Impact of Obesity on Self-Esteem and Academic Performance among Medical Students in Al-Rayan Colleges, Al-Madinah

Introduction: Obesity is a worldwide concern and affects not only physical but also mental health. It is a complex condition that requires an understanding of its biological, psychological, behavioral interactions to develop effective interventions and policies. Objectives: The aim of the study was to explore the frequency of obesity among medical students at Al-Rayan Colleges and investigate its impact on self-esteem and academic performance and to determine any gender differences in these results. Methods: Data were collected via a questionnaire distributed to all medical students at Al-Rayan Colleges which consisted of questions assessing body mass index (BMI), academic performance, and self-esteem using the Rosenberg self-esteem scale (SES). Results: 250 medical students (104 males and 146 females) participated in this study, with a response rate of 72.9%. The results showed that the frequency of overweight and obesity was 23.1%, 16.3% in males and 24.7%, 11.6% in females. A significant negative correlation between obesity and self-esteem was found in females (r = −0.219, p = 0.014). No correlation was found between obesity and academic performance. BMI was a predictor factor for self-esteem, especially in females. Conclusions: Obesity is a persistent problem in medical students and negatively affects self-esteem, especially in females

An investigation into the impact of enteric coated of aspirin in patients with newly diagnosed ischemic stroke (ECASIS)

Introduction:Uncertainty remains regarding the impact of enteric-coated (EC) aspirin as it relates to the reduction of cardiovascular risk. We hypothesize that EC formulation based on a previous report may blunt aspirin response as evidenced by reduced Thromboxane A2 (TXA 2) levels in diabetic patients. Thus, it was imperative to ascertain and validate the effect of the EC formulation of Aspirin on the Thromboxane B2 (TXB2) level.Methods/design:An open-label consecutive randomized interventional controlled trial. Patients with newly diagnosed ischemic stroke who are just about to start Aspirin were assessed for eligibility and inclusion in our trial. Consecutive patients (admitted to the stroke unit of Hamad General Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar) will be randomized to receive either EC aspirin or plain Aspirin. They will be required to continue taking them throughout the study (3 days). Demographics and laboratory records of the study participants will be abstracted from online records. Further study variables will be obtained manually in designated case record forms (CRF). The primary outcomes are the incidence of aspirin non-responders (level of residual serum TXB2 associated with elevated thrombotic risk (3.1ng/mL) within 72h after three daily aspirin doses). Whereas secondary outcomes are the incidence of GIT bleeding of various preparations of Aspirin. The study was approved by MRC and IRB of Hamad Medical Corporation (MRC number: 01-18-156).Discussion:This trial will determine potential differences in the efficacy of EC Aspirin and plain Aspirin on the Thromboxane B2 level. Additionally, it will ascertain the tolerability and safety of both formulations of Aspirin in patients with newly diagnosed ischemic stroke. These results will either support the current notion of no difference between the two formulations. However, if a difference is found, this will invite for future trials exploring clinical outcomes occurrence between various formulations.Clinical trial registration:Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04330872 registered on April 2, 2020.This study was supported by an internal research grant from the Medical Research Center (MRC) of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC). Open access is funded by Qatar National Library

The impact of enteric coating of aspirin on aspirin responsiveness in patients with suspected or newly diagnosed ischemic stroke: prospective cohort study: results from the (ECASIS) study

Background and purpose Uncertainty remains regarding the impact of enteric-coated aspirin (EC-ASA) on secondary prevention of ischemic stroke compared to plain aspirin (P-ASA). Hence, this study was designed to investigate the effect of EC formulation on ASA response via evaluating thromboxane B2 (TXB2) levels in patients with suspected or newly diagnosed stroke. Methods A prospective cohort study on suspected or newly diagnosed ischemic stroke patients who are aspirin-naive was conducted. Patients were received either EC aspirin or plain aspirin for at least 3 days. The primary outcome was the proportion of aspirin non-responsiveness between two groups (level of residual serum TXB2 associated with elevated thrombotic risk ( 3.1 ng/ml) within 72 h after three daily aspirin doses, while secondary outcomes were the incidence of early gastrointestinal tract (GIT) bleeding with the various aspirin preparations. (Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04330872 registered on 02 April 2020). Results Of 42 patients, ischemic strokes were confirmed in both P-ASA (81%) and EC-ASA (67%) arms. ASA non-responsiveness showed no significant difference between the two formulations (P-ASA vs. EC-ASA; 28.6% vs 23.8%; P = 0.726). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that patients treated with EC-ASA were more likely to have a lower rate of non-responders compared to P-ASA (unadjusted OR 0.78; 95% CI 0.20, 3.11); with the risk highest in type 2 diabetic patients with HBA1c > 6.5% (adjusted OR 6; 95% CI 1.02, 35.27; P = 0.047). No incidence of GIT bleeding observed throughout the study. Conclusion A significant proportion of ASA non-responsiveness was recorded regardless of ASA formulation administered. The increased risk of ASA non-responsiveness in diabetic patients needs further exploration by larger prospective studies.Other Information Published in: European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0See article on publisher's website: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00228-022-03391-2</p