Alexithymia and Quality of Life in Saudi Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Community-Based Study.

BACKGROUND The endocrine metabolic disorder polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is quite common among women. Women with PCOS show a compromised health-related quality of life (HRQoL), impaired emotional well-being, and alexithymia, a neuropsychological phenomenon conceptualized as difficulty in recognizing and expressing one's emotions. However, the relationship between alexithymia and HRQoL in women with PCOS is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impact of alexithymia on HRQoL in women with PCOS in Saudi Arabia. MATERIAL AND METHODS This descriptive cross-sectional, community-based study enrolled 518 female patients with a diagnosis of PCOS from all age groups. The patients were surveyed via a self-administered questionnaire from December 2022 to January 2023. The survey encompassed sociodemographic data, the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), and HRQoL 15-dimensional scale (15D). RESULTS This study included 320 participants (61.8%) with alexithymia. A significant association was found between alexithymia and low HRQoL 15D scores in patients with PCOS. Specifically, scores on the TAS-20 subscales related to difficulty in identifying feelings and describing feelings were positively correlated with HRQoL (P=0.000). However, externally oriented thinking subscale scores were not positively correlated with HRQoL (P=0.44). CONCLUSIONS The presence of alexithymia is associated with poor HRQoL in women with PCOS, which is more pronounced among those who received a diagnosis ≥4 years ago. Alexithymia must be considered when assessing the HRQoL of patients with PCOS, considering the relatively high prevalence of alexithymia in these patients.

Prevalence of self-medication and associated factors among female students of health science colleges at Majmaah University: A cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Globally, the prevalence of self-medication among young people has increased exponentially. Due to the basic knowledge and easy access to medicines, undergraduate students at health science colleges are likely to self-medicate. This research was undertaken to assess self-medication prevalence and its contributing factors among female undergraduate students in health science colleges at Majmaah University, Saudi Arabia. Materials and methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study involving 214 female students from the Majmaah University in Saudi Arabia's health science colleges-Medical: (82, 38.31%) and Applied Medical Science College (132, 61.68%)-was conducted. A self-administered questionnaire with sociodemographic information, drugs used, and reasons for self-medication was used for the survey. Non-probability sampling techniques were used to recruit participants. Results: Of the 214 female participants, 173, 80.84 % (medical: 82, 38.31% and applied medical science: 132, 61.68%) confirmed that they were on self-medication. The majority of participants (42.1%) were between the ages of 20 and 21.5 years (mean ± SD: 20.81 ± 1.4). The main reasons for self-medication were quick relief from the illness (77.5%) followed by saving time (76.3%), minor illnesses (71.1%), self-confidence (56.7%), and laziness (56.7%). The use of leftover drugs at home was common among applied medical science students (39.9%). The main indication for self-medication included menstrual problems (82.7 %), headache (79.8%), fever (72.8%), pain (71.1%), and stress (35.3%). The most common drugs used included antipyretic and analgesics (84.4%), antispasmodics (78.9%), antibiotics (76.9%), antacids (68.2%), multivitamins, and dietary supplements (66.5%). On the contrary, the least used drugs were antidepressants, anxiolytics, and sedatives (3.5, 5.8, and 7.5 %, respectively). Family members were the main source of information for self-medication (67.1%), followed by self-acquired knowledge (64.7%), social media (55.5%), and least were friends (31.2%). For adverse effects of the medication, the majority of them consulted the physician (85%) followed by consulting the pharmacist (56.7%) and switched to other drugs or decreased drug dosage. Quick relief, saving time, and minor illness were the main reasons for self-medication among health science college students. It is recommended to conduct awareness programs, workshops, and seminars to educate on the benefits and adverse effects of self-medication.

Pesticide residues in tomato and tomato products marketed in Majmaah province, KSA, and their impact on human health.

Over 22 samples of tomato, tomato paste, and ketchup collected from local markets, located in Majmaah Province, Saudi Arabia, were tested for the presence of 412 pesticide residues using the modified QuEChERS method, followed by LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS. About eight pesticide residues were detected in 36% of analyzed samples. The amount and frequency of detected pesticide residues were higher in tomato samples. All detected residues were below the maximum residue limits (MRLs). Multiple residues were detected in 27% of analyzed samples. Of the pesticides, cypermethrin was the most detected one followed by carbendazim. The average daily intake and health risk indices for Majmaah region population were estimated. The results showed that consumption of tomato and its products do not represent a risk to human health in this region. However, the presence of multiple residues in some samples necessitates regular monitoring of pesticide residues in tomato crop.

Clinical profile of acute paraphenylenediamine intoxication in Egypt.

Orientation to paraphenylenediamine (PPD) acute systemic intoxication in Egypt has been increased over the last decade. The aim of this study was to provide more insight into the clinical profile of acute PPD intoxication with reviewing the possible underlying mechanisms. Our study was retrospective. It was conducted over 7 years (2001-2008) on 25 cases with acute PPD intoxication admitted to the Poison Control Center Ain Shams University Hospitals, Cairo, Egypt. The mean age of the cases was 35.34 +/- 10.5 years; the male to female ratio was 18:7. Cervicofacial and laryngeal edema was the dominating presenting manifestation in 72% of the cases, 100% of the cases developed rhabdomyolysis, 80% had impaired renal functions, elevated liver transaminases were detected in 76% of cases, 75% showed hyperkalemia and 16% died due to ventricular arrhythmia. In conclusion, PPD causes serious multisystem toxicity and its selling to the public should be officially restricted.