Prevalence of Sleep-Disordered Breathing and Its Association With Orofacial Symptoms Among Primary School Children in the Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia

Background Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a significant health concern affecting both adults and children. However, limited research has focused on SDB and its association with orofacial symptoms in primary school children in the Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia. Understanding the prevalence and impact of SDB in this specific population is crucial for early detection and intervention. The study aims to investigate the prevalence of SDB and its associations with orofacial symptoms among primary school children. Method A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted, involving 307 primary school children aged six to 12 years in the Aseer Region. Data was collected through a web-based questionnaire, analyzing demographic information, orofacial symptoms, sleep apnea symptoms, general symptoms, growth-related symptoms, and behavioral symptoms. Results The study showed a balanced gender distribution, with 67.8% of children falling between ages six and nine years. Most children were Saudi nationals, and 58.6% were enrolled in primary education. Orofacial symptoms were reported by 63.5% of children, with finger-sucking and grinding teeth while sleeping being the most common. Sleep apnea symptoms affected 44.3% of children, with snoring being the prevalent symptom. General symptoms were reported by 45% of children, with daytime sleepiness being the most common. Approximately 44.6% of children exhibited sleepiness and growth-related symptoms. No statistically significant relationship was found between age and the occurrence of these symptoms. Conclusion The study offers valuable insights into the prevalence of SDB and its associations with orofacial symptoms among primary school children in the Aseer Region. To truly gauge the impact of interventions on SDB, further research with therapeutic interventions is warranted. In the meantime, targeted strategies and awareness initiatives are needed to address SDB in this population and enhance their overall health and quality of life.

Accuracy of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Predicting the Severity of Acute Appendicitis: A Single-Center Retrospective Study

OBJECTIVE

 Investigate the potential use of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in the identification and differentiation of acute appendicitis patients, specifically between simple and complicated presentations.

METHODS

 An observational retrospective cohort study was conducted in Aseer Central Hospital, Saudi Arabia.

RESULTS

In total, 103 patients were included in this study, in which males (50.5%) were more common than females (49.5%), and the most common age group was found to be 36-45 years (56.3%), followed by 18-25 years (23.3%). All patients (100%) had a diagnosis of acute appendicitis. The means of neutrophils, lymphocytes, and NLR were found to be 68.970%, 22.067%, and 5.020, respectively. The majority (69%) had non-complicated appendicitis, while (31%) had complications. A significant association was seen between NLR and the occurrence of complications (p-value = 0.00001).

CONCLUSION

This study can comprehensively support the evidence presented in the literature review. The use of the NLR demonstrates a notable level of accuracy in diagnosing acute appendicitis and differentiating between complex and uncomplicated cases.

A Study of Misconceptions About Appendicitis Among the Resident Population of the Aseer Region

BACKGROUND

Appendicitis is a common abdominal emergency requiring swift medical intervention. Misconceptions about this condition can lead to delayed diagnosis and potentially life-threatening complications. In the Aseer region of Saudi Arabia, where healthcare accessibility and awareness levels vary, addressing such misconceptions is of paramount importance. The aim of this study is to investigate and identify the prevalent misconceptions regarding appendicitis among the resident population of the Aseer region. Understanding the prevalent misconceptions and knowledge gaps is essential to develop targeted educational interventions and enhance public awareness.

METHODS

This study utilized a cross-sectional study design to investigate misconceptions about appendicitis among residents in the Aseer region. Over a period of three months, 329 Aseer region resident population were interviewed. The symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and preventive measures of appendicitis were all covered in a questionnaire that was created to gather information on people's knowledge of appendicitis. Data were collected using an online questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was performed using frequencies and percentages, while inferential analysis employed appropriate statistical tests such as chi-square.

RESULTS

 The study's 329 participants were made up of 56% men and 44% women. 40% of the sample size was between the ages of 18 and 30, 26% were between the ages of 31 and 40, 15% were between the ages of 41 and 50, and 10% were above 50 years, with those under the age of 18 years accounting for the smallest proportion (9%). The majority of the respondents (37%) were college graduates, 25% were college students, 23% were in high school and 15% were in middle school. Chi-square tests were conducted to examine the associations between background knowledge and pain area, as well as between background knowledge and source of information. For the association between background knowledge and pain area, the Chi-square test yielded a significant result (X² = 9.104, p = 0.028); the Chi-square test also revealed a significant result (X² = 8.078, p = 0.044) between background knowledge and the source of information about appendicitis.

CONCLUSION

The analysis suggests a notable knowledge gap among the participants, with a significant portion displaying limited understanding or responding with "I don't know" when queried about appendicitis. It is important to note that this observation includes middle school students, who may be too young to be expected to possess knowledge about medical conditions. Additionally, there appears to be gender-related variation in opinions, misconceptions, and understanding regarding appendicitis.

Assessing the Impact of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy on Satisfaction, Quality of Life, and Cost-Effectiveness in Saudi Patients With Gallstone Disease: A Comprehensive Cross-Sectional Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Cholelithiasis, or gallstone disease, is a prevalent medical condition with substantial global implications. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has become the dominant surgical solution for treating various biliary conditions in affluent countries due to its numerous benefits, such as shorter hospital stays and reduced costs. An assessment of postoperative recovery, patient satisfaction, and quality of life (QoL) is crucial to judge the success of any medical procedure regarding long-term patient well-being. Given the scarcity of research on the satisfaction, QoL, and cost-effectiveness of LC among Saudi patients, this study seeks to fill this gap.

