Al Qassim Research Articles

Hydrogeological attributes and groundwater potential of the Saq aquifer system: insights from petrophysical properties and hydrochemical characteristics in Al Qassim Province, KSA

Hydrogeological attributes and groundwater potential of the Saq aquifer system: insights from petrophysical properties and hydrochemical characteristics in Al Qassim Province, KSA

Interrelationship between depression and low back pain-related disability among patients seen at orthopedic clinics in Al Qassim region, Saudi Arabia: Prevalence, severity, and determinants

Interrelationship between depression and low back pain-related disability among patients seen at orthopedic clinics in Al Qassim region, Saudi Arabia: Prevalence, severity, and determinants

Parental Knowledge, Attitudes, and Utilization of Preventive Dentistry Modalities in Al Qassim, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Parents play a vital role in modeling good oral hygiene practices for their children; thus, their attitude, knowledge, and awareness toward preventive dentistry can be one of the major factors contributing to children's oral health. Objectives The objective of this study is to determine the parental knowledge and attitudes toward the modalities of preventive dentistry for their children in Al Qassim, Saudi Arabia. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was carried out using an online self-administered questionnaire designed for parents living in the Al Qassim region. The questionnaire included demographic data, parent knowledge and attitude toward preventive dentistry, and awareness of preventive dentistry procedures. The data collected were analyzed using RStudio. Results Data were collected from 392 Saudi parents (male: n = 190 (48.5%), female: n = 202 (51.5%)). The majority of participants (n = 336, 85.7%) considered the importance of primary teeth for general body health, while 320 participants (81.6%) believed that primary dentition influences permanent teeth. Awareness regarding special preventive measures like using toothpaste with fluorides comprised 87.5% (n = 343), and that of the benefits of early dental visits was 77.3% (n = 303). However, there was marked unawareness and use of preventive procedures such as serial extraction (n = 226, 57.7% of respondents unaware) and silver diamine fluoride (n = 276, 70.4% unaware). The higher levels of education and income were positively related to better knowledge and attitudes about preventive dentistry. Conclusions The current paper highlights the importance of educational interventions for enhancing parental knowledge and awareness about preventive dentistry. Community-based educational programs and increased availability of preventive dentistry services might be helpful in eliminating the knowledge gap among parents about good oral health practice.

Assessment of Public Knowledge and Attitudes Towards First Aid in the Al Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Accidents, injuries, and medical emergencies can occur unpredictably, with a significant proportion of fatalities in pre-hospital situations resulting from car accidents. Shockingly, about 39% of these fatalities could have been prevented with improved pre-hospital care. This study aimed to assess attitudes and knowledge regarding first aid among 408 individuals through a survey. Participants were surveyed on the importance of first aid learning, advising others to take first aid courses, fear of emergency situations, previous course attendance, and knowledge of specific first aid procedures. Results showed a strong consensus on the importance of first aid training, but many expressed fear of emergencies hindering their aid efforts. Barriers to course attendance included lack of time, unwillingness, and course unavailability. Participants showed varying knowledge levels, correctly identifying the Red Crescent Authority's emergency number but showing discrepancies in appropriate first aid actions for scenarios like car accidents and controlling bleeding. These findings underscore the importance of promoting first aid education and addressing barriers to course attendance. Tailored approaches may be necessary to address specific fears and improve knowledge of first aid procedures, ensuring that individuals are better equipped to respond effectively in emergency situations. By enhancing first aid training and addressing barriers, we can potentially reduce the number of preventable fatalities in pre-hospital settings, improving overall outcomes for individuals in need of emergency care.

The Effectiveness of Using Motion Graphics in Acquiring English Vocabulary among Second-Grade Intermediate Students

This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of using motion graphics in teaching a unit of the English language course for the second intermediate grade in acquiring vocabulary among second-grade intermediate students. The study used the English vocabulary test as an instrument to collect data and measure the effectiveness of the independent variable of the study. The test was performed twice, before and after the treatment was applied to the groups. The study used a quasi-experimental design. The study population was selected from one of the female intermediate schools in Unayzah Governorate in Al Qassim region. The study sample consisted of (54) second-grade intermediate Female students aged between (14-15) years, assigned randomly as experimental and control groups. The sample was divided into two groups, (27) students in each. The study concluded that there are statistically significant differences between the average scores of the experimental group students and the scores of the control group students in the results of the vocabulary acquisition post-test in favor of the experimental group. The study recommended using a variety of instructional strategies to meet the diverse needs and preferences of learners as well as ensure that the instructional materials and resources are accessible to all students, including those with diverse learning needs and backgrounds.

