An evaluation of neuropsychiatric manifestations in systemic lupus erythematosus patients in Saudi Arabia and their associated factors.

OBJECTIVES: To establish the prevalence of Neuropsychiatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (NPSLE) symptoms in Saudi Arabia and the variables that are linked to it. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2021 among SLE patients in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Rheumatism Association exploited social media platforms to provide a self-administered online questionnaire to SLE patients. All data analyses were performed using the Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. RESULTS: Two hundred and eight SLE patients participated in the study (females 91.3% vs. males 8.7%). In addition, 13.5% of patients had a family history of SLE, and 26% had SLE for one to 3 years. The most common symptoms of NPSLE were alteration or loss of sensation (53.4%), followed by fear (52.4%), and headache (48.1%). The prevalence of patients with NPSLE was 40%. In a multivariate regression model, fear, altered sensations, cerebrovascular illness, sleep disruption, and diminished interest in routine activities were identified as independent risk variables for NPSLE CONCLUSION: Nearly half of SLE patients demonstrated NP manifestations, with significant symptoms including fear, alteration of sensation, cerebrovascular disease, sleep disturbance, and reduced interest in normal activities. To detect the pathophysiology of NPSLE, it is necessary to understand the relationship between neuropsychiatric morbidity and other relevant rheumatic disorders in the SLE population.

Preferences for Colorectal Cancer Screening Modalities Among the General Population in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) could be a leading explanation for cancer-related death. Numerous studies have shown the benefit of early screening for colorectal cancer in reducing mortality. Screening for colorectal cancer is a rational and cost-effective strategy for reducing the incidence of colorectal cancer and related mortality. Despite endorsement by academic and healthcare organizations, patient awareness and compliance with screening are low, partly due to patient-related barriers to screening. AIM: This study aimed to explore the preferred screening method for colorectal cancer in Saudi Arabia in general. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study conducted among the Saudi adult population from September 2021 through February 2022. A self-developed questionnaire was distributed among the population using an online platform. Data were tabulated in Google Forms, and all statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 26 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). RESULTS: During this study, data from 10,781 participants were analyzed. Among them, the most preferred screening modality for colorectal cancer was the stool fecal immunochemical test (41.7%) and the most suitable (33.5%). The most commonly mentioned qualities that influenced choosing a particular screening test were "how the test was performed" (50.4%). CONCLUSION: Because the stool fecal immunochemical test is the most preferred screening modality for colorectal cancer, this study could serve as a database to aid in the implementation of a colorectal cancer screening program that meets the preferences of the general population of Saudi Arabia.