Background: The Al-Kharj colorectal cancer (CRC) screening program was implemented for five years (2017-2022) in a central urban area of Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia, to assess the participation and impact of the program in average-risk individuals. Methods: The high sensitivity-guaiac based-fecal occult blood test (HSgFOBT) was used as a first-line investigation to identify asymptomatic patients, aged 45–75 years, requiring CRC screening using colonoscopy. The program was run in three tertiary hospitals in the area. Results: The five-year participation rate was 73% (35,640/48,897). The average age was 53 years (range 45–75), 49% were female (17,464/35,640), all were asymptomatic, and 77% had adequate bowel preparation. The HSgFOBT (+) rate was 6.3% (n = 2245), and 76% (n = 1701) of these underwent colonoscopy. The prevalence of findings were as follows: CRC, 4.8% (81/1701); advanced adenoma, 9.5% (162/1701); adenoma, 15.9% (270/1701); non-adenomatous polyps, 7.9% (135/1701); and no polyps or tumors, 25.4% (432/1701). Among participants aged 45–50 years, early onset-CRC had female predominance, while those ≥50 years with late onset-CRC were predominantly male. CRC was more prevalent in the left colon (P < 0.005). Conclusions: Approximately one-third of the participants diagnosed with CRC had early-onset CRC. Screening participation was desirable for the defined target population. Public education is necessary along with expanded colonoscopy resources to continue further citizen participation.

To date, the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines and booster doses has yet to be evaluated in longitudinal head-to-head studies. This single-center longitudinal study assessed the effectiveness of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, BNT162b2, and mRNA-1273 vaccines and assessed two BNT162b2 boosters in 1550 participants, of whom 26% had comorbidities. In addition, the SARS-CoV-2 antibody dynamics was monitored. A group of 1500 unvaccinated subjects was included as the controls. The study’s endpoint was the development of virologically-proven COVID-19 cases after vaccine completion, while the secondary endpoint was hospitalizations due to severe COVID-19. Overall, 23 (4.6%), 16 (3%), and 18 (3.8%) participants vaccinated with ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, BNT162b2, and mRNA-1273, respectively, developed COVID-19 after vaccine completion, with an effectiveness of 89%, 92%, and 90%. Ten COVID-19 cases were reported in participants with comorbidities, three of whom were hospitalized. No hospitalizations occurred after boosters. SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels peaked 2–4 weeks after the second vaccine dose but declined after a mean of 28.50 ± 3.48 weeks. Booster doses significantly enhanced antibody responses. Antibody titers ≤ 154 U/mL were associated with a higher risk of COVID-19 emergence. Thus, COVID-19 vaccines effectively reduced COVID-19 and prevented severe disease. The vaccine-induced SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses declined after 28–32 weeks. Booster doses induced significant maintained responses. SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels may help determine the timing and need for vaccine booster doses.

Background: During the Covid-19 pandemic, Saudi Arabia instructed all institutions to deliver online educational activities. Distance e-learning emerged as an alternative to traditional education. E-learning involves long hours of sitting which can lead to postural problems and a series of health issues, including low back pain among medical students. This study is aimed to identify the correlation between low back pain and prolonged sitting during e-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic among medical students in Prince Sattam Ibn Abdulaziz University at Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This is a cross-sectional survey study that was conducted in the medical college at Al-Kharj, Saudi. The self administered structured online questionnaire consisted of 25 questions. The survey consisted of four parts including a consent page, demographic data, history of low back pain and patterns and attitude of participant’s towards devices and positioning during the process. Results: A total of 188 participants were enrolled in the study showing that 39.7% of medical students at the university experienced low back pain during the e-learning period. The duration of pain was less than 30 minutes in 52% of the participants. The pain aggravated with prolonged sitting in 74.7% of the students and was relieved by rest in 8 % . We observed that 86.8% of the sample did not stretch in between lectures. However, correlation studies between low back pain, body mass index and exercise were non-significant. Conclusions: The prevalence of LBP during e-learning among medical students was 39.7%. However, there was no significant risk factors that affected the occurrence of low back pain. This research should be expanded to other Saudi medical schools to get a broader assessment.

Purpose:There is no national policy for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in Saudi Arabia (SA) despite the increasingly early onset of CRC in high-income countries. This study aims to assess the participation and impact of a CRC screening program in central area of Saudi Arabia. Methods:The guaiac fecal occult blood test (g-FOBT) was used as a first-line, non-invasive screening test to select patients for colonoscopy. The g-FOBT (+) Saudis, aged 45–76 years old (yo), were provided colonoscopies regardless of their risk of developing CRC or the presence of symptoms. Results: The first-round participation rate was 73% (35640/48897). The average age was 53 yo (range 45-75), 49% were female (17464/35640), 76% were asymptomatic, 13% underwent sigmoidoscopy, and 77% were well-prepared. The g-FOBT (+) rate was 6.3% (n = 2245), and 76% (n = 1701) of these underwent lower GI endoscopy. The prevalence of CRC was 4.8% (81/1701), advanced adenoma 9.5% (162/1701), adenoma 15.9% (270/1701), non-adenoma polyps 7.9% (135/1701), and no polyps or tumors 25.4% (432/1701). Other findings were internal hemorrhoids 32% (60/1701), colitis 24% (45/189), diverticulosis 7.9% (135/1701), and diverticulitis 2.6% (27/1053). Among young people volunteers CRC incidence was high, 1/3 of those with CRC with female predominance, above age 50 volunteers with CRC were more likely male, had older age, and among all CRC was at the left site colon (p < 0.005) during endoscopy. Conclusions: Low numbers of advanced adenomas and cancers were detected in the first round of CRC screening, however early onset CRC is rising. Screening participation was low, and public education is necessary along with expanded colonoscopy resources.