Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of primary health care physicians regarding the pre-travel counselling of patients with type 2 diabetes in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Travel has become an integral part of Saudi life. People with diabetes face many challenges while travelling that can have detrimental effects on glycaemic control. However, no previous studies have investigated pre-travel counselling in Saudi Arabia. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of primary health care (PHC) physicians regarding pre-travel counselling for patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in PHC centres under the Ministry of Health in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during the period 2018-2019. A cluster multistage random sampling technique was used to recruit physicians. The data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: Three hundred and eighty-five primary health care physicians were recruited. This study showed that more than half (57.9%) of PHC physicians had poor knowledge scores. Additionally, the following characteristics were significantly associated with poor knowledge: being younger in age, being male, being Saudi, being a general practitioner, and having limited (0-5 years) experience. A total of 183 (47.5%) subjects showed disagreement attitudes towards the importance of pre-travel counselling among patients with diabetes. Furthermore, these disagreement attitudes were significantly associated with being older and having more years of experience. The majority (62.6%) of the physicians had poor practice scores. Poor practices were detected among physicians who were younger, male, and Saudi and who had a general practitioner specialty and degree. CONCLUSIONS: It could be concluded that a gap was detected in the knowledge and practices of primary health care physicians regarding pre-travel counselling for people with type 2 diabetes. Therefore, it is necessary to create easily accessible travel medicine education programmes for Saudi PHC providers to improve the management of travellers with diabetes.

Helicobacter Pylori infection among dyspepsia patients in suburbs of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine the current prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among Dyspepsia patients and correlate this with Endoscopic findings. METHODS: A retrospective, descriptive facility-based study was conducted from June to December 2017 to estimate the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori among dyspepsia patients from Majmaah, Sudair, Zulfi and Shaqra areas of Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia. Four years data from January 2012 to December 2016 were reviewd by a checklist and analyzed by SPSS. RESULTS: Out of 1398 dyspepsia patients, 485 (34.7%) were positive and 913 (65.3%) were negative for H-Pylori infection. Majority of patients 1143 (81.7%) had gastritis, out of which, 457 (39.9%) of gastritis patients were H-pylori positive. The frequency of H-pylori infection was significantly higher among patients with gastritis (p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the frequency of H-pylori infection among patients with erosion, ulcer, polyp and cancer (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of H.Pylori was low as compared to other governorates in the kingdom and regional countries. Gastritis was dominating finding on upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy.

Glycaemic control for people with type 2 diabetes in Saudi Arabia - an urgent need for a review of management plan.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess inadequate glycaemic control and its associated factors among people with type 2 diabetes in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was used. Adults with type 2 diabetes attending diabetes centres in Riyadh, Hofuf and Jeddah cities were interviewed and their anthropometrics were measured. Their medical records were also reviewed to collect information related to recent lab tests, medications, and documented comorbidities. Multivariable logistic regression were used for data analysis. RESULTS: A total of 1111 participants were recruited in the study. Mean age was 57.6 (±11.1) years, 65.2% of the participants were females, and mean HbA1c was 8.5 ± 1.9%. About three-fourths of participants had inadequate glycaemic control (≥ 7%). Multivariable analysis showed that age ≤ 60 years, longer duration of diabetes, living in a remote location, low household income, low intake of fruits and vegetable, low level of physical activity, lack of knowledge about haemoglobin A1c, high waist-hip ratio, low adherence to medication, and using injectable medications were independent risk factors for inadequate glycaemic control. CONCLUSIONS: Inadequate glycaemic control is prevalent among people with type 2 diabetes in Saudi Arabia. In order to improve glycaemic control diabetes management plan should aim at controlling the modifiable risk factors which include low intake of fruits and vegetable, low level of physical activity, lack of knowledge about haemoglobin A1c, high waist-hip ratio, and low adherence to medications.

Health promoting lifestyle of university students in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional assessment.

