Medina Research Articles

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE ABOUT COVID-19 AND VACCINE ACCEPTANCE AMONG FAMILY PHYSICIAN IN AL-MADINAH

Background: COVID-19 vaccination is very important to get immunity agents new against SARS-CoV-2. Also, it’s important to know the knowledge and attitude and welling to get vaccination about covid-19 in family physicians cause the are the first line doctor and people get medical information from them so this why we chose this population to assess knowledge and willing to get vaccine. This study aims to assess family physician awareness about covid-19 and its vaccine in al Madinah and to explore the association between knowledge and awareness of covid-19 and acceptance to take its vaccine. The study also assessed the awareness of the covid-19 and the acceptance of covid-19 vaccine. Methodology: A cross-sectional study that was carried out in Al-Madinah. The study was done on family physicians in Al-Madinah. A self-administered questionnaire was used in previous publications in the English language, the questionnaire was done online. By sending the questionnaire by WhatsApp. Data was verified by hand and then was coded, entered, and analyzed using SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 23.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp. Official Data was presented using means and standard deviation and frequency number and percent according to the type of variable. The result will significant if p-value <0.05. Results:The study included 152 participants, 57.9% were males and 42.1% were females. 61.2% aged between 25- 30 years old and 24.3% aged between 31- 40 years old. 59.9% of participants strongly agree that SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted by respiratory droplets. 35.5% strongly agree that Symptoms of COVID-19 can be similar with those of seasonal flu. 52.6% strongly agree that COVID-19 cause serious illness and death. 56.6% of study participants wash their hands before and after contact with the patient/patient’s environment. 30.9% think there is an available specific drug therapy for COVID-19 while 99.3% think is an available vaccine for COVID-19. However, all study participants received vaccine against COVID-19. Only 63.2% think they have sufficient level of knowledge about CIVID-19 and 39.5% intend to take the 3rd dose of vaccine. Conclusion: Health care professionals are expected to be at high risk for COVID-19 because of contact with confirmed and suspected cases at the frontline. Family physicians in Saudi Arabia have moderate level of knowledge, attitude and practice towards COVID-19 vaccine.

BARRIERS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG DIABETIC PATIENTS IN AL MADINAHALMUNAWARAH 2021

Aim:To explore the barriers of individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in relation to physical activity, and to compare between age ,gender and level of educations . Background:diabetic patients may have a lot of complications developed if not fellow management plan that include physical activities. By knowing barriers of physical activities they will improve quality of life.Such research is vital inorder to identify these barriers and try to eliminate. Methods: Descriptive-analytical approach research conducted in diabetic center of King Fahad hospital in Al Madinah AlMunawarah. three hundred seventy seven diabetic type 2 patients filled questioners that includes barriers of physical activities . Results:Lack of willpowershows significant barriers of physical activities among study members especially female (94.4% of them) rather than male(90.7% of them). The results also illustrated lack of energy was statistically significant among the study sample members of the female population (97.0% of them) while males (91.0% of them). Young members (15-29)shows all of them have Lack of time as barrier. primary certification(96.2% of them) suffered from lack of social support and (87.2% of them)suffered from lack of skills. The resultsillustrate there significant differences among the study sample members with university certification, where 99.0% of them suffered from lake of energy. Conclusions:lack of willpower and energy shows significantly barriers among female while lack of social support and skills were barriers of low level educated patient.High level of education has lack of energy.lack of time was obvious withyoung patients.

Partial Replacement of Sand in Concrete with Available Natural Pozzolan in KSA

This paper presents an experimental investigation on the effect of the partial replacement of fine aggregates in concrete with available local Natural Pozzolan (NP) in Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The utilization of NP has reduced the density of concrete and improved its mechanical properties. The Saudi Building Code has recommended using pozzolan with a special type of cement in the case of concrete exposed to high percentages of sulfate. 48 concrete cylinders with dimensions of 150×300 mm have been prepared. The cylinders have been divided into two groups according to the level of cement replacement with Silica Fume (SF). The first group consists of 24 concrete cylinders with Natural Sand (NS) substitution with NP by volume at replacement levels of 20%, 50% and 100% without SF. The second group consists of 24 concrete cylinders with sand substitution with NP by volume at replacement levels of 20%, 50% and 100% in addition to the presence of 5% cement replacement by weight with SF. The concrete cylinders have been tested after 28 days. The utilization of NP and SF has showed a noticeable influence on the mechanical properties of concrete. Therefore, based on the results, the replacement of 20% of fine aggregate and 5% of cement in concrete with NP and SF, respectively has increased the compressive and tensile strength of concrete.

