The Association Between Vitamin D Deficiency and the Level of Fasting C Peptide Among Patients With Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

This study investigates the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) indicated by elevated glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, alongside assessing the association between fasting C peptide levels and uncontrolled T2DM, considering their roles in ß-cell function and insulin secretion. The study employs a cohort design, selecting individuals diagnosed with T2DM aged 18 years or older with baseline data on vitamin D, fasting C peptide, and HbA1c. Data were collected through electronic medical records and follow-up assessments at regular intervals. Binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore associations between exposure variables and uncontrolled T2DM. Significant associations were observed between vitamin D and C peptide levels with uncontrolled diabetes, with coefficients of -0.097 and -0.222, respectively. Higher vitamin D and C peptide levels are linked to a decreased likelihood of uncontrolled diabetes. In conclusion, there is a potential connection between vitamin D levels, C peptide levels, and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (HbA1C > 7%), while higher levels of both vitamin D and C peptide appeared to correlate with a decreased likelihood of uncontrolled diabetes.

Social Media Effect on Personal Self-Esteem Among the Population in Saudi Arabia.

Background Self-esteem is a self-valuation; it is how people perceive their own worth and how valuable they believe they are to others. In this study, our primary objective was to explore the association between social media use and self-esteem among individuals who actively engage with social media platforms in Saudi Arabia. Method This study involved individuals aged 15 and above who are active social media users residing in Saudi Arabia. The data were collected through an anonymous online cross-sectional survey. Participants were recruited using snowball and convenience sampling method. A questionnaire was administered through Google Forms to collect data from participants. The questionnaire was structured into three sections, which included gathering social and demographic information, assessing personal usage patterns, and evaluating individual self-esteem levels using an Arabic valid version of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale.  Results The survey included a total of 2,551 participants. Among them, 51.3% (n = 1,309) were female, 29% (n = 741) fell within the 21-25 age group, 95.7% (n = 2,441) were of Saudi nationality, and 51.6% (n = 1,316) were single. The social media platform most frequently used by participants was TikTok 98.5% (n = 2,512), followed by Facebook 95.7% (n = 2,441), Telegram 89.8% (n = 2,291), YouTube 72.2% (n = 1,942), WhatsApp 66.0% (n = 1,683), and finally, Snapchat 30.7% (n = 1,769). In total, 14.3% (n= 366) have low self-esteem, participants scored around 16.10 ± 1.80, ranging from 5 to 25. The following variables were significantly associated with self-esteem: female sex (83.88% vs 87.52%, X2 = 6.87, p = 0.009), nationality (X2 = 13.507, p < 0.001), marital status (X2 = 12.313, p = 0.006), region (X2 = 18.36, p = 0.001), using Tik Tok (X2 = 4.11, p = 0.043), the frequency of posting comments (X2 = 12.01, p = 0.017), comparing oneself to others (X2 = 27.94, p < 0.001), using social media because of weak personal communication (X2 = 6.56, p = 0.010), using social media to follow news (X2 = 6.89, p = 0.009), and the perceived effect of social media (X2 = 16.28, p < 0.001). Conclusions Our findings revealed that a minority of participants exhibited low self-esteem, and individuals from the Northern region were more likely to report such issues. Sociodemographic factors, including gender, nationality, and marital status, demonstrated associations with self-esteem. Additionally, the frequency of comments, TikTok usage, and peer comparison significantly influenced self-esteem levels.

Prevalence of Sleep-Disordered Breathing and Its Association With Orofacial Symptoms Among Primary School Children in the Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia.

Background Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a significant health concern affecting both adults and children. However, limited research has focused on SDB and its association with orofacial symptoms in primary school children in the Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia. Understanding the prevalence and impact of SDB in this specific population is crucial for early detection and intervention. The study aims to investigate the prevalence of SDB and its associations with orofacial symptoms among primary school children. Method A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted, involving 307 primary school children aged six to 12 years in the Aseer Region. Data was collected through a web-based questionnaire, analyzing demographic information, orofacial symptoms, sleep apnea symptoms, general symptoms, growth-related symptoms, and behavioral symptoms. Results The study showed a balanced gender distribution, with 67.8% of children falling between ages six and nine years. Most children were Saudi nationals, and 58.6% were enrolled in primary education. Orofacial symptoms were reported by 63.5% of children, with finger-sucking and grinding teeth while sleeping being the most common. Sleep apnea symptoms affected 44.3% of children, with snoring being the prevalent symptom. General symptoms were reported by 45% of children, with daytime sleepiness being the most common. Approximately 44.6% of children exhibited sleepiness and growth-related symptoms. No statistically significant relationship was found between age and the occurrence of these symptoms. Conclusion The study offers valuable insights into the prevalence of SDB and its associations with orofacial symptoms among primary school children in the Aseer Region. To truly gauge the impact of interventions on SDB, further research with therapeutic interventions is warranted. In the meantime, targeted strategies and awareness initiatives are needed to address SDB in this population and enhance their overall health and quality of life.

