Awareness and prevalence of self-reported benign prostatic hyperplasia: a cross-sectional study in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a prevalent condition in older men, causing significant morbidity. Despite recent progress, essential concerns of the disease remain under-researched. This study aims to assess knowledge and estimate self-reported prevalence of BPH in Saudi Arabian men. Understanding BPH prevalence in Saudi Arabia is essential for healthcare planning, resource allocation, public awareness, early detection, intervention, research, and addressing regional variations. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to May 2022 using a validated questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate statistical methods assessed knowledge of BPH among 559 adult Saudi men (mean age: 47.2 years) and its association with demographic variables. Results: The self-reported prevalence rate of BPH for Saudi Arabian men was 12.0%. Most adults (74.2%) were aware that BPH is a risk factor for prostate cancer and 75% were aware of the increased risk of BPH in older people. Furthermore, 44.5% of participants associated nocturia with BPH, while 76.6% related urinary tract infection (UTI) with BPH. The study demonstrated a significant association between BPH awareness and marital status (p = 0.02), level of education (p = 0.02), and employment status (p = 0.04). Conclusion: While men in Saudi Arabia generally had sufficient knowledge about BPH, there was a knowledge gap regarding certain risk factors like obesity and cardiac diseases. To address this, an educational program should be developed for both the general population and those at high risk of BPH.

Relationship of thyroid dysfunction and its manifestations in diabetes mellitus patients in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: Both diabetes mellitus (DM) and thyroid dysfunction (TD) are endocrinopathies that are frequently inclined to coexist in patients. Most studies avoid explicitly supporting or opposing testing thyroid function for diabetic patients as a baseline. The association between hypothyroidism and diabetes is considerable when assessing thyroid functions in diabetic individuals based on clinical suspicion. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the relationship between thyroid dysfunction and its manifestations in DM patients in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study included 301 DM subjects. A questionnaire divided into two sections was administered to all participants. The first section involved questions about diabetes control, monitoring, and disease severity. The second section included questions about thyroid disease and the 14-item Hypothyroidism Clinical Prediction (HCP) score we created for our research. The HCP score was obtained by summing up all discrete scores for different symptoms of hypothyroidism. ROC curve analysis was used to assess the predicted hypothyroidism cases based on the most precise cut-off point for the HCP overall score (highest sensitivity and specificity). HCP discriminant ability for detecting hypothyroid cases was assessed considering the Area Under the Curve (AUC) as a measurement. RESULTS: Almost 53 (17.6%) diabetes mellitus subjects were previously diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Comparatively, regarding the given cut-off point, the total number of predicted hypothyroidism cases using the HCP score was 149 (49.5%). The most reported symptoms included tiredness (75%), followed by irritability (72%), and difficulty in losing weight (65%). Hypothyroidism was detected/predicted among 60.1% of female diabetics vs. 44.2% of males with recorded statistical significance (p=.006). CONCLUSIONS: This study further proves a significant association between diabetes and hypothyroidism in Saudi Arabia. We recommend periodic screening for thyroid dysfunction in the diabetic population in specific cases; since some patients with diabetes are more likely to have hypothyroidism based on their clinical presentation.

Learning styles, academic performance and mental health among medical students in King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of various learning styles and their correlation with academic performance and mental health of medical students. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted at the King Faisal University, Houfof, Saudi Arabia, from January to June 2019, and comprised medical students regardless of gender or the academic year. Data was collected using the Visual Aural Read/write Kinesthetic questionnaire. Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 was used to assess mental health. Data was analysed using SPSS 22. RESULTS: Of the 315 students, 179(57%) were males and 136(43%) were females. Overall, 152(48.3%) subjects preferred multimodal, while 163(51.7%) preferred unimodal style; 93(29%) aural, 53(16.8%) visual, 11(3.5%) read/write and 6(1.9%) kinesthetic. Males preferred visual and quardimodal styles of learning, while females preferred aural learning (p<0.05). Academic achievement was associated with learning style (p<0.05), but no relationship was observed between depression scores and learning styles (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The most preferred learning styles among medical students were found to be aural and bimodal.

