Preferences for Colorectal Cancer Screening Modalities Among the General Population in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) could be a leading explanation for cancer-related death. Numerous studies have shown the benefit of early screening for colorectal cancer in reducing mortality. Screening for colorectal cancer is a rational and cost-effective strategy for reducing the incidence of colorectal cancer and related mortality. Despite endorsement by academic and healthcare organizations, patient awareness and compliance with screening are low, partly due to patient-related barriers to screening. AIM: This study aimed to explore the preferred screening method for colorectal cancer in Saudi Arabia in general. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study conducted among the Saudi adult population from September 2021 through February 2022. A self-developed questionnaire was distributed among the population using an online platform. Data were tabulated in Google Forms, and all statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 26 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). RESULTS: During this study, data from 10,781 participants were analyzed. Among them, the most preferred screening modality for colorectal cancer was the stool fecal immunochemical test (41.7%) and the most suitable (33.5%). The most commonly mentioned qualities that influenced choosing a particular screening test were "how the test was performed" (50.4%). CONCLUSION: Because the stool fecal immunochemical test is the most preferred screening modality for colorectal cancer, this study could serve as a database to aid in the implementation of a colorectal cancer screening program that meets the preferences of the general population of Saudi Arabia.

Surgical Intervention for Spinal Lesions Due to Multiple Myeloma: A Case Report.

Vertebral disease is a main source of morbidity (MM) in individuals with multiple myeloma. The effects of associated osteolytic lesions and vertebral fractures on severe pain, functional limits, spinal deformity, and cord compression are well recognized. Systemic therapy, radiation, cementoplasty (vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty), and radiofrequency ablation are now available therapeutic options for severe MM spinal pain. We here reported a case of a 45-year-old male who had complained of progressive symptoms of pathological spine fractures. He had been examined and investigated for the cause of lytic lesions and found to have multiple fractures in the spine. A computed tomography (CT) revealed multiple osteolytic lesions noted in the thoracolumbar spine, ribs (bilaterally), and pelvic bones. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a compression fracture of the T8 vertebral body with evidence of retro-bulging and a spinal canal narrowing. However, there was no evidence of spinal cord abnormal signal intensity. T2 weighted image (T2WI) keeping with edema is noted. A surgical intervention fixed the fracture and improved the quality of life. Vertebroplasty, a minimally invasive procedure, as a treatment option for vertebral lesions and pathologic fractures in the MM, showed good clinical improvement in the patient.

Prevalence and Severity of Dry Eye Disease Symptoms Among Diabetics: A Nationwide Survey.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes mellitus (DM) microvascular complications can impair corneal sensitivity and lacrimal gland functioning, leading to dry eye disease (DED). Hence, this study aimed to measure the prevalence and severity of DED symptoms, and the related risk factors, among the Saudi diabetic population. METHODS: This is a retrospective, cross-sectional, survey-based study which targeted Saudi adults (20 years and older) previously diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 DM. It was conducted in eight primary healthcare centers (PCHs) scattered around eight different provinces of Saudi Arabia (SA). The prevalence and severity of DED were measured by the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI). RESULTS: The total study population was 389 subjects, of which 182 (46.8%) were males and 207 (53.2%) were females. The overall prevalence of DED was 51.7%. Among those, 20.3% of patients had mild dryness, 11.1% had moderate dryness, and 20.3% had severe dryness. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels of 6.5% or higher proved to be an independent risk factor for the development of DED symptoms, 3.6-folds higher for HbA1c levels of 6.5% to 9% (AOR=3.573; p=0.001), and 2.3-folds higher for HbA1c levels higher than 9% (AOR=2.293; p=0.013). The long duration of diabetes did not show a significant association with manifesting DED symptoms (p=0.263). CONCLUSION: Half of the diabetic population complained of DED symptoms, compared to one-third of the previously studied general Saudi population. Patients with mild to moderate HbA1c elevation were more likely to report DED symptoms than those with severe elevation, which could be related to impaired corneal sensation. Therefore, a routine ophthalmological examination is recommended.

Awareness of Coronary Artery Disease Risk Factors Among the Population of Taif City, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is responsible for significant mortality and morbidity among patients. Many factors are associated with the increasing prevalence of CAD in a population, including diet and lifestyle, physical inactivity, high cholesterol levels, and others. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to assess the awareness level and knowledge about CAD risk factors and its prevalence among the general population in Taif city, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: This study was a community-based cross-sectional descriptive study carried out from August 2022 to September 2022 by an online questionnaire previously validated in published studies and then distributed via different social media platforms to assess participants' knowledge of risk factors for CAD. The survey included questions about socio-demographic data and risk factors of cardiovascular diseases and their prevalence. RESULTS: A total of 2439 participants met the inclusion criteria and finally enrolled in the current study. About 1671 (68.5%) were found to have good awareness levels, 718 (29.4%) of the participants were considered to be having fair awareness levels, and only 50 (2.1%) of the participants were with poor awareness levels. CONCLUSION: Most participants have a good level of knowledge and awareness about CAD. Few knowledge gaps were regarding certain factors, including age, gender, and family history of CAD. High educational level and age were found to be linked with a higher level of knowledge regarding CAD.