Khamis Mushait Research Articles

Endoscopy of Low BMI Patients Compared to Normal BMI Patients: A Study From the Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia.

Gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopies are essential for detecting and treating various digestive tract problems. While typically safe, these treatments can entail the risk of severe adverse events (SAEs), especially in individuals with a low body mass index (BMI).The current study aimed to evaluate whether post-endoscopy SAEs are more common in patients with low BMI and find risk factors for serious adverse outcomes in Saudi Arabian patientsfrom Khamis Mushait, Aseer region, Saudi Arabia. The data of 398 adult patients with abdominal endoscopies between April and November 2023 were analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups: low BMI (BMI ≤ 18.5) and control (18.5 ≤ BMI ≤ 30). They were matched for age, gender, comorbidities, endoscopy type, and other pertinent characteristics. Low-BMI patients (Group I, n = 108) were substantially younger and had lower levels of albumin and total protein than the control group (Group II, n = 209). Comorbidities varied between groups, with diabetes mellitus more prevalent in Group II and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) more commonplace in Group I. Treatment options also differed, with Group I receiving more biological treatments, steroids, and feeding tubes. Endoscopic procedures and indications were comparable among groups, with no significant variations in post-endoscopy complications. The endoscopy results varied from gastritis to colon malignancy, with no SAEs recorded in either group. Unlike earlier findings, this study found no higher incidence of SAEs in low-BMI individuals having abdominal endoscopy. This might be because of the restricted guidelines of different medical authorities, including clear informed consent that illustrates any risks, benefits, alternatives, sedation plan, and potential diagnostic or therapeutic interventions. Also, professional endoscopists and consultants who ensure adequate visualization of the GI mucosa, using mucosal cleansing and insufflation as necessary, should avoid any risk of abdominal hemorrhage. These findings highlight the significance of personalized risk assessment and pre-procedural optimization, including nutritional assistance, in this patient population. More prospective research with larger sample sizes is needed to validate these findings and create targeted techniques for improving outcomes in individuals with a low BMI having endoscopic operations.

Energy-saving benefits of thermal insulation and glazing in code-compliant office building in cooling-dominated climates

Thermal insulation of wall and roof and high-performance glazing have potential to save energy in cooling-dominated climates. However, lack of careful selection of these options based on the climatic location can adversely affect their energy performance. The local building codes need to be revisited to ensure that the thermal insulation and glazing options fulfil their intended purpose in a given climate. In this context, this study was aimed at assessing the energy performance of thermal insulation (polystyrene) and glazing for different climatic locations. A multistory office building was simulated by using Ecotect software for typical climatic locations of Saudi Arabia. Considering uninsulated wall and roof with single-glazed windows as the baseline, three different cases were studied: insulated wall and roof with single-glazed windows, uninsulated wall and roof with double-glazed windows, and insulated wall and roof with double-glazed windows. In general, the energy-saving benefit of glazing was significantly higher than that of thermal insulation. Also, the collective application of double-glazing and thermal insulation according to the local building code could significantly save the cooling energy demand (ranging from 18 % to 28 %). Conversely, this code-compliance caused an increase of cooling energy demand by 55 % in Abha and by 20 % in Khamis Mushait. However, a sensitivity analysis of these two regions showed that the energy-saving benefit could be positive by proper choice of the heating and cooling setpoints. Besides research interest, the findings of this study will guide for necessary amendments in the building code, eventually contributing to substantial savings in cost and energy and reduction in CO2 emission.

Clinical Features and Predictors of Mortality in Patients With Acute Pulmonary Embolism: A Retrospective Study From Southern Saudi Arabia.

We aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics, outcomes, and mortality predictors in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). Adult patients who were admitted to the Armed Forces Hospital Southern Region, Khamis Mushait, a large tertiary hospital in Southern Saudi Arabia, with the diagnosis of acute PE were retrospectively examined for the predictors of one-year mortality. The overall in-hospital mortality was 15.6% among 212 patients. In univariate analysis, only age was significantly associated with increased early mortality, whereas age, obesity, presence of active malignancy, hypertension, use of thrombolytics, and Simplified Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (sPESI) were significantly associated with increased late mortality. By use of binary logistic regression, the presence of obesity (HR 6.010, 95%CI 0.048-16.853, p=0.030), active malignancy (HR 3.040, 95%CI 1.147-8.059, p=0.025), and the use of thrombolytics (HR 8.074, 95%CI 2.719-23.977, p<0.001), were independently significant factors for late (overall) mortality, respectively. Among Saudi Arabian patients in the Southern Region, our data show that age is an independent factor for increased early and late mortality. The presence of obesity, active malignancy, and the use of thrombolytics, were independently significant factors for increased late (one-year) mortality. These factors should be taken into account for risk stratification and decisions on tailored management of patients with PE. Further prospective multicenter studies are needed.

Prevalence and Comorbidities Among Individuals With Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Saudi Arabian Context.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Saudi Arabia (SA) is a significant health concern with a notable impact on individuals and the healthcare system. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and profile of comorbidities in patients with RA. This is a retrospective descriptive study involving 150 RA patients from August 2022 to August 2023, which was conducted at Khamis Mushait General Hospital, a major healthcare institution in SA. We examined the medical records to gather pertinent information. Stata Statistical Software: Release 18 (2023; StataCorp LLC, College Station, Texas, United States) was used for data analysis. The examination focused on sociodemographic factors, disease duration, prescribed medications (including methotrexate and biologic therapy), and the presence of comorbidities. Approval for the study was obtained from the Institutional Review Board of the Aseer Ministry of Health (approval number: H-06-B-091). The study found a high prevalence of comorbidities in patients with RA. Around 96.7% of the patients had at least one documented comorbidity, highlighting this population's burden of additional health conditions. The most common comorbidity observed was anemia, affecting 48.7% of the patients. Other frequently observed comorbidities include hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, interstitial lung disease, chronic renal disease, stroke, and coronary artery disease. The factors influencing comorbidities included an odds ratio of 1.086 (p=0.025), while being male was associated with lower odds (odds ratio=0.529, p=0.017). Additionally, disease duration (odds ratio=1.164, p=0.007), methotrexate use (odds ratio=2.553, p=0.001), and receiving biologic therapy (odds ratio=3.488, p<0.001) were significant contributors to comorbidities. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive approaches to address RA and its associated comorbidities. Research and awareness initiatives are essential to understand better the specific nuances of RA in SA, leading to improved diagnostic and treatment strategies for the needs of the local population.

Pain and quality of life of patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis in Aseer region, Saudi Arabia

BackgroundPain has an adverse effect on HRQoL and has social, psychological, and physical repercussions for ESRD patients. In the present study, we assessed chronic pain in ESRD patients on HD in terms of severity and interference with activity. We also assessed the impact it has on these patients, along with looking at the factors that were linked to QoL in this population. MethodsA multicenter, cross-sectional study carried out between April and July of 2023 in the hemodialysis units of Asir Central Hospital and Khamis Mushait General Hospital. Brief Pain Inventory and European Quality of Life scale 5 dimensions (EQ-5D) scale, including its European Quality of Life visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) component, were used to assess pain and QoL, respectively. ResultsA total of 97 participants were included in the final study. The average interference level of pain with daily functions was 22.5 ± 15.0 out of 70. The mean interference score was significantly higher among patients at rural areas (28.2 ± 16.3; P = 0.012), and those who undergone dialysis session for ≥ 4 times per week (31.6 ± 16.7; P = 0.026). The overall score of quality of life ranged from 20% to 92% with mean score of 36.5 ± 12.8%. The multiple linear regression analysis revealed that patients with higher BMI, more frequent dialysis sessions per week, and higher level of pain interference with daily functions demonstrated lower QoL (B= – 2.36, – 1.46, and – 0.64, respectively. ConclusionsPain has a significant negative impact on QoL in ESRD patients undergoing HD. Patients with higher BMI, more frequent dialysis sessions, and higher level of pain interference with daily functions are at higher risk of lower QoL. These findings provide valuable information for educators, physicians, and other healthcare providers working with patients undergoing HD.

