Associations of Electronic Device Use and Physical Activity with Headaches in Saudi Medical Students.

Background and Objectives: Primary headaches are highly prevalent among medical students, negatively impacting their health and academic performance. Excessive electronic device use has been implicated as a risk factor, in contrast to physical activity, which may be a protective factor; however, comprehensive data are lacking, especially for Saudi medical trainees. This study aims to investigate the associations between device use, exercise, and headaches among Saudi medical students. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 504 medical students at Jazan University completed an online survey collecting sociodemographic factors, headache characteristics/triggers, electronic device habits, exercise frequency, and headache impacts. Descriptive analyses summarized sample characteristics. Logistic regression identified predictors of 12-month headache prevalence. Results: Overall, 83% reported experiencing headaches in the past year. High headache prevalence was observed among females (86.6%) and third-year students (88.3%). Using electronic devices ≥4 h daily was associated with higher adjusted odds of headaches (OR 13.89, 95% CI 1.96-98.54) compared to ≤1 h daily. Low physical activity (exercising 1 day vs. 7 days a week) also increased headache odds (OR 3.89, 95% CI 1.61-9.42). Headaches impairing productivity (OR 4.39, 95% CI 2.28-8.45) and exacerbated by exercise (OR 10.37, 95% CI 2.02-53.35) were further associated with headache susceptibility. Conclusions: Excessive electronic device use and physical inactivity appear to be modifiable risk factors for frequent headaches in Saudi medical students. Multifaceted interventions incorporating education campaigns, skills training, and support services focused on promoting responsible technology habits, and regular exercise may help mitigate headaches in this population. Robust longitudinal studies and trials are warranted to establish causal mechanisms between lifestyle factors and headaches among medical undergraduates.

Nursing Students' Knowledge and Attitudes toward Danger Signs in Neonatal Illnesses.

Background and Objectives: Neonates can show subtle signs of illness that could be overlooked by their mothers and caregivers. Therefore, basic knowledge regarding neonatal health and early detection of neonatal diseases can help improve survival. We assessed nursing students' knowledge and attitudes toward the danger signs of neonatal illnesses. Materials and Methods: We performed a descriptive cross-sectional study using a structured online questionnaire based on danger signs categorized by the World Health Organization to assess knowledge of neonatal illness danger signs among nursing students. Results: We assessed 342 students, of which 67.0% (95% CI: 61.8-71.7) had good knowledge regarding neonatal illness danger signs, and 71.6% received information about neonatal care. About 33% of the participants had a basic knowledge of neonatal care, such as breastfeeding, immunization, routine postnatal care, and eye care. Students who received information on neonatal care were three times (AOR = 2.95, 95% CI: 11.59-5.47, p = 0.001) more likely to have good knowledge than those who did not. The students also showed a positive attitude towards the importance of knowledge regarding neonatal illness danger signs, teaching this subject in their college, participating in studies involving the practice and knowledge of mothers regarding neonatal illness danger signs, and the importance of knowledge in reducing neonatal mortality in the region. Conclusions: More training programs on neonatal care should be implemented to enhance knowledge and raise nursing students' awareness of the dangerous signs of neonatal illnesses.

Menstrual irregularities associated with COVID-19 vaccines among women in Saudi Arabia: A survey during 2022.

Some changes appeared in women's menstrual cycle after receiving the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine, but the information about the pattern and characteristics of these symptoms was unclear. This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of menstruation change and evaluate the association between COVID-19 vaccination and the occurrence of such disturbance. An online web-based survey was conducted during March-April 2022 that targeted 729 COVID-19 vaccinated women aged between 18 and 45 years in the Jazan region of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The tool collected demographic information, psychological data, and COVID-19 post-vaccination side effects. The overall prevalence of menstrual change among the women was 60.9% (95% CI 57.3-64.4). 66.3% and 64.1% of women, respectively, in the age group of 25-34 and 35-45 years were more affected. Most of the detected abnormalities were related to delayed menstruation and changes in pain intensity. Menstrual disturbances that occur after immunization are transient and have no long-term implications. Menstrual disorders are prevalent before vaccination, but there is a considerable increase following vaccination. Because there is no apparent cause for these post-vaccine disturbances, and their effects are difficult to anticipate, it is preferable to warn those concerned and encourage them to learn more about the biological changes causing these problems.