Protection enhancement strategies of potential outbreaks during Hajj.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assist governments and organizers of mass gathering events in reviewing existing preventive measures for disease outbreaks to inform the adoption of enhanced strategies for risk reduction and impacts on public health. DESIGN: A cross-sectional, quantitative, descriptive study. SETTING: This study was conducted in a mass gathering of Hajj, an annual religious event in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample of 70 personnel working in government ministries of Saudi Arabia (Ministry of Health, Ministry of Hajj, and Ministry of Interior) and the Saudi Red Crescent Authority involved in health management in Hajj, including policy formulation and implementation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Perception and knowledge of health risks and outbreaks associated with Hajj. RESULTS: The majority of the respondents (60 percent) expressed concern about the potential for infection transmission during Hajj. The respondents also reported having or knowing a colleague, a friend, or a family member with a history of infection during or after Hajj. However, the respondents' knowledge of the possible modes of infection of various diseases was limited. CONCLUSIONS: Hajj is associated with various risks of outbreaks, and thus, better protection-enhancing measures are required. Training personnel involved in health management, including planners, coordinators, and healthcare providers, can help reduce the risks and prevent potential outbreaks.

Health and economic burden of insufficient physical activity in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Insufficient physical activity (PA) was estimated to cause 4.8% of deaths and 2.6% of disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) due to noncommunicable diseases in Saudi Arabia in 2019. While Saudi Arabia is already achieving great improvements, we predict the health and economic burden of insufficient PA up to 2040 to present a case for policy makers to invest more in the uptake of PA. METHODS: Using a population health model to estimate avoidable health loss, we identified four causes of health loss related to low PA (cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer) and estimated the deaths and DALYs from these causes. We projected the expected disease burden until 2040 under alternative assumptions about future PA levels and trends by using three health scenarios: baseline (no change in 2019 PA levels), intervention (81% of the population achieving sufficient PA levels), and ideal (65% of population: moderate PA, 30%: high PA, and 5%: inactive). We applied an "intrinsic value" approach to estimate the economic impact of each scenario. RESULTS: Overall, we estimate that between 2023 and 2040, about 80,000 to 110,000 deaths from all causes and 2.0 million to 2.9 million DALYs could be avoided by increasing PA levels in Saudi Arabia. The average annual economic loss from insufficient PA is valued at 0.49% to 0.68% of the current gross domestic product, with an average of US$5.4 billion to US$7.6 billion annually till 2040. The most avoidable disease burden and economic losses are expected among males and because of ischemic heart disease. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights that low PA levels will have considerable health and economic impacts in Saudi Arabia if people remain inactive and do not start following interventions. There is an urgent need to develop innovative programs and policies to encourage PA among all age and sex groups.

Evaluation of depression symptoms and depression literacy among medical students: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Mental health plays an important role in educational performance. The present study aimed to determine the relationship between depression symptoms, depression literacy, and quality of life in undergraduate and postgraduate medical students in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2023 in Riyadh with 263 medical students. Data were obtained using three different sets of questionnaires (a demographic section, the Depression Literacy Scale, and a quality-of-life questionnaire). RESULTS: In total, 134 men (51%) and 129 women (49%) participated in the study; out of these, 142 participants reported depression, while 109 individuals reported family-related depression. Only 25% of the participants attended depression seminars and workshops in the last year, while 83% felt that depression was an illness. Students with a family history of depression also reported higher levels of depression. Depression was lowest among students who attended depression management seminars or workshops. Marital status did not affect depression among medical students. CONCLUSIONS: These findings reveal that depression is widespread among medical students and that counseling and frequent depression assessments are required. There is a need for greater awareness of different aspects of depression among medical students, parents, and medical educators. Health education programs and interventions targeting mental health care can be implemented at the individual, family, and community levels.