Utilization of direct oral anticoagulants in a Saudi tertiary hospital: a retrospective cohort study.

This study aimed to assess the appropriateness of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) utilization in a Saudi tertiary hospital. Adult inpatients and outpatients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis, or pulmonary embolism were included in a retrospective cohort study. Patients received at least one month of apixaban, rivaroxaban, or dabigatran. The duration of the study at the Armed Forces Hospital Southern Region in Khamis Mushait, Saudi Arabia, was from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2021. The study assessed the appropriateness of DOACs dosing, initial and follow-up monitoring, the presence of clinically significant interactions, and treatment duration adherence. 778 patients were included in the analysis (mean age 71.34 ± 15.98 years, equal male and female representation). Rivaroxaban was administered to 40.8% of the patients, while apixaban and dabigatran were administered to 31.02% and 28.18% of the patients, respectively. The most prevalent indication for DOACs was atrial fibrillation (72.84%), followed by deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism (27.16%). The most prevalent category of medication errors was inappropriate maintenance dose (41.7%), followed by inappropriate initial dose (37.97%) and lack of laboratory parameter monitoring (36.42%). 31.5 percent of the study sample lacked baseline renal functions, while 24.5% of patients lacked baseline liver functions. 115 patients (14.8%) had potential clinically significant interactions. Regarding treatment duration, 232 patients (29.8%) were improperly prescribed DOACs based on their indications. In a significant proportion of DOAC patients, the prescribed rational DOAC utilization parameters were not implemented. The results of the study provide specific improvement areas and objectives for Anticoagulation stewardship programs.

Congenital Talipes Equinovarus Management and Outcomes: The Experiences of Pediatric Tertiary Centers in Abha, Saudi Arabia.

Congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV), also known as clubfoot, describes a range of foot abnormalities usually present at birth (congenital) in which a baby's foot is twisted out of shape or position. In clubfoot, tendons are shorter than usual. Clubfoot is a fairly common birth defect and is usually an isolated problem for an otherwise healthy newborn. This study aimed to investigate the experiences of pediatric tertiary centers in Abha, Saudi Arabia, regarding the management, frequency, treatment options, and outcomes of CTEV. A retrospective chart review of pediatric patients with clubfoot was conducted to evaluate the number of cases, treatment options, and outcomes at Abha Maternity and Children Hospital and Khamis Mushait Maternity and Children Hospital. Data were extracted independently using prestructured data extraction forms. The collected data included demographic and medical information, family history, clinico-epidemiological information, risk factors, management options, and complications of clubfoot. The study included 89 children with CTEV from the target hospitals. Their ages ranged from 20 days to six years, with a mean age of 10.5 ± 14.5 months. Of these, 57 (64%) were male. CTEV was unilateral in 53 (59.5%) cases and bilateral in 36 (40.5%) cases. The majority of the cases had isolated CTEV. Nearly all cases had Ponseti casting with a tendo-Achilles tenotomy (TAT) surgical procedure. Patient follow-up ranged from one week to three years, with an average follow-up of 3.1 months. Only three (3.4%)cases experienced recurrence of deformity after management. Ponseti casting with the tendo-Achilles tenotomy approach emerged as the most commonly employed management option, demonstrating a low rate of recurrence.

