Introduction Saudi Arabia has a high prevalence of sickle cell disease (SCD). Leg ulceration is one of the complications associated with SCD. There is a gap in the literature in regard to the prevalence of leg ulcers among SCD patients in Saudi Arabia. Objectives The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the lifetime prevalence of leg ulcers in SCD patients in our population and to study the predictive factors of leg ulcers by using sociodemographic factors, clinical manifestations of SCD, and other relevant factors like hydroxyurea. Methods A cross-sectional study design was utilized. Data collection was done using an electronic survey to collect self-reported information for the prevalence of leg ulcers and possible associated factors. The survey was distributed using social media platforms. Chi-square test was used to test for the presence of an association between having leg ulcers and sociodemographic variables as well as SCD related history. Furthermore, binary logistic regression was utilized to determine factors predicting the incidence of leg ulcers among SCD. Results A total of 790 valid responses were included in the study. Among these, 646 were included in the analysis of leg ulcers prevalence. From them, 52 (8%) SCD patients reported a history of leg ulcers. The male to female ratio was (9.7% vs 7.2%). The age group most affected by leg ulcers was those older than 50 (16.7%). There was no significant association between a history of leg ulcers and sociodemographic variables. The only predictive factors for leg ulcers were having six to eight vaso-occlusive crises per month and having more than eight vaso-occlusive crises per month. Conclusion Leg ulcers among SCD patients in Saudi Arabia were considerably prevalent (8%). There was no statistically significant correlation between leg ulceration and sociodemographic variables. Leg ulcers were more likely in patients with a history of highly frequent vaso-occlusive crises. No association was found between the incidence of leg ulcers and other complications of sickle cell disease or hydroxyurea.
Background: Dry eye disease is a multifactorial chronic disorder of the ocular surface, which leads to symptoms of discomfort and distress. Dry eye disease is a global health concern and is one of the most frequent ocular diseases encountered in an ophthalmology clinic. The estimated prevalence of dry eye disease in the literature ranged from 7.4% to 93.2%. Saudi Arabia's population, especially in the eastern province, is at great risk of developing dry eye disease, however, there is hardly any nationwide study that assesses the prevalence of dry eye disease among the general population and its risk factors.Aim: The aim is to estimate the prevalence of dry eye disease and determine its risk factors among the general population of Saudi Arabia.Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study conducted on the general population of Saudi Arabia between September 2022 and November 2022. A convenient sampling technique was deployed for participant recruitment, where a self-administered questionnaire was created and dispersed to the general population all over the country with an invitation to participate in the study. Dry eye disease prevalence was assessed using Ocular Surface Disease Index survey. The Chi-square test was used to test for factors associated with the prevalence of dry eye disease, and undiagnosed dry eye disease. Multivariate logistic regression was also used to determine risk factors for dry eye disease.Results: A total of 1,381 participants were included in this study. The prevalence of dry eye disease among the general population of Saudi Arabia was observed to be (17.5%). Among the participants (11%) had mild dry eye disease, (4.7%) had moderate dry eye disease, and (1.7%) had a severe dry eye disease. Among those observed to have a dry eye disease, (58.09%) were not previously diagnosed. The following factors were observed to be significantly associated with having dry eye disease, being female, having thyroid disease, having systemic lupus erythematosus/rheumatoid arthritis, using antidepressants, using antihistamine/decongestants, using electronic devices for a prolonged time, using contact lenses, having a history of eye surgery, history of conjunctival/eyelid infection, and history corneal abrasions/erosions/ulceration. Conclusion: This study revealed that the prevalence of dry eye disease among the general population of Saudi Arabia is notably lower than what was observed in other local studies and similar to what was found in some global studies. Adjusted binary multivariate logistic regression revealed that the risk factors were only: being female, using antidepressants, using antihistamines/decongestants, and prolonged use of electronic devices.
Background Physiotherapy (PT) is a distinguished developing profession. It has a crucial role in treating temporomandibular disorders (TMD) as an effective intervention to reduce pain and improve TMD symptoms. Not all dentists are aware of the importance of collaboration with physiotherapists (PTs).Therefore, this study aimed to assess the level of dentists’ awareness about the role of PT in treating TMD, identify dentists’ willingness to collaborate with PTs, and create collaboration awareness. This cross-sectional study included Saudi dentists in Riyadh. An online survey was used to assess dentist’s awareness and their readiness to collaborate with PTs. Results Out of 1500 dentists, only 162 participated in the survey. About 46.9% of dentists were aware that PT can treat TMD. Generally, there was lack of awareness about the benefits of PT among dentists (61.8%), and 59.9% was not aware that the evidence suggested that PT can improve TMD symptoms. Only 29% referred patients to PT. Upon the completion of the survey, almost all dentists (97.5%) were likely to refer patients with TMD to PT, and 90.7% of them showed interest to learn more about collaborating with PTs. Conclusion The study concluded that, although 46.9% of the dentists are aware about the role of PT in treating TMD, there is a lack of awareness about the benefits of PT among the majority of them. The study helped to extend the awareness of surveyed dentists about the collaboration and multidisciplinary approach.
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