Genotyping of mannose-binding lectin [MBL2] codon 54 and promoter alleles in Egyptian infants with acute respiratory tract infections

MBL2 gene polymorphisms affect serum concentration of mannose-binding lectin and are associated with infectious conditions. Acute respiratory tract infections are among the most prevalent infections in childhood with the highest incidence among children younger than 2 years. This study aimed at correlation between the occurrence of acute respiratory tract infections and the prevalence of MBL2 gene codon [54] and promoter variants among the Egyptian infants in the study. This case-control study included 25 neonates [0.21 +/- 0.19 months], 25 infants [9.65 +/- 8.5 months] with acute respiratory tract infection and normal control group. CBC, CRP and chest X-ray were done. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood. Genotypes of MBL gene codon 54-exon 1[G54D] were identified by PCR-RFLP analysis. MBL2 promoter genotyping was performed by allele-specific polymorphisms at -550 [H/L] and - 221[X/Y]. Incidence of LX promoter haplotype among the patients was [58%] [p < 0.05]. Homo-zygosity for codon [54] allele A [high expression activity] among patients was [72%] [p > 0.05]. Heterozygote codon 54 A/B genotype appeared more in patients [18%] [p < 0.05]. Mutant genotype [too low expression activity] was more in patients but the difference was insignificant. Collectively the mutant allele [glycine to aspartic acid, allele B] appeared in 28% of patients compared to 20% in control [p > 0.05]. YA/XA heterozygote promoter genotype was more prevalent among patients group [44%] [p < 0.05]. Low-expression promoters [XA/B] and [B/B] appeared more in the patients [20%] compared to [12%] among control group [p > 0.05]. Among ICU neonates, LX promoter was the most prevalent among all grades of respiratory distress [39.13%] followed by LY allele [34.78%]. In the infants group, LY allele was [52.1%] with equal distribution of LY and HY [23.91% each]. Although there is a significantly increased incidence of LX promoter coding for low serum MBL concentrations among the ARTI patients; the YA/XA heterozygote promoter genotype was more prevalent over the homozygote mutant genotype. Also, the heterozygote codon 54 A/B genotype was more prevalent in the group of patients compared to the control. This may be an example of heterosis [heterozygote advantage] which may support the concept of balanced polymorphism

Pattern of psychiatric illnesses among long-stay patients at Mental Health Hospital, Taif, Saudi Arabia: a 10-year retrospective study

To identify the pattern and determinants of psychiatric illness and the predictors of long stay among long-stay patients at the Mental Health Hospital, Taif, Saudi Arabia, we examined a total of 430 records of patients who had been admitted during the period January 1999-January 2009 and had stayed for > 9 months. More than half these patients had a history of drug addiction [60.7%]. The majority were diagnosed with schizophrenia [88.8%] and mental retardation was reported in 17.7%. Personality disorders and epilepsy were diagnosed in 3.7% and 1.9% of the participants respectively. The mean duration of hospital stay was 6.16 [standard deviation 2.32; range 1-10] years. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that patients diagnosed with schizophrenia accompanied by mental retardation, those with lower education levels, and those with a history of co-morbid chronic diseases stayed for more than 2 years

Magnitude and risk factors for burnout among primary health care physicians in Asir province, Saudi Arabia

Job-related burnout is an occupational hazard for health care professionals. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of burnout and its associated factors among physicians working at primary health care centres in Asir province, Saudi Arabia. In a cross-sectional survey applying the Maslach Burnout Inventory [MBI] with standard cutoffs, 29.5% of respondents reported high emotional exhaustion, 15.7% high depersonalization and 19.7% low personal accomplishment, with 6.3% scoring high in all 3 dimensions. High emotional exhaustion score was associated with younger age, Saudi nationality and salary 15 000-20 000 SR. Physicians who had more working days and those who had longer duration of annual vacation were less likely to report emotional exhaustion. High depersonalization score was associated with Saudi nationality, working for 5-15 years and salary > 20 000 SR. Low personal accomplishment score was associated with younger age, non-Saudi nationality, working for >/= 5 years and more annual vacation

External cephalic version for breech presentation at term: predictors of success, and impact on the rate of caesarean section

