Public misconceptions and attitudes towards persons diagnosed with epilepsy in the Kingdom of Bahrain: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Despite significant advancements in the understanding and treatment of epilepsy, the quality of life for persons diagnosed with Epilepsy (PdwE) can still be negatively impacted due to prevalent misconceptions and societal attitudes. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, misconceptions, and attitudes towards epilepsy in Bahrain. METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 1079 participants aged ≥ 18 years living in Bahrain. Data collection occurred between June and December 2023 through an online questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of four sections: sociodemographic characteristics, sources of information, knowledge about epilepsy, and attitudes toward PdwE. RESULTS: Most participants (1063 out of 1179) were familiar with epilepsy, with social media being the main source of information (56.7%). While 75.6% correctly recognized epilepsy as a nervous system disorder. About 30% of participants believed that body shaking and falling to the ground were the only types of seizures. In terms of attitudes, 47.9% believed that PdwE could achieve high levels of education, but 40% thought they might face job loss due to their condition. Additionally, 27.5% disagreed with the idea of marrying someone with epilepsy or allowing a family member to do so. Being female, young, highly educated, and having a family member with epilepsy were associated with significantly more positive attitudes compared to other groups. CONCLUSION: The studied sample of the Bahraini public demonstrated a satisfactory level of knowledge about epilepsy. However, they still held certain misconceptions that could impact their attitudes towards PdwE. Community awareness campaigns can address this knowledge gap and reduce epilepsy stigma.

Ultrastable Conjugated Microporous Polymers Containing Benzobisthiadiazole and Pyrene Building Blocks for Energy Storage Applications.

In recent years, conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs) have become important precursors for environmental and energy applications, compared with inorganic electrode materials, due to their ease of preparation, facile charge storage process, π-conjugated structures, relatively high thermal and chemical stability, abundance in nature, and high surface areas. Therefore, in this study, we designed and prepared new benzobisthiadiazole (BBT)-linked CMPs (BBT-CMPs) using a simple Sonogashira couplings reaction by reaction of 4,8-dibromobenzo(1,2-c;4,5-c')bis(1,2,5)thiadiazole (BBT-Br2) with ethynyl derivatives of triphenylamine (TPA-T), pyrene (Py-T), and tetraphenylethene (TPE-T), respectively, to afford TPA-BBT-CMP, Py-BBT-CMP, and TPE-BBT-CMP. The chemical structure and properties of BBT-CMPs such as surface areas, pore size, surface morphologies, and thermal stability using different measurements were discussed in detail. Among the studied BBT-CMPs, we revealed that TPE-BBT-CMP displayed high degradation temperature, up to 340 °C, with high char yield and regular, aggregated sphere based on thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. Furthermore, the Py-BBT-CMP as organic electrode showed an outstanding specific capacitance of 228 F g-1 and superior capacitance stability of 93.2% (over 2000 cycles). Based on theoretical results, an important role of BBT-CMPs, due to their electronic structure, was revealed to be enhancing the charge storage. Furthermore, all three CMP polymers featured a high conjugation system, leading to improved electron conduction and small bandgaps.

Correction to: Short-term outcome of laparoscopic versus robotic ventral mesh rectopexy for full-thickness rectal prolapse. Is robotic superior?

The authors wish to clarify a number of points that were incorrectly stated in the original article. These changes do not invalidate the article.

Finite Field Method for Nonlinear Optical Property Prediction Using Rational Function Approximants.