Smartphones as One of Smart University Factors and its Effectiveness in Learning English Case study: Applied College, King Khalid University

This study aimed to exfoliate light on the effectiveness of smartphones and their part in developing English language literacy for womanish scholars. The study used the descriptive approach. The study was conducted on a arbitrary sample of (120) womanish scholars from king Khalid university, applied council, Khamis Mushait branch. This exploration tried to give answers to some important questions related to the effective use of smartphones in learning English language at king Khalid university, Applied council. It handed answers to the following questions What's the scholars ’ perception over the respectable use of smartphones in learning English language? How do different Smartphone apps ameliorate scholars ’ vocabulary and pronunciation? What are the factors that affect the use of smartphones in learning English language regarding scholars ’ opinions? The findings of the questionnaire show that the scholars ’ answers were positive with moderate operation of their smartphones in their attempt to learn English. It also illustrates that the maturity of scholars approved it's applicable to learn English vocabulary through mobile apps since it's available at any place and at any time. also, the results showed that scholars agreed that smartphones are veritably useful tools to be used in their literacy process.

Energy performance of passive shading and thermal insulation in multistory hotel building under different outdoor climates and geographic locations

Though energy-efficient envelope is extensively studied, there is lack of attention on incorporating appropriate passive design strategies at the design-phase of a building in a specific climate and geographic location. This study has focused on the effect of outdoor climate and geographic location on the energy-saving potential of passive shading and thermal insulation for multistory hotel building in the northern hemisphere. The building was modelled and simulated by using DesignBuilder (Version 4.5.0.148). The cities were selected in such a manner that they represent warm, moderately hot, hot, and very hot outdoor climates but different geographic locations (according to Koppen category). The proposed shading strategy was featured by the combination of solar shading devices and self-shading. As an alternative option, the envelope was provided with high-performance insulation and glazing without solar shading. The results indicated that the outdoor climate and geographic location had significant influence on the energy-saving potential of both the options; the factors identified through sensitivity analysis were cooling degree days above the cooling setpoint (CDD-base STC), share of cooling and heating energy demands, global horizontal irradiance, and solar shading effectiveness. For instance, Khamis Mushait and Athens cities have warm outdoor climate, but they represent different geographic locations; therefore, the building's cooling energy demands in these cities were significantly different (98% and 52% respectively of the total energy demand). Accordingly, the energy saving potential of passive solar shading was maximum (65.2%) for Khamis Mushait, while it was minimum (13.1%) for Athens. Conversely, the saving by high-performance insulation ranged from −11.6% in Khamis Mushait to a maximum of only 8.5% in Athens, which is consistent with their heating demands (2% and 48% respectively).

Depression and Associated Risk Factors Among Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Cross Sectional Study on a Convenience Sample from the Diabetic Center, Khamis Mushait; Saudi Arabia.

BackgroundStudies had confirmed that diabetic patients have a greater risk for developing depression. Our objectives were to estimate the prevalence and predictors of depression among type 2 diabetic patients.MethodsA cross-sectional study at the Diabetic Center, Armed Forces Hospital-Southern Region (AFHSR), Khamis Mushait was conducted in the period from March to June 2017. The study includes a convenience sample of type 2 diabetic patients. Self-administered questionnaires were utilized. It consists of personal characteristics, diabetes-related information’s, and the Arabic version of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Proper statistical analyses were done to assess the significance of the correlates with p ≤ 0.05 considered significant.ResultsThe study included 350 diabetic patients out of 410 with a response rate of 85.4%. Their age ranged between 28 and 100 years with a mean ±SD of 61.4±13 years. The prevalence of depression among them was 36.6%. Logistic regression revealed that patients older than 50 years were at lower risk for developing depression as compared to those aged between 28 and 40 years OR and 95% CI were 0.21 (0.08–0.57), 0.30 (0.12–0.78) and 0.33 (0.12–0.91) for patients in the age groups 51–60, 61–70 and > 70 years, respectively. Diabetic patients with thyroid dysfunction, neuropathy, those treated with insulin, and noncompliant patients were at double risk for developing depression compared to their counterparts (OR = 2.26, 95% CI = 1.20–4.27, p = 0.012); (OR = 2.35, 95% CI = 1.22–4.53, p = 0.011); (OR = 1.92, 95% CI = 1.08–3.40, p = 0.026); (AOR = 2.14, 95% CI = 1.01–4.53, p = 0.047) respectively.ConclusionAlmost one third of type 2 diabetic patients were depressed. Younger patients, having comorbid thyroid disorders or neuropathy, those treated with insulin and noncompliant patients were at higher risk for developing depression. Proper screening and treatment of depression is a crucial part of the health care management of diabetic people.