The incidence of caesarean section for breech presentation has increased markedty in the last 20 years. A prospective, interventional cohort study was carried out of the success rate of external cephalic version [ECV] and its predictors of as well as its impact on the rate of caesarean section for vaginal breech delivery. All 128 women admitted during the study period to the obstetrics department of a tertiary care military hospital in Taif Saudi Arabia with breech presentation at term, regardless of age and parity, who accepted ECV were recruited ECV was successful in 53.9% of the women. Most of the women with successful ECV delivered normally [84.1%] and only 14.5% of them delivered by caesarean section. Conversely, normal vaginal delivery was reported among 8.5% of those who had spontaneous version with failed ECV and approximately two-thirds of them delivered by caesarean section [62.7%]. Successful ECV reduced the breech and caesarean section rate

Prophylactic role of combined treatment with wheat germ oil and ginseng against radiation injury in male rats

This study was designed to investigate the possible ameliorating effect of combined treatment of rats with wheat germ oil [a rich source of vitamin E, octacosanol, policosanol and the essential fatty acids [linoleic and linolenic]] and the antioxidant properties of panax quinquefolium ginseng on radiation-induced oxidative body damage. Animals received wheat germ oil by gavage at a dose of 80 mg/kg body wt and panax ginseng was intraperitioneally injected with 100 mg/kg body wt for 10 successive days pre as well as during irradiation and supplementation was extended during the period of radiation exposure of rats to fractionated doses 8 Gy [4 x2Gy]. Experimental investigations were performed at 7[th] and 10[th] days after the last dose of irradiation revealed that whole body gamma-irradiation of rats produced a significant rise in the activities of serum markers for liver damage as aspartate aminotransferase [ASAT], alaninetransaminase [ALAT], ammonia and buytryl cholinestase associated with decrease in the serum content of total protein, albumin [A], golublin [G] and A/G ratio indicating acute hepato-toxicity, at the 7[th] and 10[th] days post-irradiation. Also, radiation-induced biochemical disorders manifested by significant elvation in serum creatinine and urea levels. Serum lipid profile as total cholesterol [TC], triglyceride [TG], high density lipoprotein-cholesterol [HDL-C] and low density lipoprotein-cholestrol [LDL-C] levels were significantly higher than normal control rats associated with significant decrease in HDL/LDL ratio. Radiation induced an elevation of lipid peroxidation measured as thiobarbituric acid reactive substance [TARS] in plasma and liver. The rats that received combined treatment with wheat germ oil and panax ginseng supplement showed significantly less severe damage and remarkable improvement in all of the measured parameters when compared to irradiated rats. According to the results obtained it could be concluded that combined treatment with whole germ oil and panax ginseng might be a useful candidate against radiation-induced oxidative stress and metabolic disorders without any toxicity

Focus on the synthesis and reactions of some new pyridine carbonitrile derivatives as antimicrobial and antioxidant agents

3-[4-CHLOROPHENYL]-1-[2, 4-dichlorophenyl]-propen-1-one [1] was prepared and reacted with active methylene compound, ethyl cyanoacetate in the presence of ammonium acetate 10 give the corresponding pyridine carbonitrile [2]. The behavior of compound 2 towards phosphorous pentasulfide, phosphorous oxychloride and some acyclic-sugars has been investigated and afforded compounds 3, 4 and 5a-d, respectively. The thioxo-pyridine carbonitrile [3] reacted with different halo compounds namely: methyl iodide, ethyl chloroacetate, some acyclic sugars to afford 6, 7 and 8a-c, respectively. Treatment of compound 3 with acrylonitrile afforded compound 9. Reaction of the thiosulfanyl 6 with hydrazine hydrate gave the hydrazine derivative 10 while reaction of 7 with the same reagents gave the acid hydrazide 11. Also, compound 4 reacted with different nucleophiles to afford compounds 10, 12-14. Condensation of compound 10 with ethyl acetoacetate, acetyl acetone, acetic anhydride, p-chlorobenzaldehyde afforded compounds 15-18, respectively. Moreover, compound 10 reacted with carbon disulfide to afford compound 19. Finally, condensation of compound 10 with aldehydo-sugar namely: D-glucose gave the corresponding acyclic nucleoside 20. Furthermore, biological evaluation of some prepared compounds has been assessed and some of them revealed promising antimicrobial and antioxidant activity

Assessing validity of the adapted Arabic Paediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire among Egyptian children with asthma

