An evaluation of knee osteoarthritis pain in the general community-Asir region, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is one of the most common conditions resulting in disability, particularly in the elderly population. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common articular disease and the leading cause of chronic disability in the developed world. OBJECTIVE: This study was carried out to evaluate knee pain in the Asir region of Saudi Arabia. An analytical cross-sectional survey design was adopted in the Asir region from April 2023 to August 2023 to assess the knee pain of the adult population using an anonymous online questionnaire. RESULTS: Of 1234, 332 were men (26.90) and 902 were women (73.09). WOMAC index score category 55.34% (n = 683) of the subjects had a low risk (score <60), 28.68% (n = 354) had a moderate risk (score 60-80), and 15.96% (n = 197) had a high risk (score ≥81) for KOA. According to clinical criteria, 79.33% (n = 979) of the study subjects had OA. Age group, gender 2.17 (1. 67-2.82) [OR 2.17; 95% CI 1.67-2.82), family history of OA [OR 0.47; 95% CI 0.37-0.62], diabetes [OR 2.78; 95% CI 2.17-3.56], hypertension [OR 0.35; 95% CI 0.26-0.45] were significantly associated with the percentage of the WOMAC index score using the Chi-square test analysis (P<0.05). Therefore, the WOMAC index showed higher diagnostic precision with a statistically significant association [OR 9.31 CI 6.90-12.81] with a P< 0.0001. CONCLUSION: KOA is more common in older, obese people who have reached the age of 50 in the Asir region, and it is more prevalent in women. Alarms the need for appropriate awareness programs for better disease prevention and health outcomes for the benefit of the community through general public health programs.

Ziziphus mauritiana Leaves Normalize Hormonal Profile and Total Cholesterol in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Rats.

In the present study, the beneficial effect of leaves of Ziziphus mauritiana on testosterone, estradiol, progesterone, LH hormones, blood glucose, and total cholesterol levels in the experimentally induced polycystic ovaries of female Sprague Dawley rats were evaluated. Letrozole was used to induce PCOS in rats, and clomiphene citrate was used as a standard control. This study was carried out in vivo on 30 female rats where group I received normal saline and group II to V were treated with letrozole (1 mg/kg/day), which was dissolved in normal saline orally for 21 days to induce PCOS. After PCOS induction, test groups III and IV were orally treated with ZMME at a dose of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg for 14 days, respectively, and group V was treated with clomiphene citrate (2 mg/kg) orally for 14 days. At the end of the experimental period, the animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation, and blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture. After blood collection, the ovaries were removed and weighed. The results showed that Ziziphus mauritiana normalized all hormones and total cholesterol levels. The HPTLC profile showed the presence of gallic acid, rutin, quercetin, and ursolic acid. Many studies have reported that quercetin is effective against PCOS and its complications; it suppresses insulin resistance and reduces testosterone and LH levels. The present study showed an improvement in the inflammatory microenvironment of the ovarian tissue in the PCOS rat model. This research concluded that the leaves of Ziziphus mauritiana have potential efficacy in the treatment of PCOS by normalizing abnormal hormones and total cholesterol levels, which could be due to the presence of quercetin in the leaves.

Formulation of Intranasal Mucoadhesive Thermotriggered In Situ Gel Containing Mirtazapine as an Antidepressant Drug.

The purpose of the present work was to develop nanoemulsion-based formulations of mirtazapine for intranasal delivery using a spray actuator to target the brain for treating depression. Research on the solubility of medications in different oils, surfactants, co-surfactants, and solvents has been done. Using pseudo-ternary phase diagrams, the various ratios of the surfactant and co-surfactant mix were computed. Thermotriggered nanoemulsion was formulated using different concentrations of poloxamer 407 (i.e., 15%, 15.5%, 16%, 16.5% up to 22%). Similarly, mucoadhesive nanoemulsion using 0.1% Carbopol and water-based plain nanoemulsions were also prepared for comparative assessment. The developed nanoemulsions were analyzed for physicochemical properties, i.e., physical appearance, pH, viscosity, and drug content. Drug-excipient incompatibility was determined by Fourier transform infrared spectral (FTIR) analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). In vitro drug diffusion studies were conducted for optimized formulations. Among the three formulations, RD1 showed the highest percentage of drug release. Ex vivo drug diffusion studies were conducted on freshly excised sheep nasal mucosa with Franz diffusion cell simulated nasal fluid (SNF) for all three formulations up to 6 h, and the thermotriggered nanoemulsion (RD1) showed 71.42% drug release with 42.64 nm particle size and a poly dispersity index of 0.354. The zeta potential was found to be -6.58. Based on the above data, it was concluded that thermotriggered nanoemulsion (RD1) has great potential to be used as an intranasal gel for treating depression in patients. It can offer great benefits by reducing dosing frequency and improving bioavailability of mirtazapine by direct nose-to-brain delivery.

