Obesity Concerns and the Future of a Nation's Health: A Cross-Sectional Study of Physical Activity and Related Awareness of Doctors-in-The-Making, Staff, and Faculty in a Saudi Arabian Medical College.

Background: Saudi Arabian population has amongst the highest prevalence of obesity globally. Apart from nutritional measures, physical activity is considered a major modifiable risk factor for the prevention of obesity and its consequences. An insight into the physical activity and awareness parameters of healthcare professionals and those in the making can provide an insight into how prepared we are to deal with the epidemic of non-communicable diseases. The aim of this study is to find out about the degree of physical activity undertaken by the medical students, faculty and staff at the College of Medicine, King Khalid University, as well as their awareness regarding physical activity guidelines. Methods: This study surveyed 300 adult participants - medical students, faculty and staff - in the College of Medicine, King Khalid University. An international validated questionnaire was used to assess the physical activity profile of participants as well as BMI parameters. Moreover, awareness and knowledge of the recommended physical activity guidelines for adults were also assessed. Results: The study participants comprised around 83% students, 9% faculty members, and 7% staff members. Around 55% of the participants were male, while the rest were female. More than 65% of participants across all categories reported low levels of physical activity, with only about 4.5% of participants across various age groups reporting high levels of physical activity. There was no significant difference by gender across the group (P value = 0.227). Only 17% of the study participants were knowledgeable of the recommended physical activity guidelines for adults. Conclusion: We found a low level of physical activity as well as inadequate awareness about the physical activity guidelines amongst our study participants. This study reiterates the urgent need for well-researched and well-funded health promoting interventions to promote physical activity, especially in the context of health professions' education.

Students' perception of asynchronous versus synchronous distance learning during COVID-19 pandemic in a medical college, southwestern region of Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 preventive measures required a drastic shift to online teaching-learning in most of countries. Institutions used different combinations of live online lectures (synchronous) requiring students to attend the class in real-time, as well as recorded lectures uploaded by the instructors to be accessed by students as per their own convenience (asynchronous). We undertook this study to assess and compare the perceptions of students regarding their learning experiences in the synchronous versus asynchronous mode of instruction using  their teaching-learning during the compulsory online mode of instruction at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study received responses from 122 final-year medical students studying at the College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia. An online 5-point Likert scale-based questionnaire was used to collect data regarding experience and perception towards synchronous and asynchronous learning. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. A P-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. RESULT: All the students found both synchronous and asynchronous learning to be equally satisfying, enjoyable and comfortable. No statistically significant difference was found when both the methods were analyzed for enhancement of knowledge. The students opined that asynchronous learning helped them manage their time better whereas synchronous learning encouraged more interaction during the live lectures. CONCLUSION: Overall, the students' perceptions regarding both synchronous and asynchronous online learning were positive. As both methods have their advantages/limitations, a mix of both synchronous and asynchronous methods may be adopted depending upon the content of the topic and the desired learning outcomes.

Increased mental stress among undergraduate medical students in south-western Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the daily life and academic trajectory of many students. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of the pandemic on perceived stress levels among medical students. Methods: Comparative pre-pandemic and pandemic surveys were conducted among samples of undergraduate medical students. Students responded to a questionnaire including personal and academic data, and Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Results: Overall, the prevalence of high perceived stress during the pandemic (20.6%) was significantly higher (p = 0.001) than pre-pandemic (11.6%). A multivariable analysis revealed that the independent factors associated with high perceived stress were: participation in the study during the pandemic (aOR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.22-2.63), female sex (aOR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.23-2.47), younger age (aOR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.04-2.55) and lower family income (aOR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.12-2.03). PSS score was negatively correlated with increasing age, family income, and academic level. PSS score was positively correlated with: worries about the possible disruption of education or exams, excessive news exposure, worries about the possibility of COVID-19 infection, and the effects of mandatory isolation and social distancing. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic increased the level of stress among medical students. Female students, younger students, and those in lower academic grades are the most at risk of having high stress. Worries about possible academic disruptions due to the pandemic are significant stressors. The implementation of online stress management programs is recommended.

Prevalence and correlates of university students' perceived stress in southwestern Saudi Arabia.

ABSTRACT: The university period can be stressful for most students. It may be due to exposure to various stressors. Objectives: To establish the prevalence and factors associated with high perceived stress among university undergraduates in south-western Saudi Arabia.A self-administered survey was conducted among a representative sample of King Khalid University students through a cross-sectional study. Data obtained included socio-economic, academic characteristics, and grade point average (GPA) scores. Stress was assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale.This study included 2467 students. The average Perceived Stress Scale score was 19.13 ±â€Š6.56, which was notably higher (P = .02) among health care undergraduates (19.45 ±â€Š6.49) compared to others (18.85 ±â€Š6.61). High perceived stress prevalence rate was 12.7% (13.6% in health care institutions and 12.0% in non-healthcare institutions). Multivariable analysis revealed that high perceived stress was considerably greater among females (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.35, 95% confidence interval:167-3.30), smokers (aOR = 1.65), those with an unsatisfactory income (aOR = 3.10), and healthcare students (aOR=1.33). In contrast, it was negatively associated with the GPA score (aOR= 0.77).High perceived stress is a substantial problem among university students. Female students and healthcare students are at a greater risk. High stress is correlated with smoking, lower GPA scores, and perceived insufficient family income.

