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BACKGROUND: Breast cancer represents a significant global health challenge, with Saudi Arabia experiencing high incidence rates, particularly among females. Early detection through screening methods such as mammography and breast self-examination offers promise in reducing mortality rates. However, participation in screening remains suboptimal, posing a barrier to effective cancer control. In regions like Jazan, situated in southwestern Saudi Arabia, comprehensive studies on breast cancer awareness and screening practices are lacking. METHODS: This cross-sectional study conducted in Jazan, Saudi Arabia, aimed to comprehensively assess breast cancer awareness, perceptions, and screening practices among the local population. An online survey platform was utilized to reach individuals aged 18 years or older residing in Jazan. Recruitment efforts utilized social media platforms, community networks, and local organizations to ensure diverse representation across socioeconomic backgrounds, education levels, and geographical locations. A meticulously designed questionnaire captured demographic information, breast cancer awareness, knowledge, health-seeking behaviors, screening practices, and barriers to mammogram screening. Participants provided electronic informed consent before self-administering the questionnaire. RESULTS: The study conducted in Jazan, Saudi Arabia, encompassed 533 participants, predominantly young to middle-aged individuals. Most participants were Saudi nationals (97.6%), employed in the government sector (55.7%), and resided in urban areas (61.0%). Awareness of breast cancer was high, with 98.1% having heard of the disease. However, perceptions of age of onset and prevalence varied. While participants showed varied awareness of breast cancer warning signs and risk factors, family history was a commonly agreed-upon risk factor (54.4%). Health-seeking behavior for breast cancer symptoms varied, with nipple changes prompting the most immediate medical attention (36.4%). Although most participants were aware of self-breast examination (84.6%) and mammograms (56.7%), utilization rates were suboptimal, with barriers including fear (79.7%) and embarrassment (71.5%) hindering mammogram screening uptake. CONCLUSION: This study provides insights into breast cancer awareness and screening practices among participants in Saudi Arabia. While awareness of breast self-examination and mammography is high, disparities in screening service access persist due to barriers like fear and embarrassment. Addressing these barriers through culturally sensitive interventions and collaborative efforts is crucial for enhancing screening uptake and promoting health equity.
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Background Dry eye disease (DED) is a disease of the ocular surface charac-terized by instability of the tear film, which causes ocular surface inflamma-tion and damage that leads to ocular symptoms, discomfort, and visual disturbance. Dry eye is a common ocular condition and a major reason for ophthalmologist visits. Compulsory e-learning has arisen in colleges and schools with the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic as a tool for new teaching and learning. DED is an emerging threat to public health and is directly proportional to digital screen viewing length. DED diagnosis flowchart begins with history-taking of associated risk factors and a screening test by Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI). Therefore, we aim to assess the prevalence and the severity of DED among Jazan University lecturers and to identify the associated risk factors. Methods A total of 150 participants were recruited for this descriptive, observational study. Participants completed an online questionnaire that contained questions about sociodemographics, electronic devices they used, the average number of hours of use in a day as well as the distance and posture while reading, and factors that may influence visual symptoms such as the use of glasses, frequent changes in glasses prescription and DED symptoms. Results The results showed that the prevalence of DED was high, with 23% of participants having mild DED, 12% having moderate DED, and 29% having severe DED. DED was associated with a number of sociodemographic and clinical factors, including younger age, female gender, occupation as a lecturer, and use of digital devices. Conclusion This study highlights the need to develop strategies to prevent and control DED among high-risk groups, such as university lecturers. Future research should focus on identifying more effective ways to prevent DED and to improve the management of DED symptoms.
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Purpose: Many types of research have been published on the history of biological warfare, the agents used, and the medical implications. However, no studies measure how people are aware of the magnitude of these health problems and international threats. The present study aimed to produce and make background about biological warfare information for health college students to be used as a basis for future studies or research and prepare the hospitals' bases for similar disasters. Methods: This observational, cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted among undergraduate students (N = 626) enrolled in health-related colleges at Jazan University, Saudi Arabia. A preliminary survey of 30 participants was then undertaken to improve the questionnaire's understanding and validity. The questionnaire encompassed three primary sections, including (1) sociodemographic characteristics, (2) knowledge, and (3) awareness. Sociodemographic characteristics consisted of age, gender, college type, academic level, and specialty. All data were gathered using an online self-reported questionnaire using Google Forms and participants were recruited using a random sampling strategy. Results: The total participants were 626 students; 514 were females, whereas 112 were males. Knowledge and attitude indices were 3.8650 ± 0.48 and 4.06 ± 0.51 (maximum is 5). The indices showed variable statistical differences among sociodemographic factors. With adjusted and crude odds ratios of 0.53 and 0.54, attitude score is the sole significant (P = 0.05) predictor of knowledge as analyzed using logistic regression. Conclusion: The results of the present study are the first of their kind in the region and can be used to shape public awareness among specialists and decision-makers, especially in light of the recent pandemic.
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Abdominal compartment syndrome is a rare emergency condition characterized by the development of organ dysfunction due to increased intra-abdominal pressure. Gynecologic conditions are an uncommon etiology of abdominal compartment syndrome. We report a case of a 35-year-old woman who presented with severe abdominal pain and vomiting. The patient had a history of long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease. On physical examination, the abdomen was distended and tense, suggestive of acute abdomen. Computed tomography revealed a large abdominopelvic cystic lesion, arising from the ovary, causing a significant pressure effect on the abdominal viscera. The patient's condition deteriorated and had an altered level of consciousness with hemodynamic instability. She was intubated and received inotropic support. Subsequently, a life-saving emergency surgical decompression was performed. The ovarian cyst was evacuated and yielded 10 liters of fluid. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of ovarian cystadenoma. The patient remained in the intensive care unit postoperatively and was discharged in a good condition after 14 days of hospitalization. The case emphasizes the importance of considering abdominal compartment syndrome in patients with a clinical picture of acute abdomen. Failure to recognize this condition can lead to multiorgan failure and death.
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Introduction Thyroid nodules are very common. However, the majority of thyroid nodules are benign. Ultrasound is the first-line imaging investigation of choice for thyroid nodules. Certain sonographic features are associated with an increased risk of malignancy. Recent studies suggested that the location of the nodule may be associated with the malignancy risk. Hence, this study aims to investigate this association. Methods After obtaining approval from the ethics committee, we conducted a retrospective study that involved all patients who attended our hospital, and who underwent fine-needle aspiration cytology for the evaluation of suspicious thyroid nodules (TR3-5). Electronic medical records were used to obtain data about the ultrasound and cytology reports. A multivariable binary logistic regression analysis model was conducted to identify the independent factors significantly associated with malignant thyroid nodules. Results The study included 366 patients who underwent fine-needle aspiration cytology for suspicious nodules on thyroid ultrasound. In total, 52 (14.2%) nodules were found to be malignant on cytology. By far, the most common thyroid malignancy was papillary carcinoma. The multivariable analysis model revealed that women were 24% less likely to have malignant thyroid nodules compared with men. After adjusting for the age, gender, and Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) group, the nodules located within the isthmus were four times more likely to be malignant compared to those located in the right or left lobes. Conclusions The study demonstrates that the isthmus location of thyroid nodules is associated with a higher risk of malignancy. Physicians should have a lower threshold to biopsy such nodules. Further studies are needed to confirm this interesting finding.
