Assessment of the Level of Knowledge and Attitude Towards Herpes Zoster and Its Vaccination Among Individuals at Risk in Saudi Arabia.

Background Herpes zoster (HZ) is a viral infection resulting from the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. The vaccination was proven to prevent herpes zoster and its complications for individuals over the age of 50 since they are more susceptible to herpes zoster infection. Therefore, it is essential to understand and acknowledge the herpes zoster infection and vaccine. This study aims to assess the level of knowledge and attitude towards herpes zoster and its vaccination among individuals at risk in Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted between February 2023 and June 2023 among the general population in Saudi Arabia, using a self-administered online questionnaire adapted from a previous study after translating it into Arabic. Results A total of 1883 participants were included in this study, almost equally distributed across the five regions of Saudi Arabia. Females represented 62.4% (n=1175), and 56% (n=1062) of participants reported a positive history of chickenpox, while 3.6% (n=67) reported a history of herpes zoster. Furthermore, 78.9% (n=1486) have heard of herpes zoster, while 68.8% (n=1296) have at least one of the herpes zoster risk factors. Only 7.8% (n=147) had high knowledge about HZ, and only 3.1% (n=58) had adequate knowledge regarding the HZ vaccine. Conclusion Our study findings show that the general population of Saudi Arabia has inadequate knowledge about herpes zoster and its vaccine. For that reason, awareness and education programs targeting individuals at high risk of herpes zoster are required to enhance awareness and knowledge about herpes zoster and to improve their attitudes toward the herpes zoster vaccination.

Impact of Depression on Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)-Associated Gastrointestinal Symptoms: A Cross-Sectional Study in Makkah City, Saudi Arabia.

Background Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal chronic disorder associated with symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation. One of the factors that could affect the pathogenesis of IBS is depression, a common psychological disorder that causes social and physical disability and affects productivity. A number of Saudi teachers were found to have depression, which was linked with multiple risk factors including chronic illnesses. However, there is limited data that exhibits the association between IBS and depression, specifically. Therefore, our study aims to determine the impact of depression on IBS-associated gastrointestinal symptoms in Makkah City schools, Saudi Arabia. Methods In this cross-sectional study, we used two validated scales and translated them into Arabic and then we distributed them to our targeted population. Our sample size was determined to be 383 but we succeeded in recruiting 477 participants in our study. Data were statistically analyzed using the statistical software Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 23.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results Generally, participants who demonstrated mild levels of Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) depression scale corresponded significantly with minimal/mild and moderate levels of Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale-IBS (GSRS-IBS) scores (n = 85 and 76, respectively; p ˂ 0.001), while participants who scored moderately on the PHQ-9 depression scale corresponded significantly with a severe level of GSRS-IBS scores (n = 29; p ˂ 0.001). Conclusion Our study found a significant association between different levels of depression and IBS among participants with a positive history of IBS. Further studies about the prevalence of IBS, depression, and the nature of their relationship are strongly recommended, in addition to the necessity of a suicide risk assessment for those with severe depression.

Checkpoint Kinase 2 (CHEK2) Gene Mutation in a Patient With Breast and Prostate Cancer: A Unique Presentation of a Rare Disease.

Breast cancer is one of the rarest malignancies in males, with a low incidence rate compared to all breast cancers. Gene mutation plays a significant role in the pathologic process of cancer. Mutations in breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA2) have been associated with male breast cancer (MBC), as well as prostate cancer (PCa). Despite the etiopathogenetic similarity, combined MBC and PCa is a rare entity. This report presents the case of a 57-year-old male with a history of breast cancer who underwent modified radical mastectomy (MRM) with lymph node dissection followed by adjuvant chemoradiotherapy four years ago. The patient presented with recurrent episodes of voiding dysfunction for three months, followed by urine retention. His family history was positive for breast and lung cancer. High prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System 5 (PI-RADS5) necessitate transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy, which confirmed the diagnosis of PCa. Molecular genetics testing and next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis identified heterozygous variant c.636T>G, p.(Tyr212*) in the checkpoint kinase 2 (CHEK2) gene. The patient is planned for neoadjuvant luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) for 3-6 months, to be followed by transurethral tunneling of the prostate (TUTP) with adjuvant LHRH. The allele frequency of this patient mutation was documented for the first time among the general population, and it has not been described in the literature. This unique and rare case was presented with clinical, morphological, and immunohistochemical features together with a review of the current literature.

