Relationship between Vitamin D Deficiency, Diabetes, and Obesity.

AIM: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of VDD in Saudi Arabia, revealing the lifestyle and nutritional habits; and assesses the association between VDD, Diabetes Mellitus, and obesity. METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional, and correlational design was used in this study. A convenience sampling method of 350 participants participated in the study. RESULTS: The results revealed that the probability of having vitamin D Deficiency was higher among females (OR = 2.06, p > .05); younger age-whereby with each one year decrease in age there was about 0.03 probability of having Vitamin D Deficiency (B = -0.03; p > .05); individuals with higher incomes (OR = 1.44, p > .05); smokers (OR = 0.08, p > .05); and a lack of exposure to the sun (OR = 8.50; p > .05). In addition, exercise is also a predictor of Vitamin D deficiency (OR = 3.8; p > .05). Moreover, less Vitamin D intake (OR 9.7; p > .05), less intake of Calcium (OR = 12.2, p > .05); In addition increase one unit in the BMI, cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and FBS increased the log odd of having liability of Vitamin D deficiency by 3.2; 1.9, 1.8, 1.0, and 2.4 (p > .05). CONCLUSION: Vitamin D Deficiency was prevalent in both males and females across different age groups in the citizens of Saudi. Because of the connection between Vitamin D Deficiency and main chronic disease, it is necessary to emphasize the need to recognize Vitamin D Deficiency screening for risk factors. It may be reasonable for the nutritionists, nurses, and physicians, to encourage the community on approaches to enhance dietary Vitamin D or suggest supplementation.

Impact of Nutritional and Environmental Factors on Vitamin D Deficiency

Background: Vitamin D can be obtained through a variety of food sources; however, ultraviolet rays in the sunlight can convert a natural substance in the skin known as ergosterol to vitamin D. Aim: This study aims to investigate the prevalence and risk factors linked to vitamin D deficiency among a group of apparently healthy young male and female Tabuk citizens in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study that comprised a convenience sampling method of 350 male and female Tabuk citizens. Results: The results indicated a generalized vitamin D deficiency and severe deficiency among the participants, where 74.57% of the population had vitamin D deficiency, and 25.43% reported vitamin D sufficiency. There was a significant positive correlation among the BMI, exercise, exposure to sunlight, vitamin D intake, and calcium intake with vitamin D status (r = 0.574,** 0.525,** 0.515,** 0.466 and 0.465** at p-value < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: The present study indicates vitamin D deficiency to be relatively common even among the population of Saudi Arabia, a country receiving adequate sunlight. Also, Vitamin D and calcium supplementation can prove to be beneficial in correcting the deficiency. Moreover, the individuals at a higher risk of vitamin insufficiency, such as women, need to be educated on the health benefits of vitamin D and calcium supplementation.

Hypertension and diabetes mellitus as a predictive risk factors for stroke.

BACKGROUND: Stroke is becoming a major challenge in healthcare systems, and this has necessitated the study of the various risk factors. As the number of people with hypertension, diabetes mellitus and obesity increases, the problem is expected to worsen. This review paper evaluates what can be done to eliminate or reduce the risk of stroke. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the research is to evaluate the risk factors for stroke. The paper also aims to understand how these risks can be handled to avoid incidences of stroke. METHOD: Published clinical trials of stroke risk factors studies were recognised by a search of EMBASE and MEDLINE databases with keywords hypertension, blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, stroke or cardiovascular disease, or prospective study, and meta-analysis. RESULTS: The findings of this review are that the prevention of stroke starts with identifying risk factors for stroke, most of the patients diagnosed with stroke have various risk factors. Consequently, it is a very significant to identify all the risk factors for stroke as well as to teach the patient how to dominate them. CONCLUSION: after summarising all the studies mentioned in the paper, it can be established that hypertension and diabetes mellitus are a stroke risk factors and correlated in patients with atherosclerosis.

Beliefs and Behavior of Saudi Women in the University of Tabuk Toward Breast Self Examination Practice

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most frequent types of malignancy worldwide, Breast Self Exam (BSE) is considered as a simple method to screen and detect breast cancer, then early beginning of treatment and enhancing survival rates. Aim: To Identify the health beliefs about breast Self-Examination and its relationships with the frequency of BSE among the women in the University of Tabuk at Saudi Arabia. Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional correlational design was used; Champion Health Beliefs Model (CHBM) was utilized to assess health beliefs among 400 women who answered a self-administered questionnaire. Results: Among the 400 respondents, almost all the sample (382,95.5%) heard about BSE. However, only (7.8%) practiced BSE regularly each month in the past year, and (9%) is intended to perform BSE monthly in future. There was a positive relationship between performing BSE last year and the beliefs of susceptibility and confidence. While, intention to perform BSE in the future was significantly correlated to seriousness and confidence. Perceived barriers were negatively related to BSE performance in last 12 months and in future. Conclusion: Health beliefs affect the behavior of women in practicing BSE. Confidence was related positively to BSE in past year, and future practice, while barriers belief was as the negative factor to perform BSE.

Relative and Global Health: A Comparative Study between Healthcare Systems of Jordan and France.

OBJECTIVE: This relative study includes categorical exploration of the economics, demographic, political, social and financial data to realize the basic reasons of the present healthcare systems in these countries. METHODS: Descriptive and comparative methods were used. This study tries to relate the healthcare systems of Jordan with that of France to produce effective lessons that can be helpful for guiding future developments down the correct path. RESULTS: Depending on many factors such as life expectancy, the mortality rate in infants, universal medical coverage and availability of healthcare services to the masses, significant disparities between the two systems were found. CONCLUSION: Through this study, it has been concluded that the healthcare system of Jordan has a lot to improve with regard to standards of services offered, and there are many aspects to be learned from the French healthcare system by the Jordanian one, including the healthcare coverage system and the cost-sharing strategies.