Mecca Research Articles

The degree of availability of the dimensions of digital citizenship values in the Islamic education courses for the secondary stage from the point of view of its teachers in Makkah Al-Mukarramah: درجة توفر أبعاد قيم المواطنة الرقمية في مقررات التربية الإسلامية للمرحلة الثانوية من وجهة نظر معلماتها في مكة المكرمة

The study aimed to identify the degree of availability of digital citizenship dimensions according to Saudi Vision 2030 in Islamic education courses for the secondary stage from the point of view of Islamic education teachers, The study studies the descriptive curriculum, and the study population comprises all the Islamic education teachers for the secondary stage, As for the sample, it consisted of 48 teachers, and the tool was a questionnaire that was confirmed and validated, and among the most important results that the study reached: That the degree of Digital citizenship in Islamic education courses for the secondary stage Medium degree, She indicated that there are no statistically significant differences at the level of significance (α≤0.05) between the average response of the respondents according to the variable (years of experience - academic grade), and among the most important recommendations of the study: work to include Islamic education courses on the dimensions of digital citizenship, and the most important proposals for the study: Evaluation of the Islamic Education headquarters for other levels in light of digital citizenship.

Microbiome Signature and Diversity Profiling of Normal Skin of Human in Saudi Arabia

Background: Studying human skin-associated bacterial communities is crucial to understanding human diseases, disease progression, and their role in maintaining human health. Objectives: This study aimed to identify normal (healthy) skin microbiome signatures of eight individuals living in Jeddah, Makkah Al-Mukarramah region, Saudi Arabia. Methods: The study involved the analysis of resident skin microbiome in inner elbow of the right arm after ethical approval is issued and an informed consent form is signed by participant individuals. Results: Phylogenetic tree indicated the existence of four phyla, e.g., Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria. Firmicutes were shown to be the highest in abundance, while Bacteroidetes were the lowest. At the genus level, Staphylococcus was the highest in abundance, while Enterococcus was the lowest. At the species level, Bacillus cereus was the highest in abundance, while Roseomonas mucosa was the lowest. The analysis for the highly abundant operational taxonomic units (OTUs) indicated a dramatic difference between sexes referring to either genera or species of which Staphylococcus sp., Erwinia sp., Pseudomonas sp., Sphingomonas sp., Corynebacterium sp., Propionibacterium acnes, Kocuria palustris are higher in males, while Bacillus cereus, Bacillus sp., Erwinia sp., Corynebacterium sp., Micrococcus sp., Pseudomonas sp. are lower in males. Conclusions: The study succeeded in detecting the skin microbiome of individuals in Saudi Arabia.

The economic dimension of directing treated wastewater to the production of green fodder in Saudi Arabia

This study aimed to identify the economic dimension of directing treated wastewater to the production of green fodder. To achieve its objectives, the study relied on economic equations, the method of using multiple criteria, and a scoring technique for prioritization. The study showed that green fodder is a crop that depletes water, as it consumes about 67.27% of the water used for agricultural purposes. In determining the priority of regions intending to use treated wastewater, the ranking put Riyadh region first, followed by the eastern region, the Qassim region, Hail, Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Tabuk, Asir, Al-Jawf, Jizan, Madinah, Najran, the northern borders, and Al-Baha, in this order. The area that can be cultivated with forage crops is estimated to be about 53.05 thousand hectares, with a production of 953.75 thousand tons. The cost of treating wastewater to make it usable amounts to 2126.22 million riyals, while the value of the benefits gained from its use is 2508.95 million riyals; thus, the Saudi agricultural economy achieves a net gain estimated at about 382.73 million riyals annually. Therefore, this study recommends the use of treated wastewater in the production of green fodder.

