ABSTRACT
Background Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a significant health concern affecting both adults and children. However, limited research has focused on SDB and its association with orofacial symptoms in primary school children in the Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia. Understanding the prevalence and impact of SDB in this specific population is crucial for early detection and intervention. The study aims to investigate the prevalence of SDB and its associations with orofacial symptoms among primary school children. Method A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted, involving 307 primary school children aged six to 12 years in the Aseer Region. Data was collected through a web-based questionnaire, analyzing demographic information, orofacial symptoms, sleep apnea symptoms, general symptoms, growth-related symptoms, and behavioral symptoms. Results The study showed a balanced gender distribution, with 67.8% of children falling between ages six and nine years. Most children were Saudi nationals, and 58.6% were enrolled in primary education. Orofacial symptoms were reported by 63.5% of children, with finger-sucking and grinding teeth while sleeping being the most common. Sleep apnea symptoms affected 44.3% of children, with snoring being the prevalent symptom. General symptoms were reported by 45% of children, with daytime sleepiness being the most common. Approximately 44.6% of children exhibited sleepiness and growth-related symptoms. No statistically significant relationship was found between age and the occurrence of these symptoms. Conclusion The study offers valuable insights into the prevalence of SDB and its associations with orofacial symptoms among primary school children in the Aseer Region. To truly gauge the impact of interventions on SDB, further research with therapeutic interventions is warranted. In the meantime, targeted strategies and awareness initiatives are needed to address SDB in this population and enhance their overall health and quality of life.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Antibiotics are a groundbreaking discovery that revolutionized the treatment of infectious diseases in both humans and animals during the 20th century. However, their overuse and misuse led to serious public health threats, causing widespread concern and significant social and economic consequences. Microorganisms have a natural ability to develop resistance to antibiotics over time through genetic mechanisms, which has further exacerbated the problem. Unfortunately, in the last two decades, there has been a dearth of new antibacterial substances discovered, which has only worsened the situation. AIM: This study aims to assess the awareness and knowledge of antibiotic resistance and risks of self-medication with antibiotics among the Aseer region population, Saudi Arabia 2023. METHODS: An observational cross-sectional survey was conducted in Saudi Arabia targeting persons aged 18 to 80 years old living in the Aseer region, Southern of Saudi Arabia. The data were collected using a pre-structured questionnaire after an intensive literature review and expert's consultation. The questionnaire was distributed throughout the social medial channels. The study questionnaire was uploaded online till no more new cases participated and no new answers were obtained. Results: A total of 300 participants completed the study questionnaire. Participants' ages ranged from 18 to 80 years with a mean age of 31.5 ± 12.9 years old. Exactly 200 participants (66.7%) were females. As for the educational level, 209 (69.7%) had a university level of education. Two-hundred and three (67.7%) participants had an overall poor knowledge and awareness about antibiotic resistance and risks of self-medication. Also, 103 (34.3%) participants used antibiotics without prescription before and 100 (33.3%) used leftover antibiotics from a previous infection. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the current study showed that nearly one out of three participants in the Aseer region had unprescribed antibiotics. Another unsafe practice was that the same percent used leftover antibiotics from a previous infection. As for participants' knowledge of antibiotic resistance, also one-third of the respondents had good knowledge about the issue.
