Patients In Jeddah Research Articles

Prevalence and risk factors associated with mortalities in COVID-19 patients in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Background: Since the declaration of COVID-19 as a pandemic; researchers have been trying to discern the risk factors determining mortality of the disease. This study aims to explore the risk factors associated with mortalities among COVID-19 patients in Jeddah governorate, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methodology: Through a record-based retrospective study, laboratory-confirmed cases were included in the study. Results: Out of all respondents (n=381) Most of them were symptomatic (82.9%); mainly cough (44.4%), fever (41.2%), sore throat (22.0%), and runny nose (13.1%). The case mortality rate (CMR) accounted for 19(5.0%); it was higher in males (6.0%), non-Saudis (6.1%), and symptomatic patients (5.4%), however, these differences are not statically significant p>0.05 p<0.05. The binary logistic regression revealed that age was the only significant predictor for mortality, and being old age almost doubles the likelihood of mortality with odds ratio (OR=2.318; 95% CI= 1.806-6.672; p=0.007) Conclusion: The current findings add more evidence to the risk factors of mortality in COVID-19 patients. Age is a significant predictor of mortality, which emphasizes the necessity for targeted care for elderly people to reduce their risk of complications, facilitate recovery, and protect their health and well-being during the pandemic.

Determinants of Depression in Caregivers of Geriatric Patients in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and Objectives: Caregiving for geriatric patients is essential for ensuring the well-being and quality of life of older adults. Family caregivers play a crucial role, but they often face a significant burden that can lead to adverse mental health outcomes, including depression. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of depression among caregivers of geriatric patients in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and to analyze its association with caregiver burden and various socio-demographic and caregiving parameters. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between January and March 2024. Adult caregivers of geriatric patients were recruited through various social media platforms. Data were collected via an electronic questionnaire that included demographic information, caregiving parameters, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for depression screening, and the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI-12) for caregiver burden assessment. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Of the 269 participants, the average age was 32 years, and the gender distribution was nearly balanced. The prevalence of depression (PHQ-9 score ≥ 10) among caregivers was 45.4% (95% CI: 39.3, 51.5%). Significant factors associated with higher depression scores included younger age, female gender, single status, being a student, low income, and caregiving burden. In the multivariate analysis, female gender (OR 2.50, 95% CI 1.30-4.80) and caregiving burden (mild-to-moderate burden: OR 6.18, 95% CI 2.94-13.00; high burden: OR 22.75, 95% CI 8.75-59.13) were independent predictors of depression. Conclusions: The study highlights the high prevalence of depression among caregivers of geriatric patients in Jeddah and underscores the significant impact of caregiving burden on mental health. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions, such as mental health support, respite care programs, and culturally sensitive educational training, to mitigate caregiver burden and enhance the well-being of caregivers.