Impact of vitamin B6 deficiency on the severity of diabetic peripheral neuropathy - A cross sectional study.

Background: Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy is one of the most important and significantly prevalent microvascular complications of Diabetes Mellitus. Pyridoxine is a key nutrient for protecting nerve health. The objective of this research is to study the prevalence rate of pyridoxine deficiency in Diabetic neuropathy patients, to understand the correlation between various biochemical and markers of diabetic neuropathy and pyridoxine deficiency. Results: 249 patients were selected for the study based on the selection criteria participants. 51.8% prevalence of pyridoxine deficiency in Diabetic neuropathy patients. The nerve conduction velocity significantly reduced in pyridoxine deficiency cases (p < 0.05). A strong inverse relationship is observed with fasting blood sugar levels and glycated hemoglobin pyridoxine deficiency might contribute to impaired glucose tolerance. Conclusion: There also exists a strong inverse relationship with glycemic markers. Significant direct correlation is observed with nerve conduction velocity. Pyridoxine also has properties of antioxidant which may be utilized for the management of Diabetic Neuropathy.

Assessment of oral health literacy and oral health-related quality of life in Saudi university students: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Oral health literacy was recognized as important to encouraging oral health and avoiding oral health diseases. It is recognized that socioeconomic conditions are also influential factors in oral health. Therefore, oral health is an important part of individuals' quality of life and general health. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to assess oral health literacy (OHL) and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among undergraduate students studying at university. METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out from November to February 2023 among the students of King Khalid University. OHL and OHRQoL were assessed using a Rapid estimate of adult literacy in dentistry-30 (REALD-30) and oral health impact profile (OHIP-14). Further, Pearson's correlation tests were used to measure the correlation between REALD-30 and OHIP-14. RESULTS: Among the 394 completed respondents, the majority were aged >20 years (n = 221; 56.09%), aged <20 years (n = 173; 43.91%), female (n = 324; 82.23%) and male (n = 70; 17.7%). Participants from health-related colleges were (n = 343; 87.06%), and other colleges were (n = 51; 12.94%) *p < .04. Participants brushing frequency once daily were (n = 165; 41.88%) twice or more per day (n = 229; 58.12%) *p < .018. The overall mean REALD-30 score of the participants was 11.76 ± 0.17 indicating low OHL. The higher mean score of OHIP-14 for the following domains physical pain 12.93 ± 0.56, physical disability 12.05 ± 0.72 and psychological disability 12.71 ± 0.76. Oral health impact profile-14 and REALD showed a positive correlation for health-related colleges (r = .314; *p < .002) and other colleges (r = .09; p < .072). However, a significant correlation was observed between REALD-30 and OHIP-14 scores among health-related colleges (p < .05). The current study concluded that self-rated poor oral health is significantly linked with OHIP-14 scores. Furthermore, systematic health education programs such as regular dental check-ups for college students must be arranged to assist in changing the student's everyday life and oral health behaviours.

Elucidating the Potential Inhibitor against Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Associated Gene of GLUT4.

Diabetes is a chronic hyperglycemic disorder that leads to a group of metabolic diseases. This condition of chronic hyperglycemia is caused by abnormal insulin levels. The impact of hyperglycemia on the human vascular tree is the leading cause of disease and death in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. People with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have abnormal secretion as well as the action of insulin. Type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes is caused by a combination of genetic factors associated with decreased insulin production, insulin resistance, and environmental conditions. These conditions include overeating, lack of exercise, obesity, and aging. Glucose transport limits the rate of dietary glucose used by fat and muscle. The glucose transporter GLUT4 is kept intracellular and sorted dynamically, and GLUT4 translocation or insulin-regulated vesicular traffic distributes it to the plasma membrane. Different chemical compounds have antidiabetic properties. The complexity, metabolism, digestion, and interaction of these chemical compounds make it difficult to understand and apply them to reduce chronic inflammation and thus prevent chronic disease. In this study, we have applied a virtual screening approach to screen the most suitable and drug-able chemical compounds to be used as potential drug targets against T2DM. We have found that out of 5000 chemical compounds that we have analyzed, only two are known to be more effective as per our experiments based upon molecular docking studies and virtual screening through Lipinski's rule and ADMET properties.

