Dietary assessment and its awareness in female students from different Health Departments: unhealthy diet with normal BMI

Background: Dietary habits are of substantial concern related to the health of college students. Medical students are expected to have better dietary habits and healthy lifestyle, but due to various factors they are least bothered to follow recommended healthy diet. The present study assessed and compared the eating habits, nutritional awareness and BMI in females from health departments of King Khalid University (KKU), Saudi Arabia. Designs and Methods: The cross-sectional survey was conducted in undergraduate females from eight health departments: Public Health, Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science, Physiotherapy, Medicine and Surgery, Dental and Oral surgery, Diagnostic Radiology and Pharmacy. Participants completed online questionnaire that include demographic, anthropometric information, questions related to food preference and nutritional awareness. BMI, food preferences, and nutritional awareness responses were assessed and compared among different departments at 0.05 and 0.001 level of significance.Results: Total of 377 females were analysed and the mean BMI differ significantly at p<0.05 in all departments reporting the highest BMI mean in medicine and surgery department. Upon further stratification of BMI 53% of total analysed students comes under normal BMI. The utmost frequency of overweight students (55.3%) were observed in physiotherapy with no obese category followed by nursing with least obese students (2.2%).Conclusions: Inadequate food preference with unhealthy dietary habits but satisfactory nutritional awareness was observed in students of all departments with no significant difference. Designing of nutrition promotional programs and motivation is required for the acquisition of healthy dietary habits

Knowledge, attitudes and practices among people in Saudi Arabia regarding COVID-19: A cross-sectional study

Background: The general population’s compliance with preventive measures and legislation is mainly influenced by their knowledge level, attitude, and practices. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practices of public residents towards corona virus disease-2019 preventive measures in Saudi Arabia. Design and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study; it used a validated cross-sectional online survey that received responses from 13 Saudi administrative regions. Results: There were 1513 participants who completed the study (55% females; 77.7%, university education). Knowledge level, attitude, and practices towards corona virus disease-2019 were 81.3%, 86.6%, and 81.9%, respectively. The knowledge subscales showed that 1496 (98.9%) participants knew the system targeted by the virus, 96.2% and 97.3% knew the causative agent and symptoms, 783 (52.2%) participants knew the transmission modes, and 696 (46.0%) participants knew about the complications. The attitude subscales included 1465 (96.5%) participants who had dealt with an infected person, 1451 (95.9%) participants who isolated in a health facility, 1195 (97.0%) participants who knew about hand washing, and 1387 (91.7%) participants who thought the virus spread through home delivery. The practice subscales included 1505 (99.5%) participants who properly disposed of gloves and tissues and 1347 (89.0%) participants who reported safe practices when coughing or sneezing.Conclusions: This study showed satisfactory knowledge, attitude, and practice towards corona virus disease-2019 in Saudi Arabia. The educational level is a dominant influencing factor for knowledge, attitude, and practice

The Association of COVID-19 Pandemic Stress With Health-Related Quality of Life in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study

Background: There is a global disaster since WHO declared Covid-19 as a pandemic. With the increase in cases & mortality rate, various health issues viz., stress, mental disorders and altered health-related quality of life have been noted as a result of pandemic and lockdowns. This study aimed to assess the association of COVID-19 pandemic stress with health-related quality of life in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.Methodology: It was a cross-sectional analytical study. Subjects included 878 citizens and residents of Saudi Arabia aged 18 years and above. Convenience, non-probability sampling technique was used. A web-based, self-administered, electronic questionnaire in Arabic language having three sections; Sociodemographic & clinical profile, Standard PSS-10, and Standard SF-12 was used as the study tool and distributed through various social media means. The study period was of 2 months. Data were analyzed using SPS version 25. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation coefficient, independent sample t-test and the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were employed for suitable statistical analysis.Results: Almost two-thirds of the subjects were between the age of 18 to < 40 and majority (74.1%) being females. Majority (83.0%) reported as having no chronic diseases, and 69.5% had no contact history with COVID-19 cases. The mean of MCS & PCS was (32.34 ± 25.30) & (41.65 ± 11.82), respectively. Majority (67.6%) had a moderate level of COVID-19 stress. A significant negative relationship between total stress scores and HRQOL domains was observed.Conclusion: Majority subjects had a moderate level of stress related to COVID-19 lockdown. Stress during COVID-19 has a significant negative association with both physical and mental HRQOL in which MCS was significantly lower than PCS. It is recommended to evaluate the effectiveness of stress management program and follow a holistic approach

Gestational diabetes prevalence and risk factors among pregnant women — Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia

