ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a growing public health concern, yet misconceptions about the condition are common. This study assessed awareness and social perceptions of AD in Jazan. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 925 adults was conducted. Knowledge was assessed using a 30-item Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS). Social perceptions were evaluated using a 10-item questionnaire. RESULTS: Many had misconceptions about AD epidemiology, causes, management, and care. The mean ADKS score was 8.89 ± 5.17 out of 30. Knowledge was poorest for symptoms, risk factors, treatment, caregiving, and life impact. Knowledge was highest in those aged >45 years (p = 0.018), in those with income > 15K SR (p = 0.004), in retired individuals (p = 0.023), and in those who learned about AD from books (p = 0.001), healthcare professionals (p = 0.001), or had an affected relative (p = 0.001). However, knowledge was low across all domains, averaging only 29% correct answers. Most respondents held positive social perceptions, yet sizable minorities saw isolation, legal intervention, and institutionalization as appropriate. Additionally, a portion of respondents associated stigma with individuals affected by AD and expressed a sense of burden associated with the condition. CONCLUSIONS: There are substantial knowledge gaps and some stigmatizing attitudes about AD in Jazan. Awareness regarding the causes, diagnosis, and management of AD was low. Misconceptions exist that AD only affects older people. Improved public education, especially for higher-risk groups, is needed to address misconceptions and promote social inclusion for those with dementia. Healthcare professionals can play a crucial role.
ABSTRACT
Background: Computer vision syndrome (CVS) can be described as ocular-related symptoms that result from prolonged exposure and use of computers, smartphones, tablets, and other devices with digital displays. The main objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of CVS among school-age children, the associated signs, risk factors, and the association between the disease before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia. Methods: The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional research design. The targeted population was school-going children aged 6 to 18 in the Jazan region in the Southwest of Saudi Arabia. A sample of 440 participants was selected to represent the population under study. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires. Sociodemographic characteristics were recorded, such as age, gender, education level, parents' education, occupation, frequency, and intensity of eye symptoms if present. Results: Most of the participants were adolescents between 16 and 18 and at a high-school education level. According to the total symptoms score, the CVS prevalence was 35.4%. Prevalence of CVS significantly affects age, gender, and school level (p < 0.05 for all). A similar significant association was reported between the symptoms experienced before and during COVID-19 and the CVS (p < 0.05). Conclusion: A total of 407 adolescents aged 16−18 responded to the questionnaire (response rate of 92.5%; 407 out of 440). The study estimated the prevalence of CVS among school-going children in Jazan to be low. The main signs associated with CVS included headache, tearing, itchiness, blurred vision, eye redness, eye pain, and dryness. The attitude of children toward their health condition during the COVID-19 pandemic and the prevalence of CVS have a significant relationship.
ABSTRACT
Lipoma is a common benign soft tissue lesion that can virtually develop anywhere in the body. However, the retropharyngeal space is an extremely rare location for lipoma. We report the case of a 48-year-old man who presented with progressive dysphagia of 3 months duration. It was associated with a weight loss of 6 kg. There was no history of cough, regurgitation, or heartburn. He was a heavy smoker, but he denied consuming alcohol. On examination, the patient was noted to have a hoarse voice. Examination of the oral cavity revealed a bulge in the posterior pharyngeal wall with intact and smooth overlying mucosa. Examination of the neurological system revealed normal findings. The patient was referred to undergo a computed tomography of the neck, which demonstrated a well-defined homogeneous lesion with fat density in the retropharyngeal space. Subsequently, magnetic resonance imaging revealed a well-encapsulated midline retropharyngeal mass, measuring 4.6 x 10.2 x 13.8 cm, filling the retropharyngeal space and extending from the C2 vertebra superiorly to the inferior border of C7 inferiorly. The mass has a high signal intensity on T1- and T2-weighted images with complete suppression of the signal on the fat-saturated sequences, likely representing a retropharyngeal lipoma. The patient underwent surgical resection of the tumor by the lateral cervical approach. Histopathological examination showed lobules of mature adipose tissue, representing a lipoma. Retropharyngeal space is a very rare location of lipoma. The case highlights the importance of considering retropharyngeal lesions when encountering a patient with progressive dysphagia.