ABSTRACT
Objective@#We aimed to investigate the association of increased smartphone screen time with insomnia, bedtime procrastination, depression, anxiety, body mass index (BMI), and physical activity during the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. @*Methods@#An online survey was performed for university students from all regions of Lebanon during the lockdown. The survey included questionnaires about smartphone screen time, diet, physical activity, psychological symptoms, and bedtime procrastination. We defined 6 hours of smartphone use as critical based on a survey done in United States. @*Results@#Among female students, smartphone use duration, physical activity levels, BMI, depression, anxiety, and insomnia severity were significantly higher than in male. When we stratified participants based on 6 hours of smartphone use, females, unhealthy food consumption, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and bedtime procrastination were significantly higher in the group with ≥6 hours of smartphone use. When we divided based on 7 hours, physical activity and body weight also differed between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis revealed that female, overweight, insomnia, and bedtime procrastination were significant predictors of a phone screen time of 7 hours. @*Conclusion@#Our findings suggest that adults should be more cautious and responsible when using smartphones and be more concerned about the health-related risks.
ABSTRACT
Objective@#We aimed to investigate the association of increased smartphone screen time with insomnia, bedtime procrastination, depression, anxiety, body mass index (BMI), and physical activity during the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. @*Methods@#An online survey was performed for university students from all regions of Lebanon during the lockdown. The survey included questionnaires about smartphone screen time, diet, physical activity, psychological symptoms, and bedtime procrastination. We defined 6 hours of smartphone use as critical based on a survey done in United States. @*Results@#Among female students, smartphone use duration, physical activity levels, BMI, depression, anxiety, and insomnia severity were significantly higher than in male. When we stratified participants based on 6 hours of smartphone use, females, unhealthy food consumption, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and bedtime procrastination were significantly higher in the group with ≥6 hours of smartphone use. When we divided based on 7 hours, physical activity and body weight also differed between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis revealed that female, overweight, insomnia, and bedtime procrastination were significant predictors of a phone screen time of 7 hours. @*Conclusion@#Our findings suggest that adults should be more cautious and responsible when using smartphones and be more concerned about the health-related risks.
ABSTRACT
Background: Non-adherence to medication schedules by patients with chronic illnesses can have serious consequences, including poor clinical outcomes, higher hospitalization rates, and increased healthcare costs. Hypothyroidism is a chronic illness with simple treatment, yet non-compliance is common.
Aims: This study aimed to evaluate treatment adherence to levothyroxine therapy in Lebanese population by estimating the proportion of adherent hypothyroidism patients and assess factors affecting the adherence to treatment.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey between May and July 2015 included 337 patients. Patients were approached by a community pharmacist during their visit to buy their levothyroxine drug and were asked to fill the questionnaire.
Results: Among these patients, 14.5% showed high adherence, 30.6% medium adherence, and 54.9% low adherence to medication. The mean adherence score was 5.53 ± 1.86 points. The results of a logistic regression showed that age [ORa=1.036], visiting the endocrinologist once every month [ORa=27.77], and the fact that the physician gave the patient information about the disease [ORa=2.898] would significantly increase the adherence to the medication. In addition, having one [ORa=0.365] or two comorbidities [ORa=0.232] in addition to hypothyroidism, postponing/cancelling medical appointments at the last minute [ORa=0.358], the number of waterpipe smoked per week [ORa=0.621] and the number of alcohol glasses drunk per week [ORa=0.631] would significantly decrease the adherence score.
Conclusion: Educational programmes should be implemented, doctor-patient and pharmacist-patient relationship could be improved and new treatment regimens be considered in order to enhance patient adherence
ABSTRACT
Objective : To describe the socio-demographic characteristics, the health and living conditions and the nutritional status of rural elderly within the five governorates [Mohafazat] and compare results between genders
Methods : A cross-sectional population based study was carried out which enrolled 1200 community dwelling elderly individuals aged 65 years and above
Results : Among the participants, women were significantly more illiterate and financially dependent in all governorates compared to men. A significantly higher proportion of men was found to have better self-reported health in North [p < 0.001] and South Lebanon [p < 0.001] and Nabatieh [p = 0.009]. Depressive disorders and cognitive decline were significantly more prevalent among women compared to men in four of the five governorates. Poor nutritional status was significantly more prevalent among women in Mount Lebanon, North and South Lebanon [p = 0.031, p = 0.008 and p = 0.021 respectively]. Women were significantly more isolated than men in Nabatieh only and reported a higher feeling of loneliness in South Lebanon and Nabatieh [p = 0.044 and p < 0.001 respectively]
Conclusion : A better care for the elderly, especially women, throughout Lebanon and in certain regions in particular, is definitely warranted. Priority for access to care, sources of funding and health insurance should be secured for all Lebanese older adults
ABSTRACT
Brucellosis is one of the most common zoonotic infections worldwide caused by gram negative bacilli of the genus Brucella. It is transmitted to humans by contact with infected animals or derived food products such as unpasteurized milk. Brucellosis' clinical presentation varies widely from multi-systemic involvement to asymptomatic infection. We present the case of a 52-year-old Lebanese male who was admitted to our hospital with a 3-week history of fever (up to 40 °C), chills, night sweats and abdominal pain. Abdominal CT scan revealed the presence of several mesenteric lymphadenopathies and some retroperitoneal lymphadenopathies. Blood cultures came back positive for Brucella melitensis, and a follow-up CT of the abdomen done after treatment revealed complete resolution of the lymphadenopathies. To our knowledge, this is the first case in the literature of brucellosis presenting as retroperitoneal and mesenteric lymphadenopathies. In endemic areas, the diagnosis of brucellosis should always be raised in front of any long duration fever even in the absence of a typical clinical presentation.