Landslide susceptibility assessment and their disastrous impact on Makkah Al-Mukarramah urban Expansion, Saudi Arabia, using microtremor measurements

Landslide susceptibility of Makkah Al-Mukarramah has been assessed by collecting microtremor measurements at 277 sites covering the whole area. These data were then processed and analyzed using the horizontal–vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) method to obtain the resonance frequency and H/V amplification factor. The results display that the predominant frequency values range between 0.26 and 17.27 Hz, and the amplification factor varies from 0.87 to 14.68. Then, 34 sites were selected to assess the frequency, amplitude and azimuthal site response where frequency ranges from 0.26 to 13.67 Hz while amplitude varies from 2.0 to 12.2. Moreover, the site response direction was parallel to the landslide directional response in the sliding areas which indicates that the site response direction followed the landslide direction. The results of this study have been approved practically at several sites through field measurements at some of recent landslide occurrence locations in Makkah urban area. These results signifying that microtremor measurements are effective technique in locating the sites suffering landslides, which, in turn, reduce their hazardous impact on either human-life and their beings. Therefore, it is highly recommended to apply this approach in places prone to landslides in southwestern Saudi Arabia.

Morphological-hydrological relationships and the geomorphological instantaneous unit hydrograph of Makkah Al-Mukarramah watersheds

The present study focused on developing the predominant relationships between morphological and morphological-hydrological parameters of watersheds in the Makkah Al-Mukarramah region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). These relationships are essential for flood mitigation studies in the region. The relationships developed in this study are averaged over 43 watersheds (varying in size from 42.2 to 6081.4 km2) to provide a theoretical basis for regional morphological and hydrological analyses. In addition, the similarity of the hydrologic response of these watersheds is studied via the theory of geomorphological instantaneous unit hydrograph (GIUH). The results show that there is a relatively high similarity among the 43 basins (the average similarity parameter is 0.61, and the values vary from 0.57 to 0.68 at 95% confidence). Comparisons of the peaking factor between the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) and the Arid-Zone, Ari-Zo, (Albishi et al., Arabian Journal of Geosciences 10:1–13, 2017) models show that the common SCS model underestimates the peak discharge. The time of concentration is overpredicted by the Kirpich (Civil Engineering 10:362, 1940) equation (up to 17 times) compared to the Ari-Zo model. The GIUH and SCS models overestimate the time to peak when compared with the Ari-Zo model. These results are crucial for flood estimation and mitigation in the region.

Population Awareness and Attitude towards First Aid in Burn in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Saudi Arabia – A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Worldwide, an estimated 180, 000 deaths per year are caused by burns. Majority occur in low- and middle-income countries. Inadequate awareness of burn first aid has been reported in both developed and developing countries. In Saudi Arabia, studies reported inadequate level of knowledge of general population of first aid in burns emergencies including communities of Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Jeddah, Riyadh, Majmaah and Hail.
 Objective: we aim to assess the general knowledge and attitude regrading burn first aid among Makkah Al-Mukarramah population. Thus, the results of this study could help to understand the need of community to more implantation of Health Awareness Campaigns to help burn injuries managements.
 Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed using an online survey. A total of 1390 participants completed the questionnaire from 15 February to 15 March 2019.
 Results: Around 51.4% believed that washing burned area with cold water is the immediate first aid in 1st degree burns, 38.3% and 61.7% believed that going to the nearest emergency department is the immediate first aid in 2nd and 3rd degree burns, respectively. Around 46.7% agreed to remove the clothes stuck to the burned skin in case of burns , 34.5% applied traditional home remedy including toothpaste, honey, tomato paste or egg.
 Conclusion: we found that population of western region have fair knowledge and attitude towards first aid in burns. However, traditional home remedy practice still present. Health Awareness Campaigns still needed to improve community attitude towards burn injuries managements furthermore.