Antibiotic susceptibility of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains isolated at tertiary care hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Staphylococcus aureus is an important human pathogen that has a major impact on public health. The objective of the present work was to determine the prevalence and the pattern of antibiotic susceptibility in S aureus (MRSA) isolates from the King Khalid University Hospital (KKUH) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The isolates were collected from different body sites of infection and the antibiotic susceptibility was confirmed on the Vitek 2 system. A total of 371 MRSA isolates from clinical samples were received over a 12-month period from January 2021 to December 2021. The results showed that infection was predominant among males (55.8%) and most of the isolates occurred in the older age groups, with a mean age of 43.7 years and an age span from <1 to 89 years old. The majority (34.5%) recovered from wound infection followed by (14.6%) from blood. We have observed peaks of MRSA infections during the autumn, especially in September and November. All MRSA isolates were resistant to Amoxicillin + clavulanic acid, Ampicillin, Imipenem, Oxacillin, Cloxacillin, and Penicillin while all isolates were sensitive to Daptomycin and Nitrofurantoin. Furthermore, Vancomycin was resistant in (0.3%) of MRSA isolates, and (2.9%) was resistant to Linezolid. The current study concluded that MRSA strains had developed resistance toward 24 tested antibiotics, including the previous effective drugs vancomycin and linezolid. Therefore, there is an urgent need for continuous review of infection control practices to prevent any further spread of resistant strains.

Clinical presentation and management of methanol poisoning outbreaks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: a retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Acute methanol intoxication, whether unintentional or deliberate, necessitates prompt intervention to prevent severe morbidity and mortality. Homemade alcoholic beverages are a frequent source of such poisoning. This retrospective analysis examined two outbreaks of methanol intoxication in Saudi Arabia. It investigated the clinical presentation, implemented management strategies, and any lasting complications (sequelae) associated with these cases. The aim was to assess the potential impact of different treatment modalities and the timeliness of their initiation on patient outcomes. METHODS: This was a retrospective case series of methanol poisoning cases which presented to the adult emergency department (ED) at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. There were two separate outbreaks in the city, the first one was from September 1 to September 10, 2020 and the second one was from May 14 to May 20, 2021. Electronic charts were reviewed, and data were extracted to previously prepared data extraction sheets. RESULT: From the 22 patients who arrived in the ED alive, the most common complaints were nausea or vomiting followed by altered level of consciousness. About 9% from the patient were hypotensive, 36% were tachycardic, 41% were tachypneic and 4% were having SpO2 < 94%. Brain CT was abnormal in 6 patients. Vision impairment was the most common sequalae of methanol poisoning (7 out of 12 patients who were assessed by ophthalmologist, 58%). When the patients were divided based on severity (mild, moderate, severe), nausea or vomiting and loss of consciousness were the most common complaints among the moderate group while loss of consciousness predominated in the severe group. Two patients presented with low blood pressure and were in the sever group. The severe group had a mean Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of 8. Most of the patients in the severity groups underwent the same management apart from those who died or deposited. Eight patients in the severe group had to be intubated. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the multifaceted clinical presentation of methanol poisoning, culminating in a 17.4% mortality rate. Notably, our findings emphasize the critical role of prompt diagnosis and swift initiation of combined fomepizole therapy and hemodialysis in mitigating mortality and minimizing the potential for chronic visual sequelae associated with methanol poisoning.

Occurrences of avian encephalomyelitis virus in naturally infected chicks in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province.

Background: A neurological infectious viral disease, avian encephalomyelitis was initially discovered in 2-week-old commercial chicks in 1930 and classified as a neurotropic viral disease. Aim: A neurological outbreak caused by avian encephalomyelitis virus (AEV) in young chicks was first reported in Al-Ahsa in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) in 2010. The aim of this article is to examine the AEV in KSA, Al-Ahsa Province. Methods: Gizzard, proventriculus, cerebrum, cerebellum, and medulla oblongata tissue samples were collected from infected chicks for histopathology test and molecular identification. Results: Infected chicks showed neurological signs particularly incoordination, mild head and neck tremors, stretching of legs, and lameness. The average morbidity and mortality rates were 35% and 10%, respectively. At necropsy, no obvious identifiable macroscopic lesions were found in the infected chicks. Nonsuppurative encephalomyelitis was found histopathologically in the central nervous system, mainly in the cerebral molecular layer. Microscopic lesions in the proventriculus showed masses of heavy numbers of small lymphocytes within the muscular layer. RT-PCR followed by sequence analysis revealed that The KSA strain (KJ939252) is intimately related to chicken European strains from Poland (KC912695) and the United Kingdom (AJ225173) with identity 99.6% than Chinese strains (AY225319, AY517471, and AY275539) with identity ranged between 94.6% and 95%. The phylogenetic tree analysis showed that the KSA strain is grouped in a similar clade with chicken European strains. Conclusion: The pattern of disease findings was typical of vertically transmitted AEV. The spread of AEV in Saudi Arabia is most likely due to the trade of birds and bird products with European countries.