PREVALENCE OF DEPRESSION AMONG HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS IN AL-MADINAH AL-MUNAWWARAH, SAUDI ARABIA, 2021

Background: Among patients undergoing Hemodialysis, depression is one of the most common psychological problems. There is an association between depression and low quality of life, low adherence to treatment and high mortality rate among hemodialysis patients Aim: To estimatethe prevalence of depression among hemodialysis patients in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia, 2021. Methods: A total of 200 hemodialysis patients wereparticipated in this study. A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2021 to January 2022. Valid and reliable Arabic version of the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) have been used in the questionnaire. Results:We found that 34.5% of patients had clinical depression. Among our participants, females had a significantly higher depression level than males (p<0.05). There is not astatistically significant difference between age, marital status, income, occupationand depression scale (p>0.05). Conclusion:Our study has revealed that patients undergoing hemodialysis have a higher prevalence of clinical depression. Therefore, hemodialiysis patients should be screened regularly.Early recognition and initiation of depression management will improve patients quality of life.Also, it may decrease mortality and morbidity among hemodialysispatients.

Prevalence of Depression among Postgraduate Residents and Its Associated Factors in Madinah, Saudi Arabia

Background: Numerous studies have established that psychological disorders among residents are a widespread occurrence around the world. Because physicians play a critical role in maintaining a healthy society, their health and well-being are paramount. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of depression among residents. Methods: The study was conducted in Al-Madinah Almunawarah, the capital of Al-Madinah province, from July to December 2020. The sample and initial data were collected all medical resident in all department. Data were recorded & analyzed in SPSS version 26. Results: In this study 270 participants were included, with 151(55.9%) men rest were female. The majority of participants 242(89.6%) were between the ages of 25-30 years. The majority of participants 153(56.7%) were single, while 111(41.1%) were married; also, 6(2.2%) were divorced. Depression was detected in 15.18% of our research participants. According to Beck's Depression Inventory, the majority of participants in our research had a score of 1-10, 229(84.8%), followed by a score of 11-16, 17(6.3%), and a score of 21-30, 14(5.2%). When a comparison analysis was performed, the age group and shift per month were shown to be statistically significant P<0.001. Conclusion: This study revealed that, one in every seven residents suffers from depression Residents may benefit from a postgraduate student counseling facility to assist them in coping with depression, anxiety, and stress-related problems.

Knowledge of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Among Saudi Women in a Primary Health Care Center of Almadinah Almunawarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

BackgroundGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a type of diabetes mellitus known as any stage of glucose intolerance with onset or first recognition during pregnancy. Awareness of GDM is the first step toward its screening in pregnancy. This study was designed to assess knowledge of GDM, its screening, and risk factors among Saudi women attending primary healthcare center in Almadinah Almunawarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.MethodsThis was an observational cross-sectional study conducted on Saudi women who attended the primary healthcare centers in Almadinah Almunawarah during the study period from January 2021 to June 2021. The sampling technique used was the stratification of primary healthcare centers in Madinah. According to the Epi-Info, version 3.5.1, the minimum sample size was 292. Data collection was done using a valid, Arabic self-administered questionnaire, which was composed of two main parts: general sociodemographic data and a questionnaire to assess GDM knowledge and awareness (12 questions). Data was recorded and analyzed using SPSS version 26.ResultsIn this study, 333 women were enrolled with an age range between 18 and 60 years, with a mean of 34.31±9.21 years. Overall, more than half of the women (53.45%) had a poor level of knowledge related to GDM, whereas only 7.80% had a good level of knowledge. Results of multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that women living in rural areas were at almost four-fold higher risk of having a poor level of knowledge (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 3.97; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.44-41.98, p=0.0031). With a one-year increase in women’s age, the risk of poor knowledge increased by 4% (aOR: 1.38; 95% CI: 1.08-1.48, p=0.001). In comparison to illiterate women, university-graduated and postgraduate women had a significantly lower risk of poor knowledge (aOR: 0.03; 95% CI: 0.01-0.31, p=0.001 and aOR: 0.19; 95% CI: 0.06-0.66, p = 0.011, respectively).ConclusionThe GDM knowledge of Saudi adult women was poor, particularly regarding risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment with insulin. However, their knowledge regarding treatment by lifestyle and diet modifications was quite acceptable.