STUDY THE EFFECT OF GREEN SPACES AND PUBLIC SPACES IN IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF CITIES LIFE- HOLY MAKKAH AS CASE STUDY BASED ON THE URBAN OBSERVATORY INDICATORS

STUDY THE EFFECT OF GREEN SPACES AND PUBLIC SPACES IN IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF CITIES LIFE- HOLY MAKKAH AS CASE STUDY BASED ON THE URBAN OBSERVATORY INDICATORS

Far from Mecca: Globalizing the Muslim Caribbean, by Aliyah Khan

Far from Mecca: Globalizing the Muslim Caribbean, by Aliyah Khan

Spatial Weighted Mean Center for Infection, Recovered and Death Cases of COVID-19 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

هدفت الدراسة إلى تحديد مركز ثقل الإصابة والتعافي والوفاة بفيروس كوفيد-19 على مستوى المملكة، وتتبع تحرك مركز ثقل الإصابة والتعافي والوفاة بفيروس كوفيد-19 على مستوى المملكة ثم الكشف عن العوامل التي قد تؤثر في تحديد ثقل ومسار الوباء خلال فترة الدراسة. تبنت الدراسة المنهج الكمي وذلك من خلال تطبيق أسلوب التحليل المكاني (Spatial Analysis) الذي يتناول الظاهرة المكانية بالدراسة والتحليل للخروج بنتائج تفسر هذه الظاهرة باستخدام المركز المتوسط الموزون الذي يعد أحد أهم أدوات قياس التوزيع المكاني للظواهر الجغرافية، وخرجت الدراسة بعدد من النتائج من أهمها تركز قيم المركز المتوسط المكاني الموزون لحالات الإصابة إلى الشرق من المركز المتوسط لمواقع الإصابات، فيما تركزت قيم المركز المتوسط الموزون لحالات التعافي إلى الشرق من المركز المتوسط لمواقع حالات التعافي من الفيروس، وبشكل مغاير تركزت قيم المركز المتوسط الموزون لحالات الوفاة إلى الغرب من المركز المتوسط لمواقع حالات الوفاة متأثراً بأعداد الوفيات المسجلة بمدينة مكة المكرمة وجدة والطائف بمنطقة مكة المكرمة.

Pattern of diseases among Bangladeshi Hajj Pilgrimsin Mecca, Saudi Arabia

Background & objective: Each year millions of Muslims embark on a religious pilgrimage called the “Hajj” to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. The mass migration during the Hajj is unparalleled in scale, and pilgrims face numerous health hazards. Performing the tasks of pilgrimage is stressful and laborious and as such requires immense mental and physical fitness on the part of the pilgrims. But a substantial proportion of the pilgrims lack it. Besides, the hot and dry environment and untold overcrowding predispose them to the risk of many communicable diseases. The present study, was therefore, intended to find the pattern of diseases among Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims at Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
 Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on Bangladeshi Hazz pilgrims in Mecca Saudi Arabia over a period of 1 month from mid-September to mid-October, 2015. A total of 710 pilgrims (18 or > 18 years) attending at Bangladeshi Hazz Medical Center (BHMC) in Mecca, Saudi Arabia during the period were consecutively included in the study after having voluntary verbal consent obtained from them. Diseases were diagnosed mainly on the basis of clinical signs and symptoms with provision of only random and fasting blood sugar estimation and ECG. The diagnosed diseases were grouped into major and minor problems or conditions and were treated as out-patient basis.
 Result: In the present study upper middle-aged (50 – 60 years) and elderly (≥ 60 years) pilgrims together formed nearly 73% of the patients with mean age of the patients being 56 years. Males were a bit higher than the females with male-female ratio being roughly 11:9. The study demonstrated that the commonest cause of out-patient visit was respiratory illness (41.2%) followed by diabetes (17.2%), peptic ulcer disease (PUD) (11.7%) and cardiovascular diseases (10.7%)(which included hypertension, new onset ischemia or exacerbation of preexisting ischemic heart diseases). A few (3.2%) of the patients presented with diarrhoeal diseases (loose motion or dysentery). Other minor ailments were allergy or dermatitis, insomnia, paronychia, anxiety, UTI, hemorrhoids, epistaxis, glossitis, oral ulcer, earache, conjunctivitis, worm infestation, spot bleeding etc., accounting for 4.8% of the patients.
 Conclusion: The study concluded that respiratory illness is the most common health problems among pilgrims visiting to Mecca, Saudi Arabia followed by diabetes, PUD and cardio-vascular diseases. The pilgrims should be educated in their home country before starting for pilgrimage as how to maintain their health in their new and challenging environment and Bangladesh Hazz Mission in Mecca should ensure enough medical support to them.
 Ibrahim Card Med J 2020; 10 (1&2): 96-101

