Perceptions and Behaviors Regarding Early Screening and Breast-Related Complaints Among Saudi Women.

Background Breast cancer (BC) is a global public health issue, contributing to a significant death toll among women. Breast cancer is the most common type among Saudi women, accounting for over a quarter of all new cancer cases. The current approaches for detecting BC include mammography, clinical breast exams, and breast self-examination (BSE). Early diagnosis of BC is crucial for reducing mortality and morbidity. This study aims to investigate attitudes and behaviors regarding early screening and self-examination of breast cancer in Saudi Arabia. Materials and method This cross-sectional study was conducted over eight months. The sample size calculation with a 95% confidence interval and 0.05 precision rate is 600 of the total targeted group. The study included Saudi females aged 30 and above. Data were collected via an online questionnaire. The questionnaire evaluated various aspects, including information regarding sociodemographics, barriers, and attitudes toward breast cancer screening. Results The majority of participants were aged 41-50 (40.7%) and married (76.2%). Over a third (31.9%) had been diagnosed with benign breast tumors, with MRI being the most common examination method (39.2%). Regarding screening practices, 55.7% had been screened previously, with a high intention for future screening (76.8%). Attitudes toward screening were positive, with 83.4% willing to undergo testing if free, painless, and conducted by a female provider. Barriers to screening included fear of examination (30.2%) and shame about exposing the body (25.6%). Conclusion The study provides valuable insights into the demographic characteristics, prevalence of benign breast tumors, screening practices, and attitudes toward breast cancer screening among Saudi women aged 30 and above. Factors such as age, marital status, income, occupation, and geographical residency influence screening behavior and intentions. Efforts to promote awareness, reduce barriers, and improve access to screening services are essential for enhancing breast cancer detection and prevention within this population.

Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (Shin Splint): Prevalence, Causes, Prevention, and Management in Saudi Arabia.

Background/aims Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), also known as "shin splint", is most often described as exertional leg pain along the shinbone (tibia), which occurs due to the inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue in this area. This study aims to assess the prevalence, risk factors, and their association with the development of MTSS, as well as the effective treatments that reduce pain and improve functions among the Saudi general population. Materials and method The present cross-sectional study was conducted on the general population of Saudi Arabia through an electronic survey over a period of three months. The study sample of 443 patients was deemed and considered. The study included participants from the general population in Saudi Arabia above the age of 18. A structured self-response questionnaire was given to the participants after institutional research ethical approval was obtained for the study. Results Among the 443 participants, the majority were male (n = 228, 51.5%), aged 18-29 (n = 227, 51.2%), and residing in the central region of Saudi Arabia (n = 398, 89.8%). Most participants reported engaging in sporting activities (n = 211, 47.6%), with high-intensity training being the most common (n = 93, 44.1%). Only a small proportion (n = 8, 1.8%) reported a previous diagnosis of MTSS. Analysis revealed associations between MTSS prevalence and certain demographic factors, including walking surface preferences and engagement in specific sports. Treatment strategies for MTSS included rest, ice application, physiotherapy, and pain-relieving medication, with varying degrees of satisfaction and recurrence rates among participants. Conclusion The study provides valuable insights into the prevalence, risk factors, management, and preventive measures related to MTSS among the Saudi general population. While certain demographic factors and exercise practices were associated with MTSS prevalence, effective treatment options such as rest, physiotherapy, and appropriate footwear were reported. Moreover, adherence to preventive measures such as stretching, proper footwear selection, and gradual training progression may help mitigate the risk of MTSS development.

How Did COVID-19 Impact Smoking Habits in the Saudi Community?

