Risk Factors for Primary Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Illness in Humans, Saudi Arabia, 2014.

Risk factors for primary Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) illness in humans are incompletely understood. We identified all primary MERS-CoV cases reported in Saudi Arabia during March-November 2014 by excluding those with history of exposure to other cases of MERS-CoV or acute respiratory illness of unknown cause or exposure to healthcare settings within 14 days before illness onset. Using a case-control design, we assessed differences in underlying medical conditions and environmental exposures among primary case-patients and 2-4 controls matched by age, sex, and neighborhood. Using multivariable analysis, we found that direct exposure to dromedary camels during the 2 weeks before illness onset, as well as diabetes mellitus, heart disease, and smoking, were each independently associated with MERS-CoV illness. Further investigation is needed to better understand animal-to-human transmission of MERS-CoV.

Physical activity and health-related quality of life among adults living in Jeddah city Saudi Arabia.

Background: Physical activity can improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adults. However, the effect of physical activity on quality of life is unclear among the Saudi adult population. The study aimed to determine the association between physical activity and HRQoL in apparently healthy adults in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among visitors of shopping malls, walking tracks/fitness centres/gyms and governmental hospitals in Jeddah from March to September 2022. Physical activity was measured with the electronic template of the general practice physical activity questionnaire (GPPAQ), while the HRQoL was measured using the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) questionnaire. A multiple linear regression model investigated the relationship between physical activity and HRQoL. Results: A total of 693 individuals participated in this study, with a mean age of 36 (±11). Individuals who fall in the active category of the physical activity level were mostly younger men (37% vs 21%), were non-smokers (30% vs 10%) and had no comorbid condition (29% vs 15%). After adjusting for covariates, men (adjusted ß 4.43, 95% CI [1.44-7.41]) with higher physical activity levels (active-adjusted ß 10.11, 95% CI [5.44-14.77]) had better scores on the physical component summary (PCS). Similarly, mental component summary (MCS) scores for men (adjusted ß 6.51, 95% CI [3.40-9.63]) and physical activity levels (active-adjusted ß 9.77, 95% CI [4.90-14.64]) were high. Conclusion: The article reinforces how physical activity contributes towards each dimension of HRQoL. Physical inactivity is a growing public health challenge in Saudi Arabia, affecting all age groups. Investing in innovative strategies and establishing targeted health education programs for academic institutions and communities are required to enhance healthy habits. Additionally, constructing more local sports facilities and concession packages, especially for the females at the gyms, can motivate individuals and promote physical activity.