Pilot Study of Trace Elements in the Infusion of Medicinal Plants Used for Diabetes Treatment.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate trace element contents in different medicinal plants used for diabetes treatments by residents in Asir region. Five medicinal plants—Tut leaves (Mulberry), olive leaves (Olea europaea), clove (Syzygium aromaticum), Luban Dhakar (Boswellia carterii), and Karela or bitter melon (Momordica charantia)—were collected from two cities, Khamis Mushait and Abha, in the Asir region, Saudi Arabia. Infusions (hot water extracts) were obtained from each plant, and elemental analysis was conducted using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Fourteen elements (Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Sr, Cd, Ba, and Pb) were measured in all plants. The results revealed that the fourteen elements were present at different levels (µg/g) in all plants. Momordica charantia exhibited high levels of essential (Mn (251.4), Co (1.18), Cu (54.64), and Se (2.18)) and toxic elements (Al (39.20), As (0.57), Cd (0.33), and Pb (4.48)), followed by Syzygium aromaticum (Mn (736.36)) and Boswellia carterii (Pb (0.93)), which exceeded the PMTDI in traditional doses used for diabetes treatments. However, Mulberry and Olea europaea did not exceed the daily guideline values for all elements. Based on our findings, we cautiously recommend the latter two plants for the traditional treatment of diabetes, because they are not considered as source of harm based on their levels of elements. Their use should be restricted by comprehensive compound analysis to guarantee their safe use.

درجة إسهام مقررات اللغة العربية في المرحلة المتوسطة في تنمية مهارات إدارة الأزمات من وجهة نظر المعلمين في ضوء وباء كورونا (كوفيد-19)

هدفت الدراسة الحالية إلى تعرفدرجة إسهام مقررات اللغة العربية في المرحلة المتوسطة بالمملكة العربية السعودية في تنمية مهارات إدارة الأزمات من وجهة نظر المعلمين في ضوء وباء كورونا (كوفيد-19)وقد تم استخدام الاستبانة أداة للدراسة، حيث تكونت في صورتها النهائية من خمسة أبعاد، و24 مؤشرًا، وتكونت عينة الدراسة من(240) معلما من معلمي اللغة العربية بمكتب التعليم بخميس مشيط، وتوصلت الدراسة إلى العديد من النتائج من أهمها: توجد درجة إسهام متوسطة لكل من مهارات مواجهة الضغوط والتفكير الابتكاري، في حين كانت درجة إسهام منخفضة لمقررات اللغة العربية في المهارات التالية: الاتصال والتواصل الفعال، تنمية روح الفريق والعمل الجماعي، إدارة الوقت، وفي ضوء نتائج الدراسة قدم الباحثان عددا من التوصيات منها: إعادة النظر في مقررات اللغة العربية، بما ينمي الوعي بمهارات إدارة الأزمات والمفاهيم ذات الصلة.

The Impact of Implementing Full E-learning During Covid-19 on the Students’ Academic Performance in the Courses of Accounting and English Language (A Case Study: Students of the Department of Administrative Sciences - Community College in Khamis Mushait- King Khalid University- KSA)

This study aimed at figuring out the effect of full e-learning on the students’ academic performance in accounting courses, which include multiple mathematical calculations compared with the English Language courses, which are free of mathematical calculations. A questionnaire was designed and distributed among a random sample of students during the second semester of the academic year 2019-2020, during which full e-learning was implemented due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. The sample included (302) out of (1411) male and female students at the Department of Administrative Sciences, whose major is accounting and business administration. Besides, they study English language as part of the general courses at the Community College in Khamis Mushait. The study found that, there is a statistically significant effect regarding the features of full e-learning on the students’ academic performance with respect to the accounting and English Language courses. The problems related to e-learning did not affect the students' academic performance in accounting courses, while it impacted negatively on the students' academic performance in the English language courses. The study recommended that, the educational institutions should continuously develop the e-learning atmosphere in order to become conducive, attractive and creative.