Prevalence and factors associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease among primary health care attendants at Abha city, southwestern Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is an abnormal reflux of the gastric content into the esophagus. In Saudi Arabia the GERD prevalence is not recently well studied. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease and associated factors among attendants of primary health care centers (PHCCs) at Abha city, Saudi Arabia. METHOD: A descriptive cross- sectional study was performed using GerdQ as diagnostic tool for the GERD. The GerdQ consisted of six questions. Four questions were about the positive GERD predictors. The other two questions were about the negative GERD predictors. The scoring of GerdQ relies on the frequency of GERD symptoms during the last seven days. Using stratified random sample technique a representative sample was slected from the study PHCCs taking into conmsideration the relative catchment population in each center among adult males and females attending the selected PHCCs for any reason. RESULTS: The present study included 320 persons. The study showed a prevalence of GERD of 67.8%. The prevalence of GERD with high impact on daily life (HIDL) was found to be 50%. By multiple logistic regression (enter method) only four significant independent factors associated with GERD were identified; being unmarried (aOR = 1.85, 95% CI:1.02-3.23); smoking (aOR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.41-5.98), fast food intake (OR = 1.28, 95% CI:1.01-1.71), and subjective perception of stress (OR = 3.0, 95% CI:1.68-5.26). CONCLUSIONS: GERD is a public health problem among adults in the region. Community level awareness programs are recommended. Healthcare providers must be aware of community perceptions and practices.

Iodine Deficiency Disorders as a Predictor of Stunting among Primary School Children in the Aseer Region, Southwestern Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the present occurrence of stunting and explore the role of iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs) as a predictor of stunting among primary school children in the Aseer Region. METHODS: In a cross-sectional investigation on school children in the Aseer region, thyroid enlargement was evaluated clinically. Urine was collected to evaluate iodine content. RESULTS: The present study involved 3046 school-age pupils. The study disclosed a total goiter rate of 24.0% (95% CI: 22.5-25.5%). The median urinary iodine content (UIC) was 17.0 µg/L. A prevalence of stunting (height for age z score of less than -2) of 7.8% (95% CI: 6.9-8.8%) was found. In a logistic regression model, pupils having clinical goiter (aOR = 1.739; 95% CI: 1.222-2.475) and students having UIC of less than 17 µg/L (aOR = 1.934; 95% CI: 1.457-2.571) were considerably related with stunting. In the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, urinary iodine content to forecast stunting was good (AUC = 0.611, 95% CI: 0.594-0.629). The curve recognized the optimum cutoff point of urinary iodine content to be ≤19.0 µg/L. The sensitivity was 59.66% (95% CI: 53.1-66.0) and the specificity was 57.62% (95% CI: 55.8-59.5). Conclusion: The present study showed that stunting among school-aged children presents a mild public health problem. On the other hand, a severe iodine deficiency situation was revealed among school children in the Aseer region. Continuous monitoring of iodine status among school children is therefore necessary. Concerted interventions that blend nutrition-sensitive with nutrition-specific approaches are expected to influence decreasing stunting significantly.

Knowledge and attitude regarding child abuse among primary health care physician in Abha, Saudi Arabia, 2018.

BACKGROUNDS: Child abuse or child maltreatment is physical, sexual, or psychological maltreatment or neglect of a child or children, especially by a parent or other caregiver. Child abuse may include any act or failure to act by a parent or other caregiver that results in actual or potential harm to a child, and can occur in a child's home or in the organizations, schools, or communities the child interacts with. This study was conducted to assess the primary health care (PHC) centers' physicians' knowledge and attitude toward child abuse including its types, and child neglect with their behavior regarding reporting of abuse cases. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Abha which is the capital of Aseer Province, including all PHC physicians (about 475) working in PHC centers. Data regarding physicians' demographic characteristics, perception, and awareness regarding child abuse and neglect were collected by self-administrative questionnaire in the PHC center during their time between patients' consultation. RESULTS: The study included 300 PHC physicians whose ages ranged from 25 to 50 years old with mean age of 28 years. About 65% of the physicians were males and 69% of them were married with about 73% having at least one child. Overall, 96.3% of the physicians recorded good awareness level regarding types of child abuse and 97.3% recorded good awareness level regarding child neglect patterns. Underreporting of child abuse cases was recorded by about 64% of physicians. CONCLUSION: Regarding child abuse and neglect, PHC physicians have good knowledge, optimal attitude, and positive perception. There was also the problem of underreporting of suspected child abuse cases among PHC physicians in Saudi Arabia, with many barriers to report, such as community traditions; unclear reporting strategy was identified.

Contraceptive use as limiters and spacers among women of reproductive age in southwestern, Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the prevalence, socioeconomic, and demographic determinants of contraceptive use among women of reproductive age residing in Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. METHODS: The data of this study was collected through a cross sectional survey conducted on unmet need for family planning in Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, between March and May 2016. Three hundred and seventy-four married women were recruited from 6 primary health care centers by a consecutive sampling technique. Data was collected via an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Chi-square test was carried out to identify the factors associated with contraceptive use. RESULTS: The prevalence of contraceptive use rate was 58.8%. Among users, 60% were spacers and 40% were limiters. Among more than two-thirds of the women, the decision to use a family planning method was a joint decision of the couple; and 25% reported it as their own decision. Oral pills and  intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD)were the most popular methods. The most significant associated factors were age, education of women, gravida, number of living children, gender, and age of the last child. Younger age was related with the spacers and older age with birth limiting. Woman's education level showed a significant positive association with birth spacing. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that a sizable percentage of women in Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, are using contraceptions. This finding indicates the need of comprehensive family planning program in the region.