ABSTRACT
Background Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have gained considerable popularity on a global scale, with an increasing prevalence among younger adults. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence, patterns, and determinants of e-cigarette use among women in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2023 and July 2024 involving 491 adult female participants. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire and subsequently analyzed using SPSS Version 26.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square tests, were employed to assess relationships between e-cigarette use and various independent variables. Results The prevalence of e-cigarette use among participants was 17.5%. Significant factors associated with e-cigarette use included age (highest among women aged 21 to 30 years, p = 0.038), unemployment (p = 0.011), perceived poor health (p = 0.002), and having friends or family members who use e-cigarettes (p = 0.001). The primary reasons for using e-cigarettes were influence from friends (70.9%) and family members (54.7%), curiosity (33.7%), and appealing flavors (30.2%). A considerable proportion of users reported experiencing dependence and difficulty quitting. Conclusions The prevalence of e-cigarette use among female residents of Al-Ahsa is influenced by a complex interplay of social, demographic, and perceptual factors. The findings underscore the necessity for comprehensive interventions targeting social environments and educational initiatives and addressing misconceptions about the potential risks of e-cigarettes.
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Introduction Continued supportive care during childbirth may be the key to preventing unfavorable outcomes for both mother and child. It is important to assess and comprehend the sources of assistance available during pregnancy in order to enhance the birthing process and promote favorable outcomes. Objectives The current study aimed to assess the impact of ongoing doula support on mother and infant health outcomes compared to standard care. Methods A retrospective cohort study using both medical records and direct interviews based on information in the data collection form was carried out in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, Al-Ahsa Region. The data that were collected included demographic information, obstetric history, delivery data, and postpartum outcome. Results A total of 50 pregnant women receiving doula care and 100 pregnant women receiving standard care were included. Regarding the mode of delivery, 43 (86%) of the doula group had vaginal deliveries compared to 73 (73%) of the standard care group, while CSs were needed for seven (14%) and 27 (27%), respectively (P = 0.78). Only seven (14%) neonates in the doula group required neonatal intensive care unit admission, versus 22 (22%) in the standard care group (P = 0.246). Additionally, initial breastfeeding within the golden hour occurred in 27 (54%) of the doula group compared to 16 (16%) of the standard care group, while exclusive breastfeeding was reported in 32 (64%) of the doula group compared to 26 (26%) of the standard care group (P < 0.001). Conclusion The current study showed more advantageous delivery and postpartum outcomes among doula care women and their infants compared to standard care, mainly for increasing the rate of initiated breastfeeding within the golden hour, exclusive breastfeeding, and reducing postpartum depression.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Neonatal Acute kidney injury (AKI) is an underestimated morbidity in the neonatal intensive care unit (ICU). However, there is a paucity of information about risk factors, outcomes, and possible preventive measures to limit its occurrence. AIM: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of neonatal AKI in a neonatal ICU. Data obtained from this study will help to better understand current local practices and investigate possible preventive strategies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Charts from January 2011 to December 2018 were reviewed. Neonates less than 2 weeks old who depended on intravenous fluid as a nutrition source for at least two days were included. RESULTS: Overall, the eight-year prevalence of neonatal AKI in the neonatal ICU was 19.6%, and severity was distributed as follows: stage 1 (46.2%), stage 2 (26.5%), and stage 3 (27.3%). Caffeine administration before 29 weeks' gestational age significantly decreased the incidence of neonatal AKI. The incidence of neonatal AKI was independently associated with death (odds ratios (OR) = 7.11, P < 0.001) and extended length of hospital stay (OR = 2.47, P < 0.001). In the multivariate regression model, vancomycin (AOR = 1.637, P < 0.004), loop diuretics (AOR = 2.203, P < 0.001), intraventricular hemorrhage (AOR = 2.605, P < 0.001), surgical intervention (AOR = 1.566, P < 0.008), mechanical ventilation (AOR = 1.463, P < 0.015), and dopamine administration (AOR = 2.399, P < 0.001) were independently associated with neonatal AKI. CONCLUSION: Neonatal AKI occurred in one-fifth of the study population in a neonatal ICU. Outcomes can be improved by identifying high-risk infants and cautiously monitoring kidney function.