The recent focus in asthma management is rendering children a better quality of life [QOL]. Validity and reliability of an adapted Arabic translation of the Paediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire [PAQLQ-A] among Egyptians was assessed in a cohort of 103 asthmatic children aged 8-16 years. Discriminative validity of mean scores was significantly higher among mild asthmatics than those with moderate/severe asthma. Construct validity of domains was significantly negatively correlated with clinical severity score. Reliability and internal consistency were assessed using Cronbach alpha coefficient [alpha = 0.84]. Reproducibility and responsiveness were high among both stable and unstable asthma patients. PAQLQ-A is valid and reliable for assessing QOL among Egyptian asthmatic children

Protective role of sesame seeds and thyme against sodium nitrite toxicity in rats

The present study has been planned to test the toxic effects of sodium nitrite on rats and the effects of sesame seeds and thyme as preventive agents. Adult male Sprague Dawley rats were fed on different diets as follows: group 1 fed on standard diet, group 2 and 3 fed or. standard diet containing sodium nitrite at two doses [1 g and 1.4g/kg diet], respectively, group 4 and 5 were fed on the two previous diets, respectively without fat and supplemented with sesame seeds [200g/ kg diet] while group 6 and 7 were fed on the two diets which contain low or high dose of nitrite but supplemented with thyme [40 g/kg diet]. Animals were fed ad libitum for 45 days. Some biochemical analyses were measured and histopathological examination of liver was performed. Administration of nitrite resulted in elevation of it, TG, IC, LDL-c and MDA but IIDL-c showed significant decrease. When sesame or thyme was coupled with nitrite an improvement of these parameters occurred. Histopathological results showed disturbed architecture of liver and congestion of central vein in rats administered low or high dose of nitrite while treatment with sesame or thyme improved to some extent the effects of nitrite, It may be concluded that sesame seeds and thyme have a protective role against sodium nitrite toxicity

Endoscopic appearance of the nasal opening of human nasopalatine duct

The nasopalatine duct [NPD] in human adults is rarely patent and likely exists as a vestigial remnant. NPD is a common site for infection, tumors and cysts. This study was done to describe the location and gross anatomy of the nasal opening of the human NPD. A total of 100 volunteers, at Al-Azhar university hospitals, were examined by 30° telescope for the site and appearance of the nasal opening of NPD and photographs were taken and examined. Our results showed that the NPD was located 3 mm +/- 0.2 mm [mean +/- SD] above the nasal floor on the nasal septum, in both nostrils [90% bilateral], 2 cm +/- 0.03 cm dorsal to the columella. NPD was detected in 95% of the examined nostrils. The shape of the NPD fossa was oval [70%], and round [30%]. In the center of the fossa, a small, round aperture was visualized in 33% of fossae. In conclusion, the nasal opening of the NPD is an easily detectable bilateral and symmetrical structure, located at the junction of the nasal septum and floor of the nasal cavity. It can be potentially useful as an anatomical landmark

Evaluation of a modified surgical technique for correction of vaginal and uterine prolapse in bovine

This study was carried out on 81 cows [48 vaginal and 33 uterine prolapses] and 83 buffalo-cows [53 vaginal and 30 uterine prolapses] belonging to 8 commercial dairy farms located in Beni-Suef, El-Menia and El-Fayoum provinces in the period from January 2006 to December 2008. A modified surgical technique and epidural analgesic regimen were applied on the investigated animals and compared with the field traditionally used technique. A total of 81 cases of prolapses from 3330 calveings [243%] were recorded, 48 cases [1.44%] of them were vaginal prolapse and 33 cases [0.99%] were uterine prolapse. Concerning buffalo cows, out of 1680 calvings, a total of 83 cases [4.94%] had prolapses, including 53 cases [3.15%] vaginal prolapse and 30 cases [1.78%] uterine prolapse. The incidence of reproductive tract prolapse was higher in multiparous aged cows [93.75% and 87.88% vaginal and uterine prolapse, respectively] than in primiparous cows [6.25% and 12.12% vaginal and uterine prolapses, respectively] and also higher in cows with poor body condition scores [1.66% vaginal and 1.10% uterine] than in well fed animals with good body condition score [1.05% vaginal and 0.91% uterine]. Buffalo cows showed the same trend. About 4 5.83% of cows with vaginal and 33.33% of cows with uterine prolapse were previously suffered from vaginal prolapse, while only 16.66% of cows with vaginal and 12.12% of those with uterine prolapse were previously suffered from uterine prolapse. This indicated that uterine prolapse is not a heritable condition, and it is not likely to reoccur, and there is no need to cull the cow as long as she breeds back, controversial to vaginal prolapses that reoccur and are heritable and needs culling of the cow and her heifer offspring. The investigated fertility parameters in unaffected animals were better than females affected with prolapses, although better non significant differences were detected with modified method than traditional ones. The incidence of postoperative complications in groups of animals treated with the modified technique were significantly [p<0.01] lower than in animals treated with traditional technique. Concerning the survival rate of the affected animals, higher percentages were recorded after using the modified technique. In general, the prognosis was favorable for uncomplicated cases. In conclusion, early hygienic interference and prompt treatment using the modified technique may be imperative to improve the prognosis by reducing the postoperative complications and increasing the future fertility of affected animals