Premarital screening programme in Saudi Arabia: Insights into men's awareness and perceptions.

This study investigates the knowledge and attitudes of Saudi men on premarital screening, 19 years after its implementation. A cohort of 133 males was examined. Out of the 133 male screening participants, a significant majority of 126 individuals (94.7%) were found to be aware of the premarital screening program. A smaller number of individuals (88, 66.2%) were aware of the conditions detected by the screening. A disagreement developed on the legality of marriage in the event of an adverse test result. Many participants stated that the primary purpose of the premarital screening program was to lessen the social and familial burdens associated with incompatible marriages. Many respondents preferred that the program include mental illness and drug testing. Even if compatibility existed, a sizeable proportion of respondents declined to proceed with the marital procedure if one companion was a carrier. The participants had a clear understanding of the importance of premarital screening. However, this assertion contradicts the current evidence regarding the prevalence of hereditary diseases. To reduce disease burden, the significance of the program and the value of making informed decisions following examinations must be emphasized.

Cette étude examine les connaissances et les attitudes des hommes saoudiens en matière de dépistage prénuptial, 19 ans après sa mise en œuvre. Une cohorte de 133 hommes a été examinée. Sur les 133 hommes participants au dépistage, une majorité significative de 126 personnes (94,7 %) connaissaient le programme de dépistage prénuptial. Un plus petit nombre de personnes (88, 66,2 %) étaient au courant des conditions détectées lors du dépistage. Un désaccord s'est développé sur la légalité du mariage en cas de résultat négatif au test. De nombreux participants ont déclaré que l'objectif principal du programme de dépistage prénuptial était d'alléger les fardeaux sociaux et familiaux associés aux mariages incompatibles. De nombreux répondants préféraient que le programme inclue les tests de dépistage des maladies mentales et des drogues. Même si la compatibilité existait, une proportion importante de personnes interrogées refusaient de procéder à la procédure de mariage si l'un des compagnons était porteur. Les participants comprenaient clairement l'importance du dépistage prénuptial. Cependant, cette affirmation contredit les preuves actuelles concernant la prévalence des maladies héréditaires. Pour réduire le fardeau de la maladie, il faut souligner l'importance du programme et l'importance de prendre des décisions éclairées à la suite des examens.

Clinicopathological correlation of patients with lupus nephritis: Data from a tertiary center in Saudi Arabia.

Systemic lupus erythematosus mainly affects young women, and approximately half of systemic lupus erythematosus patients develop lupus nephritis (LN). However, data on the types and remission rates of LN in Saudi Arabia are limited. Therefore, we aimed to highlight the LN remission rates in our population. A retrospective record review was conducted between January 2007 and December 2020 in a tertiary center in the western region of Saudi Arabia to determine the remission rates among patients with biopsy-proven LN who met the EULAR\ACR 2019 classification criteria. We identified 59 patients with biopsy-proven LN, mostly in young women. The common histopathological pattern was Class IV LN in 26 patients (44%). Three induction protocols were identified, along with systemic steroids: the high-dose cyclophosphamide protocol in 21 patients (35.6%), low-dose protocol in 4 patients (6.8%), and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in 41 patients (69.5%). Partial response, defined as the reduction of the 24-hour proteinuria by 25% at 3 months and 50% at 6 months, was achieved in 18 patients (33.3%) at 3 months and decreased to 13 patients (24.1%) at 6 months. Complete clinical response, defined as 24-hour urinary protein between 500 and 700 mg at 12 months, was achieved in 44 patients (81.5%). Complete remission was higher among patients with Class IV LN (64.4%). The achievement of partial clinical response at 3 months was significantly lower among patients with hypertension (P = .041). This study presented the LN remission rates in a single center in Saudi Arabia. Similar to previous studies, Class IV LN were the most common histopathological finding in this study. Complete remission at 12 months was achieved in 44 (81%) patients. Delayed remission is associated with hypertension at the time of LN diagnosis.

Association between handgrip strength and metabolic syndrome in relation to gender and adiposity among middle aged and older Saudi populations.