The pattern of gynecological malignancies in Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah region, Saudi Arabia: An overview of 6 years.

Objectives:To describe the frequency and spectrum of different types of gynecological malignancies (malignant tumors of the female genital tract) and to characterize the pattern of gynecological neoplasms in different age groups in Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah, Saudi Arabia.Methods:This 6-year retrospective-design research was carried out on different age groups in Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah region, from June 2015 until June 2021. The patients’ information of all 200 specimens, including age, nationality, tumor site, and pathological disorders was obtained from the Maternity and Children Hospital, Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah.Results:Endometrial cancer was the most common malignancy for women of 31 years and above (69.0%). Tumors of the uterine corpus were mostly epithelial (86.7%) and possessed an endometrioid carcinoma histology (90.6%). There was only a small decline in gynecological cancer incidences in Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah over the past 6 years.Conclusion:Most of the cancer incidences, regardless of the pathological diagnosis, either increased or remained unchanged over time, is a possible indication of the current state of health programs and information available to the citizens in Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah. Further studies exploring the economic background of diagnosed patients may be of interest to future research.

Clinical otorhinolaryngological presentation of COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabia: A multicenter study.

Objectives:To assess the otorhinolaryngological (ORL) symptoms, including their prevalence, severity, and early presentations among coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) patients in the Saudi population.Methods:This was a multicentric, cross-sectional study carried out on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 positive patients at 3 COVID-19 centres; Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, King Fahd Hospital of the University, ALKhobar, Qatif Central Hospital, AlQatif, and Ohud Hospital, Al Madinah Al Munawarah, Saudi Arabia. The validated survey consisted of sociodemographic data, general symptoms of COVID-19, and ORL manifestations.Results:A total of 1734 COVID-19 positive patients were included in the study (mean age: 37.7±11.6 years). Most of the cases were mild (51.8%), followed by moderate (45.6%), and severe (2.6%) cases. Approximately 33.7% were asymptomatic. Severity of symptoms was significantly associated with male gender (p=0.017), higher age-group (p=0.04), and smoking (p<0.001). The most common initial ORL presentations were sore throat (20.9%), anosmia (15.5%), hyposmia (10%), and loss of taste (11.4%). Overall, 79.5% showed ORL symptoms as the initial presenting symptoms for COVID-19, with anosmia and sore throat being the most common symptoms.Conclusion:This study confirmed the prevalence of ORL symptoms among COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabia. Moreover, these symptoms could also be considered for early detection of COVID-19 as they might appear prior to other symptoms.

The Prevalence of Postpartum Depression and the Related Risk Factors in Primary Health Care, Al-Madinah, Saudi Arabia.

BackgroundThe onset of depressed symptoms within six weeks of childbirth is described as postpartum depression (PPD). When compared to developed countries, resource-constrained countries have a higher prevalence of PPD. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of PPD and the factors linked to it in primary health care in Al-Madinah, Saudi Arabia.MethodsThis descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at the Academy of Family Medicine, Al-Madinah Almunawarah, between June 2021 and December 2021. The Arabic version of the validated Edinburg Postnatal Depression Scale was used to measure postpartum depression. SPSS version 26 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) was used to record and analyze the data.ResultsA total of 243 participants were included in this study. The mean age of the participants was 28.21±11.54 years. Most of the participants, 116(47.7%), were in the age group of 22-30 years. Most of the babies 176 (72.4%) were born via normal vaginal delivery (NVD) while only 67 (27.76%) were born via caesarian section. Most of the participants had an income of <5000 riyals in our study. In our study, the majority of the babies, 137 (56.4%), were breastfed. In our study, major depression was found in 77 (31.68%) participants while mild depression was present in 50 (20.57%) participants. The comparative analysis showed that previous children (p <0.001), support in caring (p = 0.02), income status (p = 0.003), and child health issues (p<0.001) were statistically significant.ConclusionThe prevalence of postpartum depression was relatively high in our study. The number of prior children, child health, income status, and family support all have a positive association. In short, healthcare providers must pay special attention to the mental health needs of pregnant women in our settings.

Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency Between Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients and Non-Diabetics in the Arab Gulf.

BackgroundThe link between the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and vitamin D deficiency has perplexed the medical society due to the controversy in the data available. Saudi Arabia (SA) is a sunny region; however, ample amount of data reported the increased prevalence of vitamin D deficiency along with T2DM. Thus, this study aimed to compare vitamin D deficiency between healthy and T2DM patients in SA, alongside with the risk factors associated with that.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in the Medical Unit, Taibah University in Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah, SA, from November 2017 to May 2018. The involved participants were non-diabetics and T2DM men. Measuring vitamin D for T2DM and non-diabetics group was done by trained technicians. Data analysis was done via SPSS.ResultsSixty-four participants (T2DM group = 32; non-diabetics group = 32) were recruited, and the mean age of T2DM patients was 48.6 ± 10.4, while that of the non-diabetics was 42.4 ± 6.5. The mean of vitamin D level was found higher in the non-diabetic participants than in diabetic patients. There was statistically significant association between vitamin D deficiency and T2DM (P = 0.001). Besides, duration of diabetes was the only factor, found to be positively correlated with vitamin D deficiency in T2DM patients.ConclusionEarly screening for vitamin D serum-level is recommended for T2DM patients in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, early correction of vitamin D levels should be considered, and medical and scientific societies, along with other sectors such as the media, should highlight and increase the awareness of the importance of vitamin D and the seriousness of its deficiency.

Lack of association between fat mass and obesity-associated genetic variant (rs8050136) and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Objectives:To study the genotype and allele frequency of the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) rs8050136 A>C genetic variant and investigate its association with type 2 diabetes mekkitus (T2DM) parameters.Methods:This study was carried out on 118 diabetic patients and 106 healthy individuals (control) from Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Hospital, Al Madinah Al Munawarah, Saudi Arabia. The TaqMan single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)genotyping assay was used for rs8050136 genotyping.Results:The frequency of the genotype AA was the same among T2DM and healthy control groups (21%). However, the frequency of genotype CC was 19.5% in T2DM patients and 24.5% in control individuals. There was no significant association between FTO SNP rs8050136 and an increased risk of T2DM. Furthermore, there was no association between the risk AA genotype and fasting blood glucose (p=0.092), glycated hemoglobin (p=0.177), or body mass index (p=0.561).Conclusion:Our findings show that the FTO rs8050136 A>C variant is not associated with T2DM in the Saudi population.

Future anxiety during the switch to distance learning during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and its relationship to some variables among secondary school students in Madinah: قلق المستقبل في ضوء التحول إلى التعليم عن بُعد أثناء جائحة كورونا (COVID-19) لدى طلبة المرحلة الثانوية بالمدينة المنورة وعلاقته ببعض المتغيرات

This study aimed to identify the degree of future anxiety in light of the shift to distance education during COVID-19 among secondary school students in Al Madinah Al Munawwarah and to identify the differences in the degree of future anxiety due to some demographic variables (gender - major- income level). The study sample included (403) female and male secondary school students in Al Madinah Al Munawwarah, in the second and third secondary grades, who were chosen by the simple random sampling. In order to achieve the objectives of the study, the researcher adopted the Analytical descriptive approach. The researcher used the Future Anxiety Scale prepared by (Shuqair, 2005). The study concluded that there was simple future anxiety in light of the shift to distance education during COVID-19 among second and third secondary school students in Al Madinah Al Munawwarah, and there were no statistically significant differences at (0.05) level in the degree of future anxiety in light of the shift to distance education during COVID-19 due to demographic variables (gender, major, income level) variable among the second and third secondary school students in Al Madinah Al Munawwarah. In light of the above-mentioned results, the researcher recommends that Ministry of Education at Saudi Arabia has to continue implementing the distant education, as the results of the current study showed that it does not, significantly, affect future anxiety levels among high school students.