The finite field (FF) method is a quick, easy-to-implement tool for the prediction of nonlinear optical properties. Here, we present and explore a novel variant of the FF method, which uses a rational function to fit a molecule's energy with respect to an electric field. Similarly to previous FF methods, factors crucial for the method's accuracy were tuned. These factors include the number of terms in the function, the distribution of fields used to construct the approximation, and the initial field in the approximation. It was found that the approximant form that best fits the energy has four numerator terms and three denominator terms. To determine a reasonable field distribution, the common ratio of a geometric progression was optimized to √2. Finally, an algorithm for determining a good initial field guess was devised. The optimized FF method was used to compute the polarizability and second hyperpolarizability for a set of 121 molecules and the first hyperpolarizability for a set of 91 molecules. The results from this were compared to a previous polynomial-based FF method. It was found that using a rational function gives higher errors compared to the polynomial model. However, unlike the polynomial model, no subsequent refinement steps were needed to obtain usable results. An overall comparison of the behavior of the two methods also shows that the rational function is less sensitive to the chosen initial field, making it a good choice for new quantum chemistry codes.

Epidemiology of visceral leishmaniasis among children in Gadarif hospital, eastern Sudan.

BACKGROUND: Since 1900s, visceral leishmaniasis (VL) has been among the most important health problems in Sudan, particularly in the endemic areas such as eastern and central regions. METHODS: This was a cross sectional, hospital-based study conducted from 1st January 2015 to 31st December 2015 to investigate the epidemiological factors of VL in Gadarif hospital, eastern Sudan. RESULTS: During the study period there were 47 identified children with VL among 145 suspected cases. The most common clinical presentations were fever (47, 100%), pallor (47, 100%), weight loss (40, 85.1%), splenomegaly (37, 78.7%), lymphadenopathy (33, 70.2%), vomiting (32, 68%) cough (28, 59%), loss of appetite (22, 46.8%), diarrhoea (17, 36.1%) and jaundice (5, 10.6%). With regard to the outcome after short term follow up 37 patients (78.8%) improved without complications, while 3 (6.4%, 2 (4.3%), 2 (4.3%), 1 (2.1%), 1 (2.1%) and 1 (2.1%) developed pneumonia, otitis media, septicaemia, urinary tract infection, parasitic infestation and PKDL respectively. Lower mean of haemoglobin level was observed among the VL cases in comparison with the suspected cases (in whom VL was excluded) haemoglobin level {8.9 (3.1) Vs 11 (6.3), P = 0.021}. Again more proportion of anaemic (47 (100%) Vs 14 (14.2%), P = 0.000) and severely anaemic (23 (48.9%) Vs 2 (2%), P = 0.006) patients was detected among the infected children. Using logistic regression analyses there was significant association between rural residence (CI = 1.5-24, OR = 19.1, P = 0.023), male gender (CI = 6.6-18.7, OR = 6.4, P = 0.001) and VL among children. CONCLUSIONS: While there is an advance in prevention and management of visceral leishmaniasis our results indicate that VL is still a public health problem with its severe complications among children in eastern Sudan.

Concept of defensive medicine and litigation among Sudanese doctors working in obstetrics and gynecology.

BACKGROUND: Obstetrics and gynaecology always has reputation for being a highly litigious. The field of obstetrics and gynaecology is surrounded by different circumstances that stimulate the doctors to practice defensive medicine. METHODS: This study was directed to assess the extent and the possible effect of defensive medicine phenomenon (in term of knowledge and prevalence) on medical decision making among different grades of obstetric and gynaecologic Sudanese doctors, and to determine any experience of medical litigations with respect to sources and factors associated with it (in term of area of work, characteristics of the area at which the doctors worked, professionalism, hospitals systems…ect). RESULTS: A total of 117 doctors were approached, their distribution according to job description was as follow: consultants (42.7%, 50\117) registrars (34.2%, 40\117) and specialists (23.1%, 27\117). The majority 89.7% had the impression that litigation against doctors are increasing and 27.6% had a direct experience of litigation. In this study less than one half (42.7%) of the surveyed doctors knew the concept of defensive medicine and 71.8% reported practicing one or another form of defensive medicine. The different sources of the litigations reported by the doctors included: maternal death (n = 15), perinatal death (n = 5), other {misdiagnosis, intra-uterine fetal death, uterine perforation, rupture uterus} (n = 4), fetal distress (n = 3), injury to viscera (n = 3) and shoulder dystocia (n = 2). In this study the experience of medical litigation was significantly observed among those who worked in area of blame culture (90.6% Vs 56.5%, P = 0.000). In logistic regression model, there was no significant difference between those who knew the concept of defence medicine and those who didn't. CONCLUSION: There should be strategic plan to reduce the practice of defensive medicine and medical litigation against doctors.