Prevalence of and Factors Associated with Treatment Burden and Medication Adherence Among Primary Care Patients with Multimorbidity in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Multimorbidity, the coexistence of multiple chronic conditions, presents significant challenges in treatment management and medication adherence. This study investigates the burden of multimorbidity and factors influencing treatment adherence among primary care patients in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from November to December 2023, including 422 participants selected via stratified random sampling from 12 primary healthcare centers in Jeddah. Participants were adults aged 18 years or older with two or more confirmed long-term medical conditions. The Multimorbidity Treatment Burden Questionnaire (MTBQ) and General Medication Adherence Scale (GMAS) were used to measure treatment burden and medication adherence, respectively. Demographic variables were assessed for their influence on these outcomes. High treatment burden was reported by 55% of participants, while 21% reported medium burden, 15% experienced low burden and 9% no burden. Medication adherence was partial in 69% of participants, with 13% reporting high adherence, 13% good adherence, and 5% poor adherence. Statistically significant differences in MTBQ scores were observed based on marital status, education level, residence, occupation, and income. GMAS scores varied statistically significantly with marital status, education level, residence, occupation, income, and previous self-care education session attendance and MTBQ scores, with those having high burden reporting the lowest adherence scores. Demographic factors, including marital status, education level, residence, occupation, and income, significantly influence multimorbidity treatment burden and medication adherence. A higher treatment burden was associated with lower adherence. Targeted interventions addressing these factors could improve treatment outcomes for patients with multiple chronic conditions.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Foot Care and the Risk of Foot Ulcers in Diabetic Patients in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Diabetic patients in Saudi Arabia are often underinformed about proper diabetic foot care. This study aims to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practice of the risk factors of diabetic foot ulcers among diabetic patients in the Jeddah region of Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was done on 210 diabetic patients attending the international diabetic center in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, during the study period. A validated questionnaire was used to collect data about participants' demographics and knowledge, attitudes, and practices of diabetic foot care. Of the participants, 77 (36.7%) were aged 51-60 years; 161 (76.7%) were male; 153 (72.9%) had a university education; and approximately 138 (65%) had type 2 DM. A majority, 190 (90.5%), acknowledged that DM patients might have reduced foot sensation; 204 (97.1%) agreed that diabetics could develop gangrene; 188 (89.5%) concurred that poor foot sensation increases the risk of foot ulcers; and 193 (91.9%) agreed that poor blood flow to the feet heightens this risk. Among them, 152 (72.4%) demonstrated good knowledge about foot care and the risk of foot ulcers; eight (3.8%) exhibited a positive attitude; and 95 (45.2%) showed a good level of practice. Good knowledge was significantly higher among married patients, and good practice was notably higher among older patients (>50 years). A significant positive correlation was found between knowledge scores and both attitude and practice scores. The study revealed adequate knowledge and practice of foot care and the risk of foot ulcers among diabetic patients. However, a high percentage of negative attitudes toward these issues were observed.

Assessing the Educational Needs of Family Caregivers of Psychiatric Patients in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Background Family caregivers of psychiatric patients in Saudi Arabia and most of the Eastern world are suffering a big burden as a result of their caregiving role. Aim This study aims to assess the need for psychoeducation for family caregivers of psychiatric patients from outpatient clinics in a psychiatric hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Materials and methods A cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was conducted, which included a total of 379 family caregivers providing care to a patient suffering from a psychiatric illness. Results The majority of family caregivers looking after a patient suffering from a psychiatric illness were a brother or sister (20.8%), followed by a son or daughter (20.6%), and lastly, a spouse (10.3%). The top 10 important educational needs of the caregivers included their desire to know about the daily treatment of the patient, followed by how to improve social relationships, and a need for effective stress management. Family caregivers also showed interest in stress and illness. The caregivers' areas of least concern were about the admission of the patients to psychiatric hospitals, recent research on mental illnesses, and how to deal with weight gain. Conclusion The study showed that caregivers demonstrated a need for more experience in how to care for psychiatric patients. Indeed, this has an interrelated impact on the general well-being of both the patient and the caregiver.The study recommends the need for care guidelines to be provided by hospitals from the patient's education department for caregiving to help the family in their daily care.

The prevalence of extracranial carotid atherosclerosis detected via ultrasound imaging: A single-centre study in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

To assess the prevalence of carotid atherosclerosis in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Data on patients who underwent carotid ultrasound examinations between 2017-2021 were collected retrospectively from the archive of King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Patient characteristics, blood lipid profiles, and plaque features were extracted from the medical records and ultrasound images. Descriptive data were presented as percentages. In total, 1334 patients were reviewed. Of these, 13.5% had carotid plaques and were included in the analysis. The mean patient age was 69.8±10.4 years, and 76.1% were men. The prevalence of hypertension was 62.7% and the prevalence of diabetes was 50%, and 7.2% of patients were smokers. Regarding blood lipid profiles, 6.5% of patients had high total cholesterol, 15.1% had high triglyceride levels, and 10.7% had high low-density lipoprotein levels. The median (interquartile range) stenosis was 34.4 (17.2) %, while the median plaque length was 5 (6) mm and thickness was 3 (1) mm. The median carotid intima-media thickness was 1 (0.3) mm. Regarding plaque distribution, 62.7% of plaques were in the carotid bulb. Additionally, 28.3% was in the internal carotid artery, 6.1% was in the common carotid artery, and 2.7% was in the external carotid artery. The prevalence of carotid atherosclerosis among patients in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, was low. A high prevalence of hypertension and diabetes (≥50%) was observed among the patients. Multicenter studies involving larger Saudi samples are warranted to explore carotid atherosclerosis risk factors.

