Free sugar intake is associated with reduced proportion of circulating invariant natural killer T cells among women experiencing overweight and obesity

BackgroundHigher prevalence of obesity has been observed among women compared to men, which can be explained partly by the higher consumption of sweets and physical inactivity. Obesity can alter immune cell infiltration, and therefore increase the susceptibility to develop chronic inflammation and metabolic disorders. In this study, we aimed to explore the association between free sugar intake and other unhealthy lifestyle habits in relation to the proportion of circulating iNKT cells among women with healthy weight and women experiencing overweight and obesity.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on 51 Saudi women > 18 years, wherein their daily free sugar intake was assessed using the validated Food Frequency Questionnaire. Data on smoking status, physical activity, and supplement use were also collected. Anthropometric data including height, weight, waist circumference were objectively measured from each participants. The proportion of circulating iNKT cells was determined using flow cytometry.ResultsSmoking, physical activity, supplement use, and weight status were not associated with proportion of circulating iNKT cells. Significant association was found between proportion of circulating iNKT cells and total free sugar intake and free sugar intake coming from solid food sources only among women experiencing overweight and obesity (Beta: -0.10: Standard Error: 0.04 [95% Confidence Interval: -0.18 to -0.01], p= 0.034) and (Beta: -0.15: Standard Error: 0.05 [95% Confidence Interval: -0.25 to -0.05], p= 0.005), respectively.ConclusionExcessive free sugar consumption may alter iNKT cells and consequently increase the risk for chronic inflammation and metabolic disorders

Fast-Food Consumption, Dietary Quality, and Dietary Intake of Adolescents in Saudi Arabia

High fast-food consumption is a common public-health concern among adolescents, due to its link to a number of non-communicable diseases. Frequent consumption of fast food may also affect diets of individuals; however, research addressing this issue is lacking in Saudi Arabia. We aimed to investigate the association between fast-food consumption, dietary quality, and dietary intake of adolescents in Saudi Arabia. This is a cross-sectional study of 617 healthy adolescents aged 11–18 years, who were recruited randomly from 16 middle- and high-schools located in Jeddah and Madinah, Saudi Arabia. Sociodemographic data were collected from parents. Dietary data, including the frequency of fast-food consumption, dietary quality (assessed using the short-form food frequency questionnaire), and dietary intake (assessed using multiple 24 h diet recalls from a subsample), were collected from the adolescents. Approximately one-third of adolescents (28.5%) reported frequent fast-food consumption (>two times a week). Results showed that a higher proportion of male adolescents frequently consumed fast-food, compared with female adolescents (32.8% vs. 24.8%, p = 0.039). Adolescents with the highest monthly family-income (≥SAR 21,000 ) reported a significantly higher frequency of fast-food consumption compared with families with a lower monthly income (p = 0.009). Frequency of fast-food consumption predicted lower dietary-quality in adolescents (Beta (B) = −0.27 [95% confidence interval (CI): −0.35 to –0.18]) and higher carbohydrate and free-sugar intake (B = 6.93 [95% CI: 0.78 to 13.1], and B = 3.93 [95% CI: 1.48 to 6.38], respectively). In conclusion, nutrition-intervention programs aiming to limit fast-food consumption and enhance the dietary quality of adolescents in Saudi Arabia, are warranted

Knowledge and Practices Related to Salt Intake among Saudi Adults

In Saudi Arabia, data regarding salt-related knowledge and practices are still lacking. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate salt-related knowledge and practices and associated factors in Saudi adults. Data on the following variables were collected from 467 participants living in Madinah or Jeddah via face-to-face interviews: demographics, anthropometrics (height and weight), blood pressure (assessed using a digital sphygmomanometer), salt-related knowledge, and practices related to salt intake. Salt-related knowledge and practices were limited among the study participants; however, they were not correlated (rs = 0.10). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that salt-related practices were negatively associated with sodium intake and positively associated with body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively), whereas salt-related knowledge was not associated with sodium intake, blood pressure, or BMI. Salt-related knowledge is limited and not linked to practices related to salt intake in Saudi adults. Interventions are needed to increase the accessibility of low-sodium food options and improve practices limiting sodium intake to prevent the occurrence of salt-related diseases among adults in Saudi Arabia

Exploring professional identity and its predictors in health profession students and healthcare practitioners in Saudi Arabia.

The government of Saudi Arabia is making significant efforts to improve the quality of health education and healthcare services. Professional identity has been linked to the quality of healthcare services provided by practitioners, however, data concerning the professional identity of health profession students (HPS) and healthcare practitioners (HCP) are still lacking in Saudi Arabia. The current study aimed to assess the level of professional identity in HPS and HCP in Saudi Arabia and to investigate its predictors. Cross-sectional data were collected from 185 HPS and 219 HCP in Saudi Arabia using river sampling technique. Data related to the sample characteristics were collected; an adapted version of the Macleod Clark Professional Identity Scale was utilized to collect data about the level of professional identity. Total score of professional identity was later calculated for each participant. Median professional identity scores for HPS and HCP were 38.0 (34.0-41.0) and 41.0 (37.0-43.0), respectively, out of 45. Significantly higher median professional identity score was found among HCP as compared to HPS (p <0.001). Data obtained from the multiple linear regression analysis, using the backward elimination method technique indicated that only working status (HPS vs. HCP) significantly predicted the professional identity score in all models performed. In conclusion, high levels of professional identity were reported among HCP and HPS in Saudi Arabia. Changes related to professional identity should be monitored in public and private educational and healthcare organizations to enhance the quality of healthcare services provided in the country

Prevalence and determinants of undiagnosed hypertension in the Western region of Saudi Arabia.

Recent data regarding the prevalence and determinants of undiagnosed hypertension in Saudi Arabia are particularly lacking. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension and to identify potential associates of hypertension risk among adults in the Western region of Saudi Arabia. Cross-sectional data for 489 Saudi adults were collected from public places in the cities of Madinah and Jeddah. Demographic, anthropometric (height, weight, waist circumference), and blood pressure (assessed by a digital sphygmomanometer) data were collected from all participants during face-to-face interviews. The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association guidelines were used to evaluate blood pressure status. Sodium intake was assessed using a semi-validated food frequency questionnaire. The prevalence of undiagnosed, elevated blood pressure, stage I, or stage II hypertension was 9.82%, 39.5%, and 17.2%, respectively. The proportions of individuals with undiagnosed hypertension were higher among men and smokers (p < .001 for both). Blood pressure status was positively associated with weight, body mass index, and waist circumference among participants (p < .001 for all). Higher body mass index and waist circumference were associated with increased odds of stage I and stage II hypertension. Sodium intake was not associated with blood pressure status. A strikingly high prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension was observed among the study sample. National intervention programs are necessary to encourage regular screening and follow-up for the early detection and management of hypertension