Common Skin Diseases and Their Psychosocial Impact among Jazan Population, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Survey during 2023.

Background and Objectives: Skin problems are a widespread issue that affects people in both developing and wealthy countries, posing significant public health concerns. These disorders can profoundly impact individuals' social and psychological well-being. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of the most common skin diseases in the Jazan region of southwestern Saudi Arabia and investigate their impact on patients' quality of life and psychological and social well-being. Materials and Methods: An observational cross-sectional survey conducted among a random sample of 940 adults ≥ 18 years in the Jazan region, Saudi Arabia. Four standardized questionnaires were used for data collection: Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), a five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and Loneliness Scale (ULS-8). Results: The most prevalent skin conditions involved hair loss, which was reported by (61.1%) of the study population. These disorders significantly affected a higher percentage of females (71.9%) compared to males (46.3%) (p < 0.001). Melasma was more common in females (14.1%) than in males (4.3%) p < 0.001. The lowest prevalence was found for urticaria. Those with acne and hair loss reported higher mean scores on the PHQ-9 Scale than the group without these conditions (p < 0.05 for all). Patients with alopecia, acne, and melasma also reported significantly lower self-esteem scores compared to those without these skin conditions (p < 0.05 for all). Regarding the activity domain of QoL, participants with skin conditions reported no problems doing usual activities, compared to those without skin problems (p < 0.001). Conclusions: In conclusion, research revealed that the most prevalent skin condition was hair loss. Further, an association was found between skin diseases and the mental and social well-being of those affected, resulting in a negative impact on their quality of life. The results call for improving the condition of patients with skin diseases, improving their quality of life, and providing appropriate interventions.

Healthcare Professionals' Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Sudan: A Cross-Sectional Survey Assessing Quality of Life, Mental Health, and Work-Life-Balance.

Objectives: The main objective of this research was to investigate the Work-life balance (WLB), mental health, and quality of life and their associated factors among Healthcare Professionals (HCPs) in Sudan during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic during 2021. Methods: An observational cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted during August-December 2021 among a sample of 430 HCPs working in the hospitals of four Sudanese states. The study used the WHOQoLBREF scale, Work-Life Balance Scale, and General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7). Results: HCPs reporting a poor quality of life made up 33.5% (95% CI 29.1-38.0), while those reporting worse WLB made up 52.6% (95% CI 47.8-57.2). HCPs reporting moderate to severe anxiety symptoms accounted for 35.8% (95% CI 31.4-40.5). The Multiple Regression model indicated that an increase in the anxiety scores is associated with a decrease in Health-related Quality of Life (HRQoL) (ß= 0.831, p < 0.05). Female HCPs exhibited 4.53-fold lower HRQoL scores than their male colleagues (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Approximately one-third of the HCPs in Sudan reported low HRQoL and suffered from moderate to severe anxiety, while a large portion of them had an unequal work-life balance during COVID-19. Health policies addressing these factors are needed to improve the quality of health of HCPs.

Complementary feeding practices among mothers having children less than two years old attending well-baby clinics in Jazan City, Saudi Arabia.