Teledentistry Awareness and Knowledge Among Dental Practitioners and Patients in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Studies show that Teledentistry helps enhance communication between dental peers and patients and improves time management and education. The knowledge and awareness of Teledentistry levels need to be measured for a wider adaption. This study aimed to explore the knowledge and awareness of Teledentistry among dental practitioners and patients who live in Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia. This study is a descriptive cross-sectional study with two participant groups. It uses five-point Likert-type quantitative, valid, and reliable questionnaires, one for dental providers and one for patients. The providers' questionnaire covers four domains: (1) Teledentistry system effectiveness to improve practice, (2) Teledentistry system usefulness for the dental practice, (3) Teledentistry system usefulness for patients, and (4) Concerns about confidentiality and security of Teledentistry. The patients' questionnaire covers two domains: (1) Patients who have previous experience in Teledentistry and (2) Patients who did not have previous experience in Teledentistry. The Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved this study and distributed it at teaching, governmental hospitals, and private dental clinics. Convenience and snowball sampling were used to collect responses. All consent forms have been collected from the participants. A total of 512 responses were collected using Google Forms, 203 from the dental healthcare provider and 309 from the patients. The collected data were coded and analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS. More than 60% of dentists believe in the worth of Teledentistry, which helps patient education, monitors patients' conditions, and improves the services provided to patients in remote areas. Also, more than 70% of patients believe that Teledentistry can significantly save time and money, and more than half wish that Teledentistry be applied to all hospitals. Dentists and patients generally showed optimism and support for the Teledentistry concept, in addition to how Teledentistry can be beneficial for both dentists and patients.

Association Between Serum Vitamin D Levels and Body Mass Index Status: A Cross-Sectional Study at King Khalid Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, From 2019 to 2020.

Introduction Low vitamin D levels have been associated more with overweight and obese people in previous studies. One of the possible explanations behind this association is the lipophilic property of vitamin D that causes the vitamin to deposit in adipose tissue and reduces the serum concentration of the vitamin, which still warrants further evaluation. Objective This study estimated the association between serum vitamin D levels and body mass index (BMI) among male patients in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods This is a cross-sectional study of male patients that was carried out in King Khalid Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Patients were included between October 2019 and November 2020. Results We concluded that almost half of the patients, 1,132 (48.3%), had adequate vitamin D, followed by 773 (33%) with vitamin D inadequacy, and only 288 (12.3%) had vitamin D deficiency. There was a significant relationship between age and vitamin D levels; younger people had lower vitamin D levels compared to older people (p<0.001). It was found that there was no significant relationship between BMI categories and vitamin D levels (p>0.05). Conclusion According to the findings of the current study, there was no discernible relationship between serum vitamin D levels and BMI. However, there was a substantial correlation between age and vitamin D levels, with younger age groups having lower amounts than older individuals. Future studies should adopt a prospective design encompassing multiple centers and preferably include the risk factors for developing vitamin D deficiency, such as sun exposure, dietary habits, comorbidities, etc. Such studies can provide a more accurate assessment of the association between BMI and vitamin D levels.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Adherence to National Guidelines for Preventing Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections Among ICU Nurses of Adult Patients in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) pose a significant burden on patient outcomes in intensive care units (ICUs). Adherence to evidence-based guidelines for CLABSI prevention is crucial in reducing healthcare-associated infections. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice adherence to national guidelines for preventing CLABSIs among adult ICU nurses in Ministry of Health (MOH) hospitals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional survey included all adult ICU nurses with a minimum of one year of experience from the four major MOH hospitals in Jeddah with operational adult ICUs. A self-administered online questionnaire was utilized for data collection. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation were employed for data analysis. Results:A total of 203 nurses completed the questionnaire (response rate: 91.5%). The overall knowledge score was 71%. Only 20% of nurses answered over 90% of the knowledge questions correctly, and merely 8% answered all questions correctly. Higher knowledge levels were significantly associated with older age, longer ICU nursing experience, higher education, holding a head nurse position, and attending educational courses on CLABSI prevention. Regarding attitudes, 58% of respondents had a positive perception of guideline utility for CLABSI prevention. In terms of adherence, the overall score was 65%, with only 5% reporting complete adherenceto evidence-based practices for preventing CLABSIs. Conclusion: This study highlights knowledge gaps, suboptimal adherence, and the need for targeted interventions to enhance nurses' understanding of and adherence to evidence-based guidelines for preventing CLABSIs among adult ICU nurses in Jeddah's MOH hospitals. Enhancing knowledge, attitudes, and practice adherence is crucial for reducing CLABSI risks and improving patient outcomes. Further research investigating the factors influencing nurses' knowledge, acceptance, and application of evidence-based guidelines is warranted to inform the development of tailored interventions and educational strategies.

