Population Of Oman Research Articles

Colorectal Cancer Detection during a Screening Awareness Campaign in a High-Risk Region in Oman.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) constitutes the third most frequently diagnosed cancer in Oman. This study report the result of a community based screening campaign to promote the early detection and explore the associated risk factors of CRC amongst Omani population. We launched a colorectal cancer awareness campaign in Oman's South Ash Sharqiyah Governorate between January and March, 2023. We conducted a stratified random study including 688 adult Omani participants aged over 40 years old. Local Health Centers collected the questionnaire forms. Fecal occult blood tests (FOBTs) were carried out at Local Health Centers; while medical professionals performed the colonoscopy examination in Sur University Hospital. Overall, the screening response rate was 68.8%. The data indicated that 8.1% of the total sample yielded positive FOBTs; of whom, 85.7% were aged 40-59 years old and 67.9% were obese or overweight. Abnormal colonoscopy was reported in 7 participants. One participant had a confirmed CRC of stage I. Screening and early detection campaign can have effect and increase the rate of early detection among population in Oman.

Leveraging a 7-Layer Long Short-Term Memory Model for Early Detection and Prevention of Diabetes in Oman: An Innovative Approach.

This study develops a 7-layer Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model to enhance early diabetes detection in Oman, aligning with the theme of 'Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare'. The model focuses on addressing the increasing prevalence of Type 2 diabetes, projected to impact 23.8% of Oman's population by 2050. It employs LSTM neural networks to manage factors contributing to this rise, including obesity and genetic predispositions, and aims to bridge the gap in public health awareness and prevention. The model's performance is evaluated through various metrics. It achieves an accuracy of 99.40%, specificity and sensitivity of 100% for positive cases, a recall of 99.34% for negative cases, an F1 score of 96.24%, and an AUC score of 94.51%. These metrics indicate the model's capability in diabetes detection. The implementation of this LSTM model in Oman's healthcare system is proposed to enhance early detection and prevention of diabetes. This approach reflects an application of AI in addressing a significant health concern, with potential implications for similar healthcare challenges relating to globally diagnostic capabilities, representing a significant leap forward in healthcare technology in Oman.

Quantitative Evaluation of Cancer Stigma among Non-Patient Population in Oman.

Cancer is widely considered as one of the most stigmatized diseases globally, despite scientific advances in the medicine. While most existing literatures focuses on cancer stigma as perceived by patients, there has been limited research on stigma towards cancer among the non-cancer population. In 2014, Marlow et al developed and validated the "Cancer Stigma Scale" (CASS) specifically for the non-Cancer population. This study aims to quantitatively evaluate cancer stigma within the non-patient population in Oman. This is a cross-sectional study conducted in Oman. The Cancer Stigma Scale (CASS) has been used to evaluate the cancer-related stigma among the non-cancer patient population in Oman. A total of 510 participants completed the survey of whom 57.6% were male. The personal responsibility section had the highest mean score, followed by the avoidance and financial discrimination. The lowest mean scores were observed in the danger and policy opposition sections. Female participants showed ore disagreement with cancer stigma statements compared to males. Participants who knew someone with cancer expressed more disagreement with stigma statements than those who did not know anyone with cancer. This study provides a baseline measurement of cancer-related stigma among non-cancer patients in Oman, tilizing the CASS in a representative sample of the population. The results indicate generally low levels of stigma, though certain aspects are more pronounced, varying according to the participants' gender, age, and personal connections to someone with cancer.

Seroprevalence of Human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus Types I/II Among Blood Donors in a Tertiary Hospital in Oman.

