ABSTRACT
Introduction: Anthropometry and bone mineral density are linked to hormonal imbalance, which plays a possible role in breast carcinogenesis. The current study was designed to explore the relationship between selected anthropometric and bone mineral density parameters and the risk of breast cancer in premenopausal and postmenopausal Saudi women. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among premenopausal (n = 308) and postmenopausal (n = 148) women at two Medical Cities in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from May 2015 to June 2016. Selected anthropometric measurements were obtained from 456 women; 213 of them had breast cancer. Bone mineral density was also measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results: Greater waist circumference was significantly correlated with a higher breast cancer risk in premenopausal women (OR = 1.02, p = 0.03) but not in postmenopausal women. Greater triceps skinfold thickness had been found to be significantly correlated with a higher risk of breast cancer in premenopausal (OR = 1.06, p = 0.001) and postmenopausal (OR = 1.06, p = 0.001) women. However, bone mineral density was not significantly associated with breast cancer risk in either group of participants. Conclusions: Breast cancer risk was significantly associated with waist circumference and triceps skinfold thickness in premenopausal women and with only triceps skinfold thickness in postmenopausal women.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency is known to be the most common nutritional disorder. About 30% of the world's population is iron deficient (ID). Women are more likely to be exposed to anemia than men, which is an epidemic public health problem. OBJECTIVE: A cross-sectional study was carried out to investigate the prevalence of anemia and associated risk factors among non-pregnant women in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: Non-pregnant women (n = 250) aged 20-65 years were involved in this study. Sociodemographic, nutritional status, menstrual history, anthropometric and haematological properties were calculated. Anaemia proxies including haemoglobin (HB), serum ferritin (IDA), Haematocrit (Hct), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were determined as well as BMI. RESULTS: The respondents were varied according to demographic factors and according to anemia proxies, the majority of them suffered from anemia. The Student's t-test analysis showed that the average daily food intake was lower than that of the dietary requirement intake (DRI). Correlation and logistic regression analysis between sociodemographic factors and anemia proxies revealed that most of such factors significantly and negatively affected anemia proxies. Moreover, the correlation of daily food intake and anemia proxies showed that the nutrients responsible for the improvement of anemia proxies were not taken in sufficient amount as indicated by a significant and positive correlation. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, various factors including demographic factors, daily food intake appeared to be associated with anemia proxies, which are the most important risk factor for anemia among non-pregnant women in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
ABSTRACT
Vitamin D deficiency is an epidemic public health problem worldwide. It is common in the Middle East and is more severe in women. This cross-sectional study was conducted to assess vitamin D deficiency and associated risk factors in women living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) was measured in 166 women aged 30-65 years. Socio-demographic, lifestyle and health status characteristics, as well as intake of selected dietary supplements, were collected. Weight and height were measured. Vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL) was reported in 60.2% of participants. Mean of serum 25(OH)D was 20.7 ng/mL. Older age and taking the supplements of vitamin D, multi-vitamins or calcium were identified as factors that associated with a lower risk of hypovitaminosis D. A national strategy is needed to control a hypovitaminosis D crisis in Saudi Arabia. This could be accomplished by raising public awareness regarding vitamin D, regulating and enhancing vitamin D fortification and supplementation and screening vitamin D status among women at high risk.