عوامل الانتقال الناجح للأفراد ذوی اضطراب طیف التوحد للعمل من وجهة نظر معلمیهم بمنطقة مکة المکرمة Successful transition factors to work for individuals with Autism spectrum disorder from their teachers perspective in the Makkah Region

هدفت الدراسة الحالية إلى التعرف على عوامل الانتقال الناجح للأفراد ذوي اضطراب طيف التوحد للعمل من وجهة نظر معلميهم بمنطقة مکة المکرمة، وکذلک التعرف على تأثير متغير (المؤهل العلمي، سنوات الخبرة، نوع برنامج التعليم) في تقديرات المعلمين والمعلمات لعوامل الانتقال الناجح للعمل، وقد تکونت عينة الدراسة من (١٥٢) معلما ومعلمة للأفراد ذوي اضطراب طيف التوحد تم اختيارهم بطريقة عشوائية، ولتحقيق أهداف الدراسة استخدمت الباحثتان الاستبانة کأداة للدراسة, واتبعتا المنهج الوصفي المسحي، حيث توصلت الدراسة إلى مجموعة من النتائج أبرزها: وجود عوامل تساعد في نجاح انتقال الأفراد ذوي اضطراب طيف التوحد للعمل تمثلت في (التقييم الانتقالي- الخطة الانتقالية الفردية-المشارکة الاسرية- التعاون مع المؤسسات الخارجية ذات العلاقة- مهارات تقرير المصير) حيث أن تقدير المعلمين والمعلمات لعوامل الانتقال الناجح للأفراد ذوي اضطراب طيف التوحد للعمل بمنطقة مکة المکرمة على جميع أبعاد الدراسة کانت کبيرة (مهمة)، فقد احتل بعد (التقييم الانتقالي) في الترتيب الأول وبدرجة مهمة جدا، يليها بعد (مهارة تقرير المصير) وهي أيضا بدرجة مهمة جدا، يليها بعد (الخطة الانتقالية الفردية) وهي بدرجة مهمة جدا، ويأتي في الترتيب الرابع بعد (المشارکة الاسرية) وهي بدرجة متوسطة، وأخيرا جاء في الترتيب الخامس بعد (التعاون مع المؤسسات الخارجية ذات العلاقة) بدرجة متوسطة، کما أشارت الدراسة إلى عدم وجود فروق ذات دلالة إحصائية في وجهات نظر المعلمين والمعلمات في تقدير عوامل الانتقال الناجح للأفراد ذوي اضطراب طيف التوحد تعزى لمتغير (المؤهل التعليمي ونوع برنامج التعليم) بينما توجد فروق ذات دلالة احصائية في وجهات نظر المعلمين والمعلمات في تقدير عوامل الانتقال الناجح للأفراد ذوي اضطراب طيف التوحد تعزى لمتغير سنوات الخبرة لصالح الفئة من (٦-١0) سنوات The present study aimed to identify the factors for successful transition of individuals with autism spectrum disorder to work from the point of view of their teachers in Makkah Al-Mukarramah region, as well as to identify the effect of some variables (academic qualification, years of experience, type of education program) on teachers estimates of the factors for successful work transfer. The study sample was included of (152) male and female teachers of individuals with autism spectrum disorder were randomly selected. To achieve the objectives of the study, the researchers used the questionnaire as a tool for the study and followed the descriptive survey approach. The study found a set of results, the most prominent of which are: The presence of factors that help individuals with autism spectrum disorder to transfer successfully to work, represented in (transitional evaluation - individual transition plan - family participation - cooperation with relevant external institutions - self-determination skills). The teachers estimate for the factors for successful transition of individuals with autism spectrum disorder to work in Makkah Al-Mukarramah region was very large on all dimensions of the study (very important). The (transitional assessment) dimension was ranked first with a very important degree, followed by the (self-determination skill) dimension, which is also very important, followed by the (individual transitional plan) dimension, which was with a very important degree, and comes fourth the (family participation) dimension, with a Medium degree, and finally, came in the fifth rank the dimension (cooperation with relevant external institutions) with a medium degree. In addition, the study indicated that there were no statistically significant differences in the point of view of male and female teachers in estimating the factors of successful transmission of individuals with autism spectrum disorder due to the variable (educational qualification and type of education program) ) While there are statistically significant differences in the point of view of male and female teachers in estimating the factors of successful transmission of individuals with autism spectrum disorder due to (years of experience) variable in favor of the group (6-10) years