Prevalence and Types of Otological Symptoms Presenting in COVID-19 Patients in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A Questionnaire-Based Study.

Background The clinical manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can cause sensory dysfunction of taste, smell, and hearing. Otological symptoms may exceed hearing loss to ear pressure, tinnitus, and hyperacusis. Objective The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence and types of otological symptoms among patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted among COVID-19 patients who have been diagnosed at Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital (DSFH), Jeddah KSA, aged 18 years or older.The data collection was done through phone-call interviews utilizing an online form of a pre-structured questionnaire. The form included six otological symptoms; each symptom was further detailed with regardto duration, intensity, clinical course (continuous vs intermittent), and recovery. Results A total of 406responses from patients diagnosed with COVID-19 were analyzed. Females represented 53.7% of the sample. The highest proportion of patients (30%) was in the age group of 31-40, followed by 22.9% in the age group of 25-30. The otological symptoms' prevalence rates were as follows: dizziness, vertigo, or imbalance 34.5%, ear pain 13.1%, tinnitus 12.1%, ear pressure 10%, hearing loss 6.4%, and hyperacusis 5.4%. Males had a higher prevalence of tinnitus, while females had higher reported symptoms of ear pain, hearing loss, and hyperacusis. Conclusion The most common otological symptoms were dizziness, vertigo, and imbalance among one-third of COVID-19 patients. Females reported higher rates of symptoms with ear pressure having significantly higher odds among females. Age groups were also significantly associated with ear pain, tinnitus, and ear pressure.

Assessing Awareness and Utilization of Preventive Services, Complications, and Risk Factors Among Diabetic Patients in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Assessing Awareness and Utilization of Preventive Services, Complications, and Risk Factors Among Diabetic Patients in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Perceptions, Satisfaction, and Barriers to Telemedicine Use: A Community-Based Study From Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Background Telemedicine has expanded significantly, driven by technology and the necessity for accessible healthcare. However, users' knowledge, attitudes, and perceived barriers determine its application. This study aimed to assess these factors among patients in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methodology We conducted a cross-sectional study on 403 participants from Ministry of Health centers in Jeddah from February to May 2023. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection, and subsequent analysis was performed using SPSS version 28.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results Most participants (93.1%) agreed that telehealth services have improved healthcare accessibility and expressed willingness to participate in future telemedicine consultations. However, 73.7% felt potential embarrassment or discomfort due to camera and equipment presence. Remarkably, 76.2% of participants believed telemedicine suits all medical conditions, and 95% recommended its use. Barriers to telemedicine use were identified, including the need to travel to access healthcare services in the absence of telemedicine and the associated inconvenience and cost. The overall satisfaction score was 4.56 ± 0.78, with the highest satisfaction reported for the ability to talk freely over telemedicine (4.64 ± 0.76) and the ease of registration/scheduling (4.63 ± 0.82). Significant differences (p < 0.001) in satisfaction scores were found across various age groups, gender, nationality, employment status, and education level. Patients aged >55 years and those who used telemedicine services for the first time were associated with a significantly increased risk of poor satisfaction (odds ratio (OR) = 8.068, p = 0.011 and OR = 8.919, p = 0.005, respectively). Conclusions The findings suggest high satisfaction and positive attitudes toward telemedicine services in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, despite identifiable barriers such as potential discomfort from camera presence. Patient age and familiarity with telemedicine services significantly influenced satisfaction levels, indicating areas that require attention for the successful implementation and expansion of telemedicine in Saudi Arabia.

