Cross-sectional Observational Survey Research Articles

Physiotherapists Lack Knowledge in Mental Health: A Survey of Knowledge and Attitudes of Physical Therapists About Their Role in Mental Health.

As the number of mental illnesses increases, there is a need to manage it holistically within a multidisciplinary team. The majority of patients with physical disabilities suffer from mental health problems, and physiotherapy can play a role in improving their lifestyle. This study aimed to determine physiotherapists' self-reported knowledge and attitudes regarding their role in treating patients with mental health disorders. This study adopted a descriptive, cross-sectional, and prospective observational survey design. The sample consisted of 208 physical therapists. The majority of the participants, (48%) had a positive attitude score, with (40%) having a neutral attitude and (12%) having a negative attitude toward treating patients with mental health issues. Most respondents (86%) reported that they need more information regarding patients with mental health disorders and physiotherapists' management of their physical health issues. Many physiotherapists lack knowledge and hold a neutral to negative attitude towards treating patients with mental disorders. This highlights the need for more training to fill the gap in knowledge and guide physiotherapists to build upon their positive attitude towards treating patients with mental disorders.

Assessment of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids Use Among Professional CrossFit® Athletes: Motives, Perception, and Safety

Background Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are traditionally used for the treatment/control of various diseases; however, they are being used for non-therapeutic and indiscriminate purposes to enhance sports performance and physical appearance. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of AAS use among professional CrossFit® competitors. Methods We conducted an observational cross-sectional survey in which an anonymous questionnaire was applied to professional CrossFit® athletes. Results The prevalence of AAS usage was 33.3%. Most users were male (74.2%), aged between 30 and 39 years (51.6%), with completed higher education (83.9%), and had been training for more than 5 years (77.4%); the primary motivation for AAS use was performance enhancement (77.4%). Individuals who were older (p < 0.05) and more experienced in competitions (p < 0.01) are more likely to use AAS. Testosterone was the most employed AAS (71.0%); CrossFit® athletes typically used an average of 2 different AAS. The majority of users had notably sought advice from a physician (74.2%), and AAS were acquired from either drugstores (80.6%) or through illicit channels (29.0%). Moreover, 61.3% of AAS users reported experiencing adverse effects. Conclusions Our results demonstrated a higher prevalence of AAS users among professional competitors in CrossFit ® compared to the general population; older age and greater experience in official competitions were decisive factors for a greater inclination toward AAS use. A significant percentage of athletes seek drugs through illegal channels. Despite the majority of users experiencing adverse effects, athletes report satisfaction with use, believing that the benefits still outweigh the drawbacks.

Assessing Risk Literacy Skills: Enhancing Healthcare Management among University Students.

The purpose of this study was to explore the determinants of risk literacy among university students in the United States by utilizing the Berlin Numeracy Test. Risk literacy skills are essential for decision-making and communication of risks, but few studies consider university students. This study aims to evaluate the association of sociodemographic factors with individual risk literacy levels. An observational cross-sectional survey study was used with a convenience sample of 184 undergraduate and graduate university students. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences for demographics at risk for negative outcomes associated with lower risk literacy. For this group of students, the majority had below-average numeracy. These findings can guide healthcare professionals to focus on college-age individuals with low-risk literacy scores to enhance patient understanding, facilitate communication, and promote healthier behaviors.

Attitudes towards Sexual Behaviour: an Exploratory Analysis of a Comprehensive Model

Introduction. A theoretical model of self-oriented cognitive schemata of sexual behaviour (SO-CSSB) was proposed after a previous disambiguation review on the definition and research of sexual attitudes. A quantitative exploration of the proposal may add real-world information regarding the internal structure and the adequacy of the defined factors. Consequently, the present study aims to 1) develop a questionnaire based on the theoretical review and 2) explore the structure of the SO-CSSB model. Method. Following the SO-CSSB principles, a questionnaire was developed and evaluated. An observational cross-sectional online survey was conducted. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and a reliability analysis were performed. Results. A study sample, comprised of 188 subjects, was analysed (Age 18–56; M = 25.27; SD = 6.6; 62 male, 33.2%). The EFA yielded 16 factors with eigenvalues above 1, accounting for 67.21% of the variance (KMO = .672, Barlett’s = 3958.7, sig.&lt;.01; item communalities between .44 and .80). Items under .49were cut off, which included values from .49 to .86. There was no correlation between components over .20, in a range from –.19 to .20. Reliability indexes varied from .46 to .86. Conclusion. A final model of 16 components followingthe SO-CSSB principles was presented. The analysis revealed certain modifications to the theoretical proposal, and the objective of adding a quantitative frame toempirically specify its factors was achieved. This outcome constitutes a step forward to developing a comprehensive model on sexual beliefs.

Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity in School Children in Bosnia and Herzegovina: A Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose: To identify the characteristics of age groups of children from 10 to 14 years old in terms of the ratio of body weight and length, in particular, the relative number of children with overweight and obesity, and to develop recommendations for reducing body weight for children 10-14 years old. Material and Methods: An observational cross-sectional survey of the health status (overweight and obesity) of school children was conducted on sample 500 school children from Bosnia and Herzegovina (Republic Srpska entity), which included 246 boys and 254 girls, aged 10 to 14 years. Anthropometric data including Body height (BH), Body weight (BW) and age were collected from all elementary school children. Body mass index (BMI) is an anthropometric index of weight and height that is calculated by dividing a person's weight (kg) by the square of their height (m^2). BMI participants was estimated with the Percentile BMI calculator for children and teens aged 2-19 years. The studied children were defined as underweight, normal (healthy)-weight, overweight and obese according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) child growth characteristics for age, sex, and BMI. Basic central and dispersion parameters (Mean, Min., Max., Range, SD, CI 95%, CV%, Skew., Kurt.) were calculated for each variable. To confirm normality, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was applied (p&gt;0.05). The homogeneity of variance was tested with Levene's test. The nutritional status of the subjects was assessed using percentile values on the basis of which the percentile categories are calculated. Statistical procedures and analyzes were performed using the statistical package STATISTICA 10.0 for Windows. Results: The dynamics of changes in the relative number of children with overweight and obesity from 10 to 14 years old was revealed. The lowest number of overweight and obese students was recorded at the age of 14 (1% &lt;). The results of malnutrition in boys point to the conclusion that it is present in a smaller percentage, from 1.96% (age 14) to 6.12% (age 12). The largest number of girls at the age of 13 were overweight, 10 (19.23%) and obese (2%&lt;), and then at the age of 10 and 11 (overweight 15.68% vs. 13.72%, and obesity 1.96% vs 3.92%). Malnutrition as a category is in a slightly higher percentage than for boys, ranging from 3.92% (11 and 12 years) to 7.84% (10 years). Conclusions: If a child is overweight at any age, this should be an alarming signal, as it can provoke weight gain in adulthood or with the slightest decrease in self-control. Therefore, the best strategy would be to create conditions for a child's development in which he will receive joy from other sources, and not just from food and activities that do not require physical activity. Finding even a relatively small number of overweight and obese children is not a benign problem. It requires its own solution, helping such children understand their problem and overcome it.

Sleep Quality and its Daytime Effects among University Students in the UAE.

To determine the irregularity in the sleep schedule among university students in the UAE and determine its correlation with poor sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and fatigue. This observational cross-sectional survey was electronically conducted among undergraduate students of Ajman University during the academic year 2022-2023. The participants were selected using a simple random sampling method. The instruments for data collection comprised of sleep schedule questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and Fatigue Severity Scale. Data was subjected to chi-square analysis, Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon rank-sum test, and Spearman's correlation. Of the 537 participants, 353 (65.7%) were female. The majority (57.2%) kept highly irregular bedtimes. The cohort's mean global PSQI score was 8.9±3.0 indicating poor sleep quality. There was a positive correlation between the irregular bedtime frequency and the global PSQI score (r = 0.311; p < 0.010). Most (70.8%) participants had a total high Fatigue Severity Scale score of ≥ 36. The scores of women (41.0±10.5) were significantly higher than those of men (38.5±11.0) (p =0.006). Around 53.0% of the participants had high ESS scores indicating excessive daytime sleepiness. There was also a significant correlation between ESS score and irregular bedtime frequency (r = 0.113; p =0.009). The students at Ajman University had a high prevalence of irregular bedtime and inadequate sleeping hours. This was affecting their sleep quality and causing excessive daytime sleepiness. The students, especially women, were suffering from fatigue, potentially affecting their normal functionality. It is crucial to encourage students to establish regular sleep patterns and improve sleep habits to promote their productivity and general well-being.

COVID-19 and flu vaccination in Romania, post pandemic lessons in healthcare workers and general population.