Introduction: infant feeding practices are important determinants of growth and development not only in infancy but also in later life. The main objective of this study is to describe infant feeding practices and the factors affecting complementary feeding (CF) among mothers in Jazan City. Methods: an observational cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 mothers having children less than 24 months old, attending the well-baby clinics in Primary Health Care Centers (PHCCs) in Jazan City, Saudi Arabia. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data in a face-to-face interview. Results: on the mother's level of knowledge regarding proper infant feeding, 49% scored high, 41% scored medium, and 9.75% scored low. The mother's educational level, working status, family income, and knowledge source played a significant role in the knowledge scores (p < 0.05 for all). Overall, 15.8% of the mothers never breastfed (BF) their children, 39.8% BF less than six months, 17.5% BF 6-12 months, and 27% BF over 12 months. Breastfeeding feeding (BF) duration is significantly associated with maternal literacy and family income (p = 0.006 for both). Overall, approximately one-third of the women (36.2%) started CF at six months or later, while 63.8% started CF at 4-6 months. Conclusion: Jazan women use some positive infant feeding practices, including breastfeeding. One-third of the women started CF at six months or later, which is considered the optimal time for the CF introduction. More nutrition education is necessary to raise maternal awareness regarding appropriate infant feeding and weaning practices.

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Preference of Radiology as a Future Specialty Among Medical Students at Jazan University, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare continues to spark interest and has been the subject of extensive discussion in recent years as well as its potential effects on future medical specialties, including radiology. In this study, we aimed to study the impact of AI on the preference of medical students at Jazan University in choosing radiology as a future specialty. Methodology An observational cross-sectional study was conducted using a pre-tested self-administered online questionnaire among medical students at Jazan University. Data were cleaned, coded, entered, and analyzed using SPSS (SPSS Inc., USA) version 25. Statistical significance was defined as a P-value of less than 0.05. We examined the respondents' preference for radiology rankings with the presence and absence of AI. Radiology's ranking as a preferred specialty with or without AI integration was statistically analyzed for associations with baseline characteristics, personal opinions, and previous exposures among those who had radiology as one of their top three options. Results Approximately 27.4% of males and 28.3% of females ranked radiology among their top three preferred choices. Almost 65.2% were exposed to radiology topics through pre-clinical lectures. The main sources of information about AI for the studied group were medical students (41%) and the Internet (27.5%). The preference of students for radiology was significantly affected when it is assessed by AI (P < 0.05). Around (16.1%) of those who chose radiology as one of their top three choices strongly agree that AI will decrease the job opportunities for radiologists. Logistic regression analysis showed that being a female is significantly associated with an increased chance to replace radiology with other specialty when it is integrated with AI (Crude odds ratio (COR) = 1.91). Conclusion Our results demonstrated that the students' choices were significantly affected by the presence of AI. Thereover, to raise medical students' knowledge and awareness of the potential positive effects of AI, it is necessary to organize an educational campaign, webinars, and conferences.

Effects of a Home-Based Physical Activity Program on Blood Biomarkers and Health-Related Quality of Life Indices in Saudi Arabian Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The purpose of this study was to undertake a randomized control trial examining the effects of a 12-week home-based physical activity program on Saudi Arabian adults with type 2 diabetes. Sixty-four patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were recruited from the Jazan Diabetes and Endocrinology Center, located in the Jazan region of southwestern Saudi Arabia. Patients were randomly assigned to either control, i.e., usual care (males = 46.9% and females = 53.1%, age = 45.88 ± 8.51 years, mass = 76.30 ± 15.16 kg, stature = 160.59 ± 8.94 cm, body mass index (BMI) = 29.73 ± 6.24 kg/m2, years since diagnosis = 8.12 ± 6.22 years) or a home-based physical activity (males = 50% and females = 50%, age = 42.07 ± 9.72 years, mass = 74.58 ± 13.67 kg, stature = 158.94 ± 9.38 cm, BMI = 29.44 ± 4.38 kg/m2, years since diagnosis = 12.17 ± 8.38 years) trial arms. The home-based physical activity group was required to undertake aerobic training by increasing their habitual step count by 2000 steps per day and performing resistance training 3 times per week for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and secondary measures of anthropometrics, blood biomarkers, physical fitness, and patient-reported quality of life outcomes pertinent to type 2 diabetes were measured at timepoints, i.e., baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks (follow-up). Intention-to-treat analyses revealed no significant alterations in the primary outcome (control: baseline = 8.71%, 12-weeks = 8.35%, and follow-up = 8.72%; home-based physical activity: baseline = 8.32%, 12-weeks = 8.06%, and follow-up = 8.39%) between trial arms. However, improvements in psychological wellbeing at follow-up measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 were significantly greater in the home-based physical activity group (baseline = 6.84, 12-weeks = 5.96, and follow-up = 5.00) compared to the control (baseline = 6.81, 12-weeks = 5.73, and follow-up = 8.53). No other statistically significant observations were observed. Home-based physical activity is not effective in mediating improvements in HbA1c levels or secondary hematological, blood pressure, anthropometric, or fitness indices. However, given the link between psychological wellbeing and the etiology/progression of disease activity in type 2 diabetes, home-based physical activity may be effective for tertiary disease management. Future trials should examine the efficacy of relative exercise intensities greater than those in the current study.

