ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Lower back pain (LBP) refers to pain in the back between the last rib and the gluteal fold. Recent psychological research indicates a relevant connection between severe pain and emotional stress. The etiology of musculoskeletal pain shown to be influenced by low social support, high job demands, and low job control. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 640 medical students in Taif University was carried out from November 2018 to April 2019. A standardized Nordic questionnaire was employed to assess musculoskeletal pain and K10 was used to assess psychological stress. RESULTS: Our study found 33.3% of medical students reported lower back pain, 20.7% reported lower back pain 0-7 days during the last 12 months, and 18.8% reported reduction of activity due to lower back pain during the last 12 months. The mean stress score was 22.7 ± 8.8; 20.7% of students with mild stress reported lower back pain. LBP showed non-significant association to stress categories (P = 0.409). CONCLUSIONS: Our survey found no significant association between LBP and psychological stress. The three main risk factors associated with lower back pain were being a 2nd year medical student, female gender, and high working hours.
ABSTRACT
Schwannoma is a benign neurogenic tumor originating from the neural sheath of Schwann cells. It is an extremely rare cause of adrenal adenoma which is very difficult to diagnose preoperatively. We report the case of a right adrenal schwannoma discovered incidentally in a 62-year-old woman during evaluation of right flank pain. The biochemical and hormonal evaluations were unremarkable. Radiological examination revealed a 4.8 cm lesion keeping with right adrenal adenoma. Surgical intervention was done due to the large size of the tumor, and laparoscopic right adrenalectomy was performed. The postoperative course was uneventful. Histological examination established the diagnosis of schwannoma, which was further confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. In conclusion, adrenal schwannoma is extremely rare and can be misdiagnosed as nonsecreting adrenal adenoma. Complete surgical excision is the treatment of choice which is associated with favorable outcome and also helps in clarifying its histopathological nature.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Anabolic steroids (AS) are synthetic testosterone derivatives that last longer than physiological androgens in the body. Anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) abuse is spreading among athletes. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of gym participants in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was carried out among gym users from February 2017 to May 2017. The questionnaire included information on demographics related to the use of AAS and lifestyle habits. Any willing male gym participant could be included. RESULTS: A total of 4860 male gym participants with a mean age of 28.6 ± 6.2 years were included. A majority were single, with a bachelor's degree or higher. Moreover, 9.8% of the participants used AAS, of which 76.7% reported improved fitness. Friends were the main source of AAS-related information, but only 38.0% of AAS users sought medical consults. The oral route was most common, and testosterone enanthate was the AAS most used. CONCLUSION: Also, 9.8% of gym participants used AAS and were more likely to be involved in risky habits, such as smoking and growth hormone abuse. They were less aware of potential complications of AAS, with gym trainers being the predominant source of AAS substances.