BACKGROUND: College is a critical time where students are more prone to engage in risky health behaviors known to negatively affect well-being, such as physical inactivity, stress, and poor dietary habits. A health promoting lifestyle is an important determinant of health status and is recognized as a major factor for the maintenance and improvement of health. This study was designed to assess the health-promoting lifestyle of students in health colleges and non-health colleges in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A total of 1656 students participated in this descriptive cross-sectional study. Data gathering was conducted from November 2016 to February 2017 at King Saud University. Participating students completed a self-reported questionnaire that included questions regarding their demographic characteristics and their health-promoting behaviors. RESULTS: The majority of participants were females (70.4%), 20% of the participants were overweight and 11.3%, were obese. The analysis showed that there was a significant difference between health colleges and non-health colleges with regards to the factor of health responsibility. Students at both schools were found to have an inadequate level of adherence to recommendations regarding physical activity and healthy eating habits. The analysis also found that majority of the students in both colleges do not attend educational programs on health care. The model shows that gender, type of college, year in school, and family structure were significant predictors of the health lifestyle of students in Saudi Arabia. CONCLUSION: The results of the current study indicate that university students are leading unhealthy lives, where the majority of them have unhealthy eating habits and poor physical activity level. Universities are ideal settings for implementing health promotion programs. Therefore, planning and implementing programs to motivate students to be more responsible for their own health, to engage more in physical activity, and to practice healthy eating habits and other forms of wellness are of paramount importance.

An update on the current characteristics and status of care for Muslims with type 2 diabetes fasting during Ramadan: the DAR global survey 2022.

BACKGROUND: Managing diabetes during Ramadan fasting is a challenge due lifestyle changes. We described the characteristics and patterns of care for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) during Ramadan 2020 and 2022. METHODS: Our study included multinational Muslims with T2DM who were during routine consultation. We collected data on demographics, fasting characteristics, and complications. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and multiple testing were performed. RESULTS: 12,529 patients participated. Mean age was 55.2 ± 11.8 years; 52.4% were females. Mean diabetes duration was 9.9 ± 7.4 years; 27.7% were with HbA1c >9% (75 mmol/mol) and 70% had complications. Metformin was the most used medication followed by insulin. 85.1% fasted ≥1 day; fasting mean duration was 27.6 ± 5.6 days. Hypoglycemia occurred in 15.5% of whom 11.7% attended emergency department or were hospitalized; this was significantly associated with age and/or duration of diabetes. Hyperglycemia occurred in 14.9% of whom 6.1% attended emergency department or were hospitalized and was also associated with age or duration of diabetes. 74.2% performed SMBG during fasting. 59.2% were educated on Ramadan fasting, with 89.7% receiving it during routine consultation. CONCLUSIONS: Ramadan fasting in T2DM is high. Multidisciplinary approach is required to mitigate complications. Our findings support current recommendations for safe fasting.

The goal of this survey was to describe the characteristics and current ways of care for Muslim patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus fasting during and after Ramadan 2020 and 2022. Most of the participants fasted a minimum of one day during Ramadan (85.1%). Overall, 15.5 and 14.9% reported low blood sugar levels or high blood sugar levels during fasting, respectively. Low blood sugar level was more reported in patients with older age, patients with longer diabetes duration, and women. High blood sugar level was more reported in patients with longer diabetes duration. Educational programs focusing on the risks occurring with fasting and practices that improve control of the disease will raise knowledge and awareness among patients with diabetes. Improving blood sugar control during Ramadan fasting remains a major need for both patients and healthcare providers who should collaborate to reduce the risk of diabetes-related problems.

A retrospective analysis of substance use among female psychiatric patients in Saudi Arabia.

