No abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an organ specific inflammatory disease that considered the main cause of chronic neurologic disability in young and middle-aged adults with increased prevalence in Saudi Arabia. Public awareness MS is generally poor, and this limited understanding delays the early diagnosis and treatment of patients. This study was community based cross sectional study that conducted in different public areas.A structured questionnaire including questions on knowledge and attitude of MS was administered. A total of 900 questionnaires were distributed and 715 were completed the questionnaire. The mean knowledge score among the study cohort was 8.74 ± 2.7 and the mean attitude score was 2.19± 1.8 with no significant variation regarding age and sex of participants. Learning from surrounding people was the only source of information with significantly high knowledge and attitude score. Also, participants who recorded knowing someone with MS was significantly had higher knowledge and attitude scores. Most respondents in our sample suffered from deficiency of background information about MS and health education. Therefore, more intensified awareness programs among population are necessary to ensure reliable information reach the public in order for early detection and management of this serious disease. Also, further researches are needed to identify causes of inadequate knowledge and attitude of MS among Saudi population. More utilization of Media as an important source of MS is important to improve awareness among the community.

This cross-sectional study aimed to estimate the prevalence of obesity and its association with diabetes and hypertension among beneficiaries in the National Guard Health Affairs system of Saudi Arabia. We included individuals aged 17 years and older, and patients were classified as diabetic or hypertensive if they had any visit during the 4 years where the primary diagnosis was one of those conditions or they were taking diabetes or hypertension medications. The association between obesity (body mass index ≥30) and diabetes and hypertension were evaluated using a multiple logistic regression model, adjusting for age, gender, nationality, and region. A total of 616,092 individuals were included. The majority were Saudi nationals (93.1%). Approximately 68% of the population were either obese (38.9%) or overweight (29.30%). Obesity was more prevalent among Saudi nationals (39.8% vs. 26.7%, p < 0.01) and females (45.3% vs. 31.2%, p < 0.01). Obesity was independently associated with diabetes mellitus (OR = 2.24, p < 0.01) and hypertension (OR = 2.15, p < 0.01). The prevalence of obesity in the study population was alarming and more pronounced among women. Our findings call for efforts to intensify preventive measures to reduce obesity and associated conditions. Using electronic records to examine the impact of interventions to reduce obesity and chronic conditions may help monitor and improve population health.

BACKGROUND: Motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) are the leading cause of death among children in Saudi Arabia. Childhood injuries can be prevented or minimized if safety measures, such as car seats, are implemented. The literature on the epidemiology of head and facial injury among children is limited, which affects the ability to understand the extent of the burden and hinders investment in public health prevention. OBJECTIVE: Describe the epidemiology of head and facial injuries among children admitted to the hospital following MVCs. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Five hospitals in several regions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We collected data on all patients ≤16 years old, who were admitted to the hospital following MVCs between 2016-2019. Differences in various characteristics like head injury status and age groups were compared. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Head and facial injuries. SAMPLE SIZE: 253 patients. RESULTS: Of the injured population, 97 (38.3%) sustained a head injury, and 88 (34.8%) had a facial injury. Thirteen (9.1%) children were driving the car at the time of the crash. About half of the children were seated in the back (53.8%) without a seatbelt or safety seat. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of head and facial injuries is striking. In addition, the study revealed that driving among children is not uncommon, which warrants monitoring and implementing interventions. Improved documentation of restraint use and police enforcement of safety laws can play a significant role in reducing associated injuries. The study findings highlight the importance of combination or rear seating as well as age-appropriate restraint in order to reduce the likelihood of head or facial injuries among children. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective study using the electronic search system to identify patients, but may have missed cases that were not coded correctly. Large amount of missing data for some variables. Additionally, the analysis was limited to those admitted to the hospital. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: None.