Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Related to Vitamin D, Zinc, and Ferritin Deficiencies and the Associated Risk of Hair Loss in Jazan, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D, zinc, and ferritin deficiencies are prevalent worldwide and linked to various health outcomes, including hair loss. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices related to these deficiencies among citizens in Jazan, Saudi Arabia, and their perceptions regarding the relationship between these deficiencies and hair loss. METHODS: A cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire was conducted between May 2023 and July 2023 among 985 participants, predominantly young adults aged between 18 and 25 years (58.9%, n = 580), females (56.2%, n = 554), single individuals (65.2%, n = 642), and Saudi citizens (98.2%, n = 967). Information on participants' demographics, knowledge, and practices related to vitamin D, zinc, and ferritin deficiencies was collected through Google Forms (Alphabet Inc., Mountain View, CA, USA). Knowledge levels were categorized as high or low based on responses. RESULTS: Almost all participants (95.2%, n = 938) had heard about vitamin D, zinc, and ferritin deficiencies and their risk of hair loss, and 554 (56.2%) participants had high knowledge, whereas 431 (43.8%) had low knowledge. The majority used the Internet to get information (37.1%, n = 365), identified sunlight as a source of these vitamins and minerals (91.7%, n = 903), and believed in their association with hair loss (74.0%, n = 729). Only about a third of participants reported daily sun exposure of 34.9% (n = 344) and vitamin supplement use of 35.4% (n = 349). Regression analysis revealed gender, awareness of vitamins, and vitamin supplement intake as significant factors related to hair loss (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The findings underscore the need for health education to improve sun exposure and supplement use practices, which could potentially reduce the prevalence of these deficiencies and associated hair loss. Future research should consider exploring other factors influencing hair loss and extending the study to different demographic groups.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of First Aid for Epistaxis Among the General Population in the Jazan Region of Saudi Arabia.

Background Epistaxis, or nosebleeds, is a widespread medical condition that can be effectively managed with appropriate first aid. Understanding the general public's knowledge and practices about this is crucial. Objectives This study sought to evaluate the awareness and practice regarding first aid for epistaxis within the general population of the Jazan region in Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional survey was administered from April through June 2023, using a questionnaire that covered sociodemographic factors, knowledge of epistaxis, first aid practices for epistaxis, and any previous training received. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY), with chi-square tests to evaluate the variables' associations. Results The questionnaire was completed by 622 participants, predominantly females, Saudis, and individuals from the age group of 18 to 25 years. It was found that 60% of the participants had experienced epistaxis, but only 52% had received prior first aid training. Although the majority (91.8%) accurately defined epistaxis, a mere 40.8% correctly identified all the steps for first aid management of epistaxis. There was a notable insufficiency in understanding the causes, risk factors, and appropriate first aid steps. Participants' knowledge was evenly split, with approximately half exhibiting low knowledge (49.70%) and the remainder showing high knowledge (50.30%). Certain sociodemographic factors such as older age (p=0.028), Saudi nationality (p=0.045), and higher education (p=0.001) were linked with more experiences of epistaxis. Conversely, younger age (p=0.002), female gender (p=0.036), single status (p=0.001), prior experience with epistaxis (p=0.001), and higher overall knowledge (p=0.001) were associated with a higher likelihood of having received first aid training. Conclusions The study reveals significant gaps in the knowledge and practices of first aid for epistaxis among the general population in the Jazan region. Public awareness campaigns and educational programs are urgently needed, particularly for specific groups. Enhancing first aid knowledge could help alleviate the impacts of epistaxis. Further research is required to develop effective educational interventions.

Patterns of tobacco consumption in food facilities in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

AIM: This study aimed at assessing prevailing patterns and risk factors of tobacco consumption among clients, food handlers and employers of food facilities, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional approach to a representative sample of food facilities in Riyadh was used. A sample of 3000 participants included clients (75%); food handlers/hospitality workers (20 %) and employers (5 %). Participants were reached at restaurants, food courts or cafes. A modified version of the WHO-CDC-Global Youth Tobacco Survey questionnaire was used for data collection. RESULTS: The prevalence of tobacco use at food facilities was found to be 40.3 %, of which 74% were customers, 18.8% were food handlers and 7.2% were managers. The consumption of tobacco was higher at restaurants (39.9%), but lowest at food courts of shopping malls. Water pipe (55.3%) was the main consumption type, followed by cigarettes (42.6%) and chewing tobacco (2.1%). Multivariate analysis showed that gender (male), marital status (single), and type of food facility (Estaraha and café/coffee shop) were independent risk factors associated with tobacco use at food facilities. CONCLUSION: Tobacco use is very common in food facilities in Riyadh as reflected by results of our study, especially among single males Saudis. We should build on success encountered in banning smoking in airports, airplanes, shopping malls, market places, educational institutions and healthcare facilities, extending the ban to include food facilities as well. This is important for the health of non-smokers as well as smokers themselves.