Nurses’ Knowledge on the Prevention of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP) among Critically Ill Patients

Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a significant concern in healthcare settings, particularly among critically ill patients who require mechanical ventilation. Nurses play a vital role in preventing VAP through their knowledge and implementation of evidence-based practices. However, there exists a notable gap in the research regarding nurses’ knowledge of preventing VAP to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.Purpose: This study aimed to assess nurses’ knowledge of preventing VAP among critically ill patients using the ventilator bundle checklist.Methods: This study used a one-group pretest-posttest design to test the change in the nurses’ knowledge scores on VAP working in two government hospitals in Buraidah, Al Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia. The study covered 250 purposively and conveniently sampled nurses from intensive care units. Data collection was performed in three phases: pre-test, VAP educational program, and post-test. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires on nurses’ socio-demographics, a 20-item self-made survey about the knowledge of VAP and its prevention and the adapted ventilator bundle checklist. The collected data were entered, prepared, and analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Relevant ethical issues were strictly considered.Results: The results showed that during the pre-test, correct responses were accounted for but showed low scores in the following areas: general knowledge of VAP (27.6%), factors associated with VAP (36%), international guidelines for prevention (20.8%), and nurses’ roles in prevention (16.4%). However, in the post-test, there was a remarkable increase in the knowledge scores in the same categories (95.2%) on general knowledge, on factors associated with VAP (74.8%), on international guidelines (73.6%) and on nurses’ roles in prevention (61.6%). The program significantly improved overall VAP knowledge and knowledge in specific areas like general VAP, associated factors, international guidelines, and nurses’ roles in prevention (p<0.000).Conclusion: A pre-test revealed low baseline knowledge across all four areas assessed: general VAP knowledge, factors associated with VAP, international VAP prevention guidelines, and nurses’ roles in VAP prevention. However, post-test scores markedly increased in all areas, indicating the educational program’s effectiveness. Hence, the findings suggest that educational intervention focused on VAP screening and bundle protocols could be beneficial to address the gap in knowledge on VAP.

Preformed Stainless-Steel Crowns: Their Effects on Oral Hygiene Maintenance and Gingival Health – A Prospective Original Research

ABSTRACT The stainless-steel crown (SSC) is a durable restoration and has several indications for use in primary teeth such as following a pulpotomy/pulpectomy, fractured teeth, teeth with developmental defects, or large multi-surface caries lesions where amalgam is likely to fail. Due to its durability and a lifespan like the primary tooth, it could well be the gold standard in restorative care. SSCs protect the crown from fracture, reduce the possibility for leakage, and ensure a biological seal. However, the placement of the SSC should follow a meticulous technique. There are some clinical situations where the SSC may fail, leading to plaque accumulation and gingivitis. This could be secondary to improper crimping of crown margins, which lead to poorly adapted SSC. In some clinical situations, ledge formation under the crown or failure to clean excess cement can contact the gingiva and cause gingival inflammation. This study was carried out on 41 children between the ages of 4 and 10 in Al Qassim region to study the effects of SSCs on gingiva and oral hygiene. The study also aims to establish the correlation between SSC adaptation and post-insertion inflammation. The plaque and gingival index were recorded at 3 months’ post SSC insertion. Clinical examination was undertaken, and gingival index (Loe and Silness 1967) and plaque index (Silness and Loe 1967) were used to record gingival health and plaque accumulation, respectively. The result for post-inflammation and SSC adaptation showed that there was no statistically significant difference in post-insertion inflammation and crown adaptation (P value = 0.216). The result for pre-operative inflammation and post-operative inflammation shows that there is no significant difference in post-inflammation and adaptation (P value = 0.47). We found that oral hygiene care had a heightening effect and oral hygiene maintenance plays a key role in preventing gingival inflammation irrespective of the SSC adaptation over short periods of time (3 months).