Objective: This study investigated the prevalence of substance use (SU), and its risk factors, among women attending psychiatric outpatients center in Saudi Arabia. Design: A retrospective cross-sectional design. Materials and methods: We reviewed outpatients' records of 200 female patients with a history of SU from a psychiatric unit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from December 2018 to February 2019. The researchers developed the pro forma, and 2 psychiatrists and a family medicine physician validated the form. Results: The most common and widely used were psychoactive substances (58%), followed by central nervous system (CNS) depressants (22%), and finally cannabinols (9.5%). Overall, the highest substance use was the amphetamine-cannabis-nicotine (ACN) representing nearly half of the illicit items (46.6%), followed by heroine-alcohol-benzodiazepine (16.4%), and with the lowest being benzodiazepine-nicotine (1.7%). There was a significant difference between the single substance and multiple substance use in terms of age (p = 0.001), smoking behavior (p = 0.001), patients past history (p = 0.005), and age of the patient at the start of drug use (p = 0.005). Conclusion: Although the prevalence of substance use among women is low in Saudi Arabia, screening of substance use disorders risks and building a rehabilitation program to control drug dependence are needed.

Meaningful professional activities from family medicine practitioners' perspectives: a study from Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Family medicine practitioners (FMP) take care of a varied range of patients with undifferentiated conditions over a lifetime. Although it was incepted in Saudi Arabia in 1980, limited data exists on FMP. This paper explores what family physicians deem relevant. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among FMP in Saudi Arabia in 2018-2019 who responded to an online questionnaire that listed 20 activities usually done by FMP asking them to rate their meaningfulness on a 5-point Likert Scale, and select the top 3 they would like to spend the most and the least time on. Chi-square statistics were used to compare preference for time spent on these six activities by participant characteristics. RESULTS: Of the 415 survey participants, the majority were male (246) and had a Bachelor's degree (176). The management of risk conditions, follow-up of chronic illnesses and running preventive health clinics were listed as most meaningful. The majority wished to spend more time on managing health risks, handling daily common complaints and follow-up of chronic illnesses and less time on terminal care activities (46.8%), emergency care (32.3%) and addiction medicine (23.4%). Bachelor's degree holders wished to spend more time on emergency care compared to Diploma, Board-certified and Fellowship holders (63%, 21%, 10% and 5%, respectively; P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The activities preferred by FMP align with prevailing disease epidemiology. Variations in preferences of 'managing emergencies' reflect the varied format of training. Training of FMP should be standardized and further studies investigate reasons for specific preferences.

Gender Difference in Pain Management Among Adult Cancer Patients in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Assessment.

OBJECTIVE: To compare gender differences in pain management among adult cancer patients in Saudi Arabia and to explore the predictors associated with attitudinal barriers of cancer patients to pain management. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 325 cancer patients from tertiary hospitals in Saudi Arabia. RESULT: Of the total participants, 67.4% were women (N = 219) and 32.6% were men (N = 106). The overall mean scores of the attitudinal barriers questionnaire were 49.51 ± 13.73 in men and 54.80 ± 22.53 in women. The analysis shows significant differences in scores in subscales of tolerance (men = 7.48 ± 2.37), (women = 8.41 ± 3.01) (p = 0.003) and fear of distraction in the course of treatment (men = 6.55 ± 1.34), and (women = 7.15 ± 2.63) (p = 0.008). Female patients reported a more moderate to severe level of pain than men (worst pain in last week of 7.07 ± 1.50, worst pain in last week of 5.84 ± 2.65, respectively). Splitting by gender, the significant predictor for physiology effect domains in male cancer patients includes age, marital status, employment status, monthly income, cancer type, and presence of comorbid disease (p < 0.050). Age was a significant predictor of the domains of fatalism, communication, and harmful effects (p < 0.050) among female cancer patients. CONCLUSION: The present study revealed significant differences between men and women with attitudinal barriers to cancer pain management. Managing pain requires the involvement of all methods in a comprehensive manner, thus unalleviated pain influences the patient's psychological or cognitive aspect.

Recommendation of Aspirin-Guide App and Physicians Clinical Decision of Aspirin Use to Prevent CVD Among Diabetic Patients, Is there any Differences?