Best practice eye care models.

Since the launching of Global Initiative, VISION 2020 "the Right to Sight" many innovative, practical and unique comprehensive eye care services provision models have evolved targeting the underserved populations in different parts of the World. At places the rapid assessment of the burden of eye diseases in confined areas or utilizing the key informants for identification of eye diseases in the communities are promoted for better planning and evidence based advocacy for getting / allocation of resources for eye care. Similarly for detection and management of diabetes related blindness, retinopathy of prematurity and avoidable blindness at primary level, the major obstacles are confronted in reaching to them in a cost effective manner and then management of the identified patients accordingly. In this regard, the concept of tele-ophthalmology model sounds to be the best solution. Whereas other models on comprehensive eye care services provision have been emphasizing on surgical output through innovative scales of economy that generate income for the program and ensure its sustainability, while guaranteeing treatment of the poorest of the poor.

Enhancing advocacy for eye care at national levels: what steps to take for the next decade?

The global initiative for the elimination of avoidable blindness by the year 2020-(VISION 2020- The Right to Sight), established in 1999, is a partnership of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), governments, bilateral organizations, corporate bodies and the World Health Organization. The goal is to eliminate the major causes of avoidable blindness by the year 2020. Significant progress has been made in the last decade. For example, the adoption of three major World Health Assembly resolutions (WHA 56.26, 59.25 and 62.1) requesting governments to increase support and funding for the prevention of blindness and eye care. Additionally, the approval of the VISION 2020 declaration, development of plans and establishment of prevention of blindness committees and a designation of a coordinator by most participating countries represent other major achievements. Furthermore there has been increased political and professional commitment to the prevention of visual impairment and an increase in the provision of high-quality, sustainable eye care. Most of these achievements have been attributed to the advocacy efforts of VISION 2020 at the international level. The full success of this global initiative will likely depend on the extent to which the WHA resolutions are implemented in each country. However, most ratifying countries have not moved forward with implementation of these resolutions. To date, only few countries have shown consistent government support and funding for eye care pursuant to the resolutions. One of the main reasons for this may be inadequate and inappropriate advocacy for eye care at the national level. As such it is believed that the success of VISION 2020 in the next decade will depend on intense advocacy campaigns at national levels. This review identified some of the countries and health programs that have had fruitful advocacy efforts, to determine the factors that dictated success. The review highlights the factors of successful advocacy in two countries (Australia and Pakistan) that secured continued government support. The review further explores the achievements of the HIV/AIDs control network advocacy in securing global and national government support. Common factors for successful advocacy at the national level were identified to include generation of evidence data and effective utilization of the data with an appropriate forum and media to develop a credible relationship with prominent decision makers. Aligning eye care programming to the broad health and development agendas was a useful advocacy effort. Also a broad all-encompassing coalition of all stakeholders provides a solid platform for effective and persistent advocacy for government support of eye care.

Trichophyton fungal keratitis.

OBJECTIVE: To report 5 cases of fungal keratitis caused by Trichophyton schoenleinii. METHODS: Case reports. RESULTS: Trichophyton schoenleinii is responsible for aggressive fungal keratitis that is associated with keratolysis as a result of collagenase expression by the organism. Clinically, the organism seems to be sensitive to topical natamycin but resistant to topical amphotericin B and miconazole. Two patients achieved clinical cures with medical therapy alone, but with visual outcomes of only 20/125 and hand motions because of corneal scarring. Two patients achieved clinical cures with therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty (PKP), which remained clear and provided final visual outcomes of 20/60 and 20/200. One patient developed fungal scleritis and panophthalmitis despite 2 therapeutic PKPs and required enucleation. CONCLUSION: Trichophyton schoenleinii is a rare cause of fungal keratitis that may be associated with progressive keratolysis and perforation, scleral extension, and endophthalmitis. Therapeutic keratoplasty may be successful in achieving cure in medically unresponsive cases.