Could the MMR vaccine replace the measles vaccine at one year of age in Egypt?

This cross-sectional study evaluated the immune status of non-vaccinated healthy infants to determine if it is possible to replace both measles vaccine [at 9 months] and measles, mumps and rubella [MMR] vaccine [at 18 months] with a single dose of MMR at 12 months. Serum samples from 566 children in Alexandria, Egypt showed a significant decrease in the seropositive rate to the 3 viral diseases with increasing age, but a significant increase in the seropositive rate among infants who were ranked 1st or 2nd in their family, full-term or born to mothers with no history of hypertension during pregnancy. We recommend administration of the first dose of MMR vaccine between 9 and 12 months of age, and a booster dose of MMR vaccine at 4 years of age

Health habits and behaviour of adolescent school children, Taif, Saudi Arabia

The aim of this study was to provide data regarding habits, behavior, problems and needs regarding health in adolescent children from a military community at Al Hada and Taif, Saudi Arabia which could guide school health programmes. We carried out a cross-sectional study on 284 preparatory and secondary school students. Prevalence of smoking was 21.3% among males and 4.9% among females. The rate of overweight was 20.8%. Driving without a license was reported by 68.8% of students, and 82.3% said they didn't fasten seat belts. However, we recorded a high rate of physical activity, 75.0% overall

Nutritional interaction effect of zinc and coffee on serum lipid profile and copper in rats

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world. The present work was designed to study the effect of dietary coffee and zinc on serum lipid profile, zinc and copper in serum and liver. Forty two adult male albino rats were divided into six groups and fed on different diets ad libitum for 7 weeks as follows: Group [1] fed on standard basal diet, group [2] fed on standard diet supplemented with zinc chloride [ZnCl[2]] at dose of [20 mg/kg diet], groups [3 and 4] fed on standard diet supplemented with boiled coffee at two doses [15 g and 30 g / kg diet] respectively, groups [5 and 6] fed on the previous two diets respectively but in combination with ZnCI[2] [20 mg/kg diet]. At the end of the experiment some biochemical analyses were measured in serum and liver. The results showed significant elevation of serum total lipids [TL], total cholesterol [TC], triacylglycerols [TG], low density lipoprotein-cholesterol [LDL-c], while a significant decrease of high density lipoprotein-cholesterol [HDL-c] in rats fed diet supplemented with low or high dose of coffee. When rats fed zinc with low or high dose of coffee, improvement in lipid parameters were observed. Also serum lipid peroxides as malondialdehyde [MDA] showed significant increase while blood glutathione [GSH] showed significant decrease in rats fed zinc, coffee [low or high dose] or zinc plus coffee [low or high dose]. Diet supplemented with zinc caused significant increase in serum and liver zinc, on the other hand significant decrease in serum and liver copper were recorded. Moreover, the high dose of coffee led to significant decrease in liver zinc. On feeding zinc and coffee together resulted in significant elevation of serum and liver zinc levels, but serum and liver copper decreased significantly. So zinc may be able to overcome the adverse effects of coffee also administration of zinc plus coffee could decrease lipid peroxidation

Nosocomial pneumonia: risk factors, rates and trends

This study aimed to estimate the rate of and risk factors for nosocomial pneumonia of patients admitted to hospitals in Taif, Saudi Arabia. A case-control study was conducted of 211 discharged patients with confirmed pneumonia and 633 controls without pneumonia and a review was made of hospital records during 1999-2003. Multiple logistic regression showed that duration of hospital stay, unit of admission, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, coma, nasogastric tube, endotracheal tube, debilitating diseases and mechanical ventilation were independently associated with increased risk of pneumonia. The mean incidence of overall nosocomial infection in the period 1999-2003 was 3 per 100 discharged patients, while the mean incidence of nosocomial pneumonia was 0.88

Does the use of radio frequency ultrasonic dissector in tonsillectomy have a beneficial effect over the use of laser?