ABSTRACT
Brucellosis is one of the most common zoonotic infections worldwide caused by gram negative bacilli of the genus Brucella. It is transmitted to humans by contact with infected animals or derived food products such as unpasteurized milk. Brucellosis' clinical presentation varies widely from multi-systemic involvement to asymptomatic infection. We present the case of a 52-year-old Lebanese male who was admitted to our hospital with a 3-week history of fever (up to 40 °C), chills, night sweats and abdominal pain. Abdominal CT scan revealed the presence of several mesenteric lymphadenopathies and some retroperitoneal lymphadenopathies. Blood cultures came back positive for Brucella melitensis, and a follow-up CT of the abdomen done after treatment revealed complete resolution of the lymphadenopathies. To our knowledge, this is the first case in the literature of brucellosis presenting as retroperitoneal and mesenteric lymphadenopathies. In endemic areas, the diagnosis of brucellosis should always be raised in front of any long duration fever even in the absence of a typical clinical presentation.
ABSTRACT
Vitamin D inadequacy, frequently underdiagnosed, affects people of all age groups worldwide. This prospective study aims at determining the percentage of inadequate vitamin D levels among students and evaluating the impact of pharmacist counseling on raising the awareness of the importance of sun exposure and adequate vitamin D intake. A total of 160 university students were recruited. Blood samples were taken to check the vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorous levels. Vitamin D levels 630 ng/mL were defined as inadequate. Scores were given to the questions and aimed at gathering patient knowledge about vitamin D before and after pharmacist counseling. A total of 115 [71.87%] patients had vitamin D levels
Subject(s)
Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Young Adult , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Students, Pharmacy , Directive Counseling , Observational Studies as Topic , Prospective StudiesABSTRACT
Objective: A significant increase in total cholesterol and LDL-C is well shown in tobacco users, as compared to non-tobacco users. The additive effects of waterpipe and cigarette smoking on LDL levels have not been studied. The study's objective was to assess the correlation between cigarette smoking and LDL levels in Lebanese cigarette smokers and to check the interaction effect of waterpipe and cigarette smoking on LDL levels
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2016 and February 2017 in 4 different laboratories, enrolling 308 patients [188 non-smokers, 105 cigarette smokers, 15 previous smokers]
Results: Current cigarette smoking [Beta = 25.57; p < 0.0001] was significantly associated with higher LDL levels and higher total cholesterol levels [Beta = 53.29; p < 0.0001] in exclusive cigarette smokers. Among current cigarette smokers who were current waterpipe smokers, a significant increase in LDL level was observed relative to current cigarette smokers who were not waterpipe smokers [Beta = 66.64 vs Beta = 37.37; p< 0.0001]
Conclusion: Among Lebanese current cigarette smokers, LDL levels increased relative to nonsmokers, consistent with findings in other populations. In addition, among Lebanese current cigarette smokers, current waterpipe smoking might increase adverse lipid profiles associated with adverse coronary effects more than cigarette smoking alone. The direct cause responsible for these observed variations in our study remains unidentified, with the hope that future research will reveal it
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Water Pipe Smoking , Lipoproteins , Cross-Sectional Studies , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
Environmental factors, pesticides, alcohol and smoking are linked to asthma in children. The association of toxic substances exposure with asthma has not been evaluated. Our objective is to assess such associations among children aged less than 16 years old. This is a cross-sectional study, conducted between January and May 2015, using a sample of Lebanese students from private schools in Beirut and Mount Lebanon. Out of 700 distributed questionnaires, 527 [75.2%] were returned to us. Verbal informed consent was also obtained from all parents prior to participating in the study. A significant association was found between waterpipe smoking and diagnosed asthma [p = 0.003; ORa = 13.25; 95% CI 2.472-71.026]. Alcohol during pregnancy, waterpipe smoking during pregnancy and parents respiratory prob-lems significantly increased the risk of respiratory problems by approximately 5 times, 6 times and 2 times respectively [p = 0.016; ORa = 4.889; 95% CI 1.339-17.844, p = 0.021; ORa = 6.083; 95% CI 1.314-28.172, p = 0.004; ORa= 1.748; 95% CI 1.197-2.554 respectively]. Waterpipe smoking, alcohol during pregnancy, recurrent otitis and humidity at home seem to be significantly correlated with asthma in children
Spreading awareness by health care professionals is needed to permit a reduction of the prevalence of these allergic diseases, especially asthma, in children