Saudi Medical Horizons Journal

Evaluation of knowledge, attitude and risk factor of Stroke in Tabuk Region, Saudi Arabia

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0100

Background: This research seeks to assess stroke-related knowledge, attitudes, and risk factors within Tabuk's population. Stroke's significant impact necessitates understanding local perceptions. This cross-sectional study consisting of 404 participants examines awareness of stroke and its risk factors, attitudes toward prevention and treatment, considering demographic variables. By pinpointing gaps, the research informs targeted educational efforts and interventions. The aim is to enhance stroke awareness, encourage healthier lifestyles, and reduce the local stroke burden. Through this investigation, the community can gain accurate knowledge, cultivate positive attitudes, and adopt informed practices, potentially improving overall well-being in Tabuk

Methodology: The study was conducted in Tabuk, located in northwest Saudi Arabia. Data was collected through predesigned questionnaire. recruitment period for participants will be from the 1st of June 2023 to the 30th of July 2023.

Results: This study discovered that 84.4% of participants were familiar with "stroke," while 95.3% correctly identified its brain location. About 80.9% accurately recognized blood vessel blockage or burst as the cause. Awareness varied for risk factors: diabetes (42.6%), high blood pressure (79.2%), high cholesterol (60.6%), and smoking (72.0%). Symptoms recognition ranged from 22.5% (high temperature) to 59.4% (trouble walking). Positive attitudes towards blood clot emergencies (85.4%) contrasted uncertainty about treatment (51.0%). Notably, 42.3% believed in full recovery and 45.3% knew to call an ambulance. 62.4% believed stroke prevention is possible. Distribution analysis revealed 39.4% with adequate knowledge, 30.2% with satisfactory awareness, and 54.6% with positive attitudes. Demographic factors showed no significant associations (p > .005), suggesting the need for targeted educational campaigns in Tabuk for improved stroke awareness and prevention.

Conclusion: In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive overview of stroke knowledge, attitudes, and risk factors among the population of Tabuk. The findings emphasize the importance of addressing knowledge gaps, correcting misconceptions, and promoting positive attitudes towards stroke prevention and treatment. By tailoring educational initiatives to the needs of the community, public health organizations can play a vital role in reducing the burden of stroke and improving overall health outcomes.

Overview on Restoration with Endocrown

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0100

Endocrown restorations are single prostheses that are made of reinforced ceramics and may be acid etched; they are recommended for endodontically treated molar teeth that have suffered a considerable loss of coronal structure. In order to provide a strong foundation for the restoration and strengthen the restored tooth structurally, the quality and integrity of the residual tooth structure should be carefully preserved. For this reason, Endocrown is used as a minimally invasive technique. Endocrowns are particularly recommended for molars with short, destroyed, dilacerated, or unstable roots. They may also be utilized when it is unable to achieve an acceptable thickness of the ceramic coating on the metal or ceramic substructures due to significant coronal dental tissue loss and constrained interocclusal space. Endocrowns provide a more beneficial choice than conventional and post- and core-retained restorations because of the little and simple preparation required. This favorable outcome can be attributable to a number of variables, including the preparation method, occlusal thickness, and elastic moduli. When it comes to material selection it is impossible to create what is called the material of choice since new material is constantly being introduced.

Overview on Epidemiology, Causes and Management of Gynecomastia

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0100

Background: Gynecomastia is characterized by the benign enlargement of male breast tissue, a condition witnessed across varied age brackets and influenced by several factors. While its global prevalence and causative factors have been comprehensively documented, there is a notable gap in understanding its specific implications within Saudi Arabia.

Objective: The study aims to provide a comprehensive review of the etiology, epidemiology, and management strategies of gynecomastia, emphasizing its manifestation in the context of Saudi Arabia.

Methodology: A comprehensive literature review was undertaken, sourcing articles and studies from established databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar, facilitated by targeted internet searches, with particular emphasis of Saudi Arabia studies.

Results: Gynecomastia's incidence notably peaks during puberty and in the older demographic, with various medications, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors contributing to its onset. Within Saudi Arabia, a 15-year case series reflected gynecomastia as the predominant benign male breast lesion, constituting 54% of such cases. In terms of treatment, hormonal therapies like tamoxifen and raloxifene, aromatase inhibitors, and certain androgens have been employed, albeit with varying degrees of efficacy. Surgical avenues such as liposuction and mastectomy present more conclusive solutions for the affected when pharmacotherapy is ineffective.

Conclusion: Gynecomastia is a significant condition with diverse influencing factors. In Saudi Arabia, despite limited data, gynecomastia emerges as a pressing health concern. There exist a range of medical and surgical interventions, ensuring a holistic approach to patient care and management.

Clinical Outcomes of Surgical Management of Liver Abscess: A Systematic Review

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0100

Background: Treatment for liver abscess, a major source of intra-abdominal infection, depends on how it presents. Over time, the method of treating PLA has changed, moving from open surgical drainage to percutaneous drainage assisted by imaging.

