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BACKGROUND: Urolithiasis, a common clinical condition, has seen a global increase in prevalence in recent years. Urinary stones are common in hot climate areas like Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and awareness of risk factors for urinary stones in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1000 Jazan adults between January and June 2022. A questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographics, urinary stone diagnosis, and awareness of risk factors. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of diagnosed urinary stones was 140 (14.0%). The prevalence was higher among patients who were older, married, had higher education, and were employees (all P<0.001). Participants who believed that hot weather (p = 0.012), sleeve gastrectomy (p = 0.049), and Saxenda injections (p = 0.000) increased the risk of stones had a higher prevalence. No association was found between stones and other sociodemographic factors or dietary habits. The main sources of knowledge were the internet (426, 42.6%) and education (155, 15.5%). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of urinary stones in Jazan is considerable (14.0%). Certain sociodemographic factors and beliefs about risk factors were associated with higher prevalence. Improving public awareness about the prevention and risk factors for urinary stones is crucial to controlling this health problem in high-risk communities.
RESUMO
In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the lifetime risk of stroke is estimated to be between 23% and 28.9%, whereas in Jazan region of the Kingdom there is a high prevalence of sickle cell anemia, which is known to increase the risk of stroke. This study aimed to assess awareness of stroke signs, symptoms, and risk factors among university students in the southern region of Saudi Arabia. In this analytical cross-sectional study, data obtained through an online questionnaire were collected from 897 university students. Data were entered, cleaned, and analyzed using SPSS (IBM, Chicago IL) software version 28. Knowledge was assessed using both open- and closed-ended questions (CEQ). The participants were predominantly female (72%), single (86.8%), a fifth had relatives with cerebrovascular accident (CVA), and a third knew a person with CVA. The open-ended questions showed that 11.8% did not know any symptoms or signs and 25% knew only 1, while in the CEQs, hypertension was selected by 83.0%. Regarding knowledge about symptoms and signs, 33.7% and 21.9% recognized weakness and speech disturbance, respectively, whereas in the CEQs, around 60% selected others. Regarding actions that should be taken if CVA is suspected, >80% preferred going directly to the hospital. The best time to seek professional care was considered to be within 4 hours by 47.5%, 10.3% suggested a later timing, and 42.3% had no knowledge of what to do. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that pursuing a health-related specialty and previous stroke experience in close relatives were significantly associated with good stroke knowledge. The level of knowledge and correct timing and action among participants were better than those reported nationally and internationally. However, there is still room for improvement in awareness, which is recommended to improve the outcomes.