The impact of strategic intelligence on crisis management in light of the spread of the Corona pandemic by applying it to the Saudi banking sector in the Asir region: أثر الذكاء الاستراتيجي على إدارة الأزمات في ظل انتشار جائحة كورونا بالتطبيق على القطاع المصرفي السعودي بمنطقة عسير

There is no doubt that the Corona pandemic that struck the world had direct and indirect effects on all areas of our life. Finance and economy, represented in the banking sector, was no exception to this. To know the effects, this study aimed specifically at studying the impact of strategic intelligence on the management of crises in the banking sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, specifically in the Asir region (the cities of Abha and Khamis Mushait), and knowing the extent to which the employees of those banks are aware of the concept of strategic intelligence in achieving crisis management. The descriptive correlative approach was applied after designing a questionnaire that includes three sections, including the personal data section, the strategic intelligence section, and the crisis management section, and it was distributed to 154 samples, They were randomly selected from over 2000 employees in the area. As a result of the field survey, it showed that some indicators and dimensions were applied at high rates, such as foresight, vision, thinking, motivation, partnership, and the crisis management perspicacity, in addition to the availability of a high application of strategic intelligence. This study recommended the need to develop future forward-looking plans to reach a better distinction in the face of future crises, with the relentless pursuit by the management of banks to reach a better mental image of customers and to follow partnership in achieving a higher and more comprehensive development by collecting the elements of that image and then placing it under the brainstorming mechanism to be Analysis and detection of internal factors within a high capacity.

Association Between Acute Otitis Media and Inner Ear Disorders Among Adults in Aseer Region.

IntroductionAcute otitis media (AOM) is an infection of the middle ear that produces pain, fever, and discharge, as well as hearing loss. It is one of the most common problems that pediatricians encounter. Almost 80% of children have had at least one episode of AOM, and between 80% and 90% have had at least one episode of otitis media with effusion before entering school.MethodsThe cross-sectional study is conducted among male and female patients, adults, and children who visited two of the largest government hospitals in the Aseer region in Southern Saudi Arabia (Aseer Central Hospital and Khamis Mushait General Hospital). The children and adults with AOM who visited the hospitals were traced by searching the medical record system by the keyword “acute otitis media.” Two authors extracted data from the medical record and patients. After extracting data, the patient will be called through mobile phone to invite them to participate in the study. If the patient agrees to participate, she/he would be sent through email link containing an encrypted and high-security electronic signature to obtain his/her consent.ConclusionOne of the most common pediatric infections is otitis media (inflammation of the middle ear). Children are more often than adults to get otitis media, and the majority of cases are treated with antibiotics. Clinicians commonly miss the acute stage of the disease, especially in children under the age of five. Delay or omission of diagnoses leads to inefficient management and an increased risk of negative effects.

Bullying Prevalence among Secondary School Children in Khamis Mushait City, Southwestern Saudi Arabia.

Bullying is a type of behavior that involves frequent, hostile activities expected to harm another person physically, mentally, or emotionally. Bullying behavior uses force, pressure, or threats to maltreat, forcefully dominate, or terrify another individual. The aim of this study was to assess the bullying prevalence and related features among secondary school pupils in Khamis Mushait city, southwestern Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional investigation was performed among governmental and private secondary schools in Khamis Mushait city. Data were gathered from the study pupils using a pre-structured questionnaire. Bullying was assessed using the school climate bullying survey. The study included 300 secondary school students (163 females and 137 males). The overall rate of bullying was 64.7% (95% CI 59.1–69.9). The most prevalent type of bullying was verbal (41.7%, 95% CI 36.0–47.5) followed by physical (17.0%, 95% CI 12.9–21.7), and social (6.0%, 95% CI 3.6–9.3). Males had more than two times greater probability of having been bullied than females (aOR = 2.522, 95% CI 1.408–4.518). Similarly, students in first-level grade classes had more than three times greater probability of being bullied victims than those in the higher classes, i.e., second- and third-level grade classes (aOR = 3.417, 95% CI 1.159–10.07). More than half of the students tell teachers when other students are being bullied (53.7%) and tell a teacher or staff member at the school if they are being harassed (53.6%); teachers are doing anything they can to help if they are told that a student is being bothered (58.7%), and teachers are making clear to students that bullying is not tolerated (52.3%). In conclusion, in the present study, we reported a high prevalence rate of bullying among secondary school pupils in Khamis Mushait city, southwestern Saudi Arabia. Concerted efforts among teachers and health care providers in the region should be mandatory to deal with the problem.

