Evaluating attitudes toward soft drink consumption among adults in Saudi Arabia: Five years after selective taxation implementation

Objective: Saudi Arabia (SA) ranked first in soft drink consumption in the Middle East. A decrease in consumption was recorded after a selective 50% increased taxation policy in 2018. This study aimed to assess soft drinks consumption patterns among Saudi Arabian adults and examine the association between different attitudes and patterns post-taxation. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2022 to March 2023, involving 1,935 Saudi adults aged 20–60 residing in Saudi Arabia. Participants completed online surveys using a validated questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, soft drink consumption patterns, and attitudes toward soft drinks. Chi-square and odds ratio (OR) tests were used to assess associations between sociodemographic characteristics, soft drink consumption frequency/quantity, and change in consumption patterns owing to selective taxation. Additionally, t-tests, Spearman's coefficient, and hierarchical multiple linear regression were used to measure differences in attitudes and linear relationships. Results: Overall, 7.5% of the participants reported daily soft drink consumption, with 51.8% of these consuming less than one can per day and 41.2% consuming one can per day. Most (66.2%) reported no change in consumption post-taxation. Attitudes toward soft drink consumption varied significantly, with most agreeing on its health risks but also enjoying the drinks. Multiple regression analysis identified age, education, income, consumption frequency/quantity, and impact of taxation as significant predictors of overall attitudes toward soft drinks. Conclusions: After taxation, 20% of participants reduced soft drink consumption, underscoring the importance of addressing taxation and intrinsic motivations to foster lasting changes in attitudes and behaviors towards soft drinks

Consensus evidence-based clinical practice recommendations for the diagnosis and treat-to-target management of osteoporosis in chronic kidney disease stages G4-G5D and post-transplantation: An initiative of Egyptian Academy of Bone Health

The aim of this study was to reach a consensus on an updated version of the recommendations for the diagnosis and Treat-to-Target management of osteoporosis that is effective and safe for individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) G4-G5D/kidney transplant. Delphi process was implemented (3 rounds) to establish a consensus on 10 clinical domains: (1) study targets, (2) risk factors, (3) diagnosis, (4) case stratification, (5) treatment targets, (6) investigations, (7) medical management, (8) monitoring, (9) management of special groups, (10) fracture liaison service. After each round, statements were retired, modified, or added in view of the experts' suggestions, and the percent agreement was calculated. Statements receiving rates of 7-9 by more than 75% of experts' votes were considered as achieving consensus. The surveys were sent to an expert panel ( = 26), of whom 23 participated in the three rounds (2 were international experts and 21 were national). Most of the participants were rheumatologists (87%), followed by nephrologists (8.7%), and geriatric physicians (4.3%). Eighteen recommendations, categorized into 10 domains, were obtained. Agreement with the recommendations (rank 7-9) ranged from 80 to 100%. Consensus was reached on the wording of all 10 clinical domains identified by the scientific committee. An algorithm for the management of osteoporosis in CKD has been suggested. A panel of international and national experts established a consensus regarding the management of osteoporosis in CKD patients. The developed recommendations provide a comprehensive approach to assessing and managing osteoporosis for all healthcare professionals involved in its management. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2022 by The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.

Molluscicidal Properties and Chemical Constituents of Euphorbia peploides

The present study was carried out to evaluate the molluscicidal activities of the 70 % methanolic extract of Euphorbia peploides (Family Euphorbiaceae) and petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions which were derived from the methanolic extract against Biomphalaria alexandrina snails, the intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni in Egypt . The results revealed that these extracts exhibited high molluscicidal activities as the recorded LC90 values were 30,32,35,26 and 52 ppm for these extracts respectively .The ethyl acetate fraction was the most active one ( LC 90 = 26 ppm ) .Eleven compounds have been isolated and identified from CHCl3,EtOAc and n-BuOH fractions using different chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. These compounds were identified as β-amyrin ,cycloart-23-ene-3β,25-diol, gallic acid, stigmasterol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside , quercetin, P-hydroxybenzoic acid, methyl gallate ,luteolin, Kampferol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside ,quercetin -3-O-β -Dglucopyranoside and kampferol -3-O-α -L-rhamnopyranosyl -(1→6)-β -Dglucopyranoside .It can finally be concluded that this plant is rich in triterpenoids and phenolic compounds . It can finally be concluded that this plant is rich in triterpenoids and phenolic compounds. It can finally be concluded that this plant is rich in triterpenoids and phenolic compounds. As this plant and its fractions showed strong molluscicidal activity, so it can be used as botanical molluscicides as part of integrated schistosomiasis control program

Effect of community-based intervention on knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy toward home injuries among Egyptian rural mothers having preschool children.

BACKGROUND:Parent's level of knowledge, state of their attitude, and their self-efficacy are the most incriminated reasons for the faulty application of the first aid measures, particularly in children's home injuries. OBJECTIVES:To assess the effect of a health education intervention on improving knowledge, attitude and self- efficacy of mothers having preschool children about home injuries and the basic first aid measures. METHODS:A pre-posttest evaluation of the effect of a health education intervention on changing knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy about home injuries and the basic first aid measures of 244 rural Egyptian mothers having preschool children. RESULTS:About 35% of the male children had home injuries 8 weeks earlier to the study. Mean score of total knowledge increased from 10.21±3.1 in pretest to 18.90 ± 2.6 in posttest, total attitude from 6.19±1.8 to 10.26±2.3 and self-efficacy from 20.75±6.1 to 34.43 ± 10.1 with (p < 0.001) for all changes. Age, education level and previous home injuries were the significant predicting factors for total knowledge, attitude and self- efficacy of the mothers. CONCLUSION:Health education improves knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy of the mothers which were obvious regarding home injuries than first aid measures. There is a need for including knowledge about home injuries in the educational curriculum of high schools and universities and to perform training courses to mothers about first aid measures

Mother's knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy about prevention of home injuries and basic first aid measures.

<p>Mother's knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy about prevention of home injuries and basic first aid measures.</p

General characters of the studied mothers.

<p>General characters of the studied mothers.</p

Mean score of knowledge of the participated mothers regarding prevention and first aid measures to the four types of home injuries under study.

<p>Mean score of knowledge of the participated mothers regarding prevention and first aid measures to the four types of home injuries under study.</p

Regression analyses of factors significantly predict post-intervention total knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy for mothers about home injuries.

<p>Regression analyses of factors significantly predict post-intervention total knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy for mothers about home injuries.</p

Occurrence and types home injuries among the preschool children.

<p>Occurrence and types home injuries among the preschool children.</p

Unveiling the Moderating Factors in the Relationship between Physical Activity and Health-Related Quality of Life among University Students during COVID-19: A Mixed Study Design

This study examines the moderating effects of various factors on the relationship between physical activity (PA) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among 287 female college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected through an online questionnaire covering health issues, PA, self-esteem, HRQoL, and sociodemographic information, supplemented by semi-structured interviews and focus groups with six participants. Results showed that 46% of respondents had good HRQoL, and 38% were physically active. The interactions of age, socioeconomic status (SES), and academic performance with PA on HRQoL were insignificant. However, physical and mental health problems significantly moderated the PA–HRQoL relationship, accounting for 1% and 4% of the variance, respectively. The qualitative analysis highlighted the need for student activity clubs and mental health support to enhance coping strategies and overall HRQoL. In conclusion, age and SES did not moderate the PA–HRQoL relationship, while physical and mental health issues did. Programs targeting students with health problems are crucial to improving their physical and mental health, thereby enhancing their well-being