Routine blood donor screening of human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) has been practiced in Oman since 2017. Limited data exists on HTLV seroprevalence among Omanis. This study aims to determine the seroprevalence of HTLV-I/II among blood donors attending a hospital-based blood bank to assess the need for a universal versus targeted screening. We conducted a retrospective review of blood donors' results attending a hospital blood bank between January 2017 and February 2020. Blood samples were screened for HTLV-I/II antibodies using ARCHITECT i2000SR. Reactive samples underwent further testing by immunoblot assay (MP Diagnostics HTLV Blot 2.4). Age, gender, and nationality were assessed. All components manufactured at the blood bank undergo leukoreduction before storage. A total of 24 469 first-time blood donors were screened for HTLV antibodies. Most participants were male (n = 22 186, 90.7%), and the majority were Omani (n = 22 711, 92.8%). The age range was 18 to 64 years, with a median of 32 years. The seroreactivity rate was 0.2% (43; 95% CI: 0.12-0.23). Confirmatory testing by immunoblot revealed three indeterminate results (7.9%), of which two were Omani and one non-Omani donor, and the remaining 40 seroreactive donors tested negative. Our study revealed zero seroprevalence of confirmed HTLV among blood donors. The continuation of universal screening for first-time donors is a standard of care. With universal leukoreduction at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital and a very low risk of HTLV in Oman's population, the need for screening regular donors can be reconsidered if these findings are confirmed on a larger scale involving other blood banks in Oman.

Psychological Symptoms of COVID-19 Pandemic Among Community-Dwelling Older People in Oman and Associated Risk Factors.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a dramatic loss of human lives worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the psychological factors of the COVID-19 pandemic in the community-dwelling older population. This was a cross-sectional study of older people aged ≥60 years with no mental or psychological illnesses. A total of 193 participants were recruited. The study questionnaire included anxiety- and depression-related questions tailored for the COVID-19 pandemic. The questionnaire was developed through a literature review and expert review. Data was collected from December 2020 to January 2022. The psychological symptoms of COVID-19 were high in this sample (mean 29.18 ± 3.57). Gender (female) was found to have a strong positive relationship with the psychological symptoms of COVID-19 score (p = 0.003). Chronic illnesses (β = 0.19, p < 0.001), living alone (β = 0.39, p < 0.001), and having a family member or a friend with COVID-19 (β = 0.15, p < 0.001) were also found to have a strong positive relationship with the psychological symptoms of COVID-19 score. The negative psychological effects of COVID-19 were high among the older population in Oman. In this study, female gender, chronic illnesses, living alone, and having a family member or a friend with COVID-19 were associated with worse COVID-19 psychological symptoms. Older women were affected by COVID-19 more than older men. In addition, those who had chronic illnesses, lived alone, or had a family member or a friend with COVID-19 were more psychologically burdened by the pandemic than those without those characteristics. Particular attention should be given to older adults who have chronic illnesses, live alone, or have a family member or a friend with COVID-19. Support groups and psychological counseling programs are essential for older people during a pandemic.

Assessment of Seabream Fisheries Stock of Oman Using the Monte Carlo Catch Maximum Sustainable Yield and the Bayesian Schaefer Model Methods

The establishment of managerial approaches for the sustainable use of fishery resources depends on a critical understanding of the stock status. The Monte Carlo catch maximum sustainable yield (CMSY) method and a Bayesian state–space implementation of the Schaefer model (BSM) are recent, but widely used, stock assessment methods for data-limited situations. Here, CMSY and BSM were used to evaluate the state and exploitation level of the seabream population. Collections of catch and effort data from 1988 to 2021, pertaining to time series, were obtained from the Fishery Statistics Book published by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources of Oman. The CMSY and BSM results were similar, indicating that the seabream stock of Oman was overfished, as B/BMSY = 0.96 (&lt;1) and F/FMSY = 1.25 (&gt;1). The probability that the stock was being overfished and undergoing overfishing in 2021 was 53%, while the probability that the stock was healthy (high biomass and low fishing pressure) was only 16.2%, when the target should be higher than 75%. The conclusions are of a preliminary nature owing to the utilization of comparatively new methodologies employed to generate them, which commonly validate the condition and utilization of the populations under investigation. Our research suggests that the seabream population in Oman is overfished, and reducing fishing activity is necessary to restore its abundance.

Phylogeography pattern of Lutjanus kasmira in the Bengal Strait and the Arabian Sea

Lutjanus kasmira is one of the snappers occupying and commonly found in the Arabian Sea and the Bengal Strait. The purpose of this study was to examine the comparative phylogeography pattern of Lutjanus kasmira in the Bengal Strait and the Arabian Sea using the mitochondrial COI gene as a marker. The population sampled of Indonesia was taken from fish landing in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, while the population of India represented Bengal Strait, Oman, Yemen, Djibouti and Somalia respresented Arabian sea was retrieved from the NCBI Genbank. The extraction method was carried out using a modified C-TAB protocol. In this study at total of 47 sequences were analysed that produced 22 haplotypes where 18 haplotypes distributed in the Arabian Sea and 4 haplotypes from Bengal Strait. 10 samples of Oman population produced 6 haplotypes, 10 samples from Djibouti produced 5 haplotypes, 5 haplotypes from the population of Yemen, Somalia 2 haplotypes and India 1 haplotypes, respectively. Meanwhile, the Indonesian population, from 6 samples, produced 3 haplotypes. L. kasmira population from Arabian Sea and Bengal strait had no connectivity. The highest haplotype diversity (Hd) value was found in Oman population of 0.956 and the lowest found in Somalia population, while Indonesia population has a moderate genetic diversity.

Assessment of Total Cardiovascular Risk Using WHO/ISH Risk Prediction Chart Among Adults in Oman: A Nationally Representative Survey.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the major cause of morbidity and mortality globally and in Oman. Stratifying the population under different risk levels based on the total CVD risk approach using the World Health Organization/International Society of Hypertension (WHO/ISH) risk prediction chart would be more effective in primary prevention of CVD to prioritize and utilize valuable resources. Hence, this study aimed to assess the total 10-year CVD risk among adults in Oman and to ascertain the proportion of the population in need of pharmacotherapy. We used the data from the 2017 national community-based STEPS survey conducted among men and women in Oman aged 40-80 years. Ten-year total cardiovascular risk was measured using the WHO/ISH risk prediction chart for Eastern Mediterranean Sub-Region B. Independent t-test and Chi-square were used to test significance. There were 2510 participants in the study. Their mean age was 51.5±10.1 years and 51.3% were male. The prevalence of low, moderate, and high CVD risk was 68.0%, 19.1%, and 12.9%, respectively, as benchmarked by the WHO/ISH chart. Immediate pharmacotherapy was needed by 30.3% of participants. Factors significantly associated with elevated CVD risk were the participant's age (p < 0.001), education level (p < 0.001), and employment status (p < 0.001). A substantial fraction of the population in Oman are at moderate or high CVD risk. Prompt pharmacological interventions are warranted for at least one in every five individuals in conjunction with lifestyle changes.

Estimation of Salt Intake and its Relation to Knowledge and Attitude Regarding the Dangers of High Salt Intake among an Urban Omani Population: A pilot study.

High salt consumption is a major risk factor for hypertension. Studies have shown dietary salt intake to be high in many parts of the world. This study aimed to assess the daily salt consumption of the Omani urban population and their knowledge and attitudes regarding dietary salt. This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted in Muscat between September and December 2017. Participants were recruited from malls, university students and staff, hospital staff and their relatives and relatives of patients. A previously validated questionnaires were used to assess the participants' salt intake and their knowledge and attitudes regarding salt intake. A total of 345 participants were included in this study (response rate: 69%), of which 300 responses (mean age: 27.88 ± 7.9 years, 54.3% male) were included for analysis. Overall, 94.3% of the participants agreed that lowering salt in diet is important, and nearly half the participants said that they were taking measures to reduce salt intake. However, the median salt intake was high at 10.5 g/day (interquartile range: 7.3-15.1 g/day), with 90% of the respondents consuming more than the maximum recommended amount of salt per day. Salt intake was significantly higher in women and the older age group (>40 years). There did not appear to be any correlation between awareness of the dangers of salt intake and the amount consumed. The salt intake in the sampled population in Oman was high and did not depend on knowledge. Strategies should be designed to reduce salt intake among the urban population, including health education to increase knowledge about the complications of high salt intake.

The Psychological Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on the General Population of Oman: A National Community-based Study

Introduction: Despite evidence that that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in general poses unprecedented risks, it is unclear to what extent these consequences have affected the mental health of the general population. This study aims to evaluate the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the general population in Oman and to associate the physical health status and psychological impact. Methods: A cross-sectional online anonymous survey in which 831 adults from Oman’s general population were randomly sampled as per the inclusion criteria. The medical research and ethics commission approved the project. Data were collected after obtaining informed consent from the study participants. The criteria of the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders was used to measure the psychological impact. Results: Among 831 respondents in this study, only 4.2 % and 14.9 % of total participants reported depressive and anxiety symptoms, respectively. There is a statistically significant difference in psychological scores between males and females at the p &lt; .05 level: F (1, 829) = 16.03, p &lt; .001. As a result of this discovery, it appears that women are mentally affected by the pandemic. Conclusion: The COVID-19 epidemic has had a severe impact on the general population’s psychological health in Oman. This survey found that the global health crisis has a psychological impact on most of the adult population, regardless of their age. As a result, early detection, urgent medical intervention, and counseling are required.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Acceptability of COVID-19 Vaccine in Oman: A Cross-sectional Study

