Knowledge of symptoms, risk factors, and treatment centers of stroke among the general population of Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia

Background

In Saudi Arabia, stroke is a significant cause of illness and mortality progressively becoming more serious. Studies have indicated that modifiable cardiovascular risk factors are responsible for a significant portion of the burden caused by stroke, which could be targeted through public awareness.

Objective

We evaluated the level of knowledge about stroke among the general population of the Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, association between stroke level of knowledge and sample characteristics was analyzed.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study conducted from February 22, 2023, to March 22, 2023, using a convenience sampling technique. An electronic Google Forms survey was distributed through social media, to reach the maximum number of participants.

Results

This study included a total of 500 participants from Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Forty-three percentage of participants were male, while 57% were females. Most participants were of a younger age, where 66.6% were 18-39 years. The most recognized stroke symptom, risk factor, and stroke treatment center were dizziness/vertigo (91%), hypertension (97%), and King Fahad Hospital, respectively. Those with higher education possessed a greater level of stroke-related knowledge than other demographic groupings.

Conclusion

The general public of Al-Ahsa demonstrated a high level of knowledge about stroke symptoms (82.6%), risk factors (90%), and treatment facilities (80%). However, it was evident that the general public failed to recognize the proper course of action in the event of a stroke.

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Prevalence and Clinical Overview: A Single Center Study from Saudi Arabia, Eastern Region, Al-Ahsa

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a vector-borne parasitic disease that is transmitted via the bites of infected female sandflies. CL has been endemic in several countries worldwide for many decades, and numerous cases have been reported in Saudi Arabia, particularly across six regions; one of which is AL-Ahsa. Our research aimed to evaluate the epidemiological situation of CL among the patients in Al-Ahsa, Eastern region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, during the period from 2017 to 2023. The data were collected from the patients' registries and included 245 patients who were diagnosed with CL in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Fewer than half of the cases (47.8%) were Saudi patients, with a significant number of them being males (84.5%). Over half of the cases (52.7%) were aged between 21 and 40 years, and about three-quarters (74.7%) of the cases resided in rural areas. Regarding the nature of the lesions, 38.4% of the cases had one lesion, which was mainly distributed on a lower extremity (62.0%) or an upper extremity (52.2%). A high percentage of the lesions (75.2%) were wet lesions and caused by L. major. Concerning risk factors, a greater number of patients (71.4%) had been in rural areas within the last three months. Additionally, more than half of the cases (54.3%) had close contact with rodents, followed by birds (28.2%), sheep (22.0%), dogs (16.3%), and other animals (1.2%). The results showed a low number of reported CL cases in 2020 and 2021, followed by a surge in 2022 and 2023. The study shows that cutaneous leishmaniasis is still a public health problem in Al-Ahsa and is primarily associated with rural areas.

Factors Affecting Hospitalization Length and in-Hospital Death Due to COVID-19 Infection in Saudi Arabia: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis

Background

The emerging COVID-19 coronavirus disease has widely spread, causing a serious worldwide pandemic. Disease severity and mortality risk can be predicted using an analysis of COVID-19 clinical characteristics. Finding out what influences patients' hospitalization length and in-hospital mortality is crucial for decision-making and planning for emergencies. The goal of this study is to identify the factors that influence hospital stay length and in-hospital death due to COVID-19 infection.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted from August to October 2020 and included 630 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 infection. Using odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), a multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess the variables that are linked to longer hospital stays and in-hospital deaths.

Results

Most patients were male (64.3%), and most were older than 40 years (81.4%). The mean length of hospital stay (LoHS) was 10.4±11.6 days. The overall death rate among these COVID-19 cases was 14.3%. Non-survivors were older, had more comorbidities, had prolonged LoHS with increased ICU admission rates and mechanical ventilation usage, and had a more severe condition than survivors. ICU admission, low serum albumin, and elevated LDH levels were associated with longer LoHS, while ICU admission, DM, and respiratory diseases as comorbidities, total leukocytic count, and serum albumin were predictors of mortality.

Conclusion

Longer LoHS due to COVID-19 infection was linked to ICU admission, low serum albumin, and elevated LDH levels, while the independent predictors of in-hospital death were ICU admission, DM, and respiratory diseases as comorbidities, total leukocytic count, and serum albumin.

Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAMs) Among Diabetic Patients in Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is a popular practice among Saudis. CAM refers to drugs and medical procedures that doctors do not typically employ.

Objective

The study's goal was to determine the prevalence of CAM and the most prevalent form used among patients with diabetes in Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.

Methods

This cross-sectional study enrolled individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) in Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Online questionnaires were employed between March to July 2023 to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics, information about diabetes, knowledge and use of CAM, and the different types of herbal supplements used.

