Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Symptoms among Individuals with and without Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study from the PERSIAN Guilan Cohort Study

Objective: Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are the most common complaint among individuals with diabetes. This study investigated the prevalence of upper, lower, and general GI symptoms in individuals with and without diabetes among the Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in Iran (PERSIAN) Guilan Cohort study (PGCS) population. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study of PGCS was conducted on 2669 participants, 1364 with diabetes and 1305 without diabetes. The first part of the questionnaire collected demographical and clinical data, and the second part collected GI symptoms. A 4-point Likert Scale was used for each question. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16, and the significance level was considered < 0.05. Results: The mean age of the participants was 52.24 ± 8.75 years, and 55.5% were female. Patients with diabetes have an increased incidence of upper GI symptoms (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00–1.42, p = 0.045) compared to individuals without diabetes. The most common upper GI symptom in patients with diabetes compared to those without diabetes was eructation (18.6% vs. 14.9%, p = 0.009). Conclusions: The prevalence of GI symptoms was high in patients both with and without diabetes, and the chance of developing GI upper symptoms was higher in patients with diabetes

Family history of cancer as a potential risk factor for colorectal cancer in EMRO countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract The current meta-analysis aims to investigate the existing articles that evaluated the implications of a positive family history of cancer on the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) within the EMRO countries. We employed PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science as search databases for this study. To assess the quality of the selected articles, we utilized the Newcastle–Ottawa (NCO) checklist. In comparing the impact of a family history of cancer between the case and control groups, we computed the odds ratio (OR) along with its corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Finally, 27 articles were selected for meta-analysis. The result of the meta-analysis showed a significant association between the presence of a family history of CRC or any cancers and CRC (OR 2.21; 95% CI 1.54–3.17; P < 0.001, OR 1.76; 95% CI 1.27–2.42; P = 0.001, respectively). Our findings underscore the critical importance of timely screening and early identification for individuals with a family history of cancer. By fostering close coordination among healthcare facilities and actively promoting the adoption of screening methods for early detection, we have the potential to significantly reduce both mortality rates and financial burdens of CRC on the general public, ultimately leading to enhanced patient outcomes

Association between smoking and colorectal cancer in Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO): A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Smoking poses a significant risk for colorectal cancer (CRC), considered the third leading reason for cancer-related deaths worldwide. However, there has been limited research on the relationship between smoking and CRC in the Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO). Therefore, a meta-analysis was conducted to combine available data and gain a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between smoking and CRC in EMRO. Methods: Two independent researchers searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science until December 2022. The included studies were checked for risk of bias administering the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Heterogeneity was evaluated using I2 statistics and the Cochrane test. Publication bias was determined through funnel plot analysis and Egger's regression test. Additionally, a meta-regression analysis explored the impact of a country's Human Development Index (HDI) on the relationship between smoking and CRC. Results: The final analysis included 26 studies, revealing a significant association between smoking and CRC (OR = 1.40; 95% CI: 1.11 - 1.78; P = 0.004). Moreover, smoking had a more pronounced adverse effect on CRC in countries with higher HDIs compared to those with lower HDIs (OR = 1.30; 95% CI: 0.99 - 1.71; P = 0.054). Conclusions: Our findings underscore the importance of implementing smoking cessation programs and policies in EMRO countries, as they demonstrate a positive relationship between smoking and the risk of CRC. Furthermore, the results suggest that a country's level of human development may influence the association between smoking and CRC. Further research is needed to investigate this potential connection and develop targeted public health interventions