Influenza and corona viruses generate vaccine preventable diseases and have pandemic potential, frequently dramatic. A co-infection with these viruses, may be a new worldwide threat, researchers name it flurona. The aim of our study is to assess flu and COVID-19 Romanian vaccination for 2022-2023 season and the factor associated with higher odds to receive flu and COVID-19 vaccine. An analytical cross-sectional observational survey was conducted in the general population; a self-administered questionnaire was used. 1056 responders were analyzed, mean age 32.08 ±13.36 years (limits:18-76), majority, 880 (83.33%), from urban areas, 608 (57.58%), high school graduated, 400 (37.88%) parents. More than half of the responders were healthcare workers, 582 (55.11%), also considered study population. In the study group, 796 (73.37%) responders consider flurona vaccination useful; and 872 (82.57%) responders consider that no sanctions are needed for not flurona vaccinating. In the 2022-2023 season, 162 (15.34%) responders vaccinated against the flu and 300 (28.41%) against COVID-19. The factor associated with higher odds to receive flu and COVID-19 vaccine was the habit of flu vaccination: for flu (OR = 58.43; 95% CI: (34.95-97.67)) and for COVID-19 (OR = 1.67; 95% CI: (1.21-2.31)). Other factors such as having university degree (OR = 1.46; 95% CI: (1.08-1.98)) and being a healthcare worker, (OR = 1.41; 95% CI: (1.07-1.87)) were influencing factors only for adult COVID-19 vaccination in the 2022-2023 season. In the parents' group, in 2022-2023 season, only 48 (12%) vaccinated their children against the flu and 68 (17%) against COVID-19, mostly parents that vaccinated themselves, p<0.001. In the 2022-2023 season, there were only 82 (7.65%) responders vaccinated against both diseases. Logistic regression analysis showed that no factor analyzed influenced the flurona vaccinated parent's decision to vaccinate their children for flu and for COVID-19. In the season 2022-2023, in Romania, the vaccination against flu and COVOD-19 is low, in adults and children as well. More efforts must be done to increase flurona vaccination, public health educational programs are strongly needed. Children, that are at greater risk when co-infecting with these viruses, must be vaccinated, school vaccination programs should be considered.

Prevalence of Recurrent Bell’s Palsy

Recurrent Bell’s palsy is experiencing more than 1 episode of Bell's palsy after recovering from the first one. Prevalence of Recurrent Bell's Palsy ranges from 2.6-15.2% although it is a rare occurrence. The study under observation was conducted to find out the prevalence of Recurrent Bell's Palsy in patients. Objective: To assess the prevalence of recurrent Bell's palsy. Methods: A convenience sampling method was used to perform an observational cross-sectional analytical survey based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were collected by using questionnaire after informed consent and was analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Results: It was concluded that mean age of Recurrent Bell’s palsy patients was 40.8 years. Male and female both genders were involved. Most common Bell's palsy-related predisposing factors were hypertension, Diabetes, old age, and Pregnancy respectively. More cases were reported in winter season than summers in recurrent Bell’s palsy patients. Conclusions: The prevalence of RBP is 4.2% and most commonly associated risk factors are Hypertension, Diabetes, Positive family history and pregnancy.

Evaluating nurses’ preparedness in critical incidents

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the preparedness and training of Canadian nurses in critical incidents.Methods: Design: An observational cross-sectional survey through a self-administered web-based questionnaire. Setting: The questionnaire was shared with nurses working in emergency departments, intensive care units, and coronary care units at five hospitals affiliated with McGill University in Montreal (Quebec, Canada). Participants: In total, 145 nurses completed the questionnaire. It was sent through email to nurse managers and assistant nurse managers working in the emergency department, adult intensive care unit, and cardiac care unit at four academic hospitals. Main Outcome Measured: level of preparedness and skills of nurses to deal with critical incidents.Results: Most nurses have not participated in a disaster management (code orange) simulation (64.8%, n = 94). Moreover, around half of them knew their specific role in such a simulation (49.6%, n = 72). The vast majority of participants (78.6%, n = 114) never took part in a real code orange scenario. On multiple logistic regression, having &gt; 10 years of experience in nursing, having &gt; 10 years of experience in critical care, participating in a code orange simulation, knowledge of roles and responsibilities during a code orange situation, and having knowledge of the department's code orange plan, were significantly associated with a higher level of preparedness.Conclusions: This study shows a lack of nurses’ preparedness in dealing with critical incidents based on their self-assessment. Confidence and knowledge of skills associated with BLS and ACLS were noted to be essential for a high level of preparedness.

