Evaluation of Allergic Conjunctivitis Prevalence and Attitude Toward Prevention and Control in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Allergic conjunctivitis (AC) is a prevalent ocular condition with a substantial impact on individuals' quality of life. This study aimed to explore the demographic patterns, prevalence, symptoms, awareness, and attitudes associated with AC, while also examining potential associations with gender, age, and region of residence in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 487 participants. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire that included demographic information about AC prevalence, symptoms, attitudes, and awareness levels. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests, were employed to examine associations between variables. RESULTS: The study revealed a prevalence of AC (89, 18.3%) with common symptoms being eye redness (73, 82%) and itching (73, 82%). Participants displayed diverse awareness levels, with (376, 77.2%) correctly defining AC. The majority demonstrated either a good (230, 47.2%) or insufficient (196, 40.2%) attitude, while 54 (11.1%) had a sufficient attitude, and 7 (1.4%) exhibited an excellent attitude and awareness. Significant regional disparities were observed, impacting both prevalence and attitudes. While no gender differences were noted, the age group of 31-40 displayed a higher prevalence. CONCLUSION: In this study, among 487 participants, the prevalence of AC was found to be 89 (18.3%). Meanwhile, attitude levels varied, with the majority demonstrating either a good or insufficient attitude. This provides valuable insights into the prevalence, symptoms, and awareness of AC in our population. The regional disparities underscore the need for tailored interventions addressing specific geographical contexts. The findings contribute to the broader understanding of AC, emphasizing the importance of targeted education and regional considerations in managing and preventing this condition.

The impact of coronavirus crisis on human interpersonal relationships among AlAhsa population.

Background: Home quarantine during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic was a clear cause of loss of communication and a lot of conflicts between individuals, which had adverse consequences on people's relationships. Objective: This study aims to assess the effect of lockdown on interpersonal relationships in AlAhsa community. Methods: A.cross-sectional study was conducted during 2020-2021 with 306 participants in AlAhsa, the eastern region of Saudi Arabia. The data were collected using an online survey to explore the effect of lockdown on interpersonal relationships. Results: The study demonstrates that (61.8%) of the participants reported that their relationships were affected during lockdown, (61.4%) of them were affected negatively, with a higher rate among the unemployed and students (73.1%) and (64.8%), respectively. About 38.6% of the individuals were positively affected. Conclusion: Most of the participants identified that quarantine affected their interpersonal relationships negatively, which were impacted variably by different demographical statuses.

Résumé Contexte: La quarantaine à domicile pendant la pandémie de la maladie à coronavirus 2019 a été une cause évidente de perte de communication et de nombreux conflits entre individus, ce qui a eu des conséquences néfastes sur les relations interpersonnelles des gens. Objectif: Cette étude vise à évaluer l'effet du confinement sur les relations interpersonnelles dans la communauté d'AlAhsa. Méthodes: Une étude transversale a été menée de 2020 à 2021 avec 306 participants à AlAhsa, dans la région est de l'Arabie saoudite. Les données ont été collectées à l'aide d'une enquête en ligne afin d'explorer l'effet du confinement sur les relations interpersonnelles. Résultats: L'étude démontre que (61,8 %) des participants ont déclaré que leurs relations ont été affectées pendant le confinement, (61,4 %) d'entre eux ont été affectés négativement, avec un taux plus élevé parmi les chômeurs et les étudiants (73,1 %) et (64,8 %), respectivement. Environ 38,6 % des individus ont été affectés positivement. Conclusion: La plupart des participants ont identifié que la quarantaine a eu un impact négatif sur leurs relations interpersonnelles, impactées de manière variable par différents statuts démographiques. Mots-clés: Maladie à coronavirus 2019, relations interpersonnelles, Arabie saoudite.

A2B Blood Group Without Anti-A1 Lectin Antibodies in a Child With an Enzymopathy Hemolytic Disease.

Generally, within the ABO blood group system, the AB group is subdivided into two subtypes, A1B and A2B, with the A2B subtype considered to be the rarest and the A1B subtype the most common. Given that the A2B subtype is the rarest one, its presence is associated with many challenges. In this report, we present the case of a child with a chronic hemolytic disease with the A2B blood group but without anti-A1 lectin antibodies, as well as the challenges encountered.

Impact of Family Medicine Training on the Quality of Care for patients of diabetes in Saudi Arabia.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the challenging health problems worldwide. Primary care centers manage and treat most of DM cases. Diabetes requires ongoing, and evidence-based health care which should be provided by highly qualified physicians. AIM: This study aims at evaluating the Family Medicine training efficacy on the quality of care for diabetic patients. METHODOLOGY: This is a cross-sectional study conducted among patients with DM at the AlJafer training center situated in AlAhssa, Saudi Arabia. The data of diabetic patients who were followed up initially with general practitioners (GPs) and later with family physicians (FPs) collected from the patients' electronic files. Clinical parameters including HbA1c, blood pressure, total cholesterol, LDL, and statin, aspirin initiation measured during initial visits and follow-ups to compare the quality of diabetic care between the two groups (FPs vs. GPs). All statistical analyses carried using SPSS version 21. RESULTS: Eighty-three patients were included in the study. Regarding the measurement process, FPs more likely to measure HbA1c twice a year than GPs (P:<0.001). The number of patients with HbA1c level >8% decreased significantly during the period of follow-up with FPs (P:<0.001). Furthermore, a significant number of patients meet the BP target ≤130/85 during the follow-up period with FPs. The statin initiation is substantially achieved more by FPs (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Family medicine training has a significant influence on the clinical outcomes of patients with DM. This study's findings suggest that FPs ensure a better quality of care in terms of clinical and process measures.