Background: Non-specific Low back pain (LBP) is a complex and multifactorial health problem. Evidence has shown that LBP is an important occupational hazard and nurses are particularly at high risk. While several studies have addressed the prevalence of LBP worldwide, the prevalence of LBP in Saudi Arabia remains unclear. In this study we aimed to estimate the prevalence and associated factors of LBP among nurses in Qassim region, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This was a multicenter cross-sectional study carried out in four major public hospitals in Qassim region. A total of 323 nurses were recruited through a two-stage sampling method. A previously validated questionnaire was used to gather data. The main outcome measures were; LBP prevalence during working life, demographic factors, life-style factors, work-related factors and psychological factors. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors independently associated with LBP. Results: The study showed that LBP prevalence was 65.6%. Over one third of study participants sought treatment for LBP (38.7%). Age and the type of ward were found significantly associated with LBP (aOR: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.19, 0.77; p value=0.007) & (aOR: 0.36; 95%CI: 0.15, 0.86; p value =0.02), respectively. However, gender, working hours, number of patients, stress and smoking were not identified as LBP risk factors in this study.Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that LBP is a highly prevalent occupational health problem among nurses in Qassim. The highest LBP prevalence in this study was found among nurses aged 20-30 year. Nurses working in the general surgery wards showed a lower risk for LBP. On-the-job training is essential particularly for new and young nurses on proper body mechanics when mobilizing patients or lifting heavy equipment. In addition, there is a need for evidence –based interventions to improve the work-place environment for nurses in hospitals in order to lower LBP prevalence.

Introduction Non-specific low back pain (LBP) is a complex and multifactorial health problem. Evidence has shown that LBP is an important occupational hazard and nurses are particularly at high risk. While several studies have addressed the prevalence of LBP worldwide, the prevalence of LBP in Saudi Arabia remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to estimate the prevalence and associated factors of LBP among nurses in the Qassim region, Saudi Arabia. Methods This was a multicenter cross-sectional study carried out in four major public hospitals in the Qassim region. A total of 323 nurses were recruited through a two-stage sampling method. A previously validated questionnaire was used to gather data. The main outcome measures were; LBP prevalence during working life, demographic factors, lifestyle factors, work-related factors, and psychological factors. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors independently associated with LBP. Results The study showed that LBP prevalence was 65.6% (n=212). Over one-third of the study, participants sought treatment for LBP (n=82, 38.7%). Age and the type of ward were found significantly associated with LBP [adjusted odds ratios (aOR): 0.39; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.19, 0.77; p value=0.007] & (aOR: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.15, 0.86; p-value =0.02), respectively. However, gender, working hours, number of patients, stress, and smoking were not identified as LBP risk factors in this study. Conclusion The findings of this study suggest that LBP is a highly prevalent occupational health problem among nurses in Qassim. Young nurses 20-30 years are more likely to suffer from LBP, while nurses working in the general surgery wards have a lower risk for LBP in this study. On-the-job training is essential particularly for new and young nurses on proper body mechanics when mobilizing patients or lifting heavy equipment. In addition, there is a need for evidence-based interventions to improve the workplace environment for nurses in hospitals in order to lower LBP prevalence.

The field of surgery has been greatly affected during the pandemic due to the shift of resources to manage the huge numbers of COVID-19 cases. In this study, we aim to review the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown measures on elective surgeries and the subsequent complications, in addition to the previously announced preparations and precautions for performing surgeries whenever indicated. Preparations include the availability of resources and performing each surgery in separate rooms away from other wards within the hospital to prevent any possibility of nosocomial infections. Moreover, limiting the number of individuals within the operation room and wearing personal protective equipment should be done. Limiting hospital visits and reducing in-hospital stays is also recommended. Regarding cancer operations, malignant tumors that were indicated for surgeries cannot be postponed. However, other non-malignant ones can be delayed depending on the pathologist's perspective and the symptomatology of the tumor. Besides, other surgeries like plastic and reconstructive ones can be re-scheduled. Additionally, most surgeries like urologic, orthopedic, and neurological operations can be delayed unless they are associated with a life-threatening lesion that can only be healed by surgical interference. On the other hand, palliative surgeries aiming to manage obstructions of the gastrointestinal tract cannot be delayed.

Background: Non-specific Low back pain (LBP) is a complex and multifactorial health problem. Evidence has shown that LBP is an important occupational hazard and nurses are particularly at high risk. While several studies have addressed the prevalence of LBP worldwide, the prevalence of LBP in Saudi Arabia remains unclear. In this study we aimed to estimate the prevalence and associated factors of LBP among nurses in Qassim region, Saudi Arabia.Methods: This was a multicenter cross-sectional study carried out in four major public hospitals in Qassim region. A total of 323 nurses were recruited through a two-stage sampling method. A previously validated questionnaire was used to gather data. The main outcome measures were; LBP prevalence during working life, demographic factors, life-style factors, work-related factors and psychological factors. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors independently associated with LBP.Results: The study showed that LBP prevalence was 65.6% (n = 212). Over one third of study participants sought treatment for LBP (n = 82, 38.7%). Age and the type of ward were found significantly associated with LBP (aOR: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.19, 0.77; p value = 0.007) & (aOR: 0.36; 95%CI: 0.15, 0.86; p value = 0.02), respectively. However, gender, working hours, number of patients, stress and smoking were not identified as LBP risk factors in this study.Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that LBP is a highly prevalent occupational health problem among nurses in Qassim. Young nurses 20–30 years are more likely to suffer from LBP, while nurses working in the general surgery wards have lower risk for LBP in this study. On-the-job training is essential particularly for new and young nurses on proper body mechanics when mobilizing patients or lifting heavy equipment. In addition, there is a need for evidence –based interventions to improve the work-place environment for nurses in hospitals in order to lower LBP prevalence.

Securing the airway is the first step that clinicians take care of for clinically unstable patients. Rapid sequence intubation (RSI) has been reported by many clinicians to effectively achieve this. Many agents have been reported in the literature as effective induction agents for RSI. In this literature review, we have discussed the efficacies of the different induction agents that are commonly reported in the literature for RSI. Furthermore, RSI is done by paralytic and sedative agents that rapidly render the patient flaccid and unconscious to facilitate the emergent approaches to achieve successful tracheal intubation and minimize adverse events. We have discussed the efficacies and adverse events of benzodiazepines and barbiturates, ketamine, propofol, and etomidate. Each of these modalities has its advantages and adverse events, and clinicians should choose what is best for their patients based on the aforementioned discussion for each drug modality. We recommend that further investigations might be needed for further optimization of the induction agent and the relevant doses.