Human immune deficiency virus (HIV) infection during pregnancy at Gadarif hospital, Eastern Sudan.

This was a prospective study conducted on all pregnant and parturient women attending Gadarif Maternity Hospital, Sudan from January 2009 to December 2013 to investigate the maternal characteristics, pregnancy outcomes and estimate of maternal to child transmission of HIV among HIV infected women. During the study period, there were 26 HIV positive mothers among 6420 tested women yielding an incidence rate of 0.4%. The majority of these 26 infected women were of urban residence (69.2%), presented with normal CD4+ T cell count; ? 350\cu. mm3 (96.2%), had less than secondary education (57.7%) and housewives (84.6%). The mean age (SD) was significantly varied between the sero-positive and sero-negative women, 25.9 (5.7) vs. 36.1 (5.7), p = <0.001. More proportion of infected women had maternal anaemia and gave preterm birth, and none of the newborn babies was HIV infected until the age of 96 weeks. It is thus HIV infected women in eastern Sudan were young and likely desire more children.

Drug release by pH-responsive molecular tweezers: atomistic details from molecular modeling.

pH-responsive molecular tweezers have been proposed as an approach for targeting drug-delivery to tumors, which tend to have a lower pH than normal cells. We performed a computational study of a pH-responsive molecular tweezer using ab initio quantum chemistry in the gas-phase and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations in solution. The binding free energy in solution was calculated using steered MD. We observe, in atomistic detail, the pH-induced conformational switch of the tweezer and the resulting release of the drug molecule. Even when the tweezer opens, the drug molecule remains near a hydrophobic arm of the molecular tweezer. Drug release cannot occur, it seems, unless the tweezer is in a hydrophobic environment with low pH.

Short-term outcome of laparoscopic versus robotic ventral mesh rectopexy for full-thickness rectal prolapse. Is robotic superior?

PURPOSE: Short term morbidity, functional outcome, recurrence and quality of life outcomes after robotic assisted ventral mesh rectopexy (RVMR) and laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy (LVMR) were compared. METHODS: This study includes 51 consecutive patients having operations for external rectal prolapse (ERP) in a tertiary centre between October 2009 and December 2012. Of these, 17 patients had RVMR and 34 underwent LVMR. The groups were matched for age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grades. The same operative technique and mesh was used and follow up was 12 months. Data was collected on patient demographics, surgery duration, blood loss, duration of hospital stay and operative complications. Functional outcomes were measured using the faecal incontinence severity index (FISI) and Wexner faecal incontinence scoring. Quality of life was scored using SF36 questionnaires pre and postoperatively. RESULTS: All patients were female except three (median 59, range 25-89). There was one laparoscopic converted to open procedure. RVMR procedures were longer in duration (p = 0.013) but with no difference in blood loss between the groups. The average duration of stay was 2 days in both groups. There were six minor postoperative complications in LVMR procedures and none in the RVMR group. Pre and postoperative Wexner and FISI scoring were significantly lower in the RVMR group (p = 0.042 and p = 0.024, respectively). SF-36 questionnaires showed better scoring in physical and emotional component in RVMR group (p = 0.015). There was no recurrence in either group during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Both LVMR and RVMR are similar in terms of safety and efficacy. Although not randomized, this data may suggest a better functional outcome and quality of life in patients having RVMR for ERP.

Solvatochromism of new tetraphenylethene luminogens: integration of aggregation-induced emission and conjugation-induced rigidity for emitting strongly in both solid and solution state.