Awareness and Practices Related to Cervical Cancer among Females in Saudi Arabia.

Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the most common risk factor for cervical cancer. Cervical cancer can be prevented with vaccination and early screening methods using pap smears. However, the acceptance of these approaches can be affected by the awareness level of the population. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess knowledge and practices related to cervical cancer among women in the Al Madinah Province in Saudi Arabia. A total of 1489 responses were included in the analysis. The median awareness score related to cervical cancer was eight out of 20 points. Vaginal bleeding, dyspareunia, and leg pain were correctly identified by 79.8%, 43.7%, and 19.3% of the women, respectively. Thirty-four percent of the study sample knew that the sexually transmitted virus is a risk factor for cervical cancer. Only 44.6% were able to correctly identify pap smear as a screening tool, and 12.6% knew that there was a HPV vaccine. This study revealed a low to moderate awareness level toward cervical cancer, pap smear, and HPV vaccine. Thus, awareness campaigns are urgently needed to increase the awareness level for early detection and prevention of the disease.

Study on Vertically Distributed Aerosol Optical Characteristics over Saudi Arabia Using CALIPSO Satellite Data

The optical characteristics of vertically distributed aerosols over Saudi Arabia were investigated using the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) data from 2007 to 2019. The study region was divided into three parts (Region I: Tabuk, Makkah, Al Madinah, Asir, Al Bahah, Jizan, Riyadh, Mecca, Medina, the eastern region, Kassim, Hale, Asir, Baha, Tabuk, the northern border region, Jizan, Najilan, and Jufu. Region II: Ar, Al, Ha, Al, and Najran. Region III Al Hudud ash Shamaliyah and Ash Sharqiyah) to understand regional aerosol characteristics by performing interannual and seasonal analysis for nine aerosol types during the day and nighttime. We found that the aerosol optical depth (AOD) estimates were the highest over eastern Saudi Arabia (region III) and were seemingly driven by the presence of an expansive desert in the region. As anticipated, the AOD observations were substantially higher in spring and summer than in autumn and winter owing to the frequent occurrence of dust events during the former. Daytime observations exhibited higher AOD values than those at nighttime, which might be related to higher daytime anthropogenic activities. The estimates of the base height of the lowest aerosol layer (HB1) and the top altitude of the highest aerosol layer (TAH) were altered depending on the topography (the higher the altitude, the higher the annual mean value of HB1 and TAH). The aerosol layers (N) were relatively abundant over region III, seemingly due to the relatively stronger atmospheric convection over this region. The volume depolarization ratio of the lowest aerosol layer (VDR1) was considerable during the night due to deposition at nighttime, and VDR1 was relatively substantial in spring and summer. The color ratio of the lowest aerosol layer (CR1) estimates over regions II and III was higher at night. We report a weak positive correlation between the thickness of the lowest aerosol layer (HTH1) and the AOD of the lowest aerosol layer (AOD1) in the three regions, a strong positive correlation between TAH and N, and a negative correlation between the AOD proportion of the lowest aerosol layer (PAOD1) and N in Saudi Arabia. In this paper, the optical and physical properties of aerosols in Saudi Arabia have been studied for 13 years. Our results could provide references for researchers and the government, and relevant departments with data support on the aerosol layer to help control air pollution in Saudi Arabia.

Investigation Study of Ultrasound Practitioners' Awareness about Artefacts of Hepatobiliary Imaging in Almadinah Almunawwarah.

