ABSTRACT
Background and objective Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. It is linked with an increase in morbidity (e.g., blindness, kidney failure, stroke, cardiovascular diseases, limb amputations), premature mortality, high healthcare costs, and is quickly becoming a global epidemic disorder. Several studies have shown that vitamin D supplements reduce insulin resistance in T2DM and improve insulin secretion and sensitivity. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in T2DM patients in Saudi Arabia. Methods This was a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted at the King Faisal University Health Centre in Saudi Arabia. The study used patient data during the period from October 2014 to January 2021. After obtaining approval from the King Faisal University Polyclinic Administration, we collected patient data from the King Faisal University Health Centre. The Ethics and Research Committee at the College of Medicine of King Faisal University granted ethical approval with the approval number (2020-11-82). The relevant patient data were collected, including age, gender, nationality, and blood test findings (vitamin D and HbA1c levels). Results A total of 191 T2DM patients participated in this study. The mean age of the patients was 56.1 ± 11.4 years (range: 21-85 years); 107 (56%) patients were females, and 137 (71.7%) were Saudis. There were 134 (70.2%) patients with vitamin D deficiency, 53 (27.7%) with vitamin D insufficiency, and only four (2.1%) with normal vitamin D levels. Conclusion Based on our findings, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among T2DM patients is highly associated with poor diabetic control.
ABSTRACT
Background Pregnant women go through physiological as well as psychological changes during pregnancy. Antenatal anxiety disorders are common, with proven adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Anxiety increases the risks for prematurity and neurodevelopmental disorders. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of pregnancy-related anxiety and the impact of social media among pregnant women in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Materials and methods This observational cross-sectional study included pregnant women who were attending antenatal care (ANC) in primary healthcare centers between May and October of 2021 in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. For data collection, a structured self-administered questionnaire was distributed randomly to eligible pregnant women. The presence of pregnancy-related anxiety was assessed by using the 10-item Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Questionnaire-Revised (PRAQ-R), Arabic version. The impact of social media was measured through Social Media Engagement Questionnaire (SMEQ). Results Out of 823 pregnant women, 382 were eligible. Their mean age was 26.1 ± 10.9 years. Most of them (70.4%) had adhered to ANC. However, 32.1% had a history of miscarriage, and 6.7% had previous birth with congenital anomalies. The mean scores of pregnancy-related anxiety domains were 10.6 out of 15 for fear of giving birth, 8.7 for concern of own appearance, and 6.4 out of 12 for worries about bearing a handicapped child. More than half of the participants scored 28 out of 50 for pregnancy-related anxiety. The factors that were significantly associated with pregnancy-related anxiety were healthcare workers, first trimester, and unplanned pregnancy (P < 0.05). Social media engagement showed no correlation with anxiety. Conclusions The pregnancy-related anxiety level was average among pregnant women in Al-Ahsa, and fear of giving birth was the most common reason. Its predictors included early pregnancy, being a healthcare provider, and unplanned pregnancy. Pregnancy-related anxiety should be diagnosed early during routine ANC for better maternal and fetal outcomes.
