dangerous effects of excessive use of antibiotics among community in Saudi Arabia

Background: antibiotic misuse is a common problem around the world with special regard to developing countries. It could result in increased rate of infections and admission to hospitals, high treatment costs as well as increased mortality rates

Aim of the work: this study aimed to assess the general knowledge of community population in Saudi Arabia [KSA] regarding the adverse effects of antibiotics overuse

Patients and methods: this was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted among 1700 Saudi adults from the period of February to June 2017. Respondents were interviewed and filled out a questionnaire that consisted of 3 parts the: first parts considered their demographics, the other parts regard the use of antibiotics and knowledge about their adverse effects

Results: the pattern of antibiotic use showed that 76.8% have recently used antibiotics. The major source of antibiotic use was pharmacist [46.5%] followed by physician [23.9%]. About 71.7% used antibiotics for cold and cough and 61.8% used antibiotics for viral diseases. The level of knowledge toward excessive use of antibiotics was in adequate among 61% of respondents and was good among 39% of them. A significant correlation was detected between young age and good knowledge

Conclusion: there was a lack in the public knowledge regarding the adverse effects of antibiotic overuse among Saudi subjects. Educational programs may be performed to fill up the awareness gaps and enhance the knowledge thus decreasing the costs paid by health authorities to manage the adverse effects of antibiotics overuse

Correlation between vitamin D deficiency and depression

Aim of the Study: to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies of the association of vitamin D deficiency with onset of depression in non- depressed individuals

Methods: a systematic review of the electronically searched publications of the scientific literature. We searched the Cochrane Hepato Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE [1946 to 2017], EMBASE [1974 to 2017], and Science Citation Index Expanded [1900 to 2017]. Initially all randomized clinical trials which studied the correlation of Vitamin D with depression were included; articles were then selectively screened according to the eligibility criteria

Results: the search yielded 11 studies; A meta-analysis of all studies without flaws demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in depression with Vitamin D supplements [+0.72 CI +0.28, +1.31]. Nevertheless, studies with biological flaws were mainly inconclusive

Conclusion: our analyses are consistent with the hypothesis that Vitamin D supplementation [>/=800 I.U. daily] was supported in the management of depression