In this study, we synthesized and characterized four tetraphenylethene (TPE) analogs, investigated their photophysical properties, and conducted quantum chemical calculations. Some molecules exhibited aggregation-induced emission enhancement behavior and showed efficient emission in both solid and solution states. Solvatochromism was observed in particular derivatives, with solvent polarity influencing either a bathochromic or hypsochromic shift, indicating the occurrence of photoinduced intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) processes. Quantum chemical calculations confirmed that variations in molecular packing and rigidity among the TPE analogs contributed to their diverse behavior. The study showcases aggregation in luminophores without significant impact on the excited state and highlights how minor alterations in terminal substituents can lead to unconventional behavior. These findings have implications for the development of luminescent materials. Furthermore, the synthesized compounds exhibited biocompatibility, suggesting their potential for cell imaging applications.

Novel drug therapy of acute hepatic failure induced in rats by a combination of tadalafil and Lepidium sativum.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocyte death and a systemic inflammatory response are the outcome of a complex chain of events mediated by numerous inflammatory cells and chemical mediators. The point of this study was to find out if tadalafil and/or Lepidium sativum (L. sativum) could help people who have been exposed to carbon tetrachloride (CCL4) and are experiencing acute moderate liver failure. This was especially true when the two were used together. METHOD AND MATERIALS: To cause mild liver failure 24 h before sacrifice, a single oral dosage of CCL4 (2.5 mL/kg b.w.) (50% in olive oil) was utilized. Furthermore, immunohistochemical expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) as well as histological abnormalities were performed on liver tissue. RESULTS: The results showed that tadalafil and/or L. sativum, especially in combination, performed well to cure acute mild liver failure caused by CCL4. This was demonstrated by a decrease in NF-κB expression in the liver tissue and an improvement in organ damage markers observed in the blood and liver tissues. Furthermore, such therapy reduced interleukin1 beta (IL-1ß) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels in the liver tissue. It's worth noting that the tested combination resulted in greater liver improvement. CONCLUSIONS: According to the findings, tadalafil and L. sativum, particularly in combination, have the ability to protect the liver from the negative effects of CCL4 exposure. Because of its capacity to improve liver function, restore redox equilibrium, and decrease inflammatory mediators, it is a prospective option for mitigating the negative effects of common environmental pollutants such as CCL4.

Nutritional Status of Adolescents in Eastern Sudan: A Cross-Sectional Community-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition among adolescents is a major public health issue. This problem is particularly pressing in Sudan, an African country where there is scarce published data on the nutritional status of adolescents. In this study, we aimed to assess the nutritional status of adolescents in eastern Sudan. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional survey was carried out in Gadarif, eastern Sudan. A questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data, and the anthropometric measurements (weight and height) of adolescent participants were recorded. Height-for-age and body mass index-for-age Z-scores were calculated using the WHO anthropometric standards. Binary and multivariate multinomial regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 388 adolescents were included in this survey, 207 (53.4%) were female, and 181 (46.6%) were male. The median (interquartile) age was 13.9 (12.0-16.0) years. The results showed that a total of 29 (7.5%), 93 (24.0%), 33 (8.5%), and 16 (4.1%) adolescents were stunted, thin, overweight, and obese, respectively. None of the investigated factors (age, sex, parents' education levels, and occupation) were associated with stunting. In the multivariate multinomial analysis, the male sex was associated with thinness (OR = 2.41, 95.0% CI = 1.47-3.94). Moreover, adolescents whose mothers had an education lower than secondary level were at a lower risk of overweight/obesity (OR = 0. 0.35, 95.0% CI = 0. 0.35). CONCLUSIONS: While both undernutrition and overnutrition exist in eastern Sudan, undernutrition is more common. Male sex and mothers' education levels are associated with malnutrition.

High Prevalence of Bovine Cardiac Cysticercosis in Upper Egypt: An Epidemiological and Histopathological Study.

