowledge about the H1N1 virus among Saudi HCWs were alarming given that they were considered models for patients and the public.