Results

Of the 386 patients, 54.1% were males, 45.9% were aged between 46 and 60 years old, and 45.9% had heard of CAM. The most popular CAM treatment for diabetes was biologically based, and the most common reason for using CAM was its accessibility (27.1%). The majority (82.1%) of diabetic patients reported using CAM as a treatment. Independent predictors of CAM use were diabetes complications, having heard of CAM, and social media.

Conclusion

CAM use has a high prevalence in the treatment of diabetes. Independent predictors of CAM use were a shorter disease duration, diabetes complications, having heard of CAM, and social media. To avoid negative and unnecessary side effects, patients must be informed about CAM use.

Harvest Season Significantly Influences the Fatty Acid Composition of Bee Pollen

Simple Summary

Harvesting pollen loads collected from a specific botanical origin is a complicated process that takes time and effort. Therefore, we aimed to determine the optimal season for harvesting pollen loads rich in essential fatty acids (EFAs) and unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) from the Al-Ahsa Oasis in eastern Saudi Arabia. Pollen loads were collected throughout one year, and the tested samples were selected during the top collecting period in each season. Lipids and fatty acid composition were determined. The highest values of lipids concentration, linolenic acid (C_18:3), stearic acid (C_18:0), linoleic acid (C_18:2), arachidic acid (C_20:0) concentrations, and EFAs were obtained from bee pollen harvested during autumn. The maximum values (%) of oleic acid (C_18:1), palmitic acid (C_16:0), UFAs, and the UFA/saturated fatty acid (SFA) ratio were found in bee pollen harvested during summer. Bee pollen harvested during spring ranked second in its oleic, palmitic, linolenic, stearic, arachidic, behenic, and lignoceric acid concentrations and for EFAs, UFAs, and the UFA/SFA ratio. It was concluded that the FA composition of bee pollen varied among the harvest seasons. We recommend harvesting pollen loads during spring and summer to feed honeybee colonies during periods of scarcity and for use as a healthy, nutritious food for humans.

Abstract

Seasonal variations in the fatty acid (FA) compositions of pollen loads collected from the Al-Ahsa Oasis in eastern Saudi Arabia throughout one year were determined to identify the optimal season for harvesting bee pollen rich in essential fatty acids (EFAs) and unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs). The highest values (%) of lipids, linolenic acid (C_18:3), stearic acid (C_18:0), linoleic acid (C_18:2), arachidic acid (C_20:0), the sum of the C18:0, C18:1, C18:2, and C18:3 concentrations, and EFAs were obtained from bee pollen harvested during autumn. The maximum values (%) of oleic acid (C_18:1), palmitic acid (C_16:0), UFAs, and the UFA/saturated fatty acid (SFA) ratio were found in bee pollen harvested during summer. The highest concentrations (%) of behenic acid (C_22:0), lignoceric acid (C_24:0), and SFAs were found in bee pollen harvested during winter. Bee pollen harvested during spring ranked second in its oleic, palmitic, linolenic, stearic, arachidic, behenic, and lignoceric acid concentrations and for EFAs, UFAs, and the UFA/SFA ratio. The lowest SFA concentration was found in bee pollen harvested during summer. Oleic, palmitic, and linolenic acids were the most predominant FAs found in bee pollen. It was concluded that the FA composition of bee pollen varied among the harvest seasons due to the influence of the dominant botanical origins. We recommend harvesting pollen loads during spring and summer to feed honeybee colonies during periods of scarcity and for use as a healthy, nutritious food for humans.

Macro- and trace elements content in honeybee pollen loads in relation to the harvest season

The content of macro-and trace elements in honeybee pollen loads collected from the Al-Ahsa oasis, Saudi Arabia during spring, summer, autumn, and winter in 2018/2019 were determined. After critical screening and observation, we found that the major pollen floral resources were rapeseed, sunflower, summer squash, and date palm. The highest values of sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P) and manganese (Mn) were found in pollen loads trapped during spring and winter. The highest levels of copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) were found from pollen loads harvested during autumn, while the highest content of zinc (Zn) was found in pollen loads collected during the summer. Higher concentrations of the essential elements (Na, K, Ca, Mg and P) for human nutrition found in pollen loads collected during the spring and winter seasons, make them valuable food supplements. Finally, the elements contained in pollen loads can be related to the season of pollen load collection.