Bovine cysticercosis is categorized as a serious parasitic zoonotic infestation. The infection is mainly caused by the tapeworm Taenia saginata, which infects cattle and humans. The larval stage, Cysticercus bovis (C. bovis), is found in the skeletal and cardiac muscles of infected cattle. Despite its potential public health concern, few studies have been conducted on cardiac cysticercosis in Upper Egypt. This study investigates the prevalence, epidemiology, and impact of cardiac cysticercosis in Upper Egypt, emphasizing how histopathological changes in cardiac muscle and physiological parameters might be associated with the infection. From December 2022 to October 2023, a total of 941 animals from Assiut province, Upper Egypt, were slaughtered and their cardiac muscles were examined for the presence of C. bovis. Cysts were classified as viable or degenerated through macroscopic inspection. The overall prevalence of C. bovis infected hearts made up 10.8% of the total examined. The highest prevalence rate was in the summer season followed by spring; winter had the lowest infections. The histopathological examination of infected tissues revealed immune cell infiltration around Cysticercus-infected areas. Additionally, Bax immunostaining demonstrated the apoptotic effect of cysticercosis. Regarding the measured physiological parameters, there were non-significant changes in plasma levels of total protein and albumin in cattle infected with cysticercosis compared with control animals. Moreover, there was a significant decrease in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) combined with a significant increase in lipid peroxide (Malondialdehyde) (MDA), troponin T, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in infected animals. The present work documented a set of epidemiological and pathological findings, revealing that C. bovis is a potentially harmful parasite and can cause significant health problems in both cattle and humans.

Evaluation of Allergic Conjunctivitis Prevalence and Attitude Toward Prevention and Control in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Allergic conjunctivitis (AC) is a prevalent ocular condition with a substantial impact on individuals' quality of life. This study aimed to explore the demographic patterns, prevalence, symptoms, awareness, and attitudes associated with AC, while also examining potential associations with gender, age, and region of residence in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 487 participants. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire that included demographic information about AC prevalence, symptoms, attitudes, and awareness levels. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests, were employed to examine associations between variables. RESULTS: The study revealed a prevalence of AC (89, 18.3%) with common symptoms being eye redness (73, 82%) and itching (73, 82%). Participants displayed diverse awareness levels, with (376, 77.2%) correctly defining AC. The majority demonstrated either a good (230, 47.2%) or insufficient (196, 40.2%) attitude, while 54 (11.1%) had a sufficient attitude, and 7 (1.4%) exhibited an excellent attitude and awareness. Significant regional disparities were observed, impacting both prevalence and attitudes. While no gender differences were noted, the age group of 31-40 displayed a higher prevalence. CONCLUSION: In this study, among 487 participants, the prevalence of AC was found to be 89 (18.3%). Meanwhile, attitude levels varied, with the majority demonstrating either a good or insufficient attitude. This provides valuable insights into the prevalence, symptoms, and awareness of AC in our population. The regional disparities underscore the need for tailored interventions addressing specific geographical contexts. The findings contribute to the broader understanding of AC, emphasizing the importance of targeted education and regional considerations in managing and preventing this condition.