Examining the Impact of Socioeconomic Factors and Lifestyle Habits on Obesity Prevalence Among Male and Female Adolescent Students in Asser, Saudi Arabia.

Background Understanding the relationships between obesity and lifestyle factors is essential for the effective prevention and management of obesity in youth. This study aimed to investigate the association between sociodemographic factors, lifestyle elements such as physical activity and social stress, and the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Saudi adolescents in the Aseer region. Methodology From December 2022 to March 2023, we conducted a cross-sectional study using the multi-stage stratified random sampling technique. The study included Saudi male and female adolescents aged 12-19 years attending middle and high schools. Ordinal logistic regression was used to analyze the association between the ordinal dependent variable, classified into weight groups (normal, overweight, obese), and the independent variables. Results Of the total of 512 individuals, 90.4% were aged ≥18 years, 77.5% were males, and 76.8% were urban residents. Of the studied population, 33.6% were overweight, and 20.5% were obese. The prevalence of obesity and overweight was significantly higher among males compared to females (20.9% vs. 19.1% and 36.5% vs. 23.5%, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed the following factors to be associated with obesity and overweight: female gender (2.31, 95% CI = 1.45-3.71), age 12-17 years (0.53, 95% CI = 0.28-0.97), place of delivery (Tanoma) (2.32, 95% CI = 1.13-4.75), family size of over eight members (0.43, 95% CI = 0.24-0.74), family monthly income of over 20,000 SAR (3.79, 95% CI = 1.38-11.35), being smokers (0.26, 95% CI = 1.31-2.93), experiencing social stress (1.96, 95% CI = 1.96-2.93), engagement in physical activity less than three times a week (0.49, 95% CI = 0.32-0.75), and engagement in physical activity more than three times a week (0.36, 95% CI = 0.22-0.58). Conclusions These findings emphasize the importance of addressing demographic, socioeconomic, and lifestyle factors in combating childhood and adolescent obesity through targeted interventions.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Diabetic Foot Ulcer Care in Asser Region: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Foot problems continue to be the leading cause of hospital admissions among people with diabetes. The objective of this study was to explore and assess the knowledge and attitudes of individuals about diabetic foot ulcers in the Asser region, Saudi Arabia. Methodology An anonymous, online, cross-sectional survey was conducted. The questionnaire was distributed through commonly used social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Results A total of 445 participants were included in this survey. Overall, 37.1% (165) were aged 18-25 years, 64.3% (286) were women, and 75.7% (337) had university-level education. A significant number of participants had relatives with diabetes (57.1%, 254), while a smaller percentage reported having diabetes themselves (7.3%, 33), and a substantial proportion were neither diabetic nor had a relative with diabetes (35.6%, (158). Nearly two-fifths of the participants (37.8%, 168) received information about diabetes and diabetic foot care from physicians, and 34.1% (152) of the participants accessed information online. There were significant differences between those who did not have diabetes mellitus (DM) and those who had DM or whose relatives were diabetic in responses to the following questions: "Do you think that diabetes may cause gangrene in the foot?" (50.9% (205) vs. 45.7% (32), p = 0.019), "Do you think that preventing diabetic foot ulcers is more important than treating diabetic foot ulcers?" (60.8% (228) vs. 46.9% (60), p = 0.002), and "Do you think it is important to constantly monitor diabetic foot wounds?" (63.1% (200) vs. 30.4% (17), p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference between groups in the practice of daily foot checks, washing feet, moisturizing feet, keeping feet away from hot and cold, and nail care (p < 0.001). Conclusions The participants in the study showed a lack of knowledge regarding diabetic foot care, indicating the potential for better outcomes through the implementation of enhanced health education programs.

Increased mental stress among undergraduate medical students in south-western Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the daily life and academic trajectory of many students. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of the pandemic on perceived stress levels among medical students. Methods: Comparative pre-pandemic and pandemic surveys were conducted among samples of undergraduate medical students. Students responded to a questionnaire including personal and academic data, and Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Results: Overall, the prevalence of high perceived stress during the pandemic (20.6%) was significantly higher (p = 0.001) than pre-pandemic (11.6%). A multivariable analysis revealed that the independent factors associated with high perceived stress were: participation in the study during the pandemic (aOR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.22-2.63), female sex (aOR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.23-2.47), younger age (aOR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.04-2.55) and lower family income (aOR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.12-2.03). PSS score was negatively correlated with increasing age, family income, and academic level. PSS score was positively correlated with: worries about the possible disruption of education or exams, excessive news exposure, worries about the possibility of COVID-19 infection, and the effects of mandatory isolation and social distancing. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic increased the level of stress among medical students. Female students, younger students, and those in lower academic grades are the most at risk of having high stress. Worries about possible academic disruptions due to the pandemic are significant stressors. The implementation of online stress management programs is recommended.