Evaluation of the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Resulting Behavior Changes in Response to COVID-19 Among Students at the College of Applied Medical Sciences (CAMS), Jazan University, Saudi Arabia.

Background: The emergence of COVID-19 posed a threat to millions of lives worldwide. The pandemic impacts extended to affect people's psychological well-being, resulting in significant behavioural change. This study was designed to assess the knowledge regarding COVID-19 precautions among the College of Applied Medical Science students at Jazan University and to evaluate the general, psychosocial, and behavioral changes due to COVID-19. Methods: This is an observational study targeting 630 undergraduate students randomly selected during January 2020, using stratified random sampling. Data were collected using an online questionnaire. Linear regression models were used to evaluate the predictors of three outcome measures: knowledge, attitudes, and practice scores. Results: Knowledge of COVID-19 revealed that the students with correct answers ranged from 48.9 to 95%. Furthermore, significant gender differences are found regarding shortness of breath, fatigue, persistent chest discomfort, headache, and malaise (p < 0.05). Knowledge scores differed significantly across gender and academic level (p < 0.05) and so does attitude scores (p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed between practice scores according to socio-demographic background (p > 0.05). The linear regression model showed that females had significantly higher knowledge, attitudes, and practice scores (p < 0.05) as well as those within the 21-23 age group and above (p < 0.05). Students residing in urban and semi-urban places had significantly higher scores for knowledge, attitudes, and practice (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The results demonstrated moderate knowledge about COVID-19 among study participants, with significant differences between the responses of males and females and among the urban and rural populations. Outcomes suggest the need for interventions to bridge students' knowledge about COVID-19 and practice gaps. Students were concerned about basic life amenities and the inability to provide for their dear ones regarding behavioral changes.