Prevalence of Using Performance-enhancing Substances among Gym Users in Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Performance-enhancing substances (PESs) have unfortunately become ubiquitous in numerous sports; some of these substances pose a serious threat to the health and well-being of athletes. This study aimed to: assess the prevalence and determinants of PESs use among gym attenders in Makkah, Saudi Arabia Research design: a cross-sectional study. Subjects: a number of 122 adult gymnasts in Makkah city. Tool: The data was collected through an on line self-administered questionnaire. Results: This study revealed that 40% of participants using PESs, 63.8 % of them knew the chemical composition of PESs, majority of them having PESs from online shopping and fitness stores. Participants using PESs for improving appearance, sexuality and power. The duration of usage was less than six months and stop for causes other than price or side effects. The most common used PESs were creatine, alagenin and beta alanine. There were a statistical significance difference between the type of PESs used and age, gender and education while there was no statistical significance difference between the type of PESs used and marital status. Conclusion: less than half of participants using PESs for less than six months, significant differences were found between PESs and gender, age and education. Recommendations: counseling and education for gym users about the adverse effects of PESs, strict regulations should be done for screening and manipulating these substances.

Water management in Saudi Arabia: a case study of Makkah Al Mukarramah region

In the hydrologic design of water management infrastructures, rainfall characteristics are often used and the available historical rainfall events in the form of intensity–duration–frequency (IDF) curves are essential. However, due to the rise in the emission of greenhouse gases, the magnitude and frequency of future extreme rainfalls will be changed. Therefore, the current study aims to develop the IDF curves models in the region of Makkah Al Mukarramah, Saudi Arabia. In this study, five models were developed to estimate the rainfall intensity for the different durations and return periods, using three statistical parameters e, m, and C, calculated from the rainfall intensity data for the time series in each station. The results showed that the rainfall intensity average is ranged between 15.4 mm/10 min and 25.9 mm/60 min for Al Karr Sufli station from 1966 to 2005, and 29.8 mm/120 min and 49.6 mm/720 min for Baqrane station during the period of 1971–2005. Besides, the KGE, R2, and Theil’s U performance tests of the probability distribution models revealed that the exponential model is the best for the Al-Barzah, Ain Al Azizia and Al Karr Sufli, and Humma Syssed stations, and the log Pearson III model is the best model for Baqrane station. The outcomes of this research reveal the potential of this approach in projecting upcoming climate situations for urban catchment where long-term hourly rainfall data are not easily available.

Variation and Change in a Contact Setting in Mecca

Variation and Change in a Contact Setting in Mecca

Methods of Thinking and Its Relation to The Multiple Intelligences for The Talented Students in Makkah Al-Mukarramah.