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to identify the prevalence of aspirin use among type 2 diabetic (T2DM) patients and assess the concordance in aspirin use among these patients as prescribed by physicians and as recommended by the Aspirin-Guide app. METHODS: A total of 301 T2DM patients from King Khalid University Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia participated in this cross-sectional study. Patient's electronic medical records through eSihi system were reviewed and all data included in the free online and mobile app called Aspirin-Guide were collected in a specially designed data checklist. RESULT: The prevalence of aspirin use was more common in patients who were in the age group of 51 to 59 and male participants' with T2DM. Males were nearly twice more likely to use aspirin compared to females (P = 0.001). Based on recommendations from the Aspirin-Guide app, 26% of the patients who were on aspirin (N = 51) were not eligible for aspirin therapy, while 37.7% (N = 40) of the patients eligible for aspirin therapy had not been put on aspirin by their physicians (P = 0.039). Male sex (P = 0.003), use of statins (P = 0.001), and being advised to use aspirin (P = 0.041), were significantly associated with aspirin use in T2DM patients. CONCLUSION: There was a significant difference in the proportion of patients currently on aspirin as prescribed by their physicians and those eligible for aspirin therapy as per the Aspirin-Guide app. The use of an app to uniformized aspirin use among eligible patients should be based on up-to-date guidelines and account for patient acceptability and willingness to commence treatment.

Becoming virtual: a preliminary experience of outpatient primary care during COVID-19 pandemic.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic. This pandemic is transforming the world and has posed exceptional challenges to health care delivery. Saudi Arabia has exerted unprecedented efforts and measures to fight the pandemic. Appreciating the value of primary health care during this crisis the family and community medicine department reorganized the services. We discuss the problems faced, solutions and lessons learned in the hope others may find it helpful.

Screening of common genetic variants in the APOB gene related to familial hypercholesterolemia in a Saudi population: A case-control study.

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a monogenic dominant inherited disorder of lipid metabolism characterized by elevated low-density lipoprotein levels, and is mainly attributable to mutations in low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), apolipoprotein B (APOB), and proportein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) genes. Next-generation and exome sequencing studies have primarily involved genome-wide association analyses, and meta-analyses and next-generation studies examined a few single-nucleotide polymorphisms (rs151009667 and Val2095Glu) in the ApoB gene. The present study was conducted to investigate the association of APOB and patients with FH in a Saudi population.We genotyped 100 patients with FH and 100 controls for 2 polymorphisms in APOB using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism, followed by 3% agarose gel electrophoresis. The strength of the association between the genotype and allele frequencies with the risk of developing FH was evaluated. Clinical details and genotype analysis results were recorded.For the rs151009667 polymorphism, 18% of the CT genotypes were observed only in patients with FH. There was a positive association between CT and CC (odds ratio [OR] 45.07 [95% conflict of interest (CI), 2.67-759.1]; P = .0001) and between T and C (OR 87.8 [95% CI, 5.34-144.2]; P < .0001). However, no Val2095Glu mutations were found in patients with FH or controls. There was also no correlation between clinical characteristics and the rs151009667 polymorphism.In conclusion, we confirmed the association between the rs151009667 polymorphism and FH in a Saudi population. The Val2095Glu novel variant did not appear in either patients with FH or controls. Similar studies should be performed in different ethnic populations to rule out the role of this polymorphism in FH.

Prevalence of Prediabetes, Diabetes and Its Predictors among Females in Alkharj, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes is reaching epidemic proportions across the globe. Therefore, this study aims to determine the prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes, together with its accompanying risk factors, among young females. METHODS: An exploratory cross-sectional survey was conducted with 638 Saudi females in Alkharj, Saudi Arabia. Statistical analysis was carried out using STATA version 14. Odds ratios for the risk of diabetes and associated factors were calculated using log-binomial and multinomial logistic regression. Standardized prevalence and strata-specific prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes for different risk factors were also calculated. FINDINGS: The study revealed that nondiabetics and prediabetics were more prevalent between the ages of 18 and 24 years, while diabetic patients were consistently between 25 to 44 years of age. The average value for HbA1c in females was 5.44. Regression analysis shows that being older, married, obese, a smoker or less educated significantly increases the risk for both prediabetes and diabetes. Mutivariable analysis revealed obesity had a significant association with both prediabetes and diabetes. Prediabetics were 2.35 times more likely to be obese as compared to nondiabetics, with 95% CI (1.38-3.99). Similarly, diabetics were 6.67 times more likely to be obese compared to nondiabetics 95% CI (1.68-26.42). CONCLUSION: Our study shows the prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes among females from Al Kharj was 3.8% and 18.8%, respectively. The diabetic and prediabetic female participants had higher mean BMI and waist circumference, were older in age, were married, and smoked as compared to nondiabetics. In the context of the findings of our study, and keeping in view the the burden of this disease globally and in our population, it has now become extremely important to understand these factors and encourage health-promoting behaviors to construct effective interventions.

Assessment of psychological distress among cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Cancer patients under psychological distress have reduced compliance with treatment and prolonged hospitalizations. Identifying cancer patients who may be more likely to suffer from psychological distress over the disease trajectory is essential to targeting the proper interventions and providing the best care. In this descriptive cross-sectional study, we aim to assess the levels of emotional and physical distress, depressive symptoms, and social concerns of cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy treatment in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A total of 148 cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy from five different public tertiary-level hospitals in Saudi Arabia participated in this study. The survey was conducted by a trained researcher from November 2015 through April 2016. The Psycho-Oncology Screening Tool was used to identify levels of distress of cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. Emotional and physical distress, depressive symptoms, and social concerns in receiving psychosocial services were assessed. RESULTS: The findings show above average levels of physical and emotional distress was (342.07±78.9) and social concerns was (7.27±1.68). Age was a significant predictor of psychological distress and in social concerns (P<0.05). Marital status and employment status emerged as significant predictors of depressive symptoms and social concerns (<0.05), (P<0.001), respectively. The patients' type of cancer was significantly associated with the level of physical distress, emotional distress, and depressive symptoms (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy displayed above-average levels of distress. This may have significant implications on their adherence for treatment and patient outcomes. Routine screening and support services or psychosocial care for patients are warranted among cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy.

Attitudes and barriers toward the presence of husbands with their wives in the delivery room during childbirth in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study is to assess the husbands' attitudes toward their presence with their wives during childbirth in the delivery room and to determine the barriers that prevent their presence. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at two tertiary hospitals in Riyadh. Data were collected from a total of 250 husbands whom were selected randomly in the waiting areas of the delivery rooms and asked to participate in this study by filling a questionnaire after giving informed consent; data were collected during the period between December 2016 and April 2017. RESULTS: The majority (95.6%) were Saudi and had only one wife. The positive mean score for the attitude increased significantly with increasing educational level (P < 0.01). The highest positive attitude was mainly for the item "It is calming for the mother." Conversely, the highest negatively scored item was "my presence with my wife in the delivery room is insulting to my manhood" and "our culture is against a husband attending his wife's childbirth" (1.91 ± 1.12). The hospital system and not having a private room for their wives were the most identified barriers to the husband's presence in the delivery room. CONCLUSIONS: Increased level of education has better outcomes on husbands' attitudes toward supporting their wives in the delivery room. Authors recommend flexible hospital policies to support husbands' presences with their wives in the delivery room and provide privacy for them during childbirth, such will provide psychosocial support to the wife, and it is an important part in transition to a mother-friendly hospitals.

Role of Apolipoprotein E gene polymorphism in the risk of familial hypercholesterolemia: a case-control study.

Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) is characterized by elevated cholesterol and based on biochemical, clinical, and genetic studies and FH disease, which was documented even with limited mutations. Earlier studies focused on Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) in variable diseases. The current study aimed to investigate the genetic association between FH disease and ApoE gene polymorphisms (rs429358 and rs7412) in the Saudi population. This case-control study was a hospital-based study performed in Saudi Arabia. Two hundred and four subjects in total were recruited and consisted of FH participants (n=104) and the controls (n=100). Common polymorphisms of ApoE gene (rs429358 and rs7412) were chosen and subjected to the genotyping using the TaqMan assay. Moreover, the ApoE risk allele E4 was proved significantly associated with FH cases when compared with controls (OR-2.24 (95%CI: 1.06-4.70); p=0.02). Lipid profile parameters were significantly associated (p<0.05); however, the ApoE alleles and lipid profiles were not correlated (p>0.05). In conclusion, the FH case-control study was associated with the E4 allele in the Saudi population. However, E4 allele was appeared as a reliable risk marker for lipid profiles, but not for ApoE alleles.

Prevalence of Prediabetes, Diabetes, and Its Associated Risk Factors among Males in Saudi Arabia: A Population-Based Survey.

OBJECTIVES: The study aims at determining the prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes and at ascertaining some concomitant risk factors among males in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A population-based cross-sectional study including 381 Saudi adult males from different institutions was recruited. Odds ratios for diabetes risk and risk factors were calculated using log-binomial and multinomial logistic regression, using STATA version 12. RESULTS: The participants included 381 diabetic males with a median age of 45 years, average body mass index of 25 ± 40 kg/m2, whereas waist circumferences ranged from 66 to 180 cm in the male study population. In addition, 27.82% had normal BMI, 32.28% were overweight, and 36.22% were obese. Around 36% had higher waist circumference, that is, >102 cm. Age, BMI, marital status, and educational attainment were statistically significant predictors for prediabetes and diabetes. CONCLUSION: This study found that the prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes was 9.2% and 27.6%, respectively, for male Al-Kharj study population. The factors that increase the risk of diabetes and prediabetes include older age, obesity and overweight, being married, smoker, and having a civilian job and less education. All these factors were found statistically significant except smoking status and job type. In order to evaluate the causal relationship of these factors, prospective studies are required in future.

Safe driving practices and factors associated with motor-vehicle collisions among people with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus: Results from the Diabetes and Driving (DAD) study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of people with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM) who have discussed issues related to diabetes and driving with their health care providers (HCPs). We also sought to determine the safe driving practices that are currently employed by this group. Finally, we investigated the factors that might increase the risk of motor-vehicle collisions (MVCs) among this group in Saudi Arabia. METHOD: This cross-sectional study surveyed a representative sample of 429 current male drivers with ITDM using a structured questionnaire in Saudi Arabia. RESULTS: Most of the participants (76.5%) never discussed topics regarding diabetes and driving with their HCPs. The majority of the participants (61.8%) reported at least never doing one of the following: (a) carrying a blood glucose testing kit while driving, (b) testing their blood glucose level before driving or during a journey, or (c) having thought of a specific threshold of blood glucose level that would preclude driving. Three factors were associated with a higher risk of MVCs among participants with ITDM: (a) being on a basal/boluses regimen, (b) never having a discussion regarding diabetes and driving with their HCPs, and (c) having experienced hypoglycemia during driving. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of people with ITDM had not had a discussion regarding diabetes and driving with their HCPs, which was reflected by a lack of safe driving practices. People with ITDM should be encouraged to take precautions while driving in order to prevent future MVCs. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This research highlights the importance of investing more effort in educating drivers who have diabetes about safe driving practices by their health care providers. Also, it will attracts the attention of policymakers for an urgent need to establish clear policies and procedures for dealing with drivers who have diabetes.

Patient-Related Determinants of Glycaemic Control in People with Type 2 Diabetes in the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries: A Systematic Review.

