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Background and aim A healthy lifestyle is defined as a way of living that reduces the likelihood of severe illness or early death. Factors required for a healthy lifestyle, such as regular physical activity, better sleep patterns, improved dietary habits, probable caffeine consumption, and decreased feelings of anxiety, are generally assumed to be important for high academic performance. This study aims to investigate the correlation between a healthy lifestyle and academic success among health profession students at Umm Al-Qura University, Saudi Arabia. By doing so, we could potentially lead to the implementation of targeted interventions to support students in achieving their best academic potential. Methods This is an observational cross-sectional study conducted among health profession students at Umm Al-Qura University. An online questionnaire was used to collect data on demographic information and the impact of lifestyle characteristics on academic performance from October to November 2023. Data were analyzed using RStudio (R version 4.3.1). Results A total of 652 students participated in the study. The majority were between the ages of 18 and 25 years (97.2%, n=634). Females constituted the majority of the participants (69.9%, n=456). Regarding the field of study, the College of Medicine had the highest representation (52.9%, n=345). Regarding body mass index, the normal weight category was the most prevalent, encompassing 59.8% (n=390) of the participants. The results show that the participants generally had a good grade point average (GPA) in the range of 3.50 to 4.00. Also, the time spent on social media applications was not correlated with academic performance (P=0.575). Importantly, the majority of participants perceived that lifestyle habits impacted their academic performance. Conclusion This study found that unhealthy lifestyle factors, such as lack of physical activity, inadequate sleep, poor dietary choices, smoking, and mental health issues such as anxiety, have a negative impact on academic performance. Therefore, the dissemination of relevant knowledge is needed to promote the importance of a healthy lifestyle and raise students' awareness.
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OBJECTIVE: The study sought to assess the level of awareness regarding osteoarthritis and its management. METHODS: This study was cross-sectional, using data from a sample of 389 individuals from the central region of Saudi Arabia. The participants completed an online questionnaire and ensured anonymity. Results: A total of 389 participants made up the sample for this study, which had a predominance of females (56.6%, n=220), a majority aged <50 years (66.6%, n=259), and most of them (51.7%, n=201) weighing 60-80 kg, substantial proportion lived in the Riyadh region (27.5%, n=107), with more than half (59.4%, n=231) having a university education and working in offices (28.3%, n=110). The majority (73.3%, n=285) of participants were married, and a vast majority (87.9%, n=342) were not smokers. The findings revealed that only 32.9% (n=128) of the participants had good knowledge about osteoarthritis. The study found that stiffness (80.2%, n=312) and swelling (97.9%, n = 381) are the most common signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis; the risk factors for osteoarthritis were genetic factors (79.7%, n=310) and age (91.3%, n=355). The treatment of osteoarthritis identified in the study included exercises such as swimming (85.1%, n=331), physical therapy (86.6%, n=337), and joint replacement surgery (92.0%, n=358). The study established a statistically significant association between age, education level, previous diagnosis of osteoarthritis, family history of osteoarthritis (p = 0.004, 0.001, 0.002, and 0.001, respectively), and level of knowledge about osteoarthritis. However, there was no statistically significant association between gender, marital status, smoking status, previous knee injuries, physical activity level, and the level of knowledge about osteoarthritis (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Overall, the study revealed that 32.9% (n=128) of the participants had good knowledge about osteoarthritis. Participants aged 50-60 years, those with a university and post-graduate level of education, as well as those who had a previous diagnosis of osteoarthritis and those with a family history of osteoarthritis, had greater and better knowledge and awareness about osteoarthritis. Joint stiffness and swelling were identified, as the most common signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis. The risk factors identified in the study were genetic factors and age, while the treatment options noted by the study were exercise, such as swimming, physical therapy, and joint replacement surgery. The study notes the need for enhanced public awareness of the problems associated with osteoarthritis among the Saudi Arabian population.