Prevalence of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Women With and Without Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Al-Baha Region, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a condition characterized by glucose intolerance that develops during pregnancy. It is associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes and has long-term health implications for both the mother and the child. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with and without GDM in the Al-Baha region, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Al-Baha region from April 2023 to November 2023. The study included mothers residing in the Al-Baha region who were willing to participate and had access to a social media account. A simple random sampling technique was used, and the estimated sample size was 422. A self-administered electronic questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic and lifestyle factors, as well as the pregnancy outcomes of diabetic and non-diabetic mothers. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 28.0 (Released 2012; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). RESULTS: We included 422 women in the study with the majority of participants in the age group of 36-40 years(15.4%, n=74). Most participants (66.6%, n=321) had attained a university degree, and a significant proportion resided in Al-Baha City (52.3%, n=252). Maternal outcomes indicated a significant association between GDM and the development of eclampsia (OR = 8.296, 95%CI: 4.353-15.810, p < 0.001), as well as an increased risk of thyroid diseases (OR = 2.723, 95%CI: 1.428-5.193, p = 0.002). Fetal outcomes revealed a significant association between GDM and respiratory distress/lack of oxygen in newborns (OR = 2.032, 95%CI: 1.085-3.805, p = 0.024), and infants of GDM patients had a higher risk of hypoglycemia (OR = 8.099, 95%CI: 3.350-19.581, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: We found that GDM increased the risk of complications such as eclampsia, thyroid problems, and postpartum hemorrhage. GDM was also associated with shorter pregnancy durations, higher cesarean section rates, and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes post pregnancy. The study emphasized the importance of comprehensive GDM therapy and monitoring.

Knowledge of Sickle Cell Disease Among Medical Students at Al-Baha University, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Sickle cell disease (SCD) presents a major health challenge in Saudi Arabia due to its high prevalence. The important role of medical students as future healthcare leaders necessitates high awareness and knowledge about the disease. AIM: To assess SCD awareness among Al-Baha University medical students, and to evaluate its relation to gender and academic level. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted, including 105 medical students from the first to sixth year at Al-Baha University. Data collection utilized an online self-administered questionnaire, covering demographic characteristics and assessing SCD knowledge. Fisher's exact and Pearson Chi-squared tests were employed to analyze associations between gender, academic level, and SCD awareness. RESULTS: The majority of male participants 52 (89.6%) and all females 47 (100%) demonstrated awareness of SCD. Clinical year enrollment (68.6%) correlated with heightened awareness across various aspects of SCD compared to the preclinical year. Most participants were in clinical years (68.6%), and 94.3% of them had knowledge about SCD. Approximately, 75 (71%) of participants correctly identified features of sickle cell crisis, 83 (79%) reported the accurate cause of SCD, and 75 (71%) cited the appropriate preventive measures. Only 15 (14%) demonstrated knowledge of correct management of SCD. Contrarily, 84 (80%) were aware of SCD complications, 66 (63%) recognized different SCD types, 67 (64%) felt adequately informed about SCD, and 34 (32%) were involved in SCD counseling. Male participants exhibited greater awareness of SCD features than females. Notably, involvement in SCD counseling was more prevalent among students of clinical years. CONCLUSION: This study underscores the need for targeted educational initiatives, particularly among preclinical year students to enhance SCD awareness among students. We also emphasize the role of clinical education in fostering a comprehensive understanding of SCD, with increased participation in counseling programs.

Finding optimal finite field strengths allowing for a maximum of precision in the calculation of polarizabilities and hyperpolarizabilities.

The finite field method, widely used for the calculation of static dipole polarizabilities or the first and second hyperpolarizabilities of molecules and polymers, is thoroughly explored. The application of different field strengths and the impact on the precision of the calculations were investigated. Borders could be defined and characterized, establishing a range of feasible field strengths that guarantee reliable numerical results. The quality of different types of meshes to screen the feasible region is assessed. Extrapolation schemes are presented that reduce the truncation error and allow to increase the precision of finite field calculations by one to three orders of magnitude.

Fundamental Frequency and Jitter Percent in MDVP and PRAAT.