Community Pharmacists' Perceptions towards the Misuse and Abuse of Pregabalin: A Cross-Sectional Study from Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia.

Pregabalin is a first-line therapy for neuropathic pain and for chronic pain. It has abuse potential. This study was conducted to assess community pharmacists’ perceptions towards pregabalin abuse and misuse in the Aseer region, Saudi Arabia, and identify predictors and associated factors. A cross-sectional survey using a structured questionnaire following a self-administrative study was conducted across community pharmacies in the Aseer region (Abha, Khamis Mushait, Mahayel, Sarat Abeeda, Ahad-Rufaida, and Bishah). A total of 206 respondents from community pharmacists participated in the study. Over the last six months, 136 respondents (66.0%) suspected pregabalin abuse in community pharmacies; male dominance in pregabalin abusers was also recorded (n = 165, 80.1%). Additionally, 40 (19.4%) respondents stated that a prescription was not issued for pregabalin demands. Over half (61.7%) of community pharmacists recorded an increased change in pregabalin abuse compared to the previous year. This is the first study to explore pharmacists’ perceptions in the community of the Aseer region towards customers’ misuse and abuse of pregabalin. Further monitoring and regulations on the prescribing and procurement of pregabalin are needed to avoid abuse.

Elements of the physical environment attractive to kindergarten child from the point of view of kindergarten teachers and principals; Khamis Mushait Governorate: Descriptive study: مقومات البيئة المادية الجاذبة لطفل الروضة من وجهة نظر معلمات ومديرات رياض الأطفال بمحافظة خميس مشيط: دراسة وصفية

The aim of this study was to know the physical elements that attract the child in the kindergarten. Using the descriptive method, the researcher established a questionnaire to know the point of view of female managers and teachers at kindergartens in Khamis Mushait governorate. The questionnaire included 54 items which underwent scientific revision by experts in the same field to confirm their validity and reliability. The study sample was randomly selected from the managers and teachers and contained 144 samples. The main results of the study denoted that the average response on the first section (the building of the kindergarten) was 3.06, while the response on the second section (resources) was lower. As regard to the third section which involved the safety and security in the building. In addition, there were no statistically significant differences in the responses regarding the variables: work nature, experience, or specialty in all the sections of the questionnaire. The main recommendations for this study were to take into consideration the international standards for the kindergarten buildings and to provide the main resources and equipment needed in the building and teaching classes and as well as safety and security needs.

Geophysical assessment of open dumpsite nearby Khamis Mushait industrial zone, Southwestern Saudi Arabia

Vertical electrical soundings, seismic refraction tomography, and ground magnetic measurements were taken or conducted close to an open dumpsite near Khamis Mushait, southwestern Saudi Arabia, which is characterized by shallow groundwater conditions. Structurally, intersected series of north- to northwest-trending faults affect the area. A new urban expansion and the Khamis Mushait industrial zone are close to the open dumpsite. This study evaluates the potential for leachate intrusion into groundwater aquifers. The results of electrical soundings reveal four geoelectric units: the topsoil, weathered layer, partly weathered/fractured basement, and fresh basement bedrock. At the dumpsite, relatively low resistivity values that are less than 30 Ωm characterize the topsoil, weathered layer, and partly weathered/fractured basement because of conductive leachate from the dumpsite. Besides, the results of ground magnetic data indicate that the deformation of varying intensities affects the dumpsite area, resulting in fractures developing in the N–S, NE–SW, NW–SE, and, to a lesser extent, E–W directions. Moreover, geoseismic tomographic models illustrate a low P-wave velocity zone corresponding to a low resistivity zone, and a NE–SW fault was identified from geoseismic cross-sections. Finally, these fractures and faults could become contaminant pathways for shallow aquifers around the dumpsite. To minimize the impact of such leachate, from a dumpsite, on groundwater quality and the environment in general, the dumpsite must be properly designed, constructed, and managed using engineering principles.