The effect of therapeutic footwear on the recurrence and new formation of foot ulcers in previously affected diabetic patients in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

AimDiabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), which are a common serious complication of diabetes mellitus, (lifetime occurrence, 19%–34%) account for at least 85% of all lower-limb amputations in diabetic patients. Special footwear (therapeutic footwear) is frequently recommended for such patients to adapt to changes in their foot structure. We aimed to, measure the effect of therapeutic footwear on DFU development and recurrence among previously affected patients in Saudi Arabia. Materials and methodsA cross-sectional study was performed between June and September 2022. The study targeted patients aged ≥18 years previously diagnosed with DFU. Participants were contacted by telephone to complete a questionnaire assessing footwear use and foot care. ResultsThis study included 115 participants with a mean age of 61.9 ± 11.63; overall, 47% of participants used therapeutic footwear and 46% were adherent with wearing it. The DFU recurrence rate among patients who used therapeutic footwear was 27.8% versus 52.5% among patients who did not (p = 0.013). While using therapeutic footwear, patients with foot deformities reported a lower ulcer healing rate than those who did not (50% vs. 81.8%, p = 0.04). Patients who examined their feet had a lower recurrence rate than those who did not (38.5% vs. 50%, p = 0.43). ConclusionTherapeutic footwear use was significantly associated with decreased DFU recurrence. Further investigation to enhance the evidence for the effectiveness of therapeutic footwear in DFUs is warranted.

Saliva as Alternative Specimen for Measuring Inflammatory Markers Interleukins (IL10, IL-4, and IL-1β) in Association with Disease Severity among COVID-19 Patients

Background: Saliva is a specimen that is easily collected by non-invasive means and does not require well-trained staff; it could be helpful in measuring inflammatory markers to determine COVID-19 severity. The aim of this study was to investigate saliva as an alternative specimen for measuring inflammatory markers IL-10, IL-4, and IL-1β among COVID-19 patients in relation to disease severity. Methods and Results: This cross-sectional study was conducted among COVID-19 patients in a fever clinic, isolated hotels, and hospitals providing care for positive COVID-19 patients and in public health centers for negative control patients in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A total of 151 subjects participated in this study, including 101 patients with COVID-19 and 50 healthy controls. Patients with COVID-19 were categorized according to the severity of their symptoms into mild (n=50) and severe cases (n=51). The salivary concentrations of IL-4, IL-10, and IL-1β were measured using sandwich MyBioSource ELISA Test Kits. The age of the study population ranged from 19 to 70 years old, with a mean age of 43.3±13.0 years. The distribution of the study population showed that more of the patients were men (65[64.4%]) than women (36[35.6%]) (P=0.004). The frequency of severe infection in men was higher than in women (35[68.6%] and 16[31.4%], respectively, P=0.008). The group of severe cases was significantly older than the group of mild cases (47.9±11.03 years and 38.64±13.82 years, respectively, P=0.0007). The volume of saliva was the smallest in severe COVID-19, compared to mild cases and controls (P=0.0000 in all cases). The salivary levels of IL-4, IL-10, and IL-1β were greater in the severe cases than in mild cases and controls (46.14±11.61 pg/mL, 12.86±1.99 pg/mL, and 27.45±11.47 pg/mL versus 19.31±5.72 pg/mL, 7.96±2.12 pg/mL, and 6.59±1.90 pg/mL, respectively; P=0.0000 in all cases). The salivary levels of IL-4 and IL-10 in mild cases were greater than in controls (19.31±5.72 pg/mL and 7.96±2.12 pg/mL versus 15.30±4.36 pg/mL and 6.02±0.89 pg/mL, respectively; P=0.0329 and P=0.000, respectively), but salivary IL-1β levels in mild cases did not differ from controls (6.59±1.90 pg/mL vs. 6.03±2.28 pg/mL, P=0.9129). Conclusion: Saliva could be used as an alternative sample in measuring IL-10, IL-4, and IL-1β with the suggestion of using IL-10 and IL-4 as markers for predicting disease severity.

