Depression and Anxiety in Patients With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study in Saudi Arabia.

INTRODUCTION: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in females of childbearing age. It causes irregular menstruation, infertility, acne vulgaris, androgenic alopecia, and hirsutism. It is associated with a higher risk of mental disorders. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of depression and anxiety among females with PCOS and the factors associated with these disorders. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted between 15th January and 19th November 2023. We invited Saudi women to do an online survey. We sent the survey link privately, got their permission, and explained the research to ensure privacy and reliability. Females with a previous psychiatric history were excluded. Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 Items (DASS-21) were used to assess depression, anxiety, and distress. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and two-sample t-tests were used to identify determinants of depression and anxiety. RESULTS: About 967 females participated, of whom 474 (49%) were married, and 358 (37%) had a healthy weight. About 367 (37.9%) of participants were diagnosed with PCOS, and it was associated with age (26-35 years), divorce, and family history of PCOS (p < 0.05). About 112 (30.5%) of PCOS patients experienced extremely severe depression, and 144 (39.2%) had extreme anxiety. People in the age range of 15-25 years had a higher risk of depression and stress (p < 0.05). Divorced participants faced a higher risk of depression, anxiety, and stress than singles (p < 0.05). Those advised on diet and healthy lifestyles exhibited a higher risk of depression, anxiety, and stress than those who were not (p < 0.05). Additionally, being overweight was associated with a higher risk of depression (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of PCOS was found to be 37.9% in our study, which may seem higher compared to the existing literature on PCOS. It is associated with being in the age group of 26-35 years, being divorced, and having a positive family history. Almost two-thirds of females with PCOS had depression, anxiety, and stress. Factors associated with the three disorders include divorce and management with diet and lifestyle modifications. Depression and stress were associated with young age. High body mass index (BMI) was associated with depression.

Acrodermatitis Enteropathica: A Rare Case With Lifelong Implications.

Acrodermatitis enteropathica is a rare genetic disorder caused by a defect in intestinal zinc absorption, resulting in zinc deficiency and various clinical manifestations, including dermatitis, diarrhea, alopecia, and nail abnormalities. Here we present the case of a 10-year-old male child with diarrhea, and abdominal pain for several months who was diagnosed with acrodermatitis enteropathica confirmed by low serum zinc levels. The child had multiple erythematous, scaly, and crusted lesions on the hands and elbows, which resolved after starting oral zinc sulfate supplementation (10 mg/kg/day) in three divided doses. The patient's serum zinc levels normalized (1.0 µg/mL), and the skin lesions completely resolved after six months of follow-up with a regular zinc-rich diet and gradual reduction of zinc sulfate dosage to a maintenance level (2-4 mg/kg/day). This case report emphasizes the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment of acrodermatitis enteropathica to prevent the harmful consequences of zinc deficiency and highlights the need for healthcare providers to consider this disorder in children presenting with skin lesions and diarrhea, particularly those with a positive family history or consanguinity.

Knowledge About the Herpes Zoster (HZ) Vaccine and Its Acceptance Among the Population in Al-Ahsa City in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Introduction Herpes zoster (HZ), caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), poses a public health concern in Saudi Arabia, with an increasing number of cases reported in recent years. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and acceptance of the herpes zoster vaccine among Saudi Arabian citizens in Al-Ahsa. Methodology A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using online surveys administered via social media platforms. The study was conducted in Al-Ahsa, a city located in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Al-Ahsa serves as a representative urban area within Saudi Arabia. Result The study found a high level of awareness and knowledge about the vaccine, with 78.2% of the participants having heard of herpes zoster. The majority considered the vaccine effective (89%) and believed it was available in Saudi Arabia (87%). However, the vaccination rate was only 8%. The study revealed varied opinions on the target population for vaccination, with 39.7% favoring immunocompromised patients and 38.1% choosing individuals above 50 years. The reasons for not being vaccinated included a lack of information (38.3%) and the belief of being in good health (37.3%). Conclusion The findings suggest a need for targeted educational campaigns to address misconceptions and promote vaccination, particularly among healthcare providers and the recommended target populations. Future research should explore barriers to vaccination to inform tailored interventions.