Prevelanace of Non-Specific Low Back Pain with Compromised Endurance and Stability in Young Adult Females

Background: Non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) is a prevalent condition that significantly impacts the quality of life, particularly among young adult females. It leads to decreased physical fitness, compromised balance and endurance, and increased disability, affecting daily activities and overall well-being. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the effects of NSLBP on cardiopulmonary endurance and balance in young adult females and to explore the implications for healthcare management and intervention strategies. Methods: This observational cross-sectional survey involved 60 female participants aged 18-40 years, experiencing NSLBP without underlying pathological conditions. The study employed convenience sampling at the University of Lahore Gujrat Campus over a six-month period. Measures included the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for disability assessment, the Time Up and Go (TUG) test for balance, and the Rockport Fitness Test for evaluating cardiopulmonary endurance. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25, with T-tests for quantitative data and Chi-square tests for qualitative data. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The majority of participants (66.7%) were in the 18-23 age group. According to the VAS, 43.3% reported severe pain, and 33.3% reported moderate pain. The ODI revealed that 60% of participants had minimal disability. Cardiopulmonary endurance analysis showed that 43.33% of participants had poor endurance, and 31.67% had very poor endurance. The TUG test indicated compromised balance, with a significant relationship between NSLBP and balance (p &lt; 0.05). Statistical analysis further highlighted significant associations between NSLBP with age and cardiopulmonary endurance but not with BMI. Conclusion: NSLBP significantly affects cardiopulmonary endurance and balance among young adult females, indicating the need for a multidisciplinary approach in management and intervention. This study emphasizes the importance of incorporating physical therapy and lifestyle modifications to improve balance, endurance, and overall quality of life in individuals with NSLBP.

Gender disparities in observed motorcycle helmet use in Madagascar: female motorcyclists behave safer but have lower overall protection

BackgroundAlthough motorcycle helmets can save lives in case of a crash, no helmet use data are available for many countries. When data is available, it is often only analysed as...

End-of-life and bereavement support to families in cancer care: a cross-sectional survey with bereaved family members

BackgroundLosing a close other to cancer is an incisive experience that occurs after a long course of illness and intense family caregiving. Despite an evident need for family engagement and support and guidance on this, patients and family members may not receive the attention and support they need when a family unit is experiencing a disruption by death. A clear understanding of the quality of care that is currently provided and its ability to address family needs is necessary to improve end-of-life and bereavement support to families affected by cancer. The purpose of this study is to investigate the quality of support of end-of-life and bereavement care to families, their (un)met needs, grief experiences, and self-perceived health outcomes.MethodsA multi-center, cross-sectional observational survey study with family members (n = 35) whose close other died of cancer in a health institution or their own home in German-speaking Switzerland.ResultsBereaved family members were mostly satisfied with end-of-life care. Information on the grief process and services, and acknowledgment of their grief was experienced as helpful. Most coped with their grief drawing on family resources and exhibited resilience, but they reported unmet needs in relation to family togetherness and caregiving.ConclusionThis study with a small number of family members indicates that support provided to families across settings and illness trajectories is perceived as helpful, with specific needs related to family support. The findings suggest that improvements should focus on ensuring care that addresses the family as a unit and enables togetherness, mutual reflection, meaningful relationships, preparedness for death, resilience, and benefit-finding.Protocol registrationhttps://osf.io/j4kfh.

Assessing Compliance and Attitude to patient safety goal of patient identification among nurses: A cross-sectional observational survey

Abstract:&#x0D; Background: Patient identification is an important patient safety goal, healthcare providers have primary responsibility for verifying a patient's identity appropriately before intended interventions in the hospital. It is important for the hospital management team to develop and ensure the practice of patient identification policy.&#x0D; Objective: To assess knowledge, attitude, and compliance to patient safety goal of patient identification&#x0D; Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among 231 staff nurses of inpatient departments using random sampling at a tertiary hospital. The staff nurses were assessed for knowledge, attitude, and practices on patient safety of right patient identification using a knowledge-based questionnaire, structured validated questionnaire to measure attitude towards patient safety, and observational checklist for compliance to patient identification in practice&#x0D; Results: More than 50 percent of the nurses had a positive attitude towards reporting, acknowledging and dealing with mistakes, and concentrating on causes that could result in improving patient safety. Majority believed, management provided fair treatment for reporting but were more inclined and invested towards meeting targets of the organization. The compliance with all the identification practices was more than 80% with few areas of improvement identified for a compliance rate of less than 90%.&#x0D; Conclusion: Patient identification practices require special attention in health care delivery to avoid misleading errors and harm. It is thereby important to measure compliance and attitude of HCP at regular intervals to improve reporting and devising strategies. The compliance rate can be further improved by using strategies like standardizing approaches, provision of clear protocol, training, and patient education, and most importantly creating a culture of reporting and demonstrating management's inclination towards quality assurance

Impact of Migraine on Daily Life: Results of the Observational survey of the Epidemiology, Treatment, and Care of Migraine (OVERCOME [Japan]) Study.