This study aims to identify the relationship between thinking methods and the multiple intelligences for talented students in Middle and Secondary schools in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, to identify the differences between the talented students in terms of their preferences for the methods of thinking based on the variable of gender and school stage. The researcher adopted the descriptive survey approach. Study sample consists of 151 talented students of middle and secondary schools. The researcher used Harrison Bramson Thinking Styles Scale and Rogers Multiple Intelligence Scale. The study was applied in the first semester of academic year 20118-2019 on the talented students in middle and secondary school in Makkah Al-Mukarramah. The following are the summary of study results: The degree of thinking methods of the talented students in Makkah came to be (intermediate), and the results revealed also that the degree of multiple intelligences of the talented male and female students in Makkah Al-Mukarramah was (intermediate). The results revealed that there was a strong positive correlation among the different thinking styles as a whole and the multiple intelligences as a whole, the special thinking methods dimensions and the dimensions of multiple intelligences. In light of the study results, the researcher recommended the most important recommendations as follows: the need to consider the different thinking methods, especially the prevailing ones such as the critical thinking in different methods of instruction; preparation of educational programs for the development of thinking methods in general, and the need to pay attention to the education of talented and untalented students through concluding courses, workshops, publications and other instructional means.

Los lugares santos del Islam en el siglo XIV a través de la <em>riḥla</em> de Jālid ibn 'Īsà l-Balawī

En la época medieval fueron muchos los creyentes del Occidente musulmán (Al-Ándalus y el Magreb) que en su peregrinación a La Meca, visitaron las dos ciudades sagradas de Medina y Jerusalén como centros urbanos de relevancia cultural de la civilización islámica. Este estudio se centrará en el viaje de Jālid Ibn ‛Isá al-Balawī a las ciudades santas, mediante el análisis de los pasajes de su Riḥla Tāŷ al-mafriq fī taḥliyat ‛ulamā᾽ al-Mašriq, y en concreto las impresiones y la visión que tiene el viajero sobre los lugares santos visitados y sus gentes, a partir de información relativa al contexto histórico, religioso, científico y arquitectónico, a las prácticas sociales y a los modos de pensamiento, donde se ven reflejados los aspectos y circunstancias de la sociedad andalusí a la que pertenece al-Balawῑ y su relaciones e intercambios con otras sociedades. Además de la información sobre los lugares descritos, el viajero reflejará la especial atracción que tienen los andalusíes en relación a ellos, afirmando los vínculos y lazos culturales mediante las relaciones con los eruditos del Occidente y el Oriente musulmán durante el siglo XIV.

The impact of online learning compared to direct learning on the perception of medical students of Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Background: In an era of an ever-increasing leaning toward technology and easy accessibility, online learning had its fast progression and popularity, making it easier for students to maintain their education in various circumstances. Thereby, this study aimed to assess student’s online learning perception and to determine students' preference regarding methods of education during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Methodology: This cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted at Umm Al-Qura University among medical students from the second to the sixth academic year from March to May 2020, in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Saudi Arabia. A modified questionnaire was used to assess the perception of students, which was extracted from a previous study. Results: It was observed that the majority of the studied population (60.9%) was satisfied with online education and only 39% of the participated students did not prefer e-learning over traditional learning systems. Perception level of enrolled students was relatively low as compared to higher acceptability for online learning system. Moreover, perception level was significantly correlated with participants’ age, Grade Point Average (GPA), and year of education, whereas gender, marital status, and background history of educational difficulties were found to have no correlation with the level of perception of the studied population. Conclusion: This study helped in better understanding of students’ perception toward online education in Saudi Arabia, and thus it might assist in formulation of standard protocols for online education system implemented in the studied population.