Antidepressant and Anxiolytic Potentials of the Chewing Stick, Salvadora persica.

Materials and Methods: Salvadora persica stem bark was extracted with two different solvents, i.e., ethyl acetate and water, and preliminary phytochemical screening was performed. Two behavioral models were used: an elevated plus maze test (EPM) and the light and dark model test for anxiolytic parameters, and a forced swim test (FST) for antidepressant effects. Healthy mice weighing 18-40 gms were treated orally in four groups (n = 6), i.e., negative control treated with normal saline and positive control with 1 mg/kg diazepam (EPM) and 30 mg/kg fluoxetine (FST), and the test groups were treated with 500 mg/kg of aqueous and ethyl acetate Sp extract. The number of entries and duration spent in the open arm for 5 minutes were the parameters for evaluating the anxiolytic activity (EPM). Duration of immobility was measured for 5 min in the FST model. Results: In EPM, both the Sp extracts significantly (p < 0.005) increased the number of entries and the time spent in the open arms and was much similar to those of diazepam. Similarly, these extracts and fluoxetine significantly (p < 0.005) decreased the immobility time in FST. Conclusion: The results suggest the therapeutic potential of Salvadora persica an alternative in the management of comorbid anxiety and depression.

Development and In Vitro Characterization of Antibiotic-Loaded Nanocarriers for Dental Delivery.

The aim of this research work was to formulate and evaluate ciprofloxacin hydrochloride-loaded nanocarriers for treating dental infections and bone regeneration. Periodontal infection is associated with inflammation, soft tissue destruction, and bone loss. The objective of the study was to extract ß tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) from coral beach sand using the hydrothermal conversion method and load these nanocarriers with ciprofloxacin hydrochloride. The developed drug-loaded nanocarriers were evaluated for various parameters. In vitro drug-loading studies showed the highest drug loading of 71% for F1 with a drug: carrier ratio compared to plain ciprofloxacin hydrochloride gel. ß-TCP and nanocarriers were evaluated for powder characteristics and the results were found to have excellent and fair flowability. In vitro drug release studies conducted over a period of 5 days confirmed the percentage drug release of 96% at the end of 120 h. Nanocarriers were found to be effective against S. aureus and E. coli showing statistically significant antibacterial activity at (* p < 0.05) significant level as compared to plain ciprofloxacin hydrochloride gel. The particle size of ß-TCP and nanocarriers was found to be 2 µm. Fourier transform infra-red studies showed good compatibility between the drug and the excipients. Differential scanning calorimetry studies revealed the amorphous nature of the nanocarriers as evident from the peak shift. It is obvious from the XRD studies that the phase intensity was reduced, which demonstrates a decrease in crystallinity. Nanocarriers released the drug in a controlled manner, hence may prove to be a better option to treat dental caries as compared to conventional treatments.

Evaluation of Health Care Professionals' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice to Prevent the Pandemic Spread of COVID-19: A Questionnaire-Based Cross-Sectional Study from Abha, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Pharmacists and other healthcare professionals (HCPs) are at risk of transmitting the lethal COVID-19 virus globally and increasing its prevalence. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among HCPs in the Asir region for the first time. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional analysis with 491 healthcare professionals was tested using a pre-tested questionnaire in a tertiary care facility. The association between research variables and questions was determined using Chi-square tests and Kruskal-Wallis tests. RESULTS: Pharmacists and other HCPs exhibited good knowledge, a positive attitude, and a negative practice pattern regarding COVID-19. There was a strong association between knowledge and attitude (correlation coefficient: 0.17; p < 0.001). However, healthcare practitioners had a suboptimal practice score of 2.09 ± 0.62 regarding COVID-19. CONCLUSION: This study discovered that despite relatively insufficient practices for adherence to recommended techniques regarding COVID-19 prevention during the outbreak, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals have a high level of awareness and a positive attitude towards COVID-19 as a medical condition. There is a need for more involved HCPs, improved COVID-19 management training, and approaches to make healthcare providers feel less anxious.