Physical Activity, Mental Health, and Quality of Life among School Students in the Jazan Region of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Survey When Returning to School after the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Increasing evidence suggests that physical activity (PA) can reduce depression and anxiety in adolescents. At the same time, quality of life (QoL) is sensitive to both mental health and PA, but little is known about the mechanism between these three variables among adolescents. This study aimed to assess the physical activity, mental health, and quality of life of school students when they returned to school after two years of distance learning in the Jazan region. This current investigation represented an observational cross-sectional survey conducted in January 2022 among a random sample of 601 students from intermediate and high schools in the Jazan region, Saudi Arabia. Three standardized questionnaires were used for data collection; the Arabic version of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS21), and the Fels PAQ for children. The analysis revealed a moderate level of physical activity, decreased HRQoL, and symptoms of mental health problems (anxiety, depression, and stress) among the schools' students when they returned to school following COVID-19 lockdown. The overall Pediatric Quality of Life mean score was (81.4 ± 16.4), which differed significantly according to gender, age groups, and grade levels (p < 0.05 for all). There was a negative correlation between the overall quality of life and mental health domains. Sport was negatively correlated with mental illness symptoms and positively correlated (p < 0.05) with Pediatric Quality of Life. The regression models revealed that stress was a significant predictor for the quality of life of male and female adolescents ([ß = -0.30, (95% CI (-0.59) to (-0.02), p < 0.05)] and [ß = -0.40, (95% CI (-0.70) to (-0.01), p < 0.05)], respectively). The analysis revealed a moderate level of physical activity among the schools' students when they returned to school following COVID-19 lockdown. Children's involvement in physical activity was associated with improved quality of life and mental health. The results call for the need to develop appropriate intervention programs to increase school students' physical activity levels.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Maternal Postpartum Depression among Mothers in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious public health problem in many Middle Eastern countries. Mothers with PPD experience various extreme symptoms that affect their daily lives. This study aims to discover how common PPD is in the Jazan region, the most significant risk factors, and how likely depressed women are to seek help. An observational cross-sectional survey targeting a sample of 444 mothers in their first year after delivery using a pre-tested and validated EDPS standard tool to evaluate the prevalence of postpartum depression amongst them has been conducted. The data was collected and then analyzed using SPSS. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the risk factors associated with PPD. The results indicate an extremely high prevalence of PPD in Jazan (75.7%). The prevalence of mothers having suicidal ideation was 6.3% quite often, 5.0% sometimes, and 7.9% hardly. Regarding the duration of depression symptoms, 34.78% were less than a month, 20.72% were less than six months, and 13.06% were less than one year. The study shows that the development of depression symptoms occurred within less than a week for 30.4% of the women. The most significant association with PPD was a lack of family support, which significantly increased the risk of PPD (OR = 5.9; p-value < 0.001). The mothers who had unexpected pregnancies had a risk of PPD (OR = 2.5; p-value < 0.001). Current research has revealed a high prevalence of postpartum depression among mothers in the Jazan region and that it is associated with different risk factors that increase the probability of PPD development. Pregnant women need to raise their awareness about PPD and learn how to avoid or deal with it.

Contraceptive Use and the Associated Factors among Women of Reproductive Age in Jazan City, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

The contraceptive use profile is poorly understood in some Gulf Arabian countries, including Saudi Arabia. The present study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices related to contraceptive use among women of childbearing age in Jazan city, Saudi Arabia. An observational, analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among a random sample of 450 women in Jazan city. The data were obtained through personal interviews using a questionnaire that included questions on women's level of knowledge about contraception methods, their attitudes towards contraception methods, and their practices. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics techniques using the SPSS program. The prevalence of ever having used contraceptives was significantly different according to age group, job status, children ever born, and the number of pregnancies (p < 0.05 for all). On the other hand, the prevalence of desire to use the contraceptives in the future was high, at 70.9%, with a 95% CI [66.5-74.9]. It differed significantly according to age group and job status (p < 0.05 for both). The most familiar and usable types of contraceptives were pills (36.3%) and intrauterine devices (24.4%). When asked their reasons for using contraceptives, 53.8% of participants cited child spacing and 21.8% improving child health. Logistic regression revealed that the use of contraception among women was more associated with the 20-34 age group [COR = 7.7, 95% CI = 4.4-13.5, p < 0.001] than the 15-24 age group. Having more than one pregnancy and having more than one child were also associated with increased use of contraceptive methods (p < 0.001 for both). These results indicate there is a high level of awareness about contraceptives, a positive attitude toward them, and good practices for the use of them among Saudi women in Jazan. More efforts are needed to improve women's awareness for better utilization of the available services.

Medical Students' Perception Towards Choosing Pathology Program at Jazan University, Saudi Arabia.

