ABSTRACT
Background and Aims: Peripheral neuropathy is a common diabetic complication. It is linked to poor glycaemic control and longer duration of diabetes. We explored the association between HbA1c and neuropathy risk considering the duration of diabetes in a sample of Saudi diabetic patients. Method: We conducted a monofilament test on 343 diabetic patients referred to our specialist diabetology centre in Saudi Arabia. We utilized a multiple generalized logistic regression model with a binary outcome related to neuropathy complications. Results: We found that over four out of every five patients have peripheral neuropathy. The interaction between HbA1c and duration was significant (estimate = -0.02802, P = 0.00534), a positive association between neuropathy and both HbA1c (increased risk by 46.2%, P = 0.03222) and DM duration (increased risk by 19.6%, P = 0.04497). Conclusions: The shorter the duration of diabetes, the more positive the relationship between HbA1c and peripheral neuropathy. In patients living for over 40 years with diabetes, HbA1c was higher among those who did not have peripheral neuropathy. It could be argued that this is an artefact of survival as poorer glycaemic control will likely result in higher mortality in earlier years of the diabetes career.
ABSTRACT
Background: COVID-19 was declared a public health emergency of global concern by the World Health Organization (WHO) on January 30, 2020. Vaccination is one of the most effective methods for halting the pandemic and preventing complications. Vaccine hesitancy is a possible threat to global public health. Understanding the key determinants that influence the community's preferences and demands for a future vaccine may aid in the development of strategies to improve the global vaccination program. The aim of this study was to assess the beliefs, barriers, and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination among Taif University students in Saudi Arabia. Materials and Method: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, based study in Taif University, Saudi Arabia. Data was collected using a designed self-administered questionnaire that was shared as a link through social media. 332 students were considered eligible to participate voluntarily. Data were analyzed using the (SPSS) program version 25. Results: Out of 332 participants, 278 (83.7%) were accepting to take the covid vaccine, while 54 (16.3%) refused. Believes in vaccine safety and effectiveness and trust in the ability of the vaccine to prevent the complication, were all associated with high acceptance rate. Fear about side effects is considered a major factor for vaccination refusal. Conclusion: Most of the participants have the willingness to be vaccinated. The majority of students who agreed to take the vaccine were in the medical field, and that is mostly due to their high knowledge exposure. This indicates the importance of raising the awareness of the non-medical students.
ABSTRACT
Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) remains a concern globally and particularly in Saudi Arabia, where its prevalence is continuously increasing among the Saudi population. DM is known to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which can progress significantly if DM is poorly controlled. Aim: Determine the prevalence of cardiovascular events among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in the west region of Saudi Arabia, and additionally the use of antidiabetic agents with cardiovascular benefits (ADc) in T2DM patients with cardiovascular events (CVEs). Method: A retrospective cohort study was conducted among all patients with T2DM who presented to the diabetic center of Prince Mansour Military Hospital (PMMH), Taif city, between the 1st of January and 30th of June 2021. Data extracted from patient medical records included demographics, home medications, medications used to treat T2DM, lab results, and ECG data. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze and compare the results. The study was approved by the Research and Ethics Committee of Medical Services General Directorate, Armed Forces Hospitals, Taif region. Result: A total of 349 patients with T2DM were recruited and included in the final analysis. Of this study population, 132 patients had experienced at least one cardiovascular event while 54 were considered to be at risk of future cardiovascular events due to having risk factors for cardiovascular diseases above and beyond the presence of diabetes. A subgroup analysis was conducted to examine HbA1c% among all groups; interestingly, all were similar, with p > 0.05. Of all diabetic patients with CVEs, only 34.8 % were on at least one anti-diabetic agent known to have cardiovascular benefits; the remainder were on other anti-diabetic agents. A similar analysis was conducted on diabetic patients with risk of CVEs, of which only 13 % were on at least one anti-diabetic agent having known cardiovascular benefits; the remainder were on other anti-diabetic agents. Conclusion: The prevalence of CVEs among T2DM patients in Saudi Arabia is very close to the global prevalence, but ADcs are underutilized in this population. Tighter glycemic control is warranted to help rein in and reduce the CVE incidence among patients with T2DM.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Saudi Arabia has the second-highest rate of diabetes in the Middle East. Herbal treatment is the most used complementary and alternative therapy among Saudi diabetic patients. Little is known about the use of complementary and alternative medicine among diabetic patients who reside in Taif city. METHOD: This study evaluated the magnitude and correlates of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among diabetic patients attending diabetic clinics and primary healthcare in two governmental hospitals, namely, Prince Mansour Military Hospital (PMMH) and National Gourd Hospital (NGH) in Taif city. RESULTS: CAM prevalence was 33.7%, of whom 87.3% did not consult a doctor before use and 43.2% had more than one source of information while 62.7% used more than one CAM method. Around 49.2% reported that it is very useful, and 72.9% did not notice any side effect from its use. In addition, 47.5% would recommend CAM to other diabetic patients. All (100%) reported using bitter apple, 66.1% reported using cinnamon, 55.1% used ginger, 35.6% took fenugreek, and 21.2% reported using Garlic as an only CAM. Female gender, family history, diabetic complications, and longer duration of diabetes were associated with the increased use of CAM. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: CAM use by diabetic patients in Taif is prevalent. Health education and the safe use of CAM is much needed. Appropriate efforts from the government to integrate CAM into conventional diabetes treatment should be considered.