METHODS

To achieve the study's objectives, a cross-sectional research study was conducted from January to December 2023, focusing on Saudi patients who had received LC for gallstone disease. We utilized an extensive questionnaire to determine patient satisfaction, QoL, and the perceived value of LC, which combined closed and open-ended questions to provide a holistic understanding. Additionally, an in-depth literature review was performed to compare our findings with existing research.

RESULTS

Our survey received answers from 886 Saudi LC patients. Generally, participants showed satisfaction with LC, though complications were reported in a significant number of cases. However, a minority of participants were dissatisfied. Most respondents indicated a moderate enhancement in their QoL postsurgery. Notably, demographic factors like gender, age, and employment status had profound effects on satisfaction and QoL, with male participants more likely to report higher satisfaction and QoL than females.

CONCLUSION

Our data firmly support the ongoing use of LC as the preferred surgical technique for treating biliary diseases in Saudi Arabia. They emphasize the benefits of personalizing care based on patient demographics to improve the overall experience. Proper communication, thorough preoperative planning, and attentive postoperative care are essential for achieving the best outcomes. Despite these findings, more research is needed, focusing on different patient demographics and comparing LC with other treatment methods to enhance our understanding of gallstone disease management in the Saudi context.

Knowledge and Awareness About Food Allergy Among Mothers With Allergic Children in the Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia

Introduction Food allergies have become a significant health concern worldwide, affecting individuals of all age groups. It is particularly challenging for parents who have children diagnosed with food allergies, as they bear the responsibility of managing their child's condition and ensuring their safety. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness about food allergies among mothers with allergic children in the Aseer region, Saudi Arabia. Methodology A cross-sectional study design was employed, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 400 mothers. The participants were selected through convenience sampling. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were used to summarize the demographic characteristics, knowledge and awareness levels, prevalence of allergenic foods, manifestations of food allergies, and factors influencing food allergies. Chi-squared tests were conducted to assess associations between variables. Results The study revealed a balanced representation across different age groups among the surveyed mothers, with the highest proportion falling in the 31-40 years range. A significant proportion of mothers had a university education, indicating a relatively higher level of education among the participants. The majority of mothers were employed in governmental positions, followed by housewives and those working in the private sector. Regarding knowledge and awareness, a substantial percentage of mothers correctly identified key aspects of food allergies. However, knowledge gaps were observed, particularly in understanding the hereditary nature. The prevalence of allergenic foods varied, with seafood (fish, shrimp, and tuna) emerging as the most commonly reported allergenic foods, followed by eggs, milk, wheat, chocolate, fruits, nuts, and other food types. Manifestations associated with food allergies were reported, including skin, respiratory, eye, nasal, gastrointestinal, and other symptoms. The associations between different feeding methods and the occurrence of medically diagnosed food allergies were found to be non-significant. However, having other children with food allergies showed a highly significant association with the occurrence of food allergies in the current child. The age of introducing solid food did not demonstrate a significant association with the occurrence of food allergies. Conclusion This study provides insights into the knowledge and awareness about food allergies among mothers with allergic children in the Aseer region, Saudi Arabia. While mothers demonstrated a reasonable understanding of food allergies, knowledge gaps were identified, particularly regarding the hereditary nature. The prevalence of allergenic foods aligns with previous studies, although variations across populations should be considered. The manifestations reported by the participants corroborate known allergic reactions, necessitating further analysis.

The attitude of the Public Toward Social History Taking in Southern Saudi Arabia

Background

Social history taking is an important element of a medical interview. No previous studies, however, addressed public attitudes regarding social history taking in Saudi Arabia.

Objective

This study explores public attitudes about the importance of social history taking by doctors in Southern Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted to collect public opinion about social history taking using a self-administered questionnaire. Social history taking was defined as questions about general sociodemographics (job, income, marital status, housing conditions, and animal contact) and social habits (travel, smoking, alcohol drinking, illicit drug use, and sexual history). Descriptive statistics were conducted, along with a comparison between categorical variables.

Results

A total of 510 respondents completed the questionnaire, of which 381 (74.7%) had a medical history taken before. A complete social taking was not obtained from those with medical history previously taken. Marital status (73.2%), smoking (49.1%), and occupation (32.8%) were the commonest inquiries, while income (3.7%) and sexual history (6.6%) were the least. Most respondents had no reservations about answering questions about their social history. Among the general demographic questions, job and marital status were more likely to be answered, whereas income and housing inquiries were less likely to be answered. Among social habits, sexual history followed by illicit drug use and alcohol drinking inquiries were less likely to be answered.

Conclusion

Detailed social history taking is uncommon among doctors. The public is open to discussing their social status and habits. However, questions involving income, housing, and some social habits like illicit drugs, alcohol, and sexual history are less likely to be faithfully reported and thus need to be handled appropriately. It is crucial for healthcare providers to approach social history taking with sensitivity and respect and to create a private environment for patients where they can freely and accurately share their social histories.