Purpose: The selection of a specific medical specialty is crucial to medical students and is increasingly associated with future job satisfaction and success in the medical field. We aim to evaluate the perception of medical students at Jazan University towards choosing pathology as a future career and the factors influencing their decisions in order to better the employability of graduates and provide information to both the labor force and curriculum designers. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among a random sample of (391) students at the faculty of medicine, Jazan University, from the 2nd to 6th year who registered as a formal student in the academic year 2021/2022. Data was collected via (web-based) a self-administered questionnaire because of COVID-19 pandemic. Chi-squared tests and regression analysis were performed. Results: In this investigation, 92.9% of participants responded. Only 16.2% of undergraduates selected pathology as a future career choice. Among the participants who desired to choose pathology as a career, 28.6% preferred hematopathology as a future sub-specialty. Around 16% considered the most crucial reason for not choosing pathology is the preference for direct patient contact. The differences in age groups, academic level, GPA, and educational level of father between respondents who having a desire to choose pathology as a future career were found to be significantly different. Conclusion: Among the respondents involved in this study, only 16.2% were interested in pathology, while 3.1% chose the field as their first future career choice. Our findings can be applied to help undergraduate better prepare for the future and encourage them to apply to the pathology program to address the shortage of pathologists in the area. Qualitative research is a need to explore the perceptions of current pathology residents and the reasons that can encourage them to choose this important specialization as a future career.

Does the Saudi Population Have Sufficient Awareness of Vitiligo in Southwest Saudi Arabia? A Cross-Sectional Survey, 2022.

Background: Vitiligo is a common acquired hypopigmentation skin condition defined by an idiopathic, gradual, and restricted loss of melanin pigment from otherwise healthy-looking skin. The present study aims to evaluate the knowledge and perceptions of and attitudes toward vitiligo among the general population of Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia. Methods: An observational cross-sectional survey targeting adults of the Jazan region was conducted in 2022. The data were collected using an electronic questionnaire distributed through social media in the region. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS computer program. Knowledge and attitude scores were computed. Results: Most of the respondents (83.7%) had an adequate knowledge level of vitiligo, and almost half of the respondents (46.8%) had a positive attitude toward the disease. The majority of the respondents (84.5%) knew that vitiligo is not contagious. However, the majority of the participants (78.6%) did not know that vitiligo is an autoimmune disease. Most of the respondents (93.1%) do not avoid shaking hands with a vitiligo patient to prevent infection, accept food prepared by a vitiligo patient (69.4%), accept sharing a plate with a vitiligo patient (73.6%), and accept to be helped by a vitiligo patient (86.7%). However, about half of the participants (50.4%) refused to marry a person diagnosed with vitiligo. The knowledge of vitiligo in the study population was not correlated with any of the demographic characters, such as age, gender, education, or occupation (p > 0.05). The most important factors associated with good attitudes were male gender (COR = 1.92; 95% CI: 1.92−2.84; p = 0.001) and being aged over 50 years (COR = 3.06; 95% CI: 1.53−6.13; p = 0.002). Conclusions: The population in Jazan had a good level of knowledge of vitiligo and a positive attitude toward patients with vitiligo. Social media is the source of information for vitiligo for the majority of the study population. The good attitude toward patients with vitiligo was more prevalent in males and older people. More efforts are needed to improve the knowledge of and attitudes toward vitiligo.

Psychological Health and Diabetes Self-Management among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes during COVID-19 in the Southwest of Saudi Arabia.

Background and objectives: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Saudi Arabia is high and rising steeply. However, the management of type 2 diabetic patients has largely employed a medical approach and ignored the self-care management approach. This observation has even been obscured further by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected the psychological health of these patients. This study aimed to understand the effects of psychological health and DSM on type 2 diabetic patients in the Jazan region during COVID-19. Materials and methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was employed in this study. Participants were type 2 diabetic patients from the diabetic center at Jazan, Saudi Arabia. The Arabic-translated version of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: Depression and anxiety were higher in females compared to males and were more reported by participants from urban compared to rural settings. Smoking and Khat chewing were inappropriate diabetic self-care management practices while exercising was appropriate. A negative correlation was observed between depression vs. health care utilization, and depression vs. diabetic self-care management. Anxiety results also showed similar findings to that of depression. Additionally, depression and anxiety were easily predicted by urban residence, and diabetic self-care management was predicted by exercise. Conclusions: Adequate self-care behavior in patients with type 2 diabetes is needed. Medical professionals should ensure improved efforts to accurately ascertain how an individual can implement the recommended lifestyle changes and facilitate self-care education.

