Patterns and associated factors of shisha usage among the undergraduate students of Jouf University, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Shisha tobacco use is gaining popularity around the world, especially among young people and college students. Shisha users are exposed to many of the same harmful substances as cigarette smokers but at much higher levels, which could have more serious adverse health impacts. The aims of this study were to: 1) determine the patterns of shisha smoking among university students in the Northern Province of Saudi Arabia; 2) identify the reasons for using shisha tobacco; and 3) ascertain whether usage of shisha smoking differs by their sociodemographic characteristics. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among students of seven different colleges at a public university between October and December 2022. A modified version of the Global Youth Tobacco Survey questionnaire was used to collect information specifically on shisha smoking. After adjusting for confounding variables, a logistic regression analysis was used to determine the related factors. RESULTS: A total of 418 participants were included in the study. Of the studied population, shisha smoking was seen in 73.7% (n=308). Out of 308 shisha smokers, 208 (67.5%) had their first session of shisha smoking within the past two years; 34.4% of participants had used it in the past 30 days (current users), of which 27.4% had smoked shisha from 1 to 7 days during the past 30 days. The majority of respondents (63.6%) reported having friends that smoke. The most popular flavor among respondents (24.6%) was apple. For quitting attempts, 46.4% reported a 24-hour quit attempt in the previous year. Stress (23.0%) was reported as the main reason for beginning shisha use. Shisha smoking was significantly associated with age (Ref. 18-20 years; 24-26 years, AOR=0.08; 95% CI: 0.02-0.33, p<0.001; ≥27 years, AOR=0.12; 95% CI: 0.02-0.62, p=0.01), living status (Ref. alone; with family, AOR=0.23; 95% CI: 0.11-0.47, p<0.001; with friends, AOR=0.36; 95% CI: 0.18-0.76, p<0.001), with parents having higher education level (Ref. primary school and lower; Bachelor's, AOR=0.33; 95% CI: 0.14-0.76, p<0.001; diploma, AOR=0.33; 95% CI: 0.15-0.73, p<0.001; PhD, AOR=5.15; 95% CI: 1.00-9.65, p=0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Shisha use was more frequent among Saudi Arabian college students, especially those who were aged 18-20 years, living alone, and having highly educated parents.

Comparing the Efficacy of Different Archwire Materials in Accelerating Orthodontic Tooth Movement.

Background: Orthodontic treatment is commonly used to correct misaligned teeth and improve dental aesthetics and function. Archwires play a crucial role in this treatment by exerting forces on teeth, prompting them to shift into desired positions. Materials and Methods: For this experimental study, 60 participants requiring orthodontic treatment were selected and divided into three groups: Group A, treated with stainless steel archwires; Group B, treated with nickel-titanium archwires; and Group C, treated with beta-titanium archwires. Standardized orthodontic procedures were followed for all participants. The rate of tooth movement was measured over a period of 6 months using digital models and a calibrated measurement technique. Results: The study revealed notable differences in the rate of orthodontic tooth movement among the three groups. Group B (nickel-titanium archwires) demonstrated the highest mean rate of tooth movement, with an average of 1.5 mm per month. Group A (stainless steel archwires) exhibited a mean rate of 1.2 mm per month, while Group C (beta-titanium archwires) showed the lowest mean rate at 0.9 mm per month. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study highlights the varying efficacy of different archwire materials in accelerating orthodontic tooth movement. Nickel-titanium archwires exhibited the highest rate of tooth movement compared to stainless steel and beta-titanium archwires.

Assessment of AI Models in Predicting Treatment Outcomes in Orthodontics.