Study of Formulation and Process Variables for Optimization of Piroxicam Nanosuspension Using 32 Factorial Design to Improve Solubility and In Vitro Bioavailability.

Piroxicam is a Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS) Class II drug having poor aqueous solubility and a short half-life. The rationale behind the present research was to develop a Piroxicam nanosuspension to enhance the solubility and thereby the in vitro bioavailability of the drug. Piroxicam nanosuspension (PRX NS) was prepared by an anti-solvent precipitation technique and optimized using a full-factorial design. Herein, the nanosuspension was prepared using polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) K30® and Poloxamer 188® as a stabilizer to improve the solubility and in vitro bioavailability of the drug. Nine formulations were prepared based on 32 full-factorial experimental designs to study the effect of the formulation variables such as concentration of poloxamer 188 (%) (X1) and stirring speed (rpm) (X2) as a process variable on the response of particle size (nm) and solubility (µg/mL). The prepared NS was characterized by phase solubility, Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, and percent drug release. DSC and XRPD analysis of freeze-dried NS formulation showed conversion of PRX into a less crystalline form. NS formulations showed a reduction in the size from 443 nm to 228 nm with -22.5 to -30.5 mV zeta potential and % drug entrapment of 89.76 ± 0.76. TEM analysis confirmed the size reduction at the nano level. The solubility was increased from 44 µg/mL to 87 µg/mL by altering the independent variables. The solubility of PRX NS in water was augmented by 14- to 15-fold (87.28 µg/mL) than pure PRX (6.6 µg/mL). The optimized formulation (NS9) at drug-to-stabilizer concentration exhibited a greater drug release of approximately 96.07% after 120 min as compared to the other NS formulations and pure PRX (36.78%). Thus, all these results revealed that the prepared NS formulations have improved the solubility and in vitro dissolution compared to the pure drug. Furthermore, an increase in the drug release was observed from the NS than that of the pure PRX. All these outcomes signified that the prepared PRX NS showed an increase in solubility and in vitro dissolution behavior; which subsequently would aid in attainment of enhanced bioavailability.

An Attention towards the Prophylactic and Therapeutic Options of Phytochemicals for SARS-CoV-2: A Molecular Insight.

The novel pathogenic virus was discovered in Wuhan, China (December 2019), and quickly spread throughout the world. Further analysis revealed that the pathogenic strain of virus was corona but it was distinct from other coronavirus strains, and thus it was renamed 2019-nCoV or SARS-CoV-2. This coronavirus shares many characteristics with other coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. The clinical manifestations raised in the form of a cytokine storm trigger a complicated spectrum of pathophysiological changes that include cardiovascular, kidney, and liver problems. The lack of an effective treatment strategy has imposed a health and socio-economic burden. Even though the mortality rate of patients with this disease is lower, since it is judged to be the most contagious, it is considered more lethal. Globally, the researchers are continuously engaged to develop and identify possible preventive and therapeutic regimens for the management of disease. Notably, to combat SARS-CoV-2, various vaccine types have been developed and are currently being tested in clinical trials; these have also been used as a health emergency during a pandemic. Despite this, many old antiviral and other drugs (such as chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine, corticosteroids, and so on) are still used in various countries as emergency medicine. Plant-based products have been reported to be safe as alternative options for several infectious and non-infectious diseases, as many of them showed chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic effects in the case of tuberculosis, cancer, malaria, diabetes, cardiac problems, and others. Therefore, plant-derived products may play crucial roles in improving health for a variety of ailments by providing a variety of effective cures. Due to current therapeutic repurposing efforts against this newly discovered virus, we attempted to outline many plant-based compounds in this review to aid in the fight against SARS-CoV-2.

Medicinal Plants of Solanum Species: The Promising Sources of Phyto-Insecticidal Compounds.