Effects of a Home-Based Physical Activity Programme on Blood Biomarkers and Health-Related Quality of Life Indices in Saudi Arabian Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: Protocol for a Randomised Controlled Trial.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is renowned for its high incidence of type-2 diabetes mellitus, with a prevalence rate of around 33%, which is expected to increase to 45.8% by 2030. Engagement in regular physical activity has been shown to significantly attenuate non-communicable diseases including type-2 diabetes. However, the overall rate of physical inactivity among Saudi Arabian adults is currently 80.5%, owing to time pressures, high-density traffic, poor air quality, lack of suitable exercise places/sports facilities, lack of social/friends support, gender, cultural barriers, low self-confidence, lack of time and environmental factors. Previous analyses have shown that home-based activity interventions can be effective. Therefore, given the aforementioned barriers to physical activity in Saudi Arabia; a home-based physical activity may be an ideal solution in type-2 diabetic patients. This manuscript describes the study protocol for a randomized control trial, examining the effects of a home-based physical activity intervention in Saudi Arabian adults with type-2 diabetes. The study will recruit 62 individuals with type-2 diabetes from the Jazan region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, who will be individually randomized to either a physical activity or control group. This 24-week investigation will involve 12-weeks of physical activity in the physical activity group and feature three examination points i.e., baseline, 12-weeks and 24-weeks (follow-up). The primary study outcome is the between-group difference in blood HbA1c levels relative to controls. Secondary outcomes measures will be between-group differences in anthropometric, blood lipid, physical fitness, and patient-reported quality of life outcomes pertinent to type-2 diabetes. Statistical analysis will be conducted on an intention-to-treat basis. The trial has been granted ethical approval by Jazan University, Health Research Ethics Committee (REF: 2177) and formally registered as a trial (NCT04937296). We expect dissemination of the study findings from this investigation to be through publication in a leading peer-reviewed journal.

COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Prevalence and Predictors among the Students of Jazan University, Saudi Arabia Using the Health Belief Model: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Vaccination has a major role in the control of the COVID-19 pandemic. The behavior toward accepting the COVID-19 vaccine is complex and multifactorial, while the level of acceptance and hesitancy depends on many factors. This study aims to measure the level of vaccine acceptance among Jazan University students and identify its predictors. In this cross-sectional study, an online questionnaire based on the health belief model (HBM) was sent through social media "WhatsApp" to two strata of students selected by convenient sampling. The overall desire to get vaccinated was noted in 83.6% of participants, and 16.4% reported no desire to be vaccinated. The constructs of the HBM were shown to significantly predict vaccine acceptance with the exception of "perceived susceptibility". In conclusion, the level of acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine among Jazan University students was relatively high. The HBM constructs are important predictors of the vaccination behavior with the exception of the construct "perceived susceptibility".

Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics of Deceased COVID-19 Patients.

