Prevalence and factors associated with overweight and central obesity among adults in the Eastern Sudan

© 2020 Omar et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. Background A global epidemic of obesity has been documented, particularly among African countries. While central obesity and overweight have been reported for many countries, very limited information exists about the prevalence of these health problems in Sudan, and these data are nonexistent for Eastern Sudan. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of obesity and central obesity, as well as the factors associated with both, among adults in Gadarif, Eastern Sudan. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Gadarif, Eastern Sudan, during the period of January through May 2018. Sociodemographic and health characteristics data were collected through a questionnaire. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were measured using the standard methods. Both descriptive and inferential statics were applied to analyze the data. Results A total of 594 adults participated in the study; 70.4% of them were female. The mean (standard deviation) age was 44.98 (16.64) years. Of the 594 enrolled participants, 33.7%, 7.4%, 26.8%, and 32.2% were normal weight, underweight, overweight, and obese, respectively. The prevalence of central obesity was (67.8%). Approximately, one-third of the participants (29.29%) were obese and had central obesity. In the multinomial regression, being married was the main risk factor associated with overweight, and older age, female sex, being married and hypertension were significantly associated with obesity. In the binary regression, the main risk factors associated with central obesity were female sex and being married. Conclusion The prevalence rates of both obesity and central obesity among the study participants were high. Older age and hypertension were only associated with obesity. Obesity and central obesity were significantly associated with female sex and being married. This study provided valuable baseline information to develop appropriate strategies for the prevention and control of obesity in Eastern Sudan

COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among pregnant women: a hospital-based cross-sectional study in Sudan

IntroductionPregnancy increases the risk of developing a severe illness due to COVID-19 infection. To the best of our knowledge, no previous study has been conducted on COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among pregnant women in Sudan. Hence, this study aimed to determine COVID-19 vaccination acceptance and its predictors among pregnant women.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 623 pregnant women attending Gadarif maternity hospital in eastern Sudan through a structured questionnaire. Data were obtained on sociodemographic characteristics, obstetric and health-related characteristics, COVID-19 infection, and vaccination-related information, as well as beliefs about and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination.ResultsCOVID-19 vaccine acceptance among the pregnant women was 2.7%. The vaccine acceptance was higher if their husband’s education was secondary school or higher [adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 4.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11–16.65, p = 0.035] and discussion of COVID-19 vaccine with the pregnant women by a health care professional in the hospital (AOR 5.46, 95% CI 1.94–15.35, p < 0.001). The most common reasons for resistance to the vaccine were concerns about the side effects of the vaccine for the mother and her baby.ConclusionAcceptance of the COVID-19 vaccination among the pregnant women was very low. Discussions with pregnant women and their husbands by health care professionals regarding the safety of COVID-19 vaccine for the mother and her baby are highly recommended

Patterns of allergic rhinitis among adults in Qassim region, Saudi Arabia: a cross sectional study

Introduction: developing and developed countries have a high prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR). Severe AR has negative impacts on sleep, quality of life, and work performance. The study aimed to identify the patterns of AR among patients attending the ears nose and throat Unit (ENT) clinic at King Saud Hospital, Qassim, Saudi Arabia. Methods: this study was a cross-sectional study conducted at the ENT clinic of King Saudi Hospital, Unaizah City, Qassim region, Saudi Arabia. We examined outpatients diagnosed with AR using an interview questionnaire and clinical examination. Results: the sample included 455 patients. Of these, 23.7% were 21-30 years old, 65.7% had a family history of AR, 57.8% had no general symptoms, 75.6% reported runny nose as the most common nasal symptom, and 35.4% reported no complications. Dust was the most common trigger of AR (82.4%), 49.2% reported allergic symptoms in all seasons, 96% of patients have inferior turbinate hypertrophy, and oral histamine was the most commonly used treatment (33.2%). Conclusion: perineal AR and inferior turbinate hypertrophy were very common findings comparing to previous studies, further studies to assess the risk factors are highly recommended

Current Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice of Medical Students Regarding the Risk of Hepatitis B Virus Infection and Control Measures at Qassim University

BACKGROUND: Medical students are exposed to occupational health hazards in hospitals during their studies and lack sufficient education about infection control measures. Injury to medical students is a substantial problem and students have an increased risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV). To understand how medical students think about infection control, it is important to identify the strengths and weaknesses of their education. AIM: To assess current knowledge, attitudes, and practice of medical students regarding HBV infection and control measures at Qassim University, Saudi Arabia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a medical college. Participants completed a 39-item self-administered questionnaire assessing demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practice. Item response frequencies were calculated. Responses were recorded into yes (strongly agree and agree) and no (neutral, disagree, and strongly disagree) answers. Correct responses were totalled and categorised as good or poor performance. A scale cut-off of less than 75% correct responses was considered poor, and 75% or more correct responses was considered good. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated, and the chi-square test was used for analysis. RESULTS: A total of 21%, 41%, and 8% of students expressed good knowledge, attitudes, and practice, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between males and females on knowledge (p = 0.089), attitudes (p = 0.829), and practice (p = 0.248). There was a statistically significant difference between academic years on knowledge (p = 0.0001), attitudes (p = 0.0001), and practice (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Most medical students have poor knowledge, attitudes, and practice regarding the risk of HBV infection. It is recommended that a policy is implemented for training on infection prevention for all medical students before they start clinical practice. Prevention programs about HBV infection should be instituted, and existing programs must be strengthened

Parents’ Intentions and Associated Factors to Vaccinating Their Children Aged 12–17 Years with COVID-19 Vaccines: A Cross Sectional Study