PURPOSE: This study initially investigated the relationship between Fundamental Frequency and Jitter Percent across and within MDVP and PRAAT. Subsequently, it explored if the measured acoustic signal's Length or the analysis temporal segment selection impacts potential correlation across the tools' measures. METHODS: We collected forty-two Maximum Phonation Time acoustic signals from 10 participants with Healthy Voices in a standardized setting. We excluded from enrollment any potential participants having a history of voice disorders or showing an abnormality in a pre-study assessment. RESULTS: There is no correlation between Jitter percent's values and Fundamental Frequency within either Tool in our healthy voice samples. The Length of the acoustic signal and temporal analysis selection impact the correlation between Jitter Percent measurements across the two tools; The correlation between Fundamental Frequency measurements across the devices was not affected. Means of Fundamental Frequency did not differ across the two devices but show a persistent pattern of greater values in MDVP. Jitter Percent measurements were significantly higher in MDVP CONCLUSIONS: There is a potential for clinicians using PRAAT assessments in the clinic to make inferences from research using MDVP as an analysis tool. Further work is needed in patients with Voice disorders to explore that possibility.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Home Accidents Among Children Under Five Years of Age in Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia.

INTRODUCTION: Internationally, home accidents are the main cause of preventable debilities and death among children and young persons. Many times, children survive accidents with physical or mental damage that curtails their activities in the long term. The most commonly reported accidental injuries include head injuries, open wounds, and poisoning. This study aims to assess the prevalence and factors associated with home accidents among children under five years old in the Al-Baha region, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among the community population in the Al-Baha region, Saudi Arabia, targeting all accessible parents who have children under five years old. A convenience sampling technique was used for sample collection during the period of three months (May 2023 to July 2023), where all accessible parents who fulfilled the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate were invited to fill out the received online study questionnaire. Section 1 covered the participants' demographic data. The second section covered the children's data and the third section included questions about home accident types, frequency, severity, and causes.  Results: The findings showed that 205 (58.2%) study parents reported a history of home accidents among their children. As for accident data, about 122 (59.5%) of the injured children were males. The most reported home accidents among children were fall/impact with hard objects (58.2%), burn (30.7%), asphyxia (27.6%), and poisoning (24.4%). Families with more than seven members and those with four or more siblings significantly experienced higher home accidents than others (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the current study showed that home accidents among children under five years of age were mainly falls and burns; they were mainly found among male children and children in families with highly educated mothers and many kids. A majority of the reported cases of home accidents were less severe and the hospitalization rates with complications were very few.

Awareness of Preeclampsia and Its Associated Factors Among Women in Al Baha Region, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia is associated with the incidence of common fetal problems including intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR), premature delivery oligohydramnios, placental abruption, fetal discomfort, and intrauterine fetal death. Pregnant women are not well-informed about preeclampsia, including its symptoms, risk factors, and consequences. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the awareness of preeclampsia and its associated factors among women in the Al Baha region, Saudi Arabia. METHODOLOGY: An observational cross-sectional design was employed to assess the awareness of preeclampsia and its associated factors among women in the Al Baha region of Saudi Arabia. Data was collected from April 2023 to September 2023. A questionnaire was designed to gather information on participants' sociodemographic characteristics (such as age, educational level, and residency) and their awareness of preeclampsia, including knowledge about signs/symptoms, risk factors, and complications. RESULTS: In the current study, we included 485 pregnant women. The majority of participants were aged 40 years or older (37.5%), followed by those aged 35-39 (20.4%). Among the participants, 70.9% confirmed that they had heard about pre-eclampsia before. The most common signs and symptoms were high blood pressure (47.4%), increased protein in urine (40.2%), continuous headache (39.2%), and vomiting/nausea (40.0%). Participants demonstrated awareness of obesity (29.7%), diabetes mellitus (35.5%), chronic hypertension (47.0%), and chronic kidney disease (31.3%) as major risk factors. Participants were aware of potential risks such as kidney disorders (34.6%), heart disorders (23.7%), and preterm delivery (50.9%). The analysis reveals that younger participants below 20 years old (3.3%) and lower educational levels (5.6%) had lower awareness of preeclampsia compared to older age groups. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study highlight a reasonable level of preeclampsia awareness and knowledge among Saudi Arabian women residing in the Al Baha region. While the majority of participants were familiar with preeclampsia, there were significant knowledge gaps regarding the precise symptoms, risk factors, and consequences of the condition.