تقويم البرامج التدريبية لمرکز التطوير المهني التعليمي بخميس مشيط في ضوء معايير الرخصة المهنية من وجهة نظر المعلمين

هدفت الدراسة الحالية إلى تقويم البرامج التدريبية لمرکز التطوير المهني التعليمي بخميس مشيط في ضوء معايير الرخصة المهنية من وجهة نظر المعلمين خلال الفصل الدراسي الأول من العام (1441ه – 1442ه)، وقد استخدم الباحثان في هذه الدراسة المنهج الوصفي، وتکون مجتمع الدراسة من جميع معلمي مکتب التعليم بخميس مشيط والبالغ عددهم (4502) معلما، والبرامج التدريبية التي نفذها مرکز بمرکز التطوير المهني التعليمي بخميس مشيط، وطبقت الدراسة على عينة عشوائية بسيطة ممثلة للمجتمع المعلمين بلغت (360) معلما، کما طبقت الدراسة على جميع البرامج التدريبية للمرکز، وقد جمعت البيانات بأداتين، هما: الاستبانة، وتحليل المحتوى، وقد توصلت نتائج الدراسة لوجود احتياجات تدريبية قائمة على معايير الرخصة المهنية من وجهة نظر المعلمين بمکتب التعليم بخميس مشيط بدرجة (متوسطة)، وأسفرت عن تنفيذ مرکز خميس مشيط لـ (22) برنامجا تدريبا قائما على معايير الرخصة المهنية، کما أن المعلمين يحتاجون إلى (10) برامج تدريبية قائمة على معايير الرخصة المهنية لم ينفذها المرکز، وأوصت الدراسة ببناء مرکز التطوير المهني بخميس مشيط برامجه التدريبية وفق احتياجات المعلمين التدريبية التي تحقق متطلبات الرخصة المهنية، وتنفيذ البرامج التي تتوفر حقائبها التدريبية والتي لم ينفذها مرکز التطوير المهني بخميس مشيط، وتصميم البرامج التدريبية التي تحقق احتياجات المعلمين القائمة على معايير رخصة المعلم المهنية. The current study aimed at evaluating the training programs of the Educational Professional Development Center in Khamis Mushait in light of the professional license criteria from the teachers' point of view during the first semester of the year (1441 AH - 1442 AH). In this study the two researchers used the descriptive approach, and the study population consisted of all the teachers of the Office Education in Khamis Mushait, whose number is (4502) teachers, and the training programs implemented by the Center for Professional and Educational Development in Khamis Mushait. The study was applied on a simple random sample representing the community of teachers amounting to (360) teachers. The study also applied to all training programs of the center, and the data were collected with two tools. They are: the questionnaire and the content analysis, and the results of the study concluded that there are training needs based on the standards of the professional license from the teachers' point of view at the Khamis Mushait Education Office with a (medium) degree, and resulted in the implementation of the Khamis Mushait Center for (22) training programs based on the standards of the professional license Also, teachers need (10) training programs based on professional license standards that were not implemented by the center, and the study recommended building a professional development center in Khamis Mushait with its training programs according to my needs. Training programs for teachers that meet the requirements of a professional license, implement programs for which training packages are available and which were not implemented by the Professional Development Center in Khamis Mushait, and design training programs that meet the needs of teachers based on the professional teacher license standards.