The impacts of migraine on daily life, including daily activities and fundamental health indicators (sleep and mental health), have not been described in detail for people with migraine in Japan. The cross-sectional ObserVational survey of the Epidemiology, tReatment, and Care Of MigrainE (OVERCOME [Japan]) study was conducted between July and September 2020. Impacts of migraine on housework, family/social/leisure activities, driving, and sleep were assessed using questions from the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS), Migraine-Specific Quality-of-Life Questionnaire, and Impact of Migraine on Partners and Adolescent Children scales and questions developed for OVERCOME (Japan). The Migraine Interictal Burden Scale (MIBS-4) evaluated burden on days without headaches. Depression and anxiety were assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scales, respectively. Impacts on daily life were also described across MIDAS/MIBS-4 categories. Among 17,071 respondents with migraine, 24.8% required assistance with housework at least sometimes. Migraine interfered with relationships, leisure, and social activities at least sometimes for 31.8%, 41.6%, and 18.0% of respondents, respectively. Between headache days, 26.8% of respondents worried about planning social/leisure activities at least sometimes. Among respondents living with family (N = 13,548), migraine also had impacts on participation in and enjoyment of family activities. Among respondents who drove (N = 10,921), 43.9% reported that symptoms interfered with driving at least sometimes. Migraine interfered with sleep and mood at least sometimes for 52.7% and 70.7% of respondents, respectively. PHQ-8 and GAD-7 thresholds for clinical depression and anxiety were met by 28.6% and 22.0% of respondents, respectively. Impact of migraine on daily life increased with increasing severity of MIDAS/MIBS-4 categories. The burden of migraine on daily activities, sleep, and mental health is substantial for people with migraine in Japan. In clinical practice, it is important to evaluate the impact of migraine on daily life in addition to migraine symptoms.

Understanding symptoms suggestive of long COVID syndrome and healthcare use among community-based populations in Manitoba, Canada: an observational cross-sectional survey

ObjectiveThis study aims to characterise respondents who have COVID-19 and long COVID syndrome (LCS), and describe their symptoms and healthcare utilisation.DesignObservational cross-sectional survey.SettingThe one-time online survey was available from June...

From classroom to clinic: A cross sectional survey on fostering awareness of biomedical waste management among the dental students

ABSTRACT Background: In dental practices, biomedical waste (BMW) management is essential to preserving a clean and safe atmosphere for patients and medical personnel. Dental facilities generate different forms of BMW, which include sharps, contaminated materials, and/or potentially infectious substances, which require proper handling, storage, and disposal to minimize the risk of infection and environmental contamination. Aim: The study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness of BMW management among dental students in Chennai city using paper-based questionnaire. Materials and Methods: An observational cross-sectional survey containing 28 questions was framed to assess the knowledge and awareness of BMW management among the final-year BDS, interns, and postgraduate students (a total of 100 students). Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 27.0. Results: The results of our study showed statistically significant results with P = 0.01 among the study groups. The overall knowledge, attitude, and practice score was observed to be 67.5% for final-year BDS students, 68.09% for interns, and 71.76% for postgraduates. Conclusion: The knowledge assessed was found to be average among the participants. Hence, proper training and assessment are necessary for the proper handling and practice of BMW management.

Cyberbullying correlation with depression and self-harm among adolescents

Objective: The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of cyberbullying among Madinah students, and its associated risk to the development of depression. Methods: This was a cross-sectional non-interventional observational survey questionnaire conducted among 405 participants in Al-Madinah. Results: Out of the 405 participants, young females predominated the sample, 53.6% reported being bullied before, around half of the participants (47.5%) were currently in an average, bad, or very bad psychological status, while one-third (33.1%) stated being very good. A minority of the participants (23%) shared their opinion about the restricted internet access for students, while 40.5% were against it. Two-thirds of the participants (64.2%) had no suicidal thoughts; however, 28.9% had suicidal thoughts, but no thoughts to implement. Conclusion: Cyberbullying has a big clinical burden on the individuals&amp;apos; health, especially a psychological burden.

