Predictors of burden perceived by informal caregivers of patients registered in the home health-care unit

Context

Studies have reported multiple variables that can affect the level of burden on informal caregivers. The need for informal caregivers is expected to increase in the upcoming years. Informal caregivers are an important extension of the formal health-care system.

Aims

The aim of this study was to discover the characteristics of informal caregivers of adult patients, to determine the socioeconomic, psychological, and physical consequences facing informal caregivers, and to measure caregivers' burdens and needs.

Settings and Design

An analytical cross-sectional study that was carried out in Saudi Arabia, in the home health-care unit of King Abdelaziz University Hospital in the city of Jeddah.

Subjects and Methods

A.

validated self-administered questionnaire in Arabic and English was used. The required sample size was 122 participants. Ethical approval was obtained.

Statistical Analysis Used

Descriptive statistics consisted of means, standard deviations, frequency tables, cross-tabulation, and charts. Categorical variables were compared using the Chi-square test to determine significant relationships between variables.

Results

A.

total of 124 participants responded to a request to participate in the study. The majority of the caregivers (92) were family members. There was a significant relationship between the nature of the connection between the caregiver and the recipient in association with the burden scale (P = 0.001). No significant relationship was found between caregivers' gender, marital status, or income level and the burden score.

Conclusions

Most of the caregivers reported no burden to minimal burden. The relationship with the care recipient has a negative impact on the burden scale.

Executive function deficits associated with anxiety and depression and their impact on medical students’ academic performance in Saudi Arabia

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the relationship between EF deficits associated with anxiety and depression and their impact on medical students’ academic achievement in Saudi universities. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted on 242 medical students. Anxiety and depression were assessed using the Barkley Deficits in Executive Functioning Scale (BDEFS), General Anxiety Disorder-7 scale (GAD-7), and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Results: Participants’ mean age was 22.57 (2.26) years and the mean GAD-7, PHQ-9, and BDEFS scores were 10.54 (5.83), 12.29 (6.86), and 196.78 (47.78), respectively. Males, Saudi students, those in their fourth academic year, and those who were not satisfied with their academic performance had significantly higher mean GAD-7, PHQ-9, and BDEFS scores. A significant negative association was found between students’ grade point average (GPA) and BDEFS scores, and a significant positive association was found between GPA and GAD-7 scale scores, PHQ-9 scores, and BDEFS scores. Additionally, there was a positive association between the PHQ-9 and BDEFS scores. Conclusion: A real-world application of EF scales to address EF deficits for all university students should be considered.

Adverse Childhood Experiences and Their Effect on Irritable Bowel Syndrome Among Saudi Arabian Adults

Background

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are traumatic events that occur before 18 years of age. ACEs have been associated with many negative health problems, including the development of chronic diseases, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain. We investigated the prevalence of ACEs among patients with IBS, identified the types of ACEs commonly related to patients with IBS, and further assessed the impact of ACEs on IBS severity.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study was performed. The study targeted patients with IBS aged ≥ 18 years who were recruited from gastroenterology outpatient clinics at King Abdulaziz University Hospital. Adults were contacted and invited to take part in the study by completing a survey. Data were collected using two validated questionnaires, the ACE questionnaire for adults and the IBS symptom severity scoring system.

Results

The study included 109 patients with IBS (59.6% females). The prevalence of ACEs (patients with IBS exposed to at least one ACE) was 63.3%. The most prevalent type was emotional abuse (34.9%), followed by both physical abuse and emotional neglect (28.4%). Females reported significantly more ACEs (p = 0.035) than males. The overall IBS symptoms (r = 0.195, p = 0.043) and abdominal pain (r = 0.240, p = 0.012) severity were significantly correlated with total ACEs score.

Conclusions

Our findings point to a probable association between ACEs exposure and IBS, demonstrating their long-term impacts on symptoms severity. Further studies are needed to acquire a better understanding of the potential impact of ACEs on IBS.

Childhood anxiety disorders prevalence in Saudi Arabia

Objectives:

To investigate the prevalence of childhood anxiety disorders in Saudi Arabia.

Methods:

We conducted a cross-sectional study, between September and November 2019, in Saudi Arabia. The study group included the parents of 468 primary school children, aged 6-12 years. Parents completed the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders (SCARED) screening instrument, translated to Arabic. The measured outcome was the prevalence of childhood anxiety disorders, determined from the scores on the SCARED instrument.

Results:

Childhood anxiety disorders prevalence were as follows: 32.7% had one anxiety, 18.4% had 2, 10.9% had 3, 8.1% had 4, and 7.7% had 5. Of note, 22.2% of children did not have an anxiety disorder.

Conclusion:

Our results reveal a high prevalence of childhood anxiety disorders among primary school age children in Saudi Arabia. Based on these findings, conducting awareness campaigns and providing educational programs on childhood anxiety disorders might be important to improve the health outcomes of children.

Rates of depression, anxiety, and stress in King Abdulaziz University freshmen, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

Objective: This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the rates of depression, anxiety, and stress among first-year university students in Saudi Arabia. Method: We distributed an online survey through to 861 first-year students, aged 17-25, at King Abdulaziz University. The survey used a validated Arabic short version of the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales, and sociodemographic factors. Results: The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress was 80.4%, 71.8%, and 69.3%, respectively. A plurality showed extremely severe depression and anxiety, and severe stress symptoms. The frequency of exercise was inversely related to depression, anxiety, and stress. A total of 8.2% of students had visited a psychiatrist at some point in their lives, and 40.5% of students had suicidal thoughts. Conclusion: Programs to identify students suffering from mental illness and offer adequate care and support are essential.