Assessment of prevalence and measurement of mandibular lingual concavities using Cone-Beam Computerized Tomography (CBCT) among patients in Jeddah: a cross-sectional study.

Dental implant procedure is the most common way to restore missing teeth but also comes with several complications. Success rates for dental implants are expected to be good when proper diagnosis and planning, study of bone morphology and closeness of implant with vital structures, such as nerves and blood vessels, are made pre-surgery. This cross-sectional study involved 636 adult patients, aged 18-80 years old, that came for dental implants in screening clinics or referred to specialty clinics in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia for the year 2019 to 2020. Instead of conventional Computed Tomography (CT), Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) X-Rays have been used to evaluate mandibular lingual concavities. Prevalence and measurement of lingual concavities were determined. Type U mandibles with a lingual concavity, were found to have a higher chance of lingual cortical plate but this may still vary on factors such as type of population and ethnicity. The typical finding in the mandibular posterior region is the lingual undercut. CBCT is a great tool used to study mandibular lingual concavities and it is essential prior the installation of dental implant to prevent life-threatening complications.

Lipid Lowering Agent Prescription and LDL Target Achievement in ACS Patients in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Background: The safety and efficacy of statins administered early to patients after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) diagnosis have been proven. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of compliance with guideline recommendations for high-intensity dose statins and achievement of reduced low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels among patients with ACS in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 566 patients at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Data on the patient&amp;apos;s demographics, comorbidities, type of ACS, lipid profile at admission, statin type, statin use pattern, side effects, and if the patient achieved the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goal (70 mg/dl) or (3.9 mmol/l) after management were collected. Results: At admission, 34.1% had an LDL-C level below 100 mg/dl, 64.5% had total cholesterol below 200 mg/dl, 57.2% had an average triglyceride level, and 53.7% had high-density lipoprotein cholesterol below 40 mg/dl. Moreover, 91% of patients consumed high-potency statins, 99.1% had no statin side effects, and atorvastatin 20 mg was the most commonly used high-potency statin, followed by atorvastatin 40 mg. Approximately 83% of patients achieved the LDL-C goal (70 mg/dl) after management, and patients who had diabetes mellitus, familial hyperlipidemia, or obesity, who experienced no side effects of statins, who had ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, had an LDL-C level of 160-189 mg/dl at admission and those who had a high total cholesterol level at admission had a significantly higher level of achieving the LDL-C goal. Conclusions: In patients with congenital heart disease, lipid management could be improved to reduce the risk of recurrent cardiovascular disease and recurring episodes.