ObjectivesTo evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine among the general population of Oman, on the eve of the rollout of vaccination program in the country.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured and validated online questionnaire. Adults residing in Oman were invited to participate in the study between 22 and 24 December 2020. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptability.ResultsOf the total of 966 participants, the majority (612; 63.4%) were women. Most participants were younger than 40 years (572; 59.3%). Participants displayed good awareness about COVID-19 (946; 97.9%) and the global vaccine development initiatives (831; 86.0%). Only 265 (27.4%) participants were willing to get themselves vaccinated. The majority were either uncertain 365 (37.8%) or unwilling 336 (34.8%). The main driver of vaccine acceptance was to protect oneself and others (186/265; 70.0%). The main reasons given for vaccination hesitation/refusal were concerns over possible side-effects (505/701; 72.0%), safety concerns (386/701; 55.0%), and ineffectiveness of the vaccine (107/701; 15.3%).ConclusionsOn the eve of the first-ever rollout of COVID-19 vaccine in Oman in December 2020, the surveyed residents of the country expressed significant hesitancy to get themselves vaccinated. Participants’ perceptions of risk of contracting COVID-19, their trust in vaccines, government, and their health system were important predictors of vaccine acceptance. These results enabled development of strategies to address such concerns to facilitate vaccine acceptance among the residents of Oman. The results of this study can be used by researchers to conduct comparative research in future, with more emphasis on Omani youth (< 40 years).

Loss of a globally unique kelp forest from Oman

Kelp forests are declining in many regions globally with climatic perturbations causing shifts to alternate communities and significant ecological and economic loss. Range edge populations are often at most risk and are often only sustained through localised areas of upwelling or on deeper reefs. Here we document the loss of kelp forests (Ecklonia radiata) from the Sultanate of Oman, the only confirmed northern hemisphere population of this species. Contemporary surveys failed to find any kelp in its only known historical northern hemisphere location, Sadah on the Dhofar coast. Genetic analyses of historical herbarium specimens from Oman confirmed the species to be E. radiata and revealed the lost population contained a common CO1 haplotype found across South Africa, Australia and New Zealand suggesting it once established through rapid colonisation throughout its range. However, the Omani population also contained a haplotype that is found nowhere else in the extant southern hemisphere distribution of E. radiata. The loss of the Oman population could be due to significant increases in the Arabian Sea temperature over the past 40 years punctuated by suppression of coastal upwelling. Climate-mediated warming is threatening the persistence of temperate species and precipitating loss of unique genetic diversity at lower latitudes.

Diversity and Genetic Structure of Theileria annulata in Pakistan and Other Endemic Sites

Background: Theileria annulata is a tick-borne protozoan parasite responsible for bovine theileriosis, a disease that impacts cattle population in many developing countries. Development and deployment of effective control strategies, based on vaccine or therapy, should consider the extent of diversity of the parasite and its population structure in different endemic areas. In this study, we examined T. annulata in Pakistan and carried out a comparative analysis with similar data garneted in other areas, to provide further information on the level of parasite diversity and parasite genetic structure in different endemic areas. Methods: The present study examined a set of 10 microsatellites/minisatellites and analyzed the genetic structure of T. annulata in cattle breeds from Pakistan (Indian sub-continent) and compared these with those in Oman (Middle East), Tunisia (Africa), and Turkey (Europe). Result: A high level of genetic diversity was observed among T. annulata detected in cattle from Pakistan, comparable to that in Oman, Tunisia, and Turkey. The genotypes of T. annulata in these four countries form genetically distinct groups that are geographically sub-structured. The T. annulata population in Oman overlapped with that in the Indian Subcontinent (Pakistan) and that in Africa (Tunisia). Conclusions: The T. annