The estimated prevalence of osteoporosis in Bahrain: a multi-centered-based study

OBJECTIVES

the primary aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and risk factors of low bone mineral density in Bahrain.

METHODS

this was a retrospective study, which targeted a cohort of 4822 Bahraini subjects (mean age 59.36 years: 93% females). Demographic data and results of lumbar and femur DEXA scan for the targeted sample, over the period 2016-2018, were retrieved from four hospitals.

RESULTS

The prevalence of low BMD was 62.3% (46.4% had osteopenia and 15.9% had osteoporosis). The highest rate of osteopenia was detected at the age group younger than 44 years. However, with increasing age, the rate of osteopenia declined, whereas osteoporosis increased (P < 0.001). Females were found to be at higher risk of developing both osteopenia (45.8%) and osteoporosis (18.1%) compared to males (39% and 12.4%, respectively) (P < 0.001). Postmenopausal women exhibited higher rates of low BMD (42.4% osteopenia, 22.3% osteoporosis) compared to elderly men (30.9% osteopenia, 9% osteoporosis).

CONCLUSIONS

We reported high prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis in Bahrain. Low BMD was more common in females, especially in postmenopausal women. Highest prevalence of osteopenia happened at young age. Therefore, we advocate screening at younger age than previously recommended.

Lifestyle and Dietary Patterns during the COVID-19 Lockdown in Bahrain: A Web-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Lifestyle factors such as dietary habits, perceived weight, sleep, and physical activity worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through this study, we aimed to understand the impact of COVID-19 on these lifestyle factors in Bahrain. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1005 adult Bahrainis. Data were collected online using a structured and validated questionnaire for the assessment of eating habits, physical activity, and lifestyle during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were snowballed through those who agreed to answer the online questionnaire. There was a higher consumption of fast food, and a higher dependence on takeaways during the COVID-19 pandemic. About 63.5% of the participants consumed >4 meals per day, compared to 36.5% before the COVID-19. About 30% reported consumption of sugar sweetened beverages from two to three times a day. Weight loss was predominantly observed in persons exercising 1-3 times a week. The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages was also high, with about 19% reporting drinking sweet beverages once every day, 10.6% from two to three times a day, and 40.4% from one to four times a week. A higher proportion of the participants reported poor sleep quality during the pandemic (31.2%) compared to before (12.2%), and 39.7% of the participants reported feeling lazy. Screen time use also doubled during the pandemic, with participants spending more than five hours per day on screens for entertainment, which went from 22.4% before to 51.9% during the pandemic. The lifestyle and dietary habits changed drastically for our study participants during the pandemic. The increased reliance on processed fast food instead of healthier options is a challenge to be tackled in any future pandemic situation. Future research needs to focus on strategies to promote healthier lifestyle modifications during situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Perceptions of Medical Students on Distance Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study from Bahrain

PURPOSE

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a sudden shift from face-to-face to distance learning. We explored medical students' views of online learning during this pandemic at the Arabian Gulf University in Bahrain.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study of students in years two, three and four (n= 559) using an electronic questionnaire. Data were collected from April 10 to May 5, 2021. The survey included three domains: behavioral, affective, and cognitive. We also analyzed the association between students' perceptions and certain demographic and institutional factors.

RESULTS

The number of respondents was 311 (response rate: 55.6%; 27.7% males, 72.3% females). Participants were generally satisfied with distance learning (54.6%), although they had less motivation (46.3%) and required more effort (32.2%). Most students preferred distance learning for theoretical parts, and face-to-face approach for practical components (73.3%). Participants reported that distance learning, improved interaction with instructors and classmates (45.6% and 48.9%, respectively), small group learning (47.6%), independent learning (75.3%) and problem-solving skills (44.7%). The students were comfortable with online assessment (60.1%), and reported improved achievement in written (42.1%) and practical examinations (46%), but not in professional skills grades (21.6%). There was no association between students' perceptions and gender (p= 0.079), year of study (p= 0.28) or attendance of live or recorded sessions (p= 0.904), but there was a positive association with the availability of WiFi (p< 0.01) and attendance of college-organized activities (p< 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Distance learning was successfully implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. Students were generally satisfied with distance learning and online assessment, but they had concerns about the clinical skills learning. After the pandemic is over, theoretical components of the curriculum can be delivered using distance learning, whereas hands on elements should be offered face-to-face. However, those curricular reforms will likely need investing in the information technology infrastructure.