Background: In the realm of orthodontics, the evaluation of treatment outcomes is a pivotal aspect. In recent times, artificial intelligence (AI) models have garnered attention as potential tools for predicting these outcomes. These AI models have the potential to enhance treatment planning and decision-making processes. However, a comprehensive assessment of their effectiveness and accuracy is essential before their widespread integration. Materials and Methods: In this study, we assessed the capability of AI models to predict treatment outcomes in orthodontics. A sample of 30 patients undergoing orthodontic treatment was selected. Various patient-specific parameters, including age, initial malocclusion severity, and treatment approach, were collected. The AI model was trained using a dataset comprising historical treatment cases and their respective outcomes. Subsequently, the trained AI model was applied to predict the treatment outcomes for the selected patients. Results: The results of this study indicated a moderate level of accuracy in the predictions made by the AI model. Out of the 30 patients, the model accurately predicted treatment outcomes for 22 patients, yielding a success rate of approximately 73%. However, the model exhibited limitations in accurately predicting outcomes for cases involving complex malocclusions or those requiring non-standard treatment approaches. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study underscores the potential of AI models in predicting treatment outcomes in orthodontics. While the AI model demonstrated promising accuracy in the majority of cases, its efficacy was diminished in complex and non-standard cases. Therefore, while AI models can serve as valuable tools to aid orthodontists in treatment planning, they should be utilized in conjunction with clinical expertise to ensure optimal decision-making and patient care.

Nanoparticles in Preventing Biofilm Formation on Orthodontic Brackets: Clinical Study.

This study investigates the effectiveness of nanoparticles in preventing the formation of biofilms on orthodontic brackets. Biofilm formation is a common concern during orthodontic treatment, as it can lead to oral health issues. Materials and Methods: The study utilized a randomized controlled trial design. The participants were divided into two groups: the experimental group and the control group. The experimental group received orthodontic brackets coated with nanoparticles, while the control group received regular brackets. The patients' oral hygiene was monitored, and plaque index scores were recorded at specific intervals. Results: The results of this study demonstrated a significant difference in biofilm formation between the two groups. The experimental group, which had orthodontic brackets with nanoparticle coatings, exhibited a lower plaque index compared to the control group. The mean plaque index score difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05), indicating that the nanoparticles effectively reduced biofilm formation on orthodontic brackets. Conclusion: In conclusion, the findings of this clinical study suggest that the utilization of nanoparticles as coatings for orthodontic brackets can be an effective approach to prevent biofilm formation.

Magnitude and Determinants of Awareness Regarding Refractive Surgeries Among Saudi Adults.

Objectives: This study aimed to present the magnitude and determinants of awareness about refractive surgery among the adult Saudi population and recommend knowledge improvement. Methods: This web-based cross-sectional study was conducted between June 2020 and May 2021 across various regions of Saudi Arabia on the adult Saudi population. A total of 11 close-ended questions regarding indication, contraindication, preparation and surgery procedures were asked. The awareness scores were grouped as 'good' (≥6) or 'poor' (≤5). Demographic and ocular parameters were associated with the outcomes. Results: Of the 6,746 participants, 6,580 (response rate = 97.5%) completed the survey. The participation of younger women and older men was greater than their proportions in the population, while older women participated less than their proportion. Good awareness about refractive surgery was noted in 1,165 (17.7%; 95% confidence interval: 16.2-18.0) participants. Women (P <0.001), the 18-29 age group (P <0.001), residents of the central region of Saudi Arabia (P <0.001), health professionals (P <0.001), health sector students (P = 0.0004), people with myopia (P <0.001) and history of refractive surgery (P <0.001) were associated with good awareness. Women (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.5; P <0.001), health sector students (AOR = 1.57; P <0.001), and residents in the central region (AOR = 1.27; P <0.001) were independent predictors of awareness. Knowledge about contraindications for surgery was good in more than one-third of the participants. Of the 535 participants who underwent surgery in the past, 452 (84.5%) were satisfied with their outcomes. Conclusion: Awareness of refractive surgeries is low in the adult Saudi population. Targeted counseling is recommended to improve the knowledge and acceptance of refractive surgery.

Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients in the Northern Region of Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent diseases, and ignoring dental health care before and after treatment can have severe long-term consequences. Additionally, this may have a negative impact on the patient's general quality of life. AIM: The aim of the present study was to assess oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among breast cancer patients and identify possible factors associated with the outcome. METHODOLOGY: In this observational cross-sectional study, 200 women who had received breast cancer therapy and were being followed up at a hospital made up the sample. The study was conducted between January 2021 and July 2022. Information on sociodemographic characteristics, general health, and breast cancer was recorded. The decayed, missing, and filled teeth index was used in clinical examinations to identify caries experience. OHRQoL was evaluated using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire. After adjusting for confounding variables, a logistic regression analysis was used to determine the related factors. RESULTS: The mean OHIP-14 score was 11.48 (SD 1.35). There was a 63.0% prevalence of negative impacts. Age and the time frame from cancer diagnosis were found to be significantly linked with the outcome by binary logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Breast cancer survivors who were ≤55 years old and the time elapsed since diagnosis was less than 36 months had a poor OHRQoL. To lessen the negative impacts of cancer treatment and enhance quality of life, patients with breast cancer need special oral care and should be monitored before, during, and after cancer treatment.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Toward Self-Medicating Eye Symptoms in Saudi Arabia.

Purpose: Self-medication is the selection and use of drugs by individuals to treat self-diagnosed diseases or symptoms. While some patients regard self-medicating as harmless, it is far from being a safe practice. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward self-medicating eye symptoms in Saudi Arabia. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted through an online questionnaire on a study population that consisted of Saudi nationals aged 18 and older who were using or had previously used ophthalmic medications. Results: Among the 524 responses obtained, 79.4% were female, and more than half were less than 40 years old. Participants admitting to practicing ophthalmic self-medication measured 62.4%. The most commonly self-prescribed ophthalmic medications were artificial tears (n=276), followed by antiallergic (n=57) and antibiotic medications (n=33). Many participants reported that the reason for self-treatment was for repeated and simple symptoms that did not require professional care. While approximately 51% showed high levels of knowledge about ophthalmic medications, no significant relationship was seen with their choice to self-medicate (P=0.153). Conclusion: Despite detecting a high level of knowledge and acceptable practices and attitudes among participants, a high incidence of self-medication was observed. This effect was mostly attributed to long hospital waiting times and patient self-diagnosis. Increasing the number of healthcare units and properly educating patients on ophthalmic medications may help decrease the incidence of self-medication.

Herpetic Keratitis and Corneal Endothelitis Following COVID-19 Vaccination: A Case Series.

Herpetic corneal disease is the most common infectious cause of corneal blindness in developed countries. The majority of the infections are caused by the reactivation of the latent virus in the trigeminal ganglion. Environmental factors and physical stress are thought to contribute to viral reactivation. The pathognomonic lesion of the herpes simplex virus (HSV) is dendritic keratitis, which is visible on slit-lamp examination after fluorescein dye staining. A potential association between HSV reactivation and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines has been reported. In this case series, we present four cases of HSV reactivation in patients who received COVID-19 vaccination in Saudi Arabia from different medical centers. This report emphasizes the necessity of evaluating HSV reactivation as a potential side effect of COVID-19 vaccination. This is important because early diagnosis and timely management of herpetic lesions can potentially reduce the severity of infection.

Impact of Dry Eye Disease on Work Productivity Among Saudi Workers in Saudi Arabia.

PURPOSE: To assess the impact of dry eye disease (DED) on work productivity in Saudi Arabia and investigate its effect on daily activities. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study on male and female Saudi workers age 20 years or older. The data were collected via self-administered questionnaires distributed electronically through social media. We used the Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire to diagnose DED patients and assess their DED severity as mild, moderate, and severe. RESULTS: A total of 463 respondents qualified for the study. All patients in the DED groups reported a loss of work productivity. Most patients in the severe DED group (59%) reported difficulty focusing on work due to DED, whereas 17.1% of patients with mild DED and 22.7% with moderate DED reported the same. These findings indicate significantly worsening productivity as DED progresses in severity (p<0.05). Participants with severe DED reported significantly more affected work hours weekly (35.8%) than participants with moderate (6.1%) and mild DED (7.1%). CONCLUSION: DED has a significant impact on work productivity, with the most pronounced effect among office workers. It is essential to screen office workers for DED and enhance the awareness of its effect on work productivity among the workforce and healthcare providers.