No available vaccine against COVID-19 had yet been proven for 12–17-year-olds in Egypt during the study period. This is the first study to assess Egyptian parents’ intentions and associated factors in relation to vaccinating their children with COVID-19 vaccines. A cross-sectional study using a questionnaire was conducted between 17 October and 17 November 2021, via social media platforms. The target group was parents with children aged 12–17 years. Parents’ intention to vaccinate their children and factors associated with vaccinating their children, reasons for not intending to vaccinate their children, and circumstances whereby the parents would change their mind were recorded. Among the 1458 parents recruited, 65.6% were planning to vaccinate their children. The main concerns were fear of the vaccine’s side-effects (68.3%) and conspiracy theories (18%). The factors associated with parents’ intention to vaccinate their children were mother’s older age (40–49 years: aOR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.05–1.99; ≥50 years: aOR = 2.09, 95% CI = 1.16–3.75), high family income (aOR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.41–2.79), and children with a history of chronic conditions (aOR = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.25–3.25), while higher mother’s education level was negatively associated (aOR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.27, 0.64). A comprehensive health education program regarding vaccinating children with COVID-19 vaccines is highly recommended for parents, particularly for young and highly educated mothers, to enhance children vaccination rate when the vaccine becomes available

The Concern of COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Is behind Its Low Uptake among Patients with Diabetes Mellitus in Sudan

Diabetic patients are vulnerable to developing severe complications and have a higher risk of death due to COVID-19 infection. Vaccination remains the mainstay during the current situation to mitigate the risks related to COVID-19 infection. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to assess the vaccination status and the factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) in Sudan. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to February 2022 at Gadarif Hospital in eastern Sudan. Information on sociodemographics, the contracting of COVID-19 during the pandemic, beliefs toward COVID-19 vaccinations, and barriers related to COVID-19 vaccinations was obtained through an interview questionnaire among adult (≥18 years) patients with DM. Bivariate and multinomial logistic regression analyses performed. A total of 568 diabetic patients were enrolled, with a mean (SD) age of 53.07 (12.69) years. The majority of the participants were female (67.6%), urban residents (63.4%), uneducated (60.6%) and employed (73.2%). There was a history of COVID-19 in 97.4% of participants, and 29.2% of them had hypertension along with DM. About 31% received the vaccine, out of which 17.9% received the first dose, 13.2% received the second dose, and 0.2% received the third dose. Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed a significant association between belief in the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine and having had two doses of it (adjusted Odds ratio = 20.42, p < 0.001). The prevalence of COVID-19 infection was high, while the rate of COVID-19 vaccination uptake was low and inadequate among the participants. Appropriate health education and targeted interventions toward awareness of safety concerns are highly recommended

Unilateral internal jugular vein phlebectasia in an adult: Management and one year follow-up

Phlebectasia describes an anomalous, fusiform dilatation of a vein. In the neck region, the internal and external jugular veins are mostly affected. To our knowledge, this is the first case in Saudi Arabia of internal jugular phlebectasia affecting an adult female. We describe a 61-year-old female with complaints of a neck swelling she noticed 4 years ago. Initially, the swelling increased in size and reached a stable level. It was asymptomatic and only enlarged during Valsalva maneuver. Flexible nasolaryngoscopy and computerized tomography scan showed unremarkable examination. Follow-up after 1 year with US Doppler showed no progression. Internal jugular phlebectasia is a rare disorder which is often diagnosed during childhood. More often than not, it does not cause any significant morbidity. Since it is a benign condition, observation is advised with regular monitoring. For asymptomatic lesions, surgical intervention is recommended if cosmetic or psychologic concerns are present

Environmental exposures and the risk of multiple sclerosis in Saudi Arabia

Abstract Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common non-traumatic condition that leads to disability among young individuals. It is associated with demyelination, inflammation, and neurodegeneration within the central nervous system. Information on risk factors of multiple sclerosis is crucial for the prevention and control of the disease. The aim of this study was to determine risk factors of MS among adults in Saudi Arabia. Methods A matched multicenter case-control study, including 307 MS patients and 307 healthy controls, was conducted in MS clinics and wards in 3 main cities of Saudi Arabia. Age, gender, and hospital were matched. Information on demographics, family history of MS, past medical and family history, sun exposure at different age periods, tobacco use, diet, consanguinity, and coffee consumption was obtained from self-administered questionnaires. ORs and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. A conditional logistic regression model was used to control for potential confounding factors. Results The conditional logistic regression adjusted for age and gender showed that being the first child in the family (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 1.68, 95% CI: 1.03–2.74), having a family history of MS (AOR 5.83, 95% CI: 2.83–12), eating fast food ≥5 times weekly (AOR 2.05, 95% CI: 1.03–4.08), and having had measles (AOR 3.77, 95% CI: 2.05–6.96), were independently associated with an increased risk of MS. In contrast, eating ≥5 servings of fruit per week (AOR 0.25, 95% CI: 0.16–0.38), drinking coffee daily (AOR 0.46, 95% CI: 0.31–0.68), and having a high level of sun exposure at the primary school level and university level (AOR 0.57, 95% CI: 0.38–0.85 and AOR 0.48, 95% CI: 0.30–0.76, respectively) were independently associated with a decreased risk of MS. Conclusions Our study suggested that high levels of sun exposure during primary school and university, consumption of fruits and drinking coffee protect against MS. In contrast, eating fast food was associated with an increased risk of the disease. Encouraging outdoor activity and healthy diets in school, especially for females, is highly recommended