RESUMO
Aim Strabismus or squint is when one eye is misaligned or looking in a different direction. Some people consider strabismus as a cosmetic problem, causing patients in this condition to be mishandled, especially children, which might affect their vision and their quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the psychological and social challenges faced by parents of children with strabismus during the years 2020-2021. Subjects and methods This is a cross-sectional study conducted among parents who have children with strabismus onset from birth till the age of 16 years. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed among parents during their visits to the vision eye specialist center. The questionnaire included socio-demographic characteristics of patients with strabismus and a 12-item questionnaire to measure the psychological impact on the parents of children with strabismus. Results Out of the 105 respondents, 65.7% were fathers, and 55.2% had children aged six years old or less. The most prominent strabismus type was esotropia (where the eye turns inward; 38.1%), while the most common nature of strabismus was intermittent (76.2%). The mean total score of psychological impact was 36.2 (SD=8.15) out of 60 points, with 62.9% considered as having an average psychological impact. Moreover, 77.1% of the respondents believed that strabismus could be treated and improved. Conclusion There was a moderate psychosocial challenge among parents of children with strabismus. Out of all the subjects, mothers who had prior visits to government hospitals were noticed to be greatly affected psychologically as compared to other subjects.
RESUMO
Background: Nasal decongestant drugs are widely used as potent vasoconstrictive agents to reduce congestion of nasal and ocular mucous membranes in disease such as allergic rhinitis. These drugs are easily accessible to the people over the counter without prescription. The ease in access may lead the population in believing that the drugs are risk free and free from side effects. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of awareness of the people in Unaizah Al-Qassim province in Saudi Arabia on the use of nasal decongestants ad their side effects. Methodology: After gaining the Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, the study was a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study conducted on the people Unaizah Al-Qassim province in Saudi Arabia. It was explorative in nature as such a study has never been done in Unaizah before and hence descriptive statistics was mainly used to establish significance and reference. The questionnaires assessed the demographical characteristics of the population, participants' history on the usage of nasal decongestants, health condition of the participants, and knowledge on nasal congestion and use nasal decongestants. Results: Out of 385 participants, 54% were male and 46% are female. With regards to age, majority of the participants were between the age of 20 and 40 years 56%, followed by 40--60 years old (33%). 79% of the participants had acquired a baccalaureus level in education. When assessed on the usage of nasal decongestants, 32.5% currently use the decongestants, 64.4% have ever used the drugs now and in the past. In terms of knowledge of the drugs, 16.6% of the participants are aware of the side effects, 25.2% are aware of the medically recommended period to use the drugs, 21.3% have heard of the nasal congestion addiction, and 21.6% are aware of the medication that may cause nasal congestion. Conclusion: The study established that the level of awareness on the use nasal decongestants and the side effects is not significant. There needs to be a sensitization campaign to educate the population on the use of nasal decongestants.