Correlates of diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND:Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a serious complication of diabetes that can cause visual impairment. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence and identify the determinants of DR in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients attending the diabetic center at Al-Noor Specialist Hospital in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.MATERIALS AND METHODS:A cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of type 2 diabetic patients registered at the diabetic center at Al-Noor Specialist Hospital. Data was collected using a validated self-administered questionnaire. Grading of DR was done by slit-lamp examination and colored fundus photographs. Descriptive analysis included frequency and percentage for categorical variables, and mean, median, standard deviation (SD), and interquartile range, for continuous variables. Chi-square test used to test for association between two categorical variables; Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney U test as appropriate employed to compare continuous variable between two groups. Logistic regression analysis was utilized to identify correlates of DR after controlling for confounders.RESULTS:The study comprised 251 type 2 diabetic patients aged between 28 and 80 years, with an arithmetic mean of 56.8 and standard deviation of ±9.9 years. The prevalence of DR was 54.6%; mild nonproliferative (NP) type was present in 52.6% of the patients with DR, whereas severe NP type was present in 15.3% of them; the proliferative type was present in only 4.4% of those with DR. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that patients who had had diabetes for a 11 to 16 years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.52, P = 0.035), patients who did not take daily medications on time (AOR = 9.75, P = 0.008), patients who did not go for fundus examination annually (AOR = 3.62, P = 0.011), and patients with uncontrolled diabetes (AOR = 12.18, P < 0.001) were at higher significant risk for DR. Patients not treated with insulin were 70% less likely to develop DR (AOR = 0.30, P = 0.015). An increase of one unit in body mass index was significantly associated with increase in the probability of developing DR by 11% (AOR = 1.11, P = 0.024).CONCLUSION:DR is very prevalent in type 2 diabetic patients attending the diabetic center at Al-Noor Specialist Hospital, Makkah Al-Mukarramah; particularly the mild NP type.

THE PREVALENCE OF IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME AMONG PRIMARY HEALTH CARE DOCTORS IN MAKKAH AL-MUKARRAMAH, SAUDI ARABIA

Background:Irritable Bowel Syndrome is found to be more common among health care workers. There are no studies yet that focuses on this issue among primary health care doctors in Makkah AL-Mukarramah, Saudi Arabia and the definite factors affecting IBS are not yet established. Aim of Study: To measure the prevalence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome among primary health care doctors in Makkah AL-Mukarramah, Saudi Arabia and to determine associated factors. Methodology:The study follows a cross-sectional study design, 140 physicians attending primary health care doctors in Makkah AL-Mukarramah were interviewed. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. It included socio-demographic variables and the variables used in Rome IV criteria. Results: Irritable Bowel Syndrome is found to be common among primary health care doctors in Makkah Al-Mukarramah. The factors that were significantly associated with IBS among participants are social status, social relationships, having first degree relatives with IBS, increased nervousness and pressure at work, change in mood, and loss of interest. Conclusion:The prevalence of IBS (29.7%) among primary health care doctors in Makkah Al-Mukarramahwas quite high compared to other similar studies. The most significant predictor among the said factors was having increased nervousness and pressure at work. Therefore, doctors should be screened routinely for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Also, these findings will help in the development of a more reliable assessment tool for IBS and its appropriate treatment.

Patterns of prescription and inappropriate medications use in elderly patients of Makkah community in Saudi Arabia

Polypharmacy and the prescription of inappropriate medications are common in elderly patients due to the high rate of morbidity in this population. However, this information is scarce about patients in this age group in Saudi Arabia. In general, this study was conducted to investigate the drug prescriptions in elderly patients in Makkah city of Saudi Arabia. This topic threw light mainly on the pattern of drug utilization and the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medications in this population of patients. Data of drugs utilization in elderly patients was collected from King Abdul-Aziz hospital in Makkah city, Saudi Arabia during January and February of 2018. The 2019 updated Beers criteria were applied to identify the potentially inappropriate medications use in these patients. A total of 1256 prescriptions were found to be given to 129 elderly patients, with a 9.7 as the average number of drugs prescribed per elderly patient. Polypharmacy in this age group was very common reaching about 90% of patients. The most commonly prescribed drug was omeprazole followed by aspirin. Around 18% of drug prescriptions were considered to be inappropriate according to the 2019 updated Beers criteria. Omeprazole and aspirin were also the inappropriate drug with the highest rate of prescription. Based on the 2019 updated Beers criteria, inappropriate medications use and polypharmacy are prevalent in elderly patients in Makkah city of Saudi Arabia. More attention should be taken by health care providers as some of the commonly prescribed drugs in elderly patients are considered to be inappropriate. Key words: Potentially inappropriate medications, drug prescribing, polypharmacy, elderly, geriatrics, Beers.