Knowledge of Cancer Genetics and the Importance of Genetic Testing: A Public Health Study.

Background Cancer represents a global concern as the second-leading cause of mortality worldwide. It is defined as a genetic disease that develops as a result of several genetic abnormalities and changes to specific genes. Thus, early preventive measures and clinical interventions can be implemented with impressive results using genetic testing and screening for hereditary susceptibility. Objectives The present study assessed the knowledge of cancer genetics and of the importance of genetic testing among the general population in Saudi Arabia's Makkah Province. Methods  A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among the general population in Makkah Province. The data were collected through an online questionnaire from November 2022 through December 2022. Results The study recruited 1,329 participants, the largest group of whom were 21-30 years old (n=524, 39.4%). About 60.1% of the respondents were female. The findings reveal that 52.52% of the respondents had poor knowledge, while only 4.82% exhibited good knowledge. Conclusion Approximately half the total participants possessed an inadequate understanding of cancer genetics and the importance of genetic testing. This indicates the need for awareness campaigns and programs to improve the general population's understanding of the genetic predisposition to cancer.

Parents' Awareness and Attitude Toward Pediatrics Eye Diseases in Makkah, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: The necessity of early detection and parents' knowledge of pediatric eye conditions and eye care is crucial, not only because of the severe complications it can carry, like blindness, but also due to the availability of preventive measures and the importance of vision in a child's growth and social life. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the level of awareness of and attitudes toward children's eye diseases of parents in Makkah City, Saudi Arabia. METHODS:  This descriptive, cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, from September to December 2022. A self-administered questionnaire was randomly distributed to fathers and mothers of children younger than 18 through social media platforms. RESULTS:  A total of 470 parents who met the study's inclusion criteria completed the study questionnaire. The results showed that 72.8% of the parents had poor awareness of pediatric eye diseases, 24.5% had good awareness, and 2.8% had excellent awareness. With regard to the symptoms that might prompt parents to take their children to an eye specialist, eye redness had the highest percentage (24.5%). It was also shown that 68.5% would allow their children to undergo eye surgery, if necessary, while most of those who refused to do so (11.3%) cited fear of the surgical outcome as the cause of their refusal. CONCLUSION:  Our study findings show inadequate parental knowledge about common pediatric eye diseases and eye care practices for children. Therefore, awareness and education programs targeting both parents are recommended to raise the parents' level of awareness of pediatric eye diseases and to improve their attitudes toward the same.

Screening Eating Disorders Among Female High School Students in Makkah City: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

INTRODUCTION:  Eating disorders (EDs) are defined as disturbances in health and psychosocial functioning. They are more predominant in young and adult women and can start at an early age and continue into adulthood. These types of mental illnesses can be prevented with proper training. However, there is a significant lack of understanding of EDs among teachers. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the prevalence rates of EDs among female high school students in Makkah city. METHODS:  We surveyed 384 female students from high schools in Makkah city in this cross-sectional study using a validated questionnaire adapted from a previously published study after translating it into Arabic. RESULTS:  Most of the students had suffered an ED (n=211, 54.4%), while 45.6% had not. There was an insignificant relation between the frequency of EDs and participants' age, nationality, family history of ED, and awareness of EDs (P-value, 0.158, 0.486, 0.671, and 0.718, respectively). CONCLUSION:  Further studies are needed to evaluate the understanding of EDs among the general population as well as assess the prevalence rates of EDs among larger female populations.

The Level of Awareness Among Surgical Physicians Regarding Surgical Site Infections and the Risks Associated With Wound Infections in Makkah.

Background and aims: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a significant contributor to mortality rates globally; therefore, to avoid these lethal complications, it is critical to incorporate patient safety and high-quality treatment approaches. This study aims to assess surgical physicians' awareness of SSIs and risks of wound infections in Makkah City, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed among surgical physicians and interns in Makkah city hospitals through an online questionnaire from February 2023 to March 2023.  Results: 122 surgical physicians were enrolled in the study. The age of the majority of participants was between 20 and 30 (52.5%). According to the data, 55.7% of respondents had fair knowledge. Conclusion: Only 4.1% of physicians had a good level of knowledge. Thus, we recommend Makkah hospitals offer academic sessions to surgical physicians about preventive measures for high-quality care of SSIs in order to raise their levels of awareness and knowledge.