Comparison of the activity and productivity of Carniolan (Apis mellifera carnica Pollmann) and Yemeni (Apis mellifera jemenitica Ruttner) subspecies under environmental conditions of the Al-Ahsa oasis of eastern Saudi Arabia

This study was conducted at the apiary of the Agricultural and Veterinary Training and Research Station of King Faisal University in the Al-Ahsa oasis of eastern Saudi Arabia. We performed a comparison between Carniolan (Apis mellifera carnica Pollmann) and Yemeni (Apis mellifera jemenitica Ruttner) honeybee races to determine the monthly fluctuations in foraging activity, pollen collection, colony growth and honey yield production under the environmental conditions of the Al-Ahsa oasis of eastern Saudi Arabia. We found three peaks in the flight activity of the two races, and the largest peaks occurred during September and October. Compared to Carniolan bee colonies, the performance of Yemeni bee colonies was superior in terms of stored pollen, worker and drone brood rearing, and the adult population size. The Carniolan bee colonies produced 27.77% and 27.50% more honey than the Yemeni bee colonies during the flow seasons of alfalfa and sidir, respectively, with an average increase of 27.64%. It could be concluded that the race of bees is an important factor affecting the activity and productivity of honeybee colonies. The Yemeni bee race produced more pollen, a larger brood and more bees, which exhibited a longer survival. The imported Carniolan bees can be reared in eastern Saudi Arabia, but the Yemeni bee race is still better.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Dry Eye Symptoms in a Saudi Arabian Population

BACKGROUND:

The information about dry eye epidemiology in Saudi Arabia is few in literature.

PURPOSE:

To estimate the prevalence and identify determinants of dry eye symptoms (DES) in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.

METHODS:

Using a multi-stage proportionate sampling technique, Saudis of both genders from 6 urban and 4 rural Primary Health Care centers in Al-Ahsa were enrolled. They were interviewed to gather data on sociodemography, symptoms of dry eye, factors potentially related to dry eye, and chronic comorbidities. If one or more of DESs present often or constantly, we labeled the person with DES.

RESULTS:

We examined 1858 Saudi adults with mean age of 39.3 ± 14.1 years. The age-adjusted prevalence of DES was 32.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 30.0–34.3). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that female gender (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.7–2.6), older age (>56 years; aOR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.0–2.1), current smoking (aOR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.1–1.8) and history of diabetes mellitus (aOR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.2–2.0) were significantly associated with DES. Nonsignificant variables included residence (urban/rural); work status; wearing contact lenses; multivitamin use; caffeine use; history of trachoma, hypertension, bronchial asthma, coronary artery disease, thyroid disease, arthritis, hemolytic blood diseases (sickle cell-thalassemia), gout, and osteoporosis.

CONCLUSION:

DES are highly prevalent among the adult population of Al-Ahsa. Females, persons more than 55 years of age, smokers and diabetics were associated to DES.

Seasonal variations in the body composition and bioaccumulation of heavy metals in Nile tilapia collected from drainage canals in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia

The body composition of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) collected from drainage canals in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia and the concentration of four heavy metals; zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co) and lead (Pb) in both fish muscles and the water collected from this environment were assessed across the four seasons. The body composition was found to change with the seasons, with the best body composition being recorded in autumn and winter, where higher levels of protein (17.24, 17.65%), and fat (0.58, 0.71%) and lower water content (80.15, 79.86%) respectively were noted. The concentration of heavy metals in both fish muscles and the water body also varied significantly with the seasons. In the fish muscles, the highest content of Zn (0.409 mg/kg dry weight) and Cd (4.140 mg/kg dry weight) was recorded in winter, however, the highest concentration of Co (0.318 mg/kg dry weight) and Pb (1.96 mg/kg dry weight) was observed in spring and summer respectively. On the other hand, the water samples collected in autumn showed the maximum concentration of Cd (1.385 mg/L), Co (0.762 mg/L) and Pb (0.18 mg/L) however, the maximum concentration of Zn (0.0041 mg/L) was recorded in winter. With the exception of Cd, the accumulation of the studied heavy metals in fish muscles was within the safe limits for seafood recommended by various organizations.

Parasitic infestation in pediatric and adolescent appendicitis: a local experience

OBJECTIVE

The relationship between parasites and pediatric appendicitis is a highly debatable issue. This study aims to investigate the role of parasitic infestation in the etiology of acute pediatric appendicitis.

METHODS

A retrospective study including 1600 pediatric and adolescent patients who had undergone surgical therapy for a diagnosis of acute appendicitis over a period of ten years from Jan 2001 to Dec 2010. Demographic data were retrieved including the patient's age, sex, clinical data, clinical presentations, laboratory investigations, operative data and pathological findings to identify the presence and type of parasites. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of parasites in the appendix lumen. In group I (n: 88), parasitic infestation was observed, whereas in group II (n: 1502), no parasitic infestation was present.

RESULTS

Parasites were present in 5.5% (88 patients), and of those 88 parasitic infestations, 45 (51.1%) were Enterobaisis, 8 (9.1%) were Schistosomiasis, 23 (26.1%) were Ascariasis, 7 (8%) Trichuriasis, and 5 (5.7%) were Teania Saginata. The percentage of patients with suppurative, gangrenous or perforated appendicitis was similar in both groups with no statistical significance, irrespective of the presence or absence of parasitic infestation.

CONCLUSION

The low prevalence of parasites among the appendectomy specimens did not support the notion that parasites were a major cause of appendicitis in pediatric patients.