Periodontal and Systemic Diseases: A Descriptive Analysis of Awareness Among the General Saudi Population.

Background Taking into account the limited availability of research data, this study aimed to determine the general Saudi population's awareness of the link between periodontal diseases and systemic diseases. Methodology A structured online questionnaire with eight awareness items, apart from demographic variables, was distributed through email, WhatsApp, and Telegram to a sample of 500 individuals. The data were analyzed using a simple descriptive statistical approach and interpreted as ratios for comparison. The awareness regarding systemic diseases associated with periodontal diseases was classified into the following four categories based on the Bloom cutoff points: high (>80%), average (60-79%), low (40-59%), and extremely low (<40%). Results A response rate of 68% was reached with the participation of 340 Saudi citizens residing in the Al Qassim region. Overall, 61.22% of research participants had an average awareness of the link between periodontal and systemic diseases. Almost two-thirds (>60%) of participants were aware that periodontal diseases and systemic diseases have an association and that individuals with systemic diseases need a periodontal checkup. A majority (85%) of participants opined that periodontal treatment has the potential to enhance overall health. Nonetheless, only a few participants (60%) were aware of the association between diabetes mellitus and periodontal diseases, and they had a limited awareness of the association with other systemic diseases. Conclusions Although theSaudi general population possesses average awareness about the relationship between periodontal diseases and systemic diseases, their awareness about different systemic diseases and conditions is extremely low, particularly regarding infertility, stroke, and metabolic diseases. The present research indicates a deficiency in the efforts by healthcare professionals, community service providers, and community administrators to educate the general public regarding the association between periodontal diseases and systemic diseases. This awareness is crucial for individuals to control these intricate, interconnected diseases.

Knowledge of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Among Adult Females in Al Qassim Province, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a carbohydrate intolerance of variable severity with onset or first recognition during pregnancy; it does not include diabetics who become pregnant or women who become lactosuric. Knowledge of this problem among the public will promote its prevention, screening, and treatment strategies. This study aims to assess the knowledge of GDM regarding its risk factors, screening, treatment, and complications among women in the Al Qassim Province, Saudi Arabia. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted among 617 females aged 18 years and older through convenience sampling between October 2022 and January 2023. An online questionnaire was distributed using Google Forms (Google LLC, Mountain View, CA, USA) and WhatsApp (Meta, Menlo Park, CA, USA). Data was entered, cleaned, and analyzed using SPSS Statistics version 27 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Informed consent was obtained from every participant, and the participants' information was kept confidential. Results In this study, 52.4% of the women (323/617) had moderate knowledge, and 27.6% (170/617) had excellent knowledge about GDM. Only 13.3% (n = 82) knew the optimum time (24 to 28 weeks of gestational age) for gestational diabetes screening in the absence of risk factors. Moreover, 44.6% (n = 275) knew that insulin is one of the treatments for gestational diabetes, while 45.4% (n = 280) knew that gestational diabetes increases a baby's risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) later in life. A statistically significant association was found between the development of GDM with multigravida (19.5%), a BMI of >25 (15%), and age 31 to 45 years (17.8%), with corresponding p-values of 0.001, 0.0001, and 0.0001, respectively. Conclusion In this study, almost four-fifths of the study population had moderate to excellent knowledge regarding GDM. However, there is a need to enhance knowledge about optimum screening time and insulin use for gestational diabetes treatment. Therefore, encouraging the existing population to learn more about diabetes education programs and health promotional measures should be undertaken periodically. Further studies are required to support this study's findings.

The Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Primary Healthcare Physicians in the Al Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia Regarding Travel Medicine: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and objective In the age of globalization, diseases associated with travel have emerged as a focal point of public health interest. This has become particularly relevant in Saudi Arabia after the changes in tourism policy in recent years. Primary care physicians are expected to suspect diseases of importance in certain geographic areas. They should dispensepre- and post-travel advice. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of primary care physicians in the Al Qassim region, Saudi Arabia regarding travel medicine. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Al Qassim region, Saudi Arabia between October and November 2023. We reached out to all primary care physicians in the region regardless of their gender, nationality, and years of experience. The data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire, which was designed based on the available literature and validated by experts. Results A total of 197 physicians participated in the study; 74% were male, 46% were general practitioners, and 48% had 5-10 years of experience. More than half (51%) of the participants reported a weekly patient load of 50-100, while 47% engaged with 5-10 travelers annually; 53% provided travel health advice and a quarter of primary healthcare physicians never attended travel update sessions or conferences. In the last six months, 48% and 43% of the physicians conducted pre- and post-travel consultations respectively. Approximately 49.2% demonstrated a fair knowledge of the topic. Factors associated with fair knowledge included non-Saudi nationality, age below 30 years, minimal traveler exposure, and infrequent conference attendance (p<0.05). A positive attitude was linked to being under 30 years old, having <5 years of experience, seeing <5 travelers yearly, and possessing a fair knowledge of the topic (p<0.05). Conclusions Overall, about half of the physicians in the Al Qassim region engage with travelers and demonstrate good attitudes and practices toward travel medicine. Opening Saudi borders to tourism necessitates the inclusion of travel medicine in continuing medical education programs to prepare primary care physicians to care for travelers more efficiently.

Effective Professional Interventions for Protecting Children and Families from Violence in Buraydah, Al Qassim

Addressing family violence in Al Qassim is critical for ensuring the well-being of children and encouraging stable households. This study explores effective professional interventions and innovative ways to protect and support families affected by violence, while considering the difficulties and critical aspects involved in their implementation. Family therapy, community education programs, trauma-informed care, and counseling services are described as useful interventions that improve communication, resolve problems, and create healthy relationships within families by the Osrah organization. Furthermore, technology-based therapies and arts-based therapy provide novel approaches to closing service gaps and promoting healing and resilience. Community empowerment, education programs, economic opportunities, and constant review are all part of long-term solutions. Al Qassim, specifically in Buraydah, may build a safer and more supportive environment by prioritizing the well-being of children and families and applying these techniques, fostering strong relationships within the community.

Empowering Communities through Sustainable Partnerships: Bash Coffee's Role in Literary Partnership Initiatives

This qualitative study explores the transformative potential of coffee roasteries' sustainable collaborations and community involvement activities in Al Qassim, Saudi Arabia, with a particular focus on Bash Coffee's literary partnership initiatives. The study examines how these programs affect community involvement, educational growth, cultural appreciation, and social well-being. The study reveals the consequences and narratives related to these actions using qualitative study approaches, including interviews with stakeholders. The findings highlight the need for long-term relationships for community empowerment and social sustainability. The study relates to the larger scientific conversation about the value of literature in societal development by providing insights into the transforming impact of literature in the formation of a vibrant literary society. The findings enable establish and sustain literary acquaintances, while also showing the intriguing possibility of coffee roasteries as major stakeholders in boosting community resilience and well-being.

Awareness of women at reproductive age towards premenstrual syndrome and its association with psychosocial and lifestyle variables in al Qassim region

Background: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) significantly impacts women&amp;apos;s health and daily functioning. This study investigated the awareness and prevalence of PMS among women aged 15 to 40 in the Al Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. The study aimed to identify gaps in awareness and establish correlations between lifestyle choices and PMS severity. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used, targeting 400 women selected through random sampling. Data were collected via an online self-assessment questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, medical history, PMS diagnostic criteria, and awareness levels. Statistical analyses were conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), employing chi-square tests to explore relationships between variables. Results: The results showed no significant association between physical activity (χ2(1) = 0.48, p = 0.489), relaxation exercises (p = 0.615), and smoking (p = 1) with PMS symptoms. However, a significant association existed between depression and PMS symptoms (χ²(1) = 8.51, p = 0.004), underscoring the need for mental health interventions. Additionally, vitamin intake was significantly associated with menstrual cycle regularity, suggesting potential benefits of nutritional supplementation. These findings contributed to a deeper understanding of PMS in the context of Al Qassim&amp;apos;s cultural and environmental factors, offering valuable insights for public health initiatives and healthcare providers in developing targeted treatment strategies for affected women. Conclusion: The study examined menstrual cycle regularity and premenstrual syndrome symptoms, exploring their relationships with lifestyle factors. The research investigated how smoking, depression, physical activity, relaxation, and vitamin intake impacted these reproductive health outcomes. Regular exercise and relaxation showed no significant effects, but there was a substantial correlation between depression and the severity of PMS symptoms.