Public Awareness of Heart Failure Among the Population of Makkah City, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Heart failure (HF), a major public health problem worldwide, is a complex clinical syndrome caused by structural or functional heart disorders occurring when the heart cannot supply sufficient blood to the body. The most common cause of HF is impairment of the left ventricle. Public awareness of HF is critical for controlling the disease burden, recognizing disease severity, and determining its prognosis. Therefore, this study assesses the awareness and perception of HF among the population in Makkah City, Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,053 participants over 18 years of age who lived in Makkah City between October 2022 and February 2023. Participants were randomly selected and recruited using a validated online questionnaire. Results Of the participants, 62.4% had heard of HF, and the majority (59.5%) correctly identified it. Regarding the etiology of the disease, about 50.6% indicated that it was related to the aging process, and 82.9% indicated it was related to high blood pressure. Only 24.1% of participants correctly recognized HF symptoms; most defined the symptoms as general heart disease. Moreover, 51.6% of participants agreed that the current HF medications can reduce deaths from HF and improve quality of life. However, most respondents disagreed that HF drugs can prevent the onset of HF. Conclusion The findings emphasize the need for more awareness programs to raise the public awareness about HF and effectively guide the population to more reliable sources that provide evidence-based information about the disease.

Assessment of Anxiety Associated With MRI Examination Among the General Population in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia.

Background While magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most efficient diagnostic methods used today, some patients may find an MRI examination to be a frightening experience. The proximity to the machine during screening and being in a confined space can cause a feeling of claustrophobia. Severe anxiety during MRI screening can cause the patient to move, which lowers the quality of the imaging and diagnostic test, and can result in the early termination of the MRI examination and the patient declining further testing. Objectives The objective of this study is to evaluate MRI examination-associated anxiety among Saudi Arabia's general population in the western region of the country. Methods Altogether, 465 participants who had undergone an MRI examination in the western region of Saudi Arabia were recruited for this cross-sectional study. We used the Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Anxiety Questionnaire (MRI-AQ) to collect data. Results Regarding anxiety symptoms, 82.8% of the participants believed that they had control over the event, 80.2% were concerned beforehand, 74% required more specific information, just 48% had difficulty breathing, and 51% were panicked. On the other hand, 57.4% felt safe, 56.8% were calm, and 49.2% were relaxed. The majority of the participants (55.9%, 260) reported moderate MRI-related anxiety. Conclusion More than half of our respondents had mild to moderate MRI-related anxiety. The majority needed more detailed information, panicked, and had breathing problems. Statistically, females showed a significantly higher level of anxiety compared with male participants.

The General Population's Perspectives on Implementation of Artificial Intelligence in Radiology in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia.

Background  Artificial intelligence (AI) is a broad spectrum of computer-executed operations that mimics the human intellect. It is expected to improve healthcare practice in general and radiology in particular by enhancing image acquisition, image analysis, and processing speed. Despite the rapid development of AI systems, successful application in radiology requires analysis of social factors such as the public's perspectives toward the technology. Objectives The current study aims to investigate the general population's perspectives on AI implementation in radiology in the Western region of Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2022 and July 2023 utilizing a self-administrative online survey distributed via social media platforms. A convenience sampling technique was used to recruit the study participants. After obtaining Institutional Review Board approval, data were collected from citizens and residents of the western region of Saudi Arabia aged 18 years or older. Results A total of 1,024 participants were included in the present study, with the mean age of respondents being 29.6 ± 11.3. Of them, 49.9% (511) were men, and 50.1% (513) were women. The comprehensive mean score of the first four domains among our participants was 3.93 out of 5.00. Higher mean scores suggest being more negative regarding AI in radiology, except for the fifth domain. Respondents had less trust in AI utilization in radiology, as evidenced by their overall distrust and accountability domain mean score of 3.52 out of 5. The majority of respondents agreed that it is essential to understand every step of the diagnostic process, and the mean score for the procedural knowledge domain was 4.34 out of 5. The mean score for the personal interaction domain was 4.31 out of 5, indicating that the participants agreed on the value of direct communication between the patient and the radiologist for discussing test results and asking questions. Our data show that people think AI is more effective than human doctors in making accurate diagnoses and decreasing patient wait times, with an overall mean score of the efficiency domain of 3.56 out of 5. Finally, the fifth domain, "being informed," had a mean score of 3.91 out of 5. Conclusion The application of AI in radiologic assessment and interpretation is generally viewed negatively. Even though people think AI is more efficient and accurate at diagnosing than humans, they still think that computers will never be able to match a specialist doctor's years of training.