Objectives:To investigate the knowledge and awareness of ultrasound practitioners’ concerning ultrasound artefacts in evaluating the hepatobiliary system.Methods:This electronic questionnaire-based comparative study involved the ultrasound practitioners’ who work in the radiology departments in Almadinah Almunawwarah governmental hospitals during the period from 1 November 2020 to 30 April 2021. Spearman’s rho correlation test was used to correlate between knowledge and job, academic qualification, and years of experience. A T-test and cross tabulation test were done to compare the knowledge about artefacts among radiologists and radiologic technologists.Results:This study involved 94 participants distributed as 22 (23.4%) radiologists and 72 (76.6%) radiologic technologists. The results shows that 85%, 71%, 73%, 69%, 54% and 53% of the participants assigned the acoustic shadowing, acoustic enhancement, ring down, side lobe, reverberation and mirror artefacts, as artefacts respectively. However, 68%, 53%, 19%, 19%, 18%, and 40% of the participants gave correct final diagnosis of acoustic shadowing, acoustic enhancement, ring down, side lobes, reverberation, and mirror artifacts, respectively. Spearman’s rho correlation test shows significant correlation between participants with more than three years experience and knowledge related mirror artefacts (r=0.328, p=0.001). It shows significant correlation between radiologists with knowledge related mirror artefacts (r=0.367, p<0.001). A significant correlation was found between highly qualified participants and knowledge related mirror artefacts (r=0.336, p=0.001) and side lobe artefacts (r=0.237, p=0.008).Conclusion:The questionnaire-based comparative study of knowledge about artefacts of hepatobiliary ultrasound imaging reveals a high level of Ultrasound practitioners’ knowledge in differentiating artefacts from pathology with a high level of knowledge in identifying hepatobiliary acoustic shadowing and acoustic enhancement artefacts. However, insufficient knowledge was noted in identifying mirror, side lobe, reverberation and ring down artefacts. A direct link was found between academic qualification, years of experience and practioners’ knowledge among.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice among pharmacists for migraine management in Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah

Knowledge, attitude, and practice among pharmacists for migraine management in Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah

Estimation of Growth and Photosynthetic Performance of Two C4 Species (Pennisetum spicatum (L.) K鰎n. and Zea mays L.) under a Low Temperature Treatment

Pearl millet (Pennisetum spicatum (L.) Körn.) and maize (Zea mays L.) are C4 grass species grown for feeding humans and animals in Almadinah Almunawwarah, which is in the western part of Saudi Arabia. During the winter, the mean temperature, which drops to 14°C, represents a major problem for the growth of these species in this region. Therefore, the objectives of this research were to investigate the growth response and the photosynthetic performance of P. spicatum and Z. mays under a low temperature stress. The treatments involved daytime and nighttime temperatures of 14/12°C (low temperature) and 24/22°C (optimum temperature). The results indicated that low temperature significantly reduced all growth and physiological parameters, including seed germination, leaf expansion, leaf area, shoot length and root length of the two species compared to those of the control. Additionally, the low temperature significantly decreased the light-saturated assimilation rate (Asat), quantum yield (ϕ), saturated rate of carbon dioxide uptake (Amax) and efficiency of carboxylation on both species compared to those of the control. Moreover, the values of Fv/Fm and the chlorophyll contents of both species were significantly reduced by low temperature compared to those of the control. It can be concluded that both species had little tolerance to low temperatures.

Awareness and Knowledge about Childhood Autism among Family Medicine Residents in Al Madinah Region in Saudi Arabia, 2020

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a range of conditions characterized by some degree of impaired social behavior, communication and language, and a narrow range of interests and activities that are both unique to the individual and carried out repetitively. Objective: To assess knowledge of Family Medicine residents in Al Madinah Region regarding childhood autism. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted to assess knowledge of 103 family medicine residents about childhood autism in Al Madinah Region, Saudi Arabia. A structured self-administered web-based Healthcare Workers (KCAHW) Questionnaire was used to assess knowledge of childhood autism among participant residents. Results: Residents’ total score (Mean±SD) was 13.18±2.80 (out of 19, 69.4%). The highest attained mean scores were for the first and second domains (6.36±1.64, 79.5% and 0.78±0.42, 78%, respectively), while the lowest was for the fourth domain (2.62±1.10, out of 6, 43.7%). Highest mean knowledge scores among participants were among those aged 35-39 years (13.33±0.58). However, knowledge scores did not differ significantly according to residents’ age groups. Male residents had significantly lower knowledge scores than females (12.56±2.53 and 14.21±2.95, respectively, p=0.003). Mean knowledge scores were highest among R4 residents (13.66±2.91). However, knowledge scores did not differ significantly according to residents’ training levels. Participants in Yanbu Residency Program had significantly lower mean knowledge scores than those in AL Madinah (12.26±2.70 and 13.45±2.79, respectively). However, knowledge scores did not differ significantly according to residency programs. Mean knowledge scores about autism did not differ significantly according to attending workshops or conferences about autism. Conclusion: Knowledge of family medicine residents regarding childhood autism is suboptimal. Correlates of KCA may help in selection of healthcare workers who would best provide health education and management for caregivers of children with autism. It is important to update the knowledge gaps of healthcare workers who have limited knowledge regarding childhood autism and to train them to be able to provide healthcare service that would ensure early diagnosis and interventions for management of autism. Key words: Autism spectrum disorder, children, Family Medicine, Knowledge, Saudi Arabia.

