Background: Vaccines have recently been made available free of charge by the Saudi Ministry of Health for people 50 years or older. Diabetes mellitus (DM) increases herpes zoster (HZ) susceptibility, severity, serious complications, and negative impacts on underlying DM conditions, which are highly prevalent in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to assess the acceptability of the HZ vaccination and its predictors among patients with diabetes in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study of patients with diabetes from a primary healthcare center in the Qassim region was conducted. Information was obtained on sociodemographic characteristics, history of herpes zoster infection, knowing someone who had had herpes zoster, past vaccinations, and factors influencing their intention to receive the HZ vaccination through a self-administered online questionnaire. Results: The median age (IQR) was 56 years (53–62). Overall, 25% (n = 104/410) of the participants reported their acceptability of the HZ vaccination, and the predictors were being male (AOR 2.01, 95% CI 1.01–4.00, p = 0.047), believing the HZ vaccine was effective (AOR 3.94, 95% CI 2.25–6.90, p < 0.001), and awareness that immunocompromised individuals are at a higher risk of contracting HZ (AOR 2.32, 95% CI 1.37–3.93, p = 0.002). A total of 74.2% (n = 227/306) of the participants reported their acceptability of the HZ vaccination if advised by their physician, and the predictors were being male (AOR 2.37, 95% CI 1.18–4.79, p = 0.016) and having a history of varicella vaccine uptake (AOR 4.50, 95% CI 1.02–19.86, p = 0.047). Conclusions: One-quarter of the participants were ready to accept the HZ vaccine, but this proportion significantly increased when the patients were advised by their physicians. The uptake rate can be improved with the involvement of healthcare providers and focused awareness campaigns about the effectiveness of the vaccine.
Excessive consumption of cow milk and menorrhagia are the two most common causes of iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) in children. However, there have been reported cases of parasitic infestation causing IDA. Pediculus humanus survives on human blood, and prolonged blood loss causes anaemic symptoms. In the current case report, a 10-year-old girl complained of pallor and dizziness. During her physical examination, a head lice infestation was discovered. The patient had no history of chronic illness and used to eat a normal diet that was high in iron. Her haemoglobin level was measured to be 4 g/dl. Doctors determined that the severe iron deficiency was caused due to the head lice infestation. To reach the required haemoglobin level, she was admitted to the hospital and given a blood transfusion. Her head was washed with permethrin 1% shampoo, which removed over 60% of the lice in a single wash. She was instructed to wash her hair with the shampoo again after seven days.
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