Covid-19 and psychological health of female saudi arabian population: A cross-sectional study

The influence of the COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented on physical and mental health. This study aimed to determine the impact of the COVID-19 event on mental health among Saudi Arabian females of Riyadh by a cross-sectional study design. The samples of the study were recruited using convenience and snowball sampling methods. The questionnaire is composed of items related to sociodemographic profile, general mental status, negative attitude scale, impact of event (COVID-19 pandemic) scale (R) and negative health impact. The data obtained were analyzed using multivariate regression analysis. Out of the 797 samples (34.58 ± 12.89 years), 457 (57.34%) belonged to an age group of ≥25 years. The average BMI of the participants was 26.73 (kg/m2). Significantly (p = 0.000), a large proportion of the participants were overweight and unemployed. Age group (>25 years) have more odds for abnormal mental status (OR; 1.592), development of negative attitudes (OR; 1.986), the intense impact of COVID-19 events (OR; 1.444) and susceptibility to attain negative health impacts (OR; 1.574). High body weight is another risk factor for altered mental status, negative attitude and developing impact of COVID-19 quickly. Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic was directly associated with stress (53%), anxiety (63%) and depression (44%) in our sample population. There is an urgent need for psychological counseling for the distressed population. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.Open access journalThis item from the UA Faculty Publications collection is made available by the University of Arizona with support from the University of Arizona Libraries. If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected]

Use of oral iron in managing iron deficiency anemia in children with intestinal failure

Background & Objectives: As intestinal failure (IF) inhibits the digestive system from absorbing nutrients, total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is required to provide all of a person's nutritional demands. In children with malabsorptive conditions like IF, iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is common. This study used a quasi-experimental approach to assess the efficacy and safety of oral iron therapy in treating IDA in TPN-dependent children with IF. Materials and Methods: Sixteen pediatric patients with an ongoing history of IF, TPN dependency, and iron deficiency anemia were enrolled and given an oral iron syrup dose of ferric hydroxide polymaltose complex (6 mg/kg/day in 2–3 separate doses of elemental iron) after receiving ethical approval and parental consent. Blood tests were done to measure serum iron, ferritin, complete iron-binding capacity [TIBC], transferrin saturation [TSAT], and hemoglobin (Hb) level at the time of inclusion (T0), 14 (T14), and 30 days after treatment (T30). Results: The mean age was 7.13 (±1.99) and female were 12 (75%). No remarkable change in Hb level was noted in the first and second subsequent follow-ups, notwithstanding, the normal estimation of the serum ferritin level significantly increased during the first follow-up (on fourteenth day) which further enhanced by second follow-up (30th day). The aggregate of the total iron binding capacity (TIBC) declined during the course of oral iron therapy with a reduction in transferrin saturation. Interpretation & Conclusion: The data suggest that oral iron therapy is unsuccessful in the treatment of IDA in children with IF. There is no substantial improvement in hemoglobin level or iron profile aside from serum ferritin. In order to avoid using parenteral iron in IF patients, an additional supportive system is needed to aid in the integration of oral iron therapy. © 2021 The Author(s)Open access journalThis item from the UA Faculty Publications collection is made available by the University of Arizona with support from the University of Arizona Libraries. If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected]