The effect of antioxidant supplementation on dysmenorrhea and endometriosis-associated painful symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

This study aimed to review randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of dietary antioxidant supplements on the severity of endometriosis-related pain symptoms. The PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched until April 2022. Additionally, we manually searched the reference lists. Endpoints were summarized as standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in a random-effects model. The I2 statistic was used to assess heterogeneity. Ten RCTs were included in this meta-analysis. Overall, 10 studies were related to dysmenorrhea, four to dyspareunia, and four to pelvic pain. Antioxidants significantly reduced dysmenorrhea (SMD, −0.48; 95% CI, −0.82 to −0.13; I2=75.14%). In a subgroup analysis, a significant reduction of dysmenorrhea was observed only in a subset of trials that administered vitamin D (SMD, −0.59; 95% CI, −1.13 to −0.06; I2=69.59%) and melatonin (SMD, −1.40; 95% CI, −2.47 to −0.32; I2=79.15%). Meta-analysis results also suggested that antioxidant supplementation significantly improved pelvic pain (SMD, −1.51; 95% CI, −2.74 to −0.29; I2=93.96%), although they seem not to have a significant beneficial impact on the severity of dyspareunia. Dietary antioxidant supplementation seems to beneficially impact the severity of endometriosis-related dysmenorrhea (with an emphasis on vitamin D and melatonin) and pelvic pain. However, due to the relatively small sample size and high heterogeneity, the findings should be interpreted cautiously, and the importance of further well-designed clinical studies cannot be overstated

AWARENESS OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES AMONG ADULT AGE GROUP IN KSA

Background: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are one of the most serious diseases in the world. Therefore, this study provides a fresh perspective on the prevalence of STIs among the elderly in KSA. Methods: The study employed a descriptive design that asserts on offering light into the situation at hand and examining the variables under consideration. The design described the awareness levels of adults on STIs and the levels of vulnerability. Hence, a cross sectional study approach was chosen for the main purpose of bringing forth information at a point in time on the prevalence of STIs among older adults in KSA. The current study looked at collecting data for the recent patients treated across 10 hospitals in KSA. Results: study included 455 participants. The highest mean score was for community stigma prevent patients from opening upon STI concerns (Mean= 3.64) in which most participants agreed on that (n= 332). While a majority of the patients have preference for specific doctors for STI treatment in the second place with a mean of (3.41) (n= 309). On the other hand, the lowest mean score was for it is common for patients to ask for STI preventive information while visiting health care facilities (Mean= 2.49) (n= 225). Scale items showed good reliability (Cronbach’s alpha= 0.880). Moreover, scale reliability would increase to (0.886) if the last item were deleted. Conclusion: Study results showed that participants agreed that community stigma prevent patients from opening upon their STI concerns. In addition, they agreed that majority of patients prefer specific doctors to seek treatment. On the other hand, participants disagreed that STI patient would attend treatment with the partner. Moreover, participants strongly disagreed with population would ask about STI preventive information while visiting health care facilitie