To compare the intra- and post- operative morbidities on the use of radiofrequency ultrasonic dissector [US] with the use of laser during tonsillectomy in the same patients. A randomized comparative study was implemented where all patients underwent tonsillectomy at Al-Hada Armed Forces Hospital, Taif, and Aouhod Hospital, Al-Madinah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the period January 2000 to December 2005 were recruited for the study. Radiofrequency US was used in one side, and laser was used in the other side of the same patient. Intra- and post- operative blood losses, and duration of the operation, in addition to postoperative pain score were recorded. Five hundred and twenty-eight patients were recruited for the study. The mean operation duration was significantly shorter in the US group as compared to the laser group [p < 0.01]. Intraoperative blood loss was significantly lesser in the US group [p < 0.001]. Post-operative pain score was significantly lower among US subjects [p < 0.001]. No significant difference in postoperative hemorrhage was detected between the compared groups. The use of US in tonsillectomy showed a beneficial effect on intraoperative blood loss, duration of the operation, as well as, postoperative pain over the use of laser

Community-based screening for pre-hypertension among military active duty personnel

To determine the prevalence of both pre-hypertension and hypertension, and risk factors associated with the newly diagnosed Saudi military active duty personnel. A community-based cross-sectional screening of 1238 Saudi military active duty service personnel was conducted during the period from September to December 2007 at the military units of Taif region, western Saudi Arabia. Screening tools included self-administrated questionnaire, general physical examination, anthropometric measurements, and assessment of blood pressure. All participants were Saudi males. Their age ranged from +/- 7.02. By applying the Joint National Committee on prevention, detection, evaluation, and treatment of high hypertension criteria, 214 [17.3%] were considered pre-hypertensive. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that obesity as measured by body mass index [odds ratio [OR]=2.71, confidence interval [CI]: 1.39-5.28], positive family history [OR=1.46, CI: 1.03-2.06], ever smoking [OR=1.45, CI: 1.05-2.02], and increased waist circumference [OR=1.04, CI: 1.02-1.06] were the significant predictors of hypertension among military active duty personnel. Pre-hypertension is a common hidden problem and it predicts the development of frank hypertension. Findings of the current study support the recommendation of lifestyle modification for pre-hypertension patients. However, further prospective studies are required to determine the role of pharmacotherapy in pre-hypertension

Exercise capacity of Saudi with symptoms suggestive of cardiovascular disease in a military hospital in Western Saudi Arabia

To analyze the results of exercise tolerance test ETT of Saudi women and assess their exercise capacity. A hospital based retrospective cohort analysis was carried out on all Saudi women referred to the Cardiology Department for ETT from February 2005 to June 2007. They underwent symptom limited treadmill test according to the standard Bruce protocol with exercise electrocardiogram monitoring. One hundred and seventy-six women were included in the study. Fifty-one 31.9% patients did not achieve target heart rate. The mean age +/- SD was 48.3 +/- 9.3 years. There was no association of age, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, positive family history of ischemic heart disease IHD and hyperlipidemia to achieve target heart rate p>0.05. Exercise time was influenced by diabetes mellitus p = 0.054 and hyperlipidemia p = 0.044. The mean exercise time +/- SD was 5.15 +/- 2.63 minutes and the mean exercise capacity +/- SD was 6.29 +/- 2.52. metabolic equivalent. Sensitivity was 36.4% 95% CI 29.3-44.6, specificity 92.3% 95% CI 80.5-96.8, positive predictive value 26.7% 95% CI 21.3-31.4, negative predictive value 95.4% 95% CI 90.9-98.3, likelihood ratio for positive result was 4.7 95% CI 3.1-6.2 and likelihood ratio for negative result was 0.69 95% CI 0.48-0.81. Exercise capacity of Saudi women is less when compared to similar studies in women from other regions. Exercise tolerance test can be used to rule out presence of IHD in Saudi women, but value of a positive test is less likely to predict the presence of IHD

Histological evaluation of local verapamil hydrochloride injection in the prevention of keloid recurrence after excision