Several medicinal plants have the potential to be a promising alternative pharmacological therapy for a variety of human illnesses. Many insects, including mosquitoes, are important vectors of deadly pathogens and parasites, which in the world's growing human and animal populations can cause serious epidemics and pandemics. Medicinal plants continue to provide a large library of phytochemicals, which can be used to replace chemically synthesized insecticides, and utilization of herbal product-based insecticides is one of the best and safest alternatives for mosquito control. Identifying new effective phyto-derived insecticides is important to counter increasing insect resistance to synthetic compounds and provide a safer environment. Solanum genus (Solanaceae family or nightshades) comprises more than 2500 species, which are widely used as food and traditional medicine. All research publications on insecticidal properties of Solanaceae plants and their phytoconstituents against mosquitoes and other insects published up to July 2020 were systematically analyzed through PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, EBSCO, Europe PMC, and Google Scholar databases, with focus on species containing active phytoconstituents that are biodegradable and environmentally safe. The current state of knowledge on larvicidal plants of Solanum species, type of extracts, target insect species, type of effects, name of inhibiting bioactive compounds, and their lethal doses (LC50 and LC90) were reviewed in this study. These studies provide valuable information about the activity of various species of Solanum and their phytochemical diversity, as well as a roadmap for optimizing select compounds for botanical repellents against a variety of vectors that cause debilitating and life-threatening human diseases.

Community pharmacists' knowledge, attitude and practice of oral health care in Asir region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: To assess community pharmacists' knowledge, attitude and practice towards oral health care in Asir region, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out using a self-administered structured questionnaire, targeting 254 community pharmacies across the Asir region. The questionnaire consisted of four domains: demographics, knowledge, attitudes and practice related to oral health care. Statistical analysis was performed using Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. RESULTS: Of the 254 pharmacists, 202 respondents completed the survey, yielding a response rate of 79.5%. Almost two-thirds (66%) of the community pharmacists exhibited good knowledge, 65% possessed a positive attitude, and 55% perceived a good practice towards oral health care. Pharmacists have shown a good understanding on dental care (p < 0.001) and oral conditions. Fifty-five per cent (n = 119) of pharmacists preferred to have dental-based subjects in Pharmacy curriculum. CONCLUSION: Community Pharmacists possess overall good knowledge and attitude required for the provision of dental care counselling patients. They may participate in oral health development programmes to make a better practice.

Alleviation of neuropathic pain by trazodone in rats

Abstract Neuropathic pain is generally characterised by an abnormal sensation (dysesthesia), an increased response to painful stimuli (hyperalgesia), and pain in response to a stimulus that does not normally provoke pain (allodynia). The present study was designed to investigate the effect of trazodone (5mg/kg and 10mg/kg) on peripheral neuropathic pain induced by partial sciatic nerve ligation in rats. Mechanical hyperalgesia, cold allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia were assessed by performing the pinprick, acetone, and hot plate tests, respectively. Biochemically, lipid peroxidation level and total calcium levels were measured. However, trazodone administration (5 and 10 mg/ kg i.p.) for 21days significantly diminished partial sciatic nerve ligation-induced neuropathic pain along with areduction in oxidative stress and calcium levels. The results of the present study suggest that trazodone is effective in attenuating partial sciatic nerve ligation-inducedpainful neuropathic states, which may be attributed to decreased oxidative stress and calcium levels.

Association of Maternal Observation and Motivation (MOM) Program with m-Health Support on Maternal and Newborn Health.

Maternal and child nutrition has been a critical component of health, sustainable development, and progress in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). While a decrement in maternal mortality is an important indicator, simply surviving pregnancy and childbirth does not imply better maternal health. One of the fundamental obligations of nations under international human rights law is to enable women to endure pregnancy and delivery as an aspect of their enjoyment of reproductive and sexual health and rights and to live a dignified life. The aim of this study was to discover the correlation between the Maternal Observation and Motivation (MOM) program and m-Health support for maternal and newborn health. A comparative study was done among 196 pregnant mothers (study group-94; control group-102 mothers) with not less than 20 weeks of gestation. Maternal outcomes such as Hb and weight gain and newborn results such as birth weight and crown-heel length were obtained at baseline and at 28 and 36 weeks of gestation. Other secondary data collected were abortion, stillbirth, low birth weight, major congenital malformations, twin or triplet pregnancies, physical activity, and maternal well-being. The MOM intervention included initial face-to-face education, three in-person visits, and eight virtual health coaching sessions via WhatsApp. The baseline data on Hb of the mothers show that 31 (32.98%) vs. 27 (28.72%) mothers in the study and control group, respectively, had anemia, which improved to 27.66% and 14.98% among study group mothers at 28 and 36 weeks of gestation (p < 0.001). The weight gain (p < 0.001), level of physical activity (p < 0.001), and maternal well-being (p < 0.01) also had significant differences after the intervention. Even after controlling for potentially confounding variables, the maternal food practices regression model revealed that birth weight was directly correlated with the consumption of milk (p < 0.001), fruits (p < 0.01), and green vegetables (p < 0.05). As per the physical activity and maternal well-being regression model, the birth weight and crown-heel length were strongly related with the physical activity and maternal well-being of mothers at 36 weeks of gestation (p < 0.05). Combining the MOM intervention with standard antenatal care is a safe and effective way to improve maternal welfare while upholding pregnant mothers' human rights.

Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice): A Comprehensive Review on Its Phytochemistry, Biological Activities, Clinical Evidence and Toxicology.

There are more than 30 species of Glycyrrhiza genus extensively spread worldwide. It was the most prescribed herb in Ancient Egyptian, Roman, Greek, East China, and the West from the Former Han era. There are various beneficial effects of licorice root extracts, such as treating throat infections, tuberculosis, respiratory, liver diseases, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immunodeficiency. On the other hand, traditional medicines are getting the attraction to treat many diseases. Therefore, it is vital to screen the medicinal plants to find the potential of new compounds to treat chronic diseases such as respiratory, cardiovascular, anticancer, hepatoprotective, etc. This work comprehensively reviews ethnopharmacological uses, phytochemistry, biological activities, clinical evidence, and the toxicology of licorice, which will serve as a resource for future clinical and fundamental studies. An attempt has been made to establish the pharmacological effect of licorice in different diseases. In addition, the focus of this review article is on the molecular mechanism of licorice extracts and their four flavonoids (isoliquiritigenin, liquiritigenin, lichalocone, and glabridin) pharmacologic activities. Licorice could be a natural alternative for current therapy to exterminate new emerging disorders with mild side effects. This review will provide systematic insights into this ancient drug for further development and clinical use.

School-Based Exercise and Life Style Motivation Intervention (SEAL.MI) on Adolescent's Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Academic Performance: Catch Them Young.

There are shreds of evidence of shared biological mechanisms between obesity and hypertension during childhood intoadulthood, and loads of research literature has proven that it will profoundly cost nations' economies and health if neglected. The prevention and early diagnosis of cardiovascular risk factors such as overweight and hypertension is an essential strategy for control, effective treatment and prevention of its' complications. The study aims to assess the effect of school-based Exercise and Lifestyle Motivation Intervention (SEAL-MI) on adolescents' cardiovascular risk factors and academic performance. An experimental study was conducted among 1005 adolescents-520 and 485 were randomly selected for the control and study groups, respectively.A structured interview questionnaire was used to collect demographic details and data related to dietary habits, physical activity, sleep qualityand academic performance. The study group adolescents were given the SEAL-MI for six months, including a school-based rope exercise for 45 min per day for 5 days a week and a motivation intervention related to dietary habits, physical activity, and sleep. Post tests-1 and 2 were done after 3 and 6 months of intervention.The prevalence of overweight among adolescents was 28.73%, and prehypertension was 9.26%. Among overweight adolescents, the prevalence of prehypertension was found to be very high (32.25%). There was a significant weight reduction in post-intervention B.P. (p = 0.000) and improvement in dietary habits, physical activity, sleep (p = 0.000), and academic performance. A significant positive correlation was found between BMI and SBP (p = 0.000) and BMI and academic performance (p = 0.003). The linear regression analyses revealed that the gender (ß: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.39, 0.81), age (ß: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.17, 0.46), family income (ß: 0.2, 95% CI: 0.41, 0.5), residence (ß: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.27), and type of family (ß: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.39, 0.02) had the strongest correlation with the BMI of the adolescents. Additionally, Mother's education (ß: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.18, 0.59) had the strongest correlation with the SBP of the adolescents. In contrast, the DBP was negatively persuaded by age (ß: -0.36, 95% CI: 1.54, 0.29) and gender (ß: -0.26, 95% CI: 1.34, 0.12) of the adolescents. Regular practice of rope exercise and lifestyle modification such as diet, physical activity, and quality sleep among adolescents prevent and control childhood CVD risk factors such asoverweight and hypertension. The SEAL-MI may lead to age-appropriate development of adolescents as well as improve their academic performance and quality of life. Giving importance to adolescents from urban habitats, affluent, nuclear families, and catching them young will change the disease burden significantly.

