Colorectal cancer (CRC) is common worldwide. The high prevalence of the disease raises concerns about how CRC influences the health-related quality of life (QoL). To explore the impact of physiological symptoms and complications of CRC on patients' QoL, we conducted a cross-sectional survey using the FACT-C self-report instrument. The chi-square test was used to compare qualitative data. We found that pain was reported by most of the patients (n = 31; 77.5 %). Furthermore, male patients were more likely to complain of pain "mostly" as compared with females (P = .032). We found no significant differences between genders regarding general health-related questions. A greater proportion of male patients often complained of abdominal cramps (P = .542), weight loss (P = .086), and diarrhea (P = .408). More than half of the patients (n = 26; 65 %) reported having a good appetite; a greater proportion of males reported having a good appetite "mostly" (P = .014). Social and psychological qualities of life were not significantly different between male and female patients. Male and female patients did not differ in their report of disease acceptance (P = .420) and ability to enjoy life (P = .744). No difference was also found between genders regarding contentment with QoL (P = .793) or ability to sleep well (P = .695). Furthermore, there were no differences between genders regarding job fulfillment (P = .272). Our results add to the growing body of knowledge about the effect of CRC on QoL. Importantly, the differences in self-reported pain and appetite between male and female patients in our study suggest the importance of gender-based treatments in improving patients' QoL.

No abstract

No abstract

SETTING: Millions of pilgrims visit Makkah (Mecca), Saudi Arabia, from regions of endemic tuberculosis. Little consideration has been given to the potential impact of this disease on the local population. OBJECTIVES: To assess knowledge about TB among residents of Makkah and Jeddah (Makkah's principal travel gateway). METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 1004 residents. Data were analyzed by gender. RESULTS: Spread of TB by coughing was a transmission route known by 44.2% of males and 59.6% of females (P < 0.001); 20.0% of participants knew that TB is caused by bacteria; 71.6% of females and 52.3% of males knew TB is infectious (P < 0.001). Regarding approaches to TB prevention, 48.0% of respondents answered patient isolation and 15.2% vaccination. Overall, 50.6% of males and 38.3% of females (P < 0.001) would seek modern medical treatment if hemoptysis occurred. With a persistent cough, 65.4% of respondents would do nothing or wait before consulting a healthcare provider. High numbers of "don't know" responses were recorded throughout the survey. CONCLUSIONS: Within the population across pilgrimage areas in Saudi Arabia, knowledge is lacking concerning TB transmission, the cause of the disease, means of prevention and the success of treatment, highlighting an urge need for better public education.

Background:  Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are prevalent conditions with potentially crippling health consequences that globally affect all populations. Hyperthyroidism is overproduction and persistent release of thyroid hormones that can be stratified into a number of subtypes with varying magnitudes and treatment outcomes. Despite of decades of treatment of hyperthyroidism with radioiodine, the success of treatment is still debatable and influenced by many factors.  Objective: To determine outcomes associated with treatment of hyperthyroidism with radioiodine. Methods: All patients screened for thyroid disease at King Abdullah Medical City, Makkah in between 2012-17 were included in the analysis (N = 353). Eighteen questions were used to assess the presence or absence of symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism. 251 out of 353 patients were found eligible for screening with thyroid-stimulating hormone, free triiodothyronine (fT3) and free thyroxin (fT4). On the basis of laboratory analysis, 73 patients were eligible for the differing RAI therapeutic regimens. Treatment outcomes were assessed 6 months after the patients received RAI therapy, at which time they were classified as being hypothyroid, euthyroid, or hyperthyroid. Results: Females were predominantly affected by hyperthyroidism (75.2%) compared with males (24.8%). However, males were significantly more likely than females to have Graves’ ophthalmopathy (p < 0.01), anxiety (p < 0.05), and insomnia (p < 0.05). A total RAI dose of ≤15 mCi was effective in eliminating most hyperthyroidism: ≤12 mCi, 26/29 = 89.7%; 12.1–15 mCi, 28/30 = 93.3%. Using bivariate analysis, the association of treatment effectiveness with each of the symptoms and comorbidities revealed significant correlations only for diabetes mellitus (rho = −0.428, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our data suggests that radioiodine remains an effective option of treating hyperthyroidism in most of the patients who qualify for it.