Anxiety, mindfulness and self-efficacy association among university healthcare specialties students in Al Qassim, Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundAnxiety is a widely recognized topic in medical education. Previous studies have found that medical students experience higher levels of anxiety than other students. An increasing corpus of research indicates a major association between mindfulness and mental wellness.ResultsThis study included 418 respondents, of whom 394 were included in the final sample. Most were female (55.3%), while male participants comprised 44.7%. The mean age of the population was 22.4 years. Our results showed only 7.2% of the participants in the sample were diagnosed with mental health disorders. Moreover, 26% of the study population had minimal anxiety, and the proportions of those with mild, moderate, and severe anxiety ranged from 20.3% for mild, to 22.7% for moderate, to 31.1% for severe. The most commonly observed severe symptoms were fear of the worst happening, nervousness, and inability to relax. The mean score on the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE) was 27.7 (SD: 5.1) on a scale of 10–40. According to the short-form Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ-15) evaluation of participants’ mindfulness, the average score was 41.6 (SD: 9.5) on a scale of 15–75. Gender, college attended, and presence of psychiatric diagnosis were the independent factors potentially influencing Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) scores.ConclusionOur findings revealed the prevalence of anxiety and mindfulness among healthcare students at Qassim University, Saudi Arabia. Weak correlations were found among the GSE, FFMQ-15, and BAI scores.

Saudi School Children's Oral Health and Hygiene Literacy and Behaviors

Background: Awareness, attitude, and routines greatly affect oral health. This survey examined Saudi schoolchildren's oral hygiene knowledge, attitude, and behavior in Al Qassim. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Al Qassim region, focusing on school children. The study utilized a pretested online questionnaire as the primary data collection tool. The initial segment of the questionnaire documented the participants' age and dental background, while also capturing their respective experiences. The subsequent section addressed the topics of dental hygiene and dental appointments. The third section of the study was the assessment of students' knowledge on oral hygiene. Results: The study revealed that 39% of the students possessed a satisfactory level of oral hygiene knowledge. However, it was observed that students who brushed their teeth regularly or twice a day exhibited a considerably greater level of oral hygiene knowledge (p&lt;0.001). Approximately 56.8% of the student population indicated experiencing oral issues, whereas 20.7% disclosed never having sought dental care during their lifetime. There was a statistically significant difference in the frequency of dental visits seen among students aged 12 years and older last year (p=0.010). Conclusion: It is imperative for educational institutions in Saudi Arabia to initiate the integration of a comprehensive oral health education program that encompasses both students and their parents.

Frequency and Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns of Foodborne Pathogens in Ready-to-Eat Foods: An Evolving Public Health Challenge

Food products that are ready-to-eat have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their efficiency, affordability, and convenience. However, there are concerns about public health because certain products, particularly animal products, may contain antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This study aimed to quickly and accurately identify foodborne pathogens, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), in samples of shawarma and chicken burgers using peptide mass fingerprinting (PMF) technology. Additionally, the prevalence and levels of antibiotic resistance in the pathogens were determined. The study utilized 300 samples obtained from fast food restaurants in Al Qassim, Saudi Arabia. A variety of methods were used to identify foodborne pathogens, including culture on specific media, bacterial counts by numerical dilutions of homogenized samples, and proteome identification by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The Kirby–Bauer method was applied to detect the susceptibility and resistance of the bacteria to various antibiotics. PCR was utilized to identify antimicrobial resistance genes such as blaTEM, tet(A), blaZ, and mecA in S. aureus and E. coli isolates. The percentage of E. coli, S. aureus, Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes), Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii), and Hafnia alevei (H. alevei) was 34%, 31%, 10.67%, 7.33%, 6.67%, and 4%, respectively. Shawarma samples were found to contain the highest levels of pathogens, compared with chicken burger samples. According to the MBT Compass Flex Series Version 1.3 software, all isolates were identified with 100% accuracy. The log score for MBT identification ranged from 2.00 to 2.56. Among E. coli isolates, ampicillin, and penicillin had the highest resistance rate (100%), followed by tetracycline (35.29%). A number of antibiotics were reported to be resistant to S. aureus, including nalidixic acid (100%), followed by penicillin (96.77%), piperacillin (45.16%), and norfloxacin (32.26%). Some E. coli isolates were susceptible to tetracycline (49.02%), nalidixic acid (47.06%), and piperacillin (43.14%), whereas amikacin was the only drug that was effective against 32.72% of S. aureus isolates. The proportions of the blaTEM and tet(A) genes in E. coli isolates were 55.89% and 45.1%, respectively, whereas S. aureus strains did not possess either of these genes. However, 21.5% and 47.31% of blaz and mecA genes were present among various isolates of S. aureus, respectively. In contrast, E. coli strains did not possess either of these genes. In conclusion, the fast identification and antimicrobial profiles of the foodborne pathogens were useful in identifying which restaurants and fast food outlets may need to improve their food safety practices. Ultimately, our results will be used to devise targeted strategies to control foodborne pathogens.