Background. The gestational diabetes (GDM) is considered as a global public health problem that affects pregnant women. GDM can become chronic type II and usually it is associated with many risk factors that may lead to many serious complications for the mother and the fetus. The main objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of GDM among pregnant women in Jazan region and to determine the possible associated factors of the GDM. Material and methods. The study involved pregnant women attending department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at government hospitals of Jazan region. A sample of 440 pregnant women were randomly selected. Interviews were conducted using a questionnaire prepared to measure the GDM prevalence, risk factors, awareness and adherence to the advice of the doctor and medications. Results. The prevalence of gestational diabetes among pregnant women in Jazan is estimated at 8.2%. The GDM prevalence was significantly higher among obese women (20.2%; 95% CI 13.2–29.2) compared with women with normal weight (7.1%; 95% CI 1.7–7.6). The analysis showed that GDM was significantly associated with child weight more than 3.5 kg (OR 4.315; p = 0.004), mother’s BMI more than 30 kg/m2 (OR 4.703; p = 0.001), and family history of GDM (OR 2.606; p = 0.046). Conclusion. In conclusion, the GDM prevalence obtained in this study is more than global prevalence and less than other studies in KSA. The BMI of mothers and having neonates that weight more than 3.5 kg are the main risk factors for GDM. Suitable interventions programs are highly required for control and risk factor modifications

Częstość występowania cukrzycy ciążowej i jej czynników ryzyka u ciężarnych kobiet w prowincji Dżazan w Arabii Saudyjskiej

Wstęp. Cukrzycę ciążową (GDM) uważa się za globalny problem zdrowotny dotyczący ciężarnych kobiet. Może ona przejść w cukrzycę typu 2 i zwykle wiąże się z wieloma czynnikami ryzyka, które mogą prowadzić do poważnych powikłań u matki i płodu. Głównym celem badania było oszacowanie częstości GDM u kobiet w ciąży mieszkających w prowincji Dżazan oraz określenie czynników, które mogą wiązać się z GDM. Materiał i metody. Badanie obejmowało kobiety w ciąży będące pod opieką oddziałów położniczo-ginekologicznych szpitali państwowych w prowincji Dżazan. Wybrano losowo próbę liczącą 440 ciężarnych kobiet. Przeprowadzając wywiady z uczestniczkami badania, korzystano z kwestionariusza opracowanego w celu oceny częstości występowania GDM, czynników ryzyka, wiedzy kobiet na temat GDM i przestrzegania zaleceń lekarskich oraz przyjmowania leków. Wyniki. Częstość GDM wśród ciężarnych kobiet w prowincji Dżazan wynosiła 8,2%. Była ona istotnie wyższa u kobiet otyłych [20,2%; 95-procentowy przedział ufności (CI) 13,2–29,2) niż u osób z prawidłową masą ciała (7,1%; 95% CI 1,7–7,6). Analiza wykazała, że GDM wiązała się istotnie z urodzeniem dziecka o masie ciała wynoszącej ponad 3,5 kg [iloraz szans (OR) 4,315; p = 0,004), wskaźnikiem masy ciała (BMI) matki wynoszącym ponad 30 kg/m2 (OR 4,703; p = 0,001) oraz dodatnim wywiadem rodzinnym dotyczącym GDM (OR 2,606; p = 0,046). Wnioski. Podsumowując, częstość GDM stwierdzona w badaniu była większa niż globalna częstość występowania GDM, lecz mniejsza niż obserwowana w innych badaniach w populacji saudyjskiej. Wskaźnik BMI matki i urodzenie dziecka o masie ciała powyżej 3,5 kg to główne czynniki ryzyka GDM. Potrzebne są odpowiednie programy interwencyjne w celu kontroli i modyfikacji czynników ryzyka

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

The Response of M0, M1, and M2 RAW246.7 Macrophage Cell Line to HSV-1 Infection in vitro

Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) infection occurs through the epithelial cells of the skin or mucous membranes. The beginning of the primary infection is rapid and is characterized by pain in the mouth, salivation, and submandibular lymphadenitis. The infected mucosa produces numerous, small and red lesions known as cold sores, however, many cases are asymptomatic. After the primary infection HSV-1 moves through the nerve to stay in trigeminal ganglia and to cause a recurrent infection from time to time. In the early hours of the HSV-1 infection, the cytokines produced by infected cells are critical in the stimulation of the innate immune response to the infection. One of the innate immune cells responded to the infected cells is macrophages. So, macrophage recruitment and differentiation are essential for effective control and clearance of viral infections. To mimic the in vivo role of three types of macrophages against HSV-1 infected epithelial cells (PAM 212), M0, M1, or M2 RAW246.7 macrophages were added at 2 and 4 hours after an initial established infection. These times were selected to represent the influx of macrophages to the infection site within the first few hours of exposure to HSV-1 virus. In all experiments, we performed cell viabilities and virus titers at 24, 48, and 72 hours after the initial infection. After the HSV-1 infection, a morphological change was observed among all types of macrophages where most of it appeared round and granulated. This change makes it challenging to differentiate M1 from M0 or M2. Importantly, all phenotype of macrophages showed an essential role against the HSV-1 replication in PAM-212 keratinocytes. However, the addition of M1 Macrophages to HSV-1 infected PAM212 keratinocytes significantly decreased the percentage of the viable cells by more than 80% and restricted the HSV-1 replication more effectively than M0 and M2 macrophages. The virus replication pattern was similar in a different type of M2 macrophages (M2 a and M2 c) which was low at 24 h, then increased significantly 48 hpi then decreased significantly 72 hpi