AIM: This cross-sectional study investigated the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and handgrip strength (HGS) with respect to sex and adiposity in Saudi men (n = 287) and women (n = 268). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Anthropometry, body composition, HGS, and blood biochemistry were measured. The average age of the study population was 57.65 ± 9.3 years (men = 55.1 ± 9.3 years, women = 60.4 ± 9.3 years). We report that HGS/body mass index (BMI), HGS/weight, and HGS/fat (%) were significantly higher in controls than in patients with MetS in men but not in women. According to the ROC analysis, relative HGS (RHGS) was higher than HGS alone in the association with MetS, which was significant for men (p < 0.01). At lower quartiles of HGS, the probability of MetS was higher in women, and the same was found in men in the lower quartiles of HGS/%Fat. Multinomial regression revealed significant associations between age and adiposity and MetS in men and HGS in women. Additionally, the linear regression of age, HGS, and weight exhibited significant associations between HGS with WC in both sexes. CONCLUSION: A higher risk of MetS in the lower quartiles of HGS was found in women, and adiposity moderated the relationship between HGS and MetS in men.

Retinal complications post posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens implantation at a tertiary eye hospital in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

PURPOSE: Phakic intraocular lenses treat higher degrees of myopia not possible previously with conventional refractive surgery. The aim of this study is to report the incidence and risk factors of retinal complications after posterior chamber PIOL implantation and assess the differences in biometric parameters between patients who developed such complications versus those who did not. METHODS: This retrospective study recruited 514 patients who underwent ICL implantation to correct myopia at a tertiary eye hospital center in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. Follow up period was at least one year. Medical records of the patients were reviewed to obtain the required data. Associations between respondents' characteristics and retinal complications were evaluated using the Chi-squared test. RESULTS: The mean (SD) age was 27.7 (± 6.5) years ranging from 18 to 47. Laser treatment was performed in 14 cases (2.7%). Retinal complications occurred in six cases (1.2%). The risk of retinal complication was significantly higher among patients with high axial length (OR = 1.3, 95% CI 1.2, 1.4) and patients with high pre-spherical equivalent before ICL (OR = 1.09, 95% CI 1.03, 1.4). CONCLUSION: Patients with higher axial length and higher pre-spherical equivalent before ICL implantation are at high risk of retinal complications.

Factors Associated with Health-Related Quality of Life Among Breast Cancer Survivors in Saudi Arabia: Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Assessment of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is a major concern among breast cancer survivors. Little is known about HRQO and its determinants in Saudi women with breast cancer (BC). This study aimed to describe the HRQOL of Saudi women with breast cancer and the association between HRQO and sociodemographic and clinical variables. METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 147 BC participants who completed the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Multivariable linear logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine factors associated with HRQOL. RESULTS: For the physical component scale, general health scored the highest (55.41±17.99) while, role physical function scored the lowest (48.61±22.51). The mean scores in the mental component were higher for social function (56.91±20.84), while the lowest score was observed for energy and vitality (49.62±20.84). Significant differences were observed in many SF-36 domains across the sociodemographic and clinical variables. Older age, having had a mastectomy as well as comorbid conditions, and receiving chemotherapy and hormonal therapy were associated with decreased HRQOL. However, being physically active, employed, and having more education were associated with higher HRQOL. CONCLUSION: HRQOL is generally poor among breast cancer survivors in Saudi Arabia, depending on a variety of factors. These findings highlight the need for routine QOL assessment. Furthermore, recognizing these predictors may play a key role in maximizing HRQOL for breast cancer participants.

Knowledge about Breast Cancer and Barriers to Screening among Saudi Women in Al-Baha Region.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to measure the knowledge about breast cancer and to identify the barriers in screening among Saudi women in the Al-Baha region. To achieve this, a cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 468 women, to assess their understanding of breast cancer and to explore the obstacles they face in accessing breast cancer screening services. METHODS: The cross-sectional study included 468 women from Al Baha, Saudi Arabia, starting from May 17, 2022, to May 17, 2023. Participants were interviewed by well-trained team members of the research, and their responses were subsequently entered into a Google Form. This process aimed to evaluate their awareness, knowledge, and barriers to breast cancer screening. RESULTS: The majority of participants (48.9%) were in the 18-28 age group. The findings reveal a high level of awareness (96.4%) among participants regarding the significance of early breast cancer detection. For the effectiveness of breast cancer treatment, 59% believed there is an effective treatment, while 32.9% were uncertain or did not know. Knowledge about various risk factors for breast cancer varied. Smoking (73.5%), genetic factors (65.6%), and a family history of breast cancer (70.7%) were well-recognized as risk factors. Education and occupation significantly influenced knowledge about breast cancer (p-value of 0.000, and 0.035 respectively). CONCLUSION: this research highlights strong awareness of breast cancer's importance but gaps in knowledge regarding lesser-known factors. Education is crucial, requiring tailored campaigns and healthcare professional engagement.