Background/aims Most countries have gone through lockdowns to varying degrees during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce the spread of the disease. The successive pandemic waves have impacted the health system, imposing restrictions set by the government. This changed people's daily life routines and they felt more socially isolated, which in turn had an impact on their mental health. Some factors were linked to the severity and outcome of COVID-19 on patients. One of these factors was smoking. This study was carried out to investigate the prevalence and impact of lockdown on smoking habits, as well as the changes in attitudes, behavior, and the rate of consumption before and after the government restrictions in the general population of Saudi Arabia. Materials and methods The present cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 921 participants from the general population of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected via an online questionnaire. A structured self-response questionnaire was given to the participants after institutional research ethical approval was obtained for the study. Results A total of 921 participants from the smoker population of Saudi Arabia were included in the study. The majority of participants were male (72.9%), and more than half were aged between 18 and 34 years (53.7%). Single individuals had a higher prevalence of increased smoking and a lower rate of quitting compared to married individuals. Participants with higher education levels were more likely to continue smoking at the same rate. While 40.5% of participants reported no change in their smoking rate during the pandemic, 15.4% reported a decrease, 39.0% reported an increase, and 5.1% reported quitting smoking. Participants who reported feeling more stressed during the pandemic had a higher prevalence of increased smoking. The majority of participants believed that smoking increased the risk of COVID-19 infection. Conclusion The study highlights the need for targeted smoking cessation interventions and support services during the pandemic, considering demographic factors, living arrangements, and psychological impact. Efforts should be made to raise awareness about the negative health consequences of smoking during the pandemic and provide resources for stress management and alternative coping strategies. These findings have important implications for public health interventions and policies in Saudi Arabia.

Population Pharmacokinetic Model for Vancomycin Used in Open Heart Surgery: Model-Based Evaluation of Standard Dosing Regimens.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the population pharmacokinetics of vancomycin in patients undergoing open heart surgery. In this observational pharmacokinetic study, multiple blood samples were drawn over a 48-h period of intravenous vancomycin in patients who were undergoing open heart surgery. Blood samples were analyzed using an Architect i4000SR immunoassay analyzer. Population pharmacokinetic models were developed using Monolix 4.4 software. Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) simulations were performed to explore the ability of different dosage regimens to achieve the pharmacodynamic targets. A total of 168 blood samples were analyzed from 28 patients. The pharmacokinetics of vancomycin are best described by a two-compartment model with between-subject variability in clearance (CL), the volume of distribution of the central compartment (V1), and volume of distribution of the peripheral compartment (V2). The CL and the V1 of vancomycin were related to creatinine CL (CLCR), body weight, and albumin concentration. Dosing simulations showed that standard dosing regimens of 1 and 1.5 g failed to achieve the PK-PD target of AUC0-24/MIC > 400 for an MIC of 1 mg/liter, while high weight-based dosing regimens were able to achieve the PK-PD target. In summary, the administration of standard doses of 1 and 1.5 g of vancomycin two times daily provided inadequate antibiotic prophylaxis in patients undergoing open heart surgery. The same findings were obtained when 15- and 20-mg/kg doses of vancomycin were administered. Achieving the PK-PD target required higher doses (25 and 30 mg/kg) of vancomycin.

Population Pharmacokinetic Model-Based Evaluation of Standard Dosing Regimens for Cefuroxime Used in Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery with Cardiopulmonary Bypass.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the population pharmacokinetics (PK) of cefuroxime in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. In this observational pharmacokinetic study, multiple blood samples were collected over a 48-h interval of intravenous cefuroxime administration. The samples were analyzed by using a validated high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Population pharmacokinetic models were developed using Monolix (version 4.4) software. Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PD) simulations were performed to explore the ability of different dosage regimens to achieve the pharmacodynamic targets. A total of 468 blood samples from 78 patients were analyzed. The PK for cefuroxime were best described by a two-compartment model with between-subject variability on clearance, the volume of distribution of the central compartment, and the volume of distribution of the peripheral compartment. The clearance of cefuroxime was related to creatinine clearance (CLCR). Dosing simulations showed that standard dosing regimens of 1.5 g could achieve the PK-PD target of the percentage of the time that the free concentration is maintained above the MIC during a dosing interval (fTMIC) of 65% for an MIC of 8 mg/liter in patients with a CLCR of 30, 60, or 90 ml/min, whereas this dosing regimen failed to achieve the PK-PD target in patients with a CLCR of ≥125 ml/min. In conclusion, administration of standard doses of 1.5 g three times daily provided adequate antibiotic prophylaxis in patients undergoing CABG surgery. Lower doses failed to achieve the PK-PD target. Patients with high CLCR values required either higher doses or shorter intervals of cefuroxime dosing. On the other hand, lower doses (1 g three times daily) produced adequate target attainment for patients with low CLCR values (≤30 ml/min).