OBJECTIVE: Fatalities due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continue to increase, and information on the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of deceased patients who were hospitalized with COVID-19 is limited in the Arab region. The current study aimed to address this gap. METHODS: Three hundred and four Saudi patients in Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia, who died after being hospitalized with COVID-19 between July 1, 2020, and December 31, 2020, were analyzed in this retrospective cohort study. RESULTS: A greater proportion of male patients (59%), compared to female patients (41%), died due to COVID-19. Just over half (55%) of the deaths due to COVID-19 affected patients aged ≥65 years. More than two-thirds of the deceased COVID-19 patients had diabetes (70%) and hypertension (69%); other comorbidities were obesity (30%), heart disease (30%), and chronic kidney disease (14%). Dyspnea (91%), cough (80%), and fever (70%) were the most frequently reported clinical symptoms. Eighty-five per cent of COVID-19 deaths occurred in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), and 90% of the patients required mechanical ventilation. Typically, lymphopenia, and neutrophilia were observed on admission and 24 hours prior to death. Creatinine and serum ferritin levels and erythrocyte sedimentation rate and D-dimer plasma levels increased significantly following infection with COVID-19. Lung infiltrates and pulmonary opacity (83%) were the most common findings on chest X-ray. Respiratory failure (70%) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (52%) were the leading complications to death. Logistic and Cox regression revealed that a higher age, smoking, high creatinine and aspartate transaminase levels, and respiratory failure were significantly associated with the risk of mortality during the early stay in hospitals. CONCLUSION: The proportion of comorbidities was high in deceased patients who were hospitalized with COVID-19 in Jazan region, Saudi Arabia. A higher age, smoking, and respiratory failure were significant predictors of mortality during the early stay in hospitals.

Diagnosis and Causative Species of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Southwest Saudi Arabia.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is the most severe clinical form of the disease and has been reported in the Jazan region of southwest Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to diagnose VL by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the direct agglutination test (DAT) and to identify the causative Leishmania species. A total of 80 participants, including 30 suspected VL patients, 30 healthy endemic control individuals, and 20 malaria disease controls, were enrolled in this study. Blood samples were collected and tested for Leishmania DNA by real-time PCR and for antibody by the DAT. Sequencing of some amplified PCR products was used to identify the causative Leishmania species. The diagnosis of VL was successfully achieved by both real-time PCR and by DAT with 100% sensitivity. Leishmania donovani and Leishmania infantum species were detected by sequencing both by the kDNA and ITS1 target genes, followed a BLASTn search. The detection of VL antibody by the DAT followed by the confirmatory detection of Leishmania DNA in patient blood by PCR could promote the adoption of the much less invasive and more sensitive methods for the routine diagnosis of VL. Further study with high sample volume to evaluate the PCR and the DAT are needed, to generate more robust evidence. Based on the sequencing results, emerging studies on VL should focus on the causative Leishmania species, reservoirs, and vectors that are important in the study area.

Blood donation among university students: practices, motivations, and barriers in Saudi Arabia.

CONTEXT: Blood transfusion is an essential medical procedure conducted with various purposes to provide patients with blood needed. The procedure saves patients' lives, as blood cannot be manufactured artificially and can only be obtained from human blood sources. AIMS: To assess the awareness of, perceptions of, motivations regarding, and barriers to blood donation among a sample of Jazan University students in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). SETTINGS AND DESIGN: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among the undergraduate students of Jazan University. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Stratified random sampling was used to collect information from 440 students, and a predesigned, structured questionnaire was used to collect data on the study variables. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Involved descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. SPSS was used for data analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of blood donation was 29.0% (95% CI, 25.0-33.3), significantly higher for males at 44.3% (95% CI, 38.3-50.4) than for females at 10.5% (95% CI, 7.3-16.0; P < 0.001), and with odds ratio (OR) = 6.8; [95% CI, 4.1-11.2] than females. Students' level of knowledge regarding blood donation was low. The main barriers to blood donation were identified as being unqualified for blood donation (57.5%) and risk of contracting infectious disease (48.7%) and the desire to donate in the future to a close friend (38.6%). The main motivations for donating blood were identified as religious reasons (77.5%), altruism (77.5%), and to serve the homeland and meet the call of need (77.5%). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of blood donation was found to be low, and students' knowledge regarding blood donation appeared to be lacking. The development of awareness programs among the university's students will address students' misconceptions about blood donation and encourage them to join donation campaigns.