ABSTRACT
Background Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a rapidly increasing serious health problem that affects the population all over the world. The increasing prevalence of DM in Saudi Arabia is reflected in our hospital admissions as well. This study aimed to assess the proportion of DM (including type 1 and type 2 diabetes) among hospitalized patients and the reasons for admissions to the medical unit at King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital (KAUH) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods We conducted a hospital record-based cross-sectional study at KAUH from January to April 2021. The study included all adult patients admitted to the internal medicine wards and isolation unit but excluded patients in the coronary care unit and those with gestational diabetes. We reviewed the medical records to collect demographic data, causes of admission, laboratory results, and outcomes. Results Among the hospitalized patients, 49.9% had DM. The most common associated risk factors and causes of admission among patients with DM were hypertension (HTN; 73.2%) and dyslipidemia (43.1%). Other less common reasons for admission were heart failure (20.6%), coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19; 17.8%), chronic kidney disease (CKD; 14.5%), pneumonia (12.3%), and stroke (10%). Dyslipidemia, HTN, CKD, diabetic ketoacidosis, heart failure, and need for intensive care unit (ICU) admission were significantly higher in diabetic patients as compared to patients without diabetes. HTN, dyslipidemia, CKD, heart failure, stroke, acute abdomen, and malignancy were significantly higher in patients with type 2 diabetes. Among diabetic patients, those with non-Saudi nationality, low hemoglobin level, dyslipidemia, pneumonia, sepsis, and requiring ICU admission had a greater risk of death. Conclusions The high burden of DM on the secondary healthcare level in Saudi Arabia highlights the need for effective diabetes prevention and treatment strategies in primary care and hospital outpatient settings. Such measures would help reduce the hospitalization rate and ease the healthcare system's burden.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: In the era of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the race toward shielding the public through vaccination is still going. Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) require special consideration given their medical needs and the common side effects of immunization, affecting their decision. Therefore, we aimed to assess the perception and hesitancy toward COVID-19 vaccination in this population and explore the possible factors when it comes to vaccination decisions. METHODS: The present cross-sectional phone interview study was conducted between May 10 and 20, 2021. The questionnaire was administered by the medical staff. The participants were all patients with SCD presented to King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Results: Out of 346 patients, 147 patients agreed to participate. Only 52 (35.37%) patients received at least one dose of the nationally available vaccines, and there were no reported serious side effects. Among the unvaccinated participants, 45 patients (47.8%) were undecided. The most reported reasons for hesitancy were the fear of developing complications as their acquaintance had and the fear of developing brain blood clots post vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: The number of vaccinated patients with SCD was unfortunately low in our study, secondary to hesitancy. This represents a significant barrier and needs to be tackled appropriately at any proper interaction with a patient with SCD. The absence of major side effects and vaso-occlusive crises is assuring.