The aim of this systematic review is to assess patient-related factors affecting glycaemic control among people with type 2 diabetes in the Arabian Gulf Council countries. MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases were searched from their date of inception to May 2016. Two researchers independently identified eligible studies and assessed the risk of bias. A total of 13 studies met the inclusion criteria. One study was population based, six recruited participants from multiple centres, and the remaining were single centred. The majority of the studies were of low to moderate quality. Factors associated with poor glycaemic control include longer duration of diabetes, low level of education, poor compliance to diet and medication, poor attitude towards the disease, poor self-management behaviour, anxiety, depression, renal impairment, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia. Healthcare providers should be aware of these factors and provide appropriate education and care especially for those who have poor glycaemic control. Innovative educational programs should be implemented in the healthcare systems to improve patient compliance and practices. A variation in the results of the included studies was observed, and some potentially important risk factors such as dietary habits, physical activity, family support, and cognitive function were not adequately addressed. Further research is needed in this area.

Assessment of physicians' awareness and knowledge of familial hypercholesterolemia in Saudi Arabia: Is there a gap?

BACKGROUND: The scarcity of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) cases reported in Saudi Arabia might be indicative of a lack of awareness of this common genetic disease among physicians. OBJECTIVE: To assess physicians' awareness, practice, and knowledge of FH in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study conducted among physicians at four tertiary hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between March 2016 and May 2016 using a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 294 physicians completed the survey (response rate 90.1%). Overall, 92.9% of the participants have poor knowledge of FH while only 7.1% have acceptable knowledge. The majority (68.7%) of physicians rated their familiarity with FH as average or above average, and these had higher mean knowledge scores than participants with self-reported below average familiarity (mean 3.4 versus 2.6) (P < 0.001). Consultant physicians were 4.2 times more likely to be familiar with FH than residents or registrars (OR = 4.2, 95% CI = 1.9-9.1, P < 0.001). Physicians who currently managed FH patients had higher mean knowledge scores compared to those without FH patients in their care (3.5 versus 2.9) (P = 0.006). In addition, there were statistically significant differences between physicians' mean knowledge scores and their ages, levels of training, and years in practice. Moreover, a substantial deficit was identified in the awareness of various clinical algorithms to diagnose patients with FH, cascade screening, specialist lipid services, and the existence of statin alternatives, such as proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors. CONCLUSION: A substantial deficit was found in the awareness, knowledge, practice, and detection of FH among physicians in Saudi Arabia. Extensive educational programs are required to raise physician awareness and implement best practices; only then can the impact of these interventions on FH management and patient outcome be assessed.

Prevalence of unwillingness to use insulin therapy and its associated attitudes amongst patients with Type 2 diabetes in Saudi Arabia.

AIMS: This study aimed at determining the prevalence of unwillingness to use insulin and its associated attitudes amongst participants with Type 2 diabetes in Saudi Arabia. A further aim was to investigate whether demographic characteristics such as age, gender, educational level and duration of diabetes are associated with unwillingness to use insulin among these participants. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study conducted among participants with Type 2 diabetes using a self-administered questionnaire. The study sample consisted of 408 insulin-naive participants with Type 2 diabetes who were recruited between May and August 2014 from the primary care outpatient clinics at King Khalid University Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. RESULTS: Unwillingness to commence using insulin was common in about one third (34.6%) of Saudi participants with Type 2 diabetes. Negative attitudes most frequently raised by participants towards commencing insulin therapy were: keeping insulin as a last resort (57.1%), restriction of lifestyle (48.8%), problematic hypoglycemia (45.1%), perception of failure to care for diabetes previously (44.6%), and weight gain worries (40.7%). In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, after adjustment for a participant's age, gender, educational level, location and duration of diabetes, participants with tertiary education were 48% less likely to be willing to initiate insulin therapy as compared to those who had only a primary education (OR=0.52, 95% CI=0.30-0.91, P=0.023). However, there were no significant associations between unwillingness to commence insulin and other study variables. CONCLUSIONS: Participants have several negative attitudes concerning initiating insulin therapy. Exploring the reasons for participant reluctance to commence insulin can help address his or her specific concerns and beliefs, and promote the future uptake of insulin.