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Growing cannabis use among young adults in the United States surpasses research and public understanding, raising health concerns despite potential benefits. Limited research focuses on their knowledge, attitudes, risks, and motivations, especially in states with limited legalization. This study explores cannabis knowledge and attitudes among healthy young adult cannabis consumers to understand their risk and benefit perceptions. Data include a subsample of participants in the Herbal Heart Study, a cohort to examine subclinical cardiovascular risk among healthy young adult (18-35 years old) cannabis consumers and non-consumers. A qualitative thematic analysis of the interviews was performed using a deductive approach driven by the theory of the Health Belief Model to generate categories and codes. Dedoose was used to organize transcripts and coding. A total of 22 young adult cannabis consumers (M age = 25.3, SD = 4.4) were interviewed between May 5, 2021- September 23, 2022. Participants were predominantly female (n = 13) and Hispanic (n = 9) or non-Hispanic Black (n = 7). Five themes were identified: perceived health benefits and risks associated with cannabis use, motivation for cannabis use, knowledge of cannabis, and perceived barriers to cannabis use. Participants discussed knowledge, positive/negative attitudes toward cannabis, and perceived risks/benefits based on personal experience and gathered information. Some showed knowledge deficits, and most wanted more health-related cannabis research. Given the current climate of rising cannabis legalization, availability of novel cannabis products, and societal acceptance, further research and evidence-based cannabis literacy for young adults are essential to keep pace with liberalization trends.
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Introduction Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a peripheral neuropathy that happens when the median nerve is compressed by the transverse carpal ligament within the carpal tunnel. Public awareness is crucial for early detection and intervention; therefore, this study aims to assess the awareness of CTS among the adult population in the western region of Saudi Arabia. Methods The study design was a cross-sectional study where 1400 participants (although 1199 answers were included) from the western region were randomly asked to fill in an online questionnaire that was delivered to them via social media applications. Results The study sample was predominantly females (57.1%), and 88.7% were Saudi, mostly students and professionals (53% and 25.2% respectively); predominant chronic illness among study participants was diabetes mellitus (7%), and only 2% of the sample (27 participants) were diagnosed with CTS. Participants showed more level of awareness regarding the causes and features of CTS, 630 participants (52.5%) had a good awareness of the causes, and 652 (54.4%) had a good awareness of the features. Meanwhile, participants showed a poorer level of awareness regarding treatment, effects, and prevention; percentages of poor awareness were 56% (672) for treatment, 51.9% (622) for effects, and 52.8% (633) for prevention. Conclusion The study shows that the adult population in the western region of Saudi Arabia had insufficient awareness of CTS, especially regarding treatment, effects, and prevention. Therefore, more campaigns should be made to enhance population awareness of CTS, and the study also suggests a link between CTS and chronic diseases.
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Background Headache problems are among the most common medical conditions. There are major gaps in understanding headaches among healthcare practitioners. This study aimed to determine challenges and barriers to headache training among neurology residents in Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted in Saudi Arabia. The target population was all Saudi neurology residents who were currently registered with the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCHS). Statistical analysis was conducted using RStudio (R version 4.1.1). A chi-squared test is used for categorical variables whenever applicable. The statistical differences for continuous variables were assessed using a Wilcoxon rank sum test. Results A total of 227 respondents were included. More than half of the residents were male (56.8%). Large proportions of residents self-rated their knowledge as good for migraines (62.6%) and tension-type headaches (60.4%). The most experienced challenges included difficult diagnosis (30.4%) and treatment difficulties due to comorbidities (19.8%). The most stated barriers to optimal treatment of headache patients were the existence of challenges in collaboration between patient and therapist (24.7%). Most residents rely on the use of the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) in diagnosing and managing headache patients instead of the Saudi guidelines. The most reported reason for headache referral was suspicion of an underlying serious disease (31.7%). The most recommended non-pharmacological interventions were exercise (15.9%). Conclusion We found that residents reported the diagnosis of headache as the most challenging barrier. The overuse of analgesics played a role in causing the headache. The most often cited barrier to providing headache patients with the best possible care was difficulties in patient-therapist collaboration. Ongoing headache education and comprehensive academic training are recommended to enhance knowledge during neurology residency training and offer competent care for their patients.