Association of dietary patterns and macronutrient intake with type 2 diabetes risk

Research Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)Type 2 diabetes is a pervasive health crisis that threatens all nations. The epidemic has grown in parallel with the increase in obesity due to different factors, including nutrition transition. This thesis comprises four interconnected research stages that aim to contribute to the evidence base informing associations of dietary patterns and macronutrient intake in relation to type 2 diabetes risk. The first aim of this thesis was to review the existing evidence for the association of macronutrients and dietary patterns with type 2 diabetes risk by conducting two systematic literature reviews and meta-analyses. The existing evidence on the association of macronutrient intake and dietary patterns with type 2 diabetes risk was synthesised (Chapter 3). The first review found that while total carbohydrate is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, high vegetable fat intake may decrease the risk. The evidence from the second review showed that adherence to a healthy dietary pattern was inversely associated with type 2 diabetes risk, whereas an unhealthy dietary pattern was positively associated with the disease. These reviews highlighted the need for well-designed prospective cohort studies to further examine these associations. The second aim was to investigate the association between macronutrient intake and type 2 diabetes in middle-aged Australian women. A prospective cohort study of 8370 Australian women from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH) aged 45–50 years and free of type 2 diabetes at baseline with six years (2002–2007) of follow up was undertaken (Chapter 4). Dietary intake was assessed with a self-reported validated food frequency questioner (FFQ) and the association between macronutrients and type 2 diabetes was investigated using multiple logistic regressions adjusted for potential confounding variables. After the six-year follow-up, 311 women developed type 2 diabetes. The data indicate that consumption of monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), total omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA), Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-6 PUFA) may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in women. The potential association between fatty acids and type 2 diabetes found in the above study was further investigated in a nested case-control study of 187 adults aged 55–85 years from the Hunter Community Study (HCS) (Chapter 5). The study aimed to examine the association of fasting whole blood fatty acid concentrations with incident type 2 diabetes. The results suggested that higher fasting whole blood concentrations of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-6PUFA) arachidonic acid (ARA) and dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) as well as ALA, Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are associated with an increased risk of diabetes, whereas increased fasting whole blood concentrations of lignoceric acid is inversely associated with diabetes risk. These findings may negate previous evidence and emphasise the critical need for further investigations in this area. Focus then shifted to investigate the association between diet and type 2 diabetes in a prospective cohort study using a complementary approach to determine the ability of two diet-quality scores to predict the incidence of type 2 diabetes (Chapter 6). The methods employed in this study were similar to those of the first prospective cohort study. The study suggested that the risk of type 2 diabetes in Australian women with the highest diet quality score as measured by the Dietary Guideline Index (DGI) was about 50% lower than those with the lowest diet quality score. Taken together, the research outlined herein provides detailed data on the associations between macronutrient intake and dietary patterns in relation to type 2 diabetes risk. The thesis concludes with reflections on the implications of its findings for nutrition research and key recommendations for ongoing research in this area. It suggests that a well-designed, adequately powered intervention research investigating the effect of these dietary factors in relation to type 2 diabetes risk is necessary to form future recommendations on preventive dietary approaches

Association of BMI, Physical Activity with Academic Performance among Female Students of Health Colleges of King Khalid University, Saudi Arabia

Body mass index (BMI) is an indicator to detect weight category and known to influence the academic achievements of students. The present study assesses the association of BMI, physical activity with academic performance among undergraduate female students of health colleges, King Khalid University (KKU). Responses from 379 participants were analyzed in the study. Data collection was done by administering an online questionnaire using the university website portal. The questionnaire consists of two sections: the first section includes demographic information along with cumulative Grade point average (GPA) and another section rated student’s physical activity. A high frequency of respondents (53.6%) ranged within the normal BMI category. For academic performance, the majority (79.9%) of students reported high GPA scores with a mean of 4.28 ± 0.41. Upon correlation, academic performance was found negatively correlated with BMI at 0.0001 level of significance, and insignificantly correlated with physical activity. The present study observed that more than half of the respondents had normal BMI. An inverse relationship was observed between BMI and academic performance, showing participants within the normal BMI category achieved significantly higher GPA. In contrast, physical activity directly influenced the academic performance of the subjects. Therefore, the study suggests to enact counselling centers, health clubs in universities urging the students to adopt regular exercise and healthy lifestyle which could prepare them in achieving future endeavors