ABSTRACT
Background Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a breathing disorder that occurs while sleeping, characterized by periods of partial or complete airway collapse associated with a drop in oxygen saturation or arousal from sleep. OSA is associated with significant health consequences, including hypertension, obesity, coronary artery disease, metabolic dysfunction, cognitive decline, and cancer progression. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at the four primary healthcare centers in the Ministry of National Guards Health Affairs (MNGHA) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The study included every adult 18- 65 years old. After informed consent was obtained, interviews were conducted using the Berlin questionnaire (BQ) to assess participants' prevalence and risk (OSA). SAS software version 9.4 was used to enter and analyze the data. Results A total of 400 primary care attendants were approached. The overall prevalence of high-risk apnea was 21%. There was a significant difference in the high risk of apnea between a BMI greater than 30 and a BMI lower than 30 (p< 0.0001). There was a significant difference in the high risk of apnea between hypertension and normal blood pressure (p< 0.0001). Conclusion The BQ assessed the predictive factors related to the development and prevalence of OSA and showed a predominance in those with a BMI over 30 Kg/m2 or with a previous diagnosis of hypertension with no significant related risk among gender and age factors.
ABSTRACT
RESULTS: A total of 1,011 students were enrolled. Approximately half were males (n = 510). Half of the students used sunscreen (n = 515, 51%). Female gender, high family income, previous history of sunburn, tanning bed use, and use of other sun protection methods were factors independently associated with sunscreen use. The main reasons for using sunscreen were prevention of sunburns, dark spots, skin cancer, and overall skin darkening. Eighty percent of participants used other methods of sun protection. Sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) > 30 was used in 59% of students. However, the majority did not know if the sunscreen they use provided broad-spectrum coverage or not. Only 35% of students apply sunscreen in both sunny and cloudy days. Most students apply sunscreen less than 10 minutes before going out and do not repeat the application throughout the day. More than 90% of students seem to apply insufficient amount of sunscreen. CONCLUSION: Almost half of the population in the study use sunscreen. We have identified several areas of improper use of sunscreen. Increasing the awareness of effective sunscreen use in our community might be needed.