Prevalence of hypermobility in primary school children: a Saudi experience

Background: This study aims to determine the prevalence of generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) in primary school children in relation to age (6–12 years) and gender. It also aims to ascertain whether musculoskeletal pain (MSP) is associated with GJH among these children. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in five primary schools in Al-Madinah al-Munawarah city. The demographic profile recorded includes age, gender, ethnic group, height, weight, and body mass index. The existence of GJH was assessed by the Beighton score (≥4 was acknowledged as hypermobility). Prior to physical examinations, the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was distributed to the students to assist in detecting symptoms in their neck, back, shoulders, and extremities. Results: The study included 563 students (392 boys, 171 girls; average 10.12 ± 1.588 years; range 6–12 years). GJH was found in 144 students (25.6%). Out of the total number of participants, the occurrence of GJH in male students was 30.87% versus 13.5% in female students, indicating a significant difference (p = 0.001) by gender. GJH was also more prevalent in the age group of 6–9 years (29.2%) compared to that of 10–12 years (23.7%), with a considerable significant difference of p &lt; 0.05. With respect to MSP, 222 (39.4%) of the total number of students reported pain. Pain was found in 31 (21.5%) and 191 (45.6%) of hypermobile students and non-hypermobile students, respectively, with a significant difference of p = 0.029. MSP was also not associated with GJH among these children. Conclusions: The prevalence of GJH in the primary school children in this study was markedly higher than the range revealed in some countries in the region but somewhat within the range reported internationally.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Regarding Childhood Tuberculosis Screening and Management among Healthcare Providers in Al-Medinah Al-Munawara, Saudi Arabia

Among infectious illnesses, tuberculosis (TB) has the highest fatality rate. The likelihood of infection spreading from patients to healthcare providers is two times higher than in the general population. The primary risk factor for contracting TB is close proximity to an infected individual prior to diagnosis. The research assessed health workers’ knowledge, attitude, and practice of TB infection control in Saudi Arabia. The study used a cross-sectional approach based on an online survey. The research was carried out throughout the months of May to July 2022 in Al Madinah Al-Munawara. The questionnaire included demographic’s and work variables, knowledge regarding pediatric TB etiology, transmission, symptoms, lymph node characteristics, and diagnostic criteria. Also, the participants’ perspectives and practice patterns on contact investigation, TB diagnostic tools, laboratory services, presumptive TB diagnostic referrals, and TB treatment were evaluated. The study included 558 healthcare workers (HCWs) from various specialists. HCWs exhibited sound knowledge, and positive attitudes in comparison to those with minimal experience in diagnosing TB in children TB as 31.2% had excellent knowledge, 22.6% good, 18.5% mediocre, and 27.8% bad. The majority of responders (49.1%) had a positive attitude, while only 33.2% had correct and full practice routines. Immediate action is required to increase HCW awareness, capacity, and skills to ensure an accurate diagnosis. In the identification of TB cases, certain crucial information gaps were discovered. This study also highlights the significance of clinical experience and frequent interactions with tuberculosis patients in clinical practice as a pathway to competency-based learning by practice. Keywords: healthcare workers, knowledge, tuberculosis, diagnosis, practice, KSA.