Objectives: This systematic review aims to investigate the efficacy of surgical approaches to manage liver abscesses.

Methods: PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Science Direct, were systematically searched to include the relevant literature. Rayyan QRCI was used throughout this systematic approach.

Results & interpretation: included nine studies with a total of 632 patients. Antibiotics and/ or US or CT-guided PNA are the first line of treatment to manage liver abscesses. However, the relatively few individuals in whom aspiration was impossible because of thick pus, a septated or loculated abscess, or an abscess that had ruptured in any body cavity were indications for open or laparoscopic surgery. Additionally, we demonstrated that successful surgical procedures were linked to a significant decrease in mortality and a shorter hospital stay in patients with ruptured ALA. Only generalized peritonitis or further infections refractory to non-surgical treatment necessitate surgery. Additional randomized controlled studies involving a suitable patient population should be conducted to raise the level of evidence.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation for Complex Regional Pain Syndromes

Amro Youssef Elias, Dania Mohammed Almoulem — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0100

A common clinical constellation of pain, sensory, autonomic, motor, or trophic symptoms that can no longer be attributed to the initial trauma characterizes Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). These signs and symptoms are not localized to the areas of innervation. Most of the diagnosis is clinical. Following that, mobility difficulties, fluctuating skin temperature, sensory loss and changes in body perception are the prominent symptoms. In acute phases, pharmaceutical treatment may be very beneficial. Empirically, common anti-neuropathic pain medications can be suggested. Physical and occupational therapy, as well as behavioral therapy, are crucial parts of the treatment.

Overview of Nephrotic Syndrome in Arab Children: Systematic review

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0100

Background: Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is documented as a common chronic disease in childhood. Children with this illness repeatedly show periorbital swelling with or without generalized edema. It was estimated that the annual incidence rate of NS in children aged below 16 years is 2 to 7 new cases per 100 000, with a prevalence rate of 16 cases per 100 000.

Objectives: This systematic review comprehensively investigates the recently published literature on incidence and pattern of nephrotic syndrome in infants and children.

Methods: PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Google Scholar were systematically searched for relevant literature. Rayyan QRCI was employed throughout this comprehensive process.

Results & interpretation: This review included nine studies with a total of 1418 patients. The incidence, mean age, sex dominance in different sample groups and the histopathological patterns were differ according to many factors.

Prevalence of Dental Caries in Different Ages among Children in Saudi Arabia; Systematic Review

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0100

Background/objective: Children's dental health has become a key issue in Saudi Arabia due to the growth in caries prevalence among schoolchildren there. Understanding caries experience is crucial for Saudi Arabian policymakers to develop intervention targets and enhance oral health. As consequently, comprehensive research was conducted to investigate the prevalence of dental caries in Saudi children.

Method: For pertinent information, PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were scoured in-depth. The Rayyan QRCI was employed throughout this thorough procedure.

Results: our study article included 11 studies, in which the prevalence of dental caries among children in Saudi Arabia was explained. The main parameters like age, sex, no. of participants and areas were obtained. Clinical studies were required to determine the prevalence of caries in different areas in Saudi Arabia particularly among children.

Conclusion: The prevalence rates in Saudi Arabia were high, but the mean dental caries prevalence during the latest decade was determined to be lower than the preceding two decades, with minimal volatility in the prevalence rate.

The Impact of Aging on Neurological Function and Cognitive Decline

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0100

This comprehensive analysis delves into the multifaceted impact of aging on neurological function and cognitive decline, incorporating insights from studies on music, video games, and mindfulness. It explores significant alterations in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) as individuals age, highlighting changes in nerve fibers, signal transmission, muscle strength, and sensory discrimination. The study also examines the brain's structural and functional evolution with age, particularly in the hippocampus and frontal lobe, and the resultant effects on cognitive abilities. It discusses the concept of brain resistance and resilience in the context of Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that certain individuals show a heightened ability to withstand or adapt to neurological pathologies. Investigating various lifestyle factors, the hypothesis presented is that an active lifestyle and specific activities, including musical engagement and video game training, can mitigate age-related cognitive decline. The study finds that musical activities improve mood, memory, and quality of life in people with dementia, while customized video games enhance multitasking abilities and cognitive control in older adults. However, mindfulness-based interventions, such as stress reduction and exercise, did not show significant improvement in cognitive functions in older adults. Intriguingly, cognitive abilities are impacted differently by age, with certain functions like vocabulary improving, while others such as memory and processing speed decline. The study also contrasts brain aging in humans with chimpanzees, revealing significant differences in brain structure changes over the lifespan, likely due to longer human lifespans. This research underscores the complex interplay of genetic, lifestyle, health, and intervention factors in aging and emphasizes the importance of tailored interventions such as using music therapy, video games, and life style changes to preserve neurological and cognitive health in older adults.