The Association between Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio and Demographic and Clinical Data in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Patients in Jeddah

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major chronic systemic health concern that could develop macro- and microvascular complications. One of the commonest microvascular complications is diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) which is a type of nerve damage caused by uncontrolled hyperglycemia of diabetic patients. DPN is one of the most common causes of reduction in life quality and disability in DM patients, as well as; it overload the national health care system. Finding a cost-effective, easy prognostic marker to early detect DPN could be an important step in prevention DM complications. Our research aimed to assess the association between neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and demographic and clinical data in diabetic neuropathy patients with average age of 60 years.&#x0D; Methodology: A retrospective study was conducted on 133 patients by reviewing the data records over the period of 10 years from January 2012 to July 2022. The study was done at king Abdul-Aziz University Hospital, Jeddah, in the western region of KSA amongst diabetic peripheral neuropathy patients who are using either oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin with regular follow ups. &#x0D; Results: The study included a total of 133 patients with most of them being male i.e., 81 (61%). The mean age of the patients was 60(SD13.5) years. Approximately two-third of the patients 86(64.7%) had diabetes for more than 10 years. There was no significant association identified for gender, age group, nationality, and medication (p &gt;0.05) with HbA1c or NLR. Moreover, there was no significant association between NLR and HbA1c categories.&#x0D; Conclusion: In conclusion our study showed non-significant relationship between NLR and DPN among elderly diabetic patient at King Abdu al-aziz university hospital (KAUH).

Abstract #1318481: Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Waitlisted Prebariatric Surgery Patients in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of bariatric surgeries decreased to ensure patient safety. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of such delays on the psychological status and weight management behaviors of waitlisted prebariatric surgery patients in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on waitlisted pre-bariatric surgery patients in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of bariatric surgeries was decreased to ensure patient safety. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of such delays on the psychological status and weight management behaviors of waitlisted pre-bariatric surgery patients in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.Materials and methodsA web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted. Results were then evaluated with simple descriptive statistics and inferential analyses through the Chi-square test, one-way ANOVA, and the general linear regression model.ResultsOf 437 patients, 208 successfully completed the survey. Approximately half of the participants reported weight change (46.6%, n = 97), while other weight management behaviors remained unchanged. The mean Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) total score of the respondents was 8.29 ± 6.3, indicating mild depression. Higher PHQ-9 scores were associated with being a student, unhealthy dietary habits, physical inactivity, worsened psychological status, and weight gain. Among these factors, being a student was the strongest predictor of the total PHQ-9 score.ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected the psychological status of patients with obesity on the bariatric surgery waitlist. Since delays in bariatric surgeries could worsen patients’ psychological status, as substantiated in this study, the provision of virtual care through telemedicine and the development of policies for reintroducing bariatric surgeries for future lockdowns are highly recommended.

Incidence of eye complications among sickle cell disease patients in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

IntroductionSickle cell disease (SCD) is a heritable blood disorder resulting in deformed, rigid red blood cells, rendering them more prone to vaso-occlusion. Ocular complications are known to affect multiple organs through the body's vasculature. Here, we evaluated the incidence of eye complications in patients with SCD at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Materials and methodsWe used a cross-sectional approach and collected relevant medical data from nine patients with SCD. Ophthalmic assessment included visual acuity and an in-clinic dilated fundus examination. All patients were asked to attend the ophthalmology clinic to undergo optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography, macular OCT scan, and fundus photography. The results of the imaging tests were interpreted by a certified ophthalmology consultant specializing in retinal diseases. Descriptive analyses of the results were also performed. ResultsThe mean age of the nine patients was 24.78 ± 10.9 years. All patients were non-hypertensive, one had type 1 diabetes, and another had type 2 diabetes. Five patients had normal visual acuity, two had slight impairments in at least one eye, and two had moderate impairment in at least one eye. One of the nine patients exhibited retinal ischemia in the right eye despite normal macular thickness (visual acuity, OD, 6/30; OS, 6/21). The remaining eight patients showed no ocular abnormalities. ConclusionOf the nine patients with SCD, five showed no symptoms of ocular complications. One patient showed retinal ischemia in the right eye, despite a normal macular thickness. This study's results suggest routine ophthalmologic examination may not be able to detect or monitor macular or retinal abnormalities unless augmented with detailed imaging techniques.