The Burden of Neonatal Referrals on a Pediatric Cardiology Service: A Local Center Experience.

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a common occurrence in live births, with some exhibiting critical congenital heart disease; therefore, cardiology services should be available around the clock to ensure timely diagnosis and management. This study aims to describe the workload and the need for pediatric cardiac services in a maternity hospital for newborn referrals. Moreover, the study describes the indications for neonatal cardiology consultations. The prospective cohort study was conducted over four months, from January to April 2022, in the Prince Sultan Cardiac Center Al Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. Prince Sultan Cardiac Center's pediatric cardiology department provides cardiac services to the Maternity and Children Hospital Buraidah Al Qassim. Out of the total 2,606 live births during the study period, the cardiology team evaluated 352 neonates. Neonates less than 30 days of age who were born in the maternity hospital were enrolled in the study. The outborn babies referred from other centers as suspected congenital heart disease for whom a cardiac evaluation was done were excluded. In addition, babies assessed in the emergency room and born elsewhere were excluded. Only new consultations have been considered, excluding follow-up consultations. Data about patients' demographic, clinical and echocardiographic findings were recorded on Google Forms and converted to a Google spreadsheet. The Google spreadsheet's inbuilt statistical software was used for analysis. Categorical data were presented as percentages, and numerical data as median and range. The cardiology team evaluated 352 neonates from 2,606 live births over four months, accounting for 13.5 per 100 live births. The median weight was 2.8 kilograms, with a 0.5-4.3 kilogram range. Males comprised 187 (53%), and females comprised 165 (47%). Moreover, full-term, preterm, and post-term accounted for 236 (67%), 113 (32%), and 3 (0.8%) of patients, respectively. The common indications for neonatal cardiac referral were respiratory distress 60 (17%), infants born to diabetic mothers 50 (14%), abnormal fetal echocardiogram 49 (13.9%), family history of abortion or neonatal death 31 (8.8%), and congenital anomalies 30 (8.5%). Systolic murmur was the commonest clinical finding that prompted cardiology referrals 82 (23.2%), followed by desaturation 38 (10.7%) and dysmorphic features 31 (8.8%). Among the congenital cardiac defects, an isolated atrial septal defect (ASD) was seen in 66 (18.5%), isolated patent ductus arteriosus in 50 (14.2%), and ventricular septal defect in 21 (5.9%). Moreover, 13 (4.4%) lesions were critical CHDs. Finally, 27 (7.6%) had adiagnosis of pulmonary hypertension. Knowing the burden of neonatal cardiac assessment on pediatric cardiology services in any maternity center may help the healthcare authorities to allocate resources and optimize the delivery of cardiac services among the neonatal population. Properly allocating pediatric cardiologists to the needed centers may optimize neonatal cardiac services. Moreover, it may decide on the number of pediatric cardiologists that need to be trained each year to meet the requirements of neonatal cardiac services.

Adherence to Statin Among Diabetic Patients in Diabetic Centers in Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia.