The prevalence and sociodemographic determinants of tobacco and nicotine use among students in healthcare disciplines in Saudi Arabian universities: a cross-sectional survey.

Background: Tobacco smoking is one of the most significant health-related problems worldwide. However, the prevalence and sociodemographic determinants of tobacco and nicotine use among students on healthcare courses in Saudi Arabia are limited. Methods: This cross-sectional study used a questionnaire that was distributed via SurveyMonkey between November 2022 and June 2023 to all student universities offering healthcare courses. Data are presented as frequency and percentages. The associated sociodemographic factors with current tobacco and nicotine use were subjected to logistic regression. Results: Overall, 5,012, of whom 3,872 (77.25%) were males, responded to the online survey. The prevalence of current tobacco and nicotine use was 3,553 (71%). The majority of users used electronic nicotine delivery systems (1,622: 32.36%). The current use of cigarettes (AOR: 1.75 (1.42 to 2.15)), e-cigarettes (AOR: 1.17 (1.01 to 1.37)), and smokeless tobacco substances (AOR: 1.35 (1.02 to 1.90)) were more pronounced among males compared to female students. However, the current use of a hookah was less among males (AOR: 0.74 (95% CI: 61 to 0.91)). Smoking cigarettes was practiced less among students living in other regions compared to the Central Region. However, smokeless tobacco substances seem to be more prevalent in the Western, Southern, and Northern Regions, (AOR: 1.57 (95% CI: 1.09 to 2.26)), (AOR: 1.43 (95% CI: 1.04 to 1.95)), and (AOR: 1.57 (95% CI: 1.09 to 2.26)), respectively. Conclusion: Smoking is prevalent among students in the healthcare disciplines, with electronic nicotine delivery systems being the most used product. Several sociodemographic factors were associated with higher tobacco or nicotine use.

Frequency of drug-resistant bacterial isolates among pregnant women with UTI in maternity and children's hospital, Bisha, Saudi Arabia.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most prevalent bacterial infections affecting humans, with a higher incidence among women. Pregnant women are at an increased risk of developing UTIs, which can have detrimental consequences for both the mother and fetus. UTIs can be caused by various bacteria, and the prevalence of drug-resistant UTIs in maternity and children's hospitals is a cause for concern due to the potential for severe complications if left untreated. The primary objective of the current study was to determine the distribution of UTI-causing bacteria and investigate the antibiotic sensitivity patterns of isolated cultures obtained from pregnant women with UTIs at the Maternity and Children's Hospital, Bisha, Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2021 to October 2023, involving the analysis of urine samples collected from 321 participants who acquired UTIs during pregnancy. Using biochemical tests and standard cultures, the urine samples were examined for pathogenic bacteria and their anti-microbial sensitivity patterns. The study analyzed susceptibility results according to the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines (M100, 28th Edition, 2018). Bacterial strains demonstrating resistance to three or more antibiotics were classified as multidrug-resistant (MDR). This study revealed the distribution of UTI-causing bacteria to be as follows: Escherichia coli, 57.01%; Klebsiella pneumoniae, 24.61%; Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 4.36%; Proteus mirabilis and Enterobacter cloacae, 3.74%; Streptococcus agalactiae, 3.11%; Enterococcus faecalis, 2.18%; and Staphylococcus aureus, 1.24%. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing varied among gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Gentamicin demonstrated the highest sensitivity among both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria; piperacillin-tazobactam was the second most effective drug against gram-negative bacteria. The bacterial isolates showed varying susceptibility to different antibiotics, with Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa being mainly sensitive to gentamicin, piperacillin-tazobactam, and ciprofloxacin, respectively. The strategies for reducing the risk of UTIs need to be improved to limit the spread of MDR bacteria. These strategies may include promoting hygienic practices and administering appropriate antibiotics to prevent the emergence and spread of drug-resistant bacteria. Further research is required to monitor the trends in antibiotic resistance among UTI-causing bacteria and develop effective strategies for managing this public health menace.