Social Support, Self-Care Behaviour and Self-Efficacy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Diabetes mellitus is a major public health issue that considerably impacts mortality, morbidity, and healthcare costs worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic has created havoc in diabetes management, too, like other spectrums of life. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was adopted to determine the effect of Social Support, Self-Care Behaviour and Self-Efficacy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2D) during this COVID-19 pandemic. Two hundred T2D patients who satisfied the inclusion criteria were chosen using a convenient sampling procedure. The tool consists of four sections, including socio-demographic characteristics, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), revised Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA) Scale and modified Diabetes Management Self-Efficacy Scale (DMS). Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the obtained data. The mean and SD of diabetic management self-efficacy is 5.74 (1.95) and 4.37 (1.4), respectively, for patients with HbA1c < 6.5% and HbA1c ≥ 6.5%. The self-care activities of the patients who had good glycemic control were 4.31 (2.06) compared to 3.50 (1.73) who did not. The social support received by the patients was 6.13 (2.13) vs. 5.31 (1.67) among patients with glycemic control vs. no control. The results show that social support (p = 0.04), self-efficacy (p =0.01) and self-care activities (p = 0.001) were significantly related to the level of glycemic control of the T2D patients. A significant relationship was also identified between gender (p = 0.036), age (p = 0.001) and education status (p = 0.000) with HbA1c control of the participants. This study demonstrates a significant relationship between social support, self-care behaviours, self-efficacy and glycemic management in T2D patients. During this COVID-19 pandemic, interventions to enhance the self-care activities like exercise and social support to boost their self-efficacy; for better diabetes management, reducing diabetes complications or prolonging their onset are the need of the hour.

Involvement of community pharmacists in public health services in Asir Region, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Community pharmacists are one of the most accessible healthcare practitioners worldwide and their services are used by a large proportion of the population. Expanding the roles of community pharmacists could contribute to reducing pressure on general health practice and other areas of the health services. This research aimed to evaluate the contribution of community pharmacists in the provision of public health services and to investigate the perceived barriers for the provision of these services in Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study followed a cross-sectional design using an online anonymous self-administered questionnaire. The study took place in Asir region, Saudi Arabia, between September 2019 and February 2020. A convenience sampling strategy was used to select and recruit the study participants. The questionnaire was adapted from previous research and involved three sections: demographics, involvement in public health services and barriers for practising public health roles. RESULTS: The total number of respondents was 193. The proportion of respondents who reported that they were "very involved" or "involved" in each service was 61.7% for weight management, 60.6% for sexual health, 57.5% for healthy eating, 53.4% for physical activity promotion, 51.3% for dental health, 46.1% for smoking cessation, 39.4% for screening for diabetes, 35.7% for screening for hypertension, 31.1% for alcohol dependence and drug misuse counselling, 30.6% for screening for dyslipidaemia, and 21.8% for vaccination and immunisation. Most of the barriers in the current research were rated as having low relevance to the provision of public health services. CONCLUSION: Findings in the current research suggest that community pharmacists in Asir region have varying levels of involvement in public health roles. Further research needs to be undertaken to understand the barriers to the provision of public health services and what strategies would be beneficial for enhancing the public health role of community pharmacists in Saudi Arabia.

An evaluation of the psychological impact of COVID-19 and the precautionary measure of social isolation on adults in the Asir region, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 outbreak is worrying for people and society. The aim of this study is to evaluate the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the precautionary measure of social isolation on adults in the Asir region of Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was carried out in the Asir region for a period of 5 months from May 2020 to September 2020 to assess the psychological response of the adult population during the COVID-19 pandemic using an anonymous online questionnaire. The questionnaire was adapted from previous research and involved three sections, namely sociodemographic data, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7 Scale). A total score of ≥10 indicates depression and anxiety. Data were analysed using SPSS V.25. RESULTS: Females had higher rates of COVID-19 depression than males. There was a significant correlation between age and home setting and anxiety, and a significant association between marital status and the level of education and depression. There was a significant association between gender and depression and anxiety, while there was no significant association between occupation and income, and depression and anxiety. CONCLUSION: The findings of the study clearly show that depression and anxiety are highly prevalent among adults. Females had higher rates of COVID-19 depression and anxiety than males. The findings from this study show that implementing a strategy for the prevention and management of depression and anxiety is highly recommended to minimise the impact of these disorders.