Background Dyslipidemia affects approximately one-third of Saudi Arabia's adult population. Dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), smoking, and a familial predisposition to cardiovascular disease (CVD) are significant risk factors for CVD. It can be prevented effectively through lifestyle changes and lifelong statin therapy; however, poor adherence limits its effectiveness. This study is designed to assess the level of adherence to statin prescription in patients with DM in diabetic centers in the Qassim region and to assess the factors associated with neglecting to take medication. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted among 226 diabetic patients who were prescribed statins. Medication adherence was assessed using the eight-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). Demographic and clinical data were collected, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with medication adherence. Results Of the 226 patients, 29.7% had high adherence, 32.7% had medium adherence, and 37.6% had low adherence to statin medication. Patients diagnosed with diabetes for less than five years had the highest proportion of low adherence (41.2%). No significant associations were found between medication adherence and gender, nationality, or educational level. Conclusion The study found that medication adherence to statins in diabetic patients in the Al Qassim region of Saudi Arabia is suboptimal, with a significant proportion of patients having low adherence. Patients diagnosed with diabetes for less than five years had the highest proportion of low adherence, suggesting that patients with a shorter disease duration may require additional support or interventions to improve their medication adherence. Healthcare providers should emphasize the importance of medication adherence and work with patients to develop personalized treatment plans that include medication and lifestyle modifications to optimize lipid control and improve overall health outcomes in diabetic patients.

Vitamin B12 deficiency without anemia in Saudi Arabia: a single-center experience

Abstract Objectives The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in adult Saudi patients and anemia in those patients. Furthermore, the mean level of vitamin B12 in anemic and nonanemic participants was estimated. Methodology This retrospective study involved the evaluation of medical records from adult Saudi Arabian participants who underwent vitamin B12 level testing for nonspecific symptoms during 1 years (2022–2023) at a single center in the Al Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. The data for vitamin B12 level and anemia status among B12-deficient patients were estimated to calculate the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency and the prevalence of anemia in those patients. Results The prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency was 11.46% among 8365 participants. The mean age among all vitamin B12-deficient patients was significantly lower compared with those with normal vitamin B12 levels. Female patients had a lower mean vitamin B12 level than male patients. The prevalence of anemia in the vitamin B12-deficient group was 23.46% among the total participants, with female patients having a significantly higher prevalence of anemia than males. The mean value for mean corpuscular volume (MCV) in anemic vitamin B12-deficient patients was normal, and the prevalence of macrocytosis was low (1.3%). The effect of gender on vitamin B12 deficiency and anemia status was significant. Conclusion The present study has provided additional evidence regarding the lack of a causal correlation between vitamin B12 deficiency and anemia. Moreover, the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency and anemia was higher in female patients than in males.

Relationship between Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Development of Acute Coronary Syndrome

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) which known as subcategory of coronary heart disease is considered a major cause of death. In Saudi Arabia, the prevalence of ACS is 8.2%. Early recognition of risk factors (RFs) associated with ACS is essential to prevent its progression. Therefore, the goals of this study is to estimate the prevalence of cardiovascular RFs among ACS patients and to appraise its association with the development of ACS. This retrospective multi-center cross-sectional study involved 170 patients admitted to Prince Sultan cardiac center, King Saud Hospital, and Bukayriyah General Hospital in Al Qassim, KSA. The participants categorized into three groups UA, NSTEMI, and STEMI. Patients with stable angina or previous MI were excluded from the study. 73.5% were males and 26.5% were females with a mean age of 58.2 ± 11.9. The distribution of ACS subtypes was 51.2%, 27.6%, and 21.2% for STEMI, NSTEMI and UA, respectively. The most common RFs were diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (66% each), and dyslipidemia (58%). The prevalence of RFs among STEMI group was 65.6% active smokers, 54.5% dyslipidemia, and 52.2% ischemic heart disease (IHD). On the other hand, in NSTEMI group hypertension and DM were nearly the same (32% &amp; 30% respectively), however family history of IHD was 42.9%. UA revealed a strong association with IHD and family history of IHD (30.4%, 28.6%, respectively).To conclude, most of ACS patients presented with STEMI followed by NSTEMI and the least with UA. Among the cardiovascular risk factors, HTN, DM, and dyslipidemia, were presented in more than half of the patients which strongly suggests an association with developing ACS.