RESUMO
Introduction Verbal communication relies on the ability to speak and understand language. Speech is only one part of language; language can also be expressed through gestures, writing, and other nonverbal means. Speech and language disorders are impairments in the ability to produce and comprehend language, including problems with mouth movements and vocalization. There is a scarcity of literature on this topic in Saudi Arabia; therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors of speech delay in children aged less than seven years in Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional self-reported descriptive study was conducted from May 2023 to June 2023 among parents of children less than seven years of age in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Simple convenience sampling was implemented. A structured, self-administered questionnaire was designed and presented to the parents of children less than seven years of age. Categorical data were presented as frequencies and percentages. The analysis included a chi-squared test and a Fisher's exact test. Results A total of 617 participants were included in the study. The majority of children were between 1 and 3 years of age (223, 36.1%) and were male (336, 54.5%). Around 45.5% of the respondents reported that their children may have a speech delay. Children aged >3 to 5 years had a significantly higher prevalence of speech delay (112, 53.1%). Additionally, there was a significant difference in speech delay prevalence between male (170, 50.6%) and female (111, 39.5%, p = 0.006) children. A family history of a developmental communication disorder was significantly associated with speech delay (p < 0.001). Children with speech delay were more likely to have hearing issues (19, 70.4%) and motor issues (19, 70.4%). Moreover, autism spectrum disorder in the child was significantly associated with speech delay (p < 0.001). Conclusions The study found that children aged 3 to 5 years had a significantly higher prevalence of speech delay than younger children. There was a significant difference in speech delay prevalence between male and female children. Children with speech delays were more likely to suffer hearing and motor issues. Speech delay was significantly associated with a family history of a developmental communication problem.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Allergic diseases such as bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis are common health problems among children. The prevalence of different allergic diseases is increasing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and risk factors of allergic diseases among school students in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in Tabuk city, Saudi Arabia, between the first of August and the end of September, 2022. Students from primary, intermediate, and secondary schools were included. A predesigned, structured, self-administered questionnaire in the Arabic language was used to collect data. RESULTS: This study included 384 school students from Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The age of the recruited students ranged from five to 19 years old. The prevalence of clinically diagnosed bronchial asthma that occurred at any time in the past was 31.8%. The prevalence of asthma symptoms was 51.0% for lifetime wheezing and 45.8% for current wheezing (in the past 12 months). The prevalence rates of clinically diagnosed allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis were 56.8% and 30.2%, respectively. Further, 68.2% of the school students had one or more of the diagnosed allergic diseases. The second or more childbirth orders were significantly associated with an increased risk of allergic diseases (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.140, 95% CI: 1.864-5.288). A family history of asthma or atopic conditions showed 3.118 times increased likelihood of allergic conditions (AOR = 3.118, 95% CI: 1.827-5.320). Other significant risk factors were the father's smoking (AOR = 1.698, 95% CI: 1.024-2.817) and having a dog, cat, or bird at home (AOR = 0.493, 95% CI: 0.257-0.946). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of bronchial asthma and other allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis among school students in Tabuk city, Saudi Arabia, is alarmingly high. Furthermore, both genetic and environmental components of allergic disease pathogenesis have been identified as risk factors.
RESUMO
Introduction Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD) is recognized as the most common enzyme disorder globally, impacting over 400 million individuals. The disease is highly prevalent in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to assess parents' awareness of G6PD in Saudi Arabia and identify misconceptions for targeted educational interventions, aiming to enhance awareness and condition management. Methods A structured online questionnaire was used to gather information from July 18th, 2023, to August 1st, 2023. The survey targeted parents of Saudi children who resided in various regions across Saudi Arabia and collected a total of 531 responses. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and probit regression. A significance level of p<0.05 was employed to interpret the results. Results A statistically significant associations were found among parents with Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency-deficient children, including gender-related (odd ratio = 2.91, 99% CI: 1.986-4.301), awareness of the genetic link (odd ratio = 2.49, 99% CI: 1.701-3.639), specific medications (odd ratio =1.890, 99% CI: 1.262-2.853), loss of appetite (odd ratio= 0.629, 95% CI: 0.398-0.990), jaundice (odd ratio = 3.01, 99% CI: 1.877-4.983), increased fluid intake (odd ratio= 1.53, 95% CI: 1.091-2.139), receiving blood transfusions (odd ratio = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.101-2.157), seeking online information (odd ratio = 1.92, 99% CI: 1.250-2.940), and consulting healthcare professionals (odd ratio = 3.24, 99% CI: 2.065-5.107). Conclusion Regional disparities in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency awareness among parents in Saudi Arabia are evident, with the central region demonstrating the highest level of awareness. Understanding glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency risk factors, medication triggers, and clinical symptoms plays a significant role in parental knowledge, emphasizing the need for region-specific education and awareness programs.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: There is a strong association between emotional intelligence (EI) and academic performance in medical students. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the relationship between EI and academic performance among medical students at Tabuk University. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students in clinical years in the Faculty of Medicine, Tabuk University, Tabuk City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Each study participant received a self-administered questionnaire composed of two parts: demographic data and the Schutte Self Report Emotional Intelligence Test (SSEIT). RESULTS: The present study included 203 of the clinical-phase medical students. The academic achievement level was not associated with the students' gender (p = 0.194) or academic level (p = 0.278). Female students had a significantly higher total SSEIT score than male students (p < 0.001). The sixth-year students had a significantly higher perception of emotion than the fourth-year students (p = 0.029). Students with excellent academic achievement had higher mean scores for managing others' emotions (p = 0.004) and utilization of emotion compared to those with fair and very good levels (p = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: Some components of EI correlate with academic performance, gender, and academic level. Further research should be launched to assess the correlation between EI and academic performance among all medical students in all regions of KSA. Students can benefit by attending workshops and courses in universities to develop the students' EI because of its impact on their academic performance.
RESUMO
Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a hereditary condition that can lead to severe complications in children such as acute coronary syndrome, splenic sequestration, renal failure, and stroke. Blood transfusion and hydroxyurea (HU) therapy are used to prevent stroke in children with sickle cell disease (SCD). Preliminary data show considerable variation and inconsistency in the use of these two therapeutic interventions. Therefore, this systematic review was carried out to compare the effects of blood transfusion to HU therapy in preventing stroke for children with sickle cell disease. There was an extensive literature search in reliable and authentic databases like PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Cochrane, and Science Direct to obtain relevant articles. This study used the standards and guidelines from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). During the systematic review, data were obtained focusing on the following parameters: the size of the sample in the study, the age of the subjects involved in the study, the type of Intervention, and the outcome. After an initial search of 163 papers, 25 studies were included. The results of the research give the first evidence that HU is effective in the treatment of cerebrovascular problems in children with SCD. However, it is unclear under what circumstances HU may prevent a second stroke. It can be concluded that children with SCA can effectively avoid primary strokes through chronic blood transfusions and HU.
