ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: There is currently limited evidence about the prevalence of depression among elderly people residing in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. This study aims to report the magnitude of depression among the older population in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, and the related risk factors. METHODS: An online cross-sectional pilot survey was carried out in Makkah City, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using an online self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: The study questionnaire was completed by 191 older people. The participants' ages varied from 60 to 88 years. 55.5% were women, 47.9% were married, and 21.5% were divorced/widowed. 46.6% had hypertension, 42.4% had diabetes, 17.3% had hypothyroidism, 7.9% had cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and 6.3% reported psychiatric problems. 44.5% of the subjects had no depression, 23.5% had mild, 15.2% had moderate, and 16.8% had severe depression. The sample included 32% who had been classified as having major depression. Elderly participants with insomnia, cognitive diseases, and chronic diseases showed a high risk for experiencing severe depression (OR=2.74; 95% CI: 1.42-5.28),(OR=2.63; 95% CI: 1.29-5.40), and (OR=2.62; 95% CI: 1.11-6.14) respectively. CONCLUSION: Depression was common among the elderly population in Makkah, particularly among those with a documented history of insomnia, cognitive diseases, and chronic diseases. Depression screening and treatment for old people in medical settings is recommended.
ABSTRACT
Like most organs, the renal system decreases in function as we age. In the elderly, chronic kidney disease is common. When patients with chronic kidney disease take nephrotoxic medications, they are more likely to suffer adverse drug reactions, be hospitalized, and spend an extended period in the hospital. Calculating the renal clearance of a drug dose based on its glomerular filtration rate, or creatinine clearance, is necessary. Multiple tools are available for identifying renally inappropriate medications (RIMs). RIM prescriptions can be influenced by various factors, which vary according to the study. A higher number of medications means a higher likelihood of using RIMs. Numerous studies have investigated RIMs. The most contraindicated drug in renal insufficiency patients was a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication. A variety of interventions have been used to reduce RIM prescriptions to varying degrees of success.
ABSTRACT
Background Nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel has been developed to avoid the toxicities associated with Cremophor-solved paclitaxel. Although many studies confirm this hypothesis, there is recent evidence showing no difference between paclitaxel and nab-paclitaxel in their efficacy and safety profile. This study further assesses the toxicity of both paclitaxel and nab-paclitaxel in adult patients with breast and pancreatic cancer in a tertiary hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. These toxicities include neutropenia, anaemia, and effects on kidney and liver functions. Methods The study is a retrospective cohort study done at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from January 2018 to December 2021, conducted on patients diagnosed with breast or pancreatic cancer treated with paclitaxel or nab-paclitaxel. Results There is a statistically significant difference between the two groups in developing anaemia, renal, and liver toxicity (P<0.05). On the other hand, there are no statistically significant differences in developing neutropenia between the two groups (P=0.084). Conclusions Nab-paclitaxel might not be better than paclitaxel in reducing the risk of neutropenia, anaemia, and liver toxicity, as predicted. Nevertheless, both medications require that the patient's renal functions be monitored during the treatment. Further studies conducted in multiple oncology centres with a larger sample are needed to evaluate the toxicity of paclitaxel and nab-paclitaxel in adult patients with breast and pancreatic cancer.
ABSTRACT
Background Depression and anxiety are among the most prevalent illnesses worldwide. Although depression affects many individuals throughout their lives, physicians are at a heightened risk of developing the disorder due to their high-stress levels and enormous responsibilities. The study aimed to examine the prevalence of depression and anxiety disorders among surgical doctors in Makkah city hospitals as well as the risk factors. Methods Analytical cross-sectional research was performed at all public hospitals in Makkah city, Saudi Arabia. The Arabic version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used as the screening tool. Results Of the 153 surgeons, 47.1% were Saudis, 81.7% were men, and 46.7% were residents. A personal history of anxiety or depression was apparent among 11.8% of the surgeons, while 4.6% had a family history of a mental disorder. Based on the HADS questionnaire responses, the prevalence rate of anxiety was 30.7%, and 27.5% of the surgeons had depression. Based on the univariate regression analysis, anxiety was significantly linked with being a participant in the Saudi Board program (p=0.010), working for more than nine hours (p=0.020), and having work-related stress (p=0.011 for moderate stress and p=0.001 for severe stress) as well as related to those who were rarely or never satisfied with their income (p=0.016 and p=0.047, respectively) and who was rarely satisfied with their career (p=0.019). Depression among surgeons was significantly linked with the age of 50 to 59 (p=0.023) as well as related to those who were usually satisfied with their career (p=0.022) and those with moderate work-related stress (p=0.016). Conclusion Psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety are prevalent among surgeons. They should be appropriately evaluated at regular intervals throughout life, especially during residency programs, to ensure physical and mental well-being, appropriate training exposure, and patient safety.