Keloids occur as the result of an exaggerated wound healing of skin following various types of injury. In addition to presenting a cosmetic concern, they are extremely difficult to treat. The aim of the present work was to assess histologically the efficacy of verapamil hydrochloride [a calcium channel blocker] local injection on prevention of recurrence of surgically excised keloid. 40 keloid subjects divided into two equal groups: Group I; subjected to only surgical excision of their keloids. Group II; subjected to intradermal verapamil injection for 2 months after surgical excision of keloid. Skin biopsies from the healed wound of both experimental groups were taken after 3 months [subgroups Ib, IIb] and 6 months [subgroups Ib, IIb] postoperatively. Tissue specimens were also collected from the excised keloids. Informed consents were taken from subjects of both groups including all steps of the study. The obtained specimens were further processed for light microscopic study by haematoxylin and eosin [H and E] and trichrome stains. Semithin sections and electron microscopic examination were also done. Examination of the healed skin after keloid surgical excision [group Ia. Ib], showed prominent neutrophils and mast cells. Large spindle- shaped fibroblasts with dilated cisternae of endoplasmic reticulum were frequently encountered among coarse collagen bundles denoting accelerated rate of collagen production. This appearance may point to local histological recurrence of keloid. On the other hand, verapamil- injected skin after keloid excision [verapamil- injected group IIa, IIb] revealed little collagen in the dermal interstitium forming thin dispersed fibrils. Ultrastructuraly, the dermal fibroblasts of this group exhibited oval to rounded outlines and showed few narrow cisternae of endoplasmic reticulum. The verapamil- induced cell rounding is related to the calcium- dependent change in the cytoskeleton of fibroblasts. This appearance is associated with decreased synthesis and secretion of the extracellular matrix. Verapamil injection provided a satisfactory tool for prevention of recurrence of surgically excised keloid

Evaluation of fine needle aspiration cytology [FNAC] in diagnosis of head and neck swellings in Bab Elsheria Hospital

FNAC is believed to be of great benefit as an alternative diagnostic approach to lesions in Head and Neck region. This study aims at evaluating the results of FNAC undertaken in Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Department, Bab Elsheria Hospital in relation to the International big series. This is a retrospective study of 42 cases with FNACs performed between September 2004 and April 2006. All patients had both FNAC and Histology done. Patients were classified into 3 groups according to the site of their swellings: [parotid, thyroid and others]. The origin of the swellings in this series was 48% from the parotid gland, 19% from the thyroid gland and 33% from other sites. The first FNAC was only diagnostic in 21 patients [50%]. While the 2nd FNAC was diagnostic in 8 patients out of 15 [53.3%]. The majority of swellings with positive findings on FNAC in 29 patients had matched the histology results [68.9%]. So, the chances of getting diagnosis were about 50% in either first or second FNAC. The FNAC sensitivity was 69% and its specificity was 80%, which lags behind the International big series. We need to improve our FNAC results to be compared with the results of International big series

Prevalence, symptomatology, and risk factors for depression among high school students in Saudi Arabia

To assess the prevalence and pattern of depression in a secondary school sample of Saudi Arabia adolescents. Four hundred and ninety secondary school students, comprising 306 males [62.4%] and 184 females [37.6%], in the age group 16-20, were surveyed from January to May, 2005 in Taif, Saudi Arabia, using the Arabic Beck's Depression Inventory [BDI] by a team consisting of a psychiatrist and psychologist. The prevalence of depression according to the Beck Depression Inventory [CBDI] [cut-off point: 19] was 110 [22.4%] for moderate [19-29], 36 [7.3%] for severe [30-40], and 18 [3.7%] as very severe [>40] in this study group, with a clear predominance of prevalence of depression in girls than in boys [1.5 times]. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the most significant risk factors involved were: gender, birth order, history of psychiatric illness, history of relative loss, and familial history of chronic diseases. Factor analysis revealed that self-criticalness, agitation, and loss of energy had the highest scores in the total sample. In the male subgroup, loss of energy, self-criticalness, punishment feeling, and agitation had the highest score while in the female subgroup, self-criticalness, agitation, and crying had the highest scores. Our findings provide gender differences in the prevalence and presentation of depressive symptoms. The experience of stressful life events increases the risk of depression. Assessment using screening is recommended. The increased risk for the onset of depression in adolescents reinforces the importance of early recognition and intervention