A national perspective on cardiovascular diseases in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are common chronic conditions that lead to morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, there are no recent national or regional reports about CVDs in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the national and regional prevalence rates of CVDs among the Saudi population. METHODS: This study used data from an ongoing household health survey conducted by the General Authority for Statistics in 2017. The survey sample comprised 24,012 homes that were determined to be a representative sample of the population and dispersed throughout the 13 administrative areas. A self-reported diagnosis of CVD was collected by asking subjects if they had been diagnosed by a physician. RESULTS: The prevalence of CVDs among the Saudi population aged 15 years and older was 1.6% (n = 236,815). The prevalence is higher in males at 1.9% compared to females at 1.4%. Age is a significant factor, with a gradual increase in CVD prevalence until the age of 50, followed by a sharp rise. The prevalence among the age group (≥ 65 years) was the highest, recording 11% (n = 93,971), followed by the age group (60-64 years) which reached 6.5% (n = 31156.71), and the lowest prevalence was found in the age group (< 40 years) as 1.2% (n = 108,226). When considering regional differences, Makkah has the highest prevalence at 1.9% (n = 85,814), followed by Riyadh at 1.7% (n = 79,191). Conversely, Najran has the lowest prevalence at 0.76% (n = 332), with the Northern Border Region having the second lowest rate at 1,46% ( n = 4218) These findings underscore the importance of considering both demographic and regional factors in addressing and managing cardiovascular health in Saudi Arabia. CONCLUSION: This study provides the most recent estimates of the national and regional prevalence rates of CVDs in Saudi Arabia. The findings suggest that CVDs are more common among older adults, males, and residents of the Makkah region. This information can be used to inform public health policies and interventions to reduce the burden of CVDs in Saudi Arabia.

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.

Constitutional BRCA1 and MGMT Methylation Are Significant Risk Factors for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer and High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer in Saudi Women.

Breast cancer (BC) and ovarian cancer (OC) are rapidly increasing in Saudi Arabia. BRCA1 and MGMT epimutations have been linked to a higher risk of these malignancies. The present research investigated the impact of these epimutations on the prevalence of BC and OC among Saudi women. DNA methylation was evaluated using methylation-specific PCR, whereas mRNA expression levels were assessed using qRT-PCR. We evaluated white blood cell (WBC)-BRCA1 methylation in 1958 Saudi women (908 BC patients, 223 OC patients, and 827 controls). MGMT methylation was determined in 1534 of the 1958 women (700 BC patients, 223 OC patients, and 611 controls). BRCA1 methylation was detected in 8.6% of the controls and 11% of the BC patients. This epimutation was linked to 13.8% of the early-onset BC patients (p = 0.003) and 20% of the triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients (p = 0.0001). BRCA1 methylation was also detected in 14% of the OC patients (p = 0.011), 19.4% of patients aged <55 years (p = 0.0007), and 23.4% of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) patients. In contrast, the BRCA1 mutation was detected in 24% of the OC patients, 27.4% of patients aged ≥55 years, and 26.7% of the HGSOC patients. However, MGMT methylation was detected in 10% of the controls and 17.4% of the BC patients (p = 0.0003). This epimutation was linked to 26.4% of the late-onset BC patients (p = 0.0001) and 11% of the TNBC patients. MGMT methylation was also found in 15.2% of the OC patients (p = 0.034) and 19.1% of HGSOC patients (p = 0.054). Furthermore, 36% of the BRCA1-methylated patients and 34.5% of the MGMT-methylated patients had a family history of cancer, including breast and ovarian cancer. Notably, BRCA1 and MGMT mRNA levels were greater in the WBC RNA of the BC patients and cancer-free methylation carriers than in that of the OC patients. Our data indicate that BRCA1 and MGMT epimutations significantly contribute to the development of breast cancer and ovarian cancer in Saudi cancer patients. These blood-based biomarkers could help identify female patients at high risk of developing TNBC and HGSOC at an early age.