Prevalência de noctúria e fatores associados em mulheres atendidas em dois ambulatórios de uroginecologia no estado do Rio de Janeiro: um estudo transversal

Abstract Objective To identify the prevalence and factors related to nocturia in women presenting lower urinary tract symptoms. Methods Observational cross-sectional survey, individualized, hospital-based, involving women attended by the Unified Health System in urogynecology outpatient clinics in Niterói and Petrópolis, RJ, Brazil. Sociodemographic, clinical, and lifestyle data were collected. Two outcomes of nocturia were considered: one or more nocturnal voids and two or more nocturnal voids, the latter due to its greater impact on quality of life. Associations between the investigated variables and the outcomes were assessed by logistic regression models, and crude and adjusted odds ratios were obtained. Results A total of 132 participants were included. The prevalence of nocturia was 71.2%, and of two or more voids, 56.8%. Lower education level OR 0,260 (0,106; 0,637), mixed urinary incontinence OR 2,533 (1,103; 5,817), and three or more comorbidities OR 3,105 (1,340; 7,196) were associated with a higher chance of nocturia. Lower education level OR 0,324 (0,148; 0,709), lower caffeine consumption OR 0,995 (0,990; 1,000), and overactive bladder syndrome OR 2,761 (1,189; 6,409) were associated with a higher chance of two or more voids. Conclusions In the population attending specialized services, the prevalence of nocturia was similar to that of the general population and to that of similar services, but the prevalence of two or more voids was higher. Active screening for nocturia in women with comorbidities, especially three or more, and their adequate management, proved to be important in addressing the symptom.

Severity and Types of Hearing Loss in Patients with Hypertrophic Adenoids

Background: Hearing loss in children can significantly impact language development and social interaction. Hypertrophic adenoids are a common pediatric condition that can contribute to hearing impairments. Understanding the prevalence and severity of hearing loss in this demographic is crucial for effective management and intervention strategies. Objective: The study aimed to determine the prevalence and severity of hearing loss among children with hypertrophic adenoids, assessing the demographic characteristics and the types of hearing loss observed in this population. Methods: This observational cross-sectional survey was conducted over nine months at the Children's Hospital and Institute of Child Health, University of Lahore Teaching Hospital. The study included a sample size of 339 children aged 5-13 years, calculated based on a prevalence rate of 67.3% for mild hearing loss. Children with comorbidities like Down syndrome, Autism, ADHD, and other disabilities were excluded. Hearing assessments were conducted using an otoscope, a tympanometer, and a diagnostic audiometer (MAICO MA41 model). Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 25.0, focusing on the frequency and percentage of various types of hearing loss. Results: The study included 183 males (54%) and 156 females (46%), with a higher representation from rural areas (60%, n=203). Tympanometric analysis revealed 51.9% (n=176) with Type A tympanograms, 43.1% (n=146) with Type B, and 5% (n=17) with Type C. Audiometric results showed that 53.1% (n=180) of participants had normal hearing levels, while 27.1% (n=92) experienced mild hearing loss, 16.2% (n=55) had moderate hearing loss, 3.5% (n=12) had moderately severe hearing loss, 1.5% (n=5) had sensorineural hearing loss, and 2.1% (n=7) had mixed hearing loss. Conclusion: The study demonstrates a significant occurrence of mild to moderate conductive hearing loss in children with hypertrophic adenoids, particularly in rural settings. These findings highlight the need for regular auditory screening and early intervention strategies in this demographic to prevent long-term speech and language complications.

Knowledge and attitude on the role of lifestyle modifications in the management of diabetes in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT Background Public knowledge about the role of lifestyle in managing type two diabetes (T2D) is an essential preventive strategy. Despite efforts in public awareness, the prevalence continues to rise, with the majority relying on the availability of effective therapeutics, underestimating the role of healthy lifestyle changes. This study aims to assess public awareness of the impact of lifestyle modification in managing T2D in a major metropolitan city in Saudi Arabia, which will help inform the health management authority in the country on the level of public awareness and advise on the development of educational programs. Methods An observational cross-sectional survey study comprising 16 knowledge and 6 attitude questions was conducted among the population over 18 years old using online survey. After validation, the online self-developed questionnaire was distributed through social media. Results The knowledge and attitude scores were similar between males and females. Participants with a family member or friend with T2D demonstrated higher knowledge scores. However, the attitude scores did not differ significantly based on family or friend relationships. Conclusion The knowledge and attitude on the role of lifestyle modifications in preventing and managing T2D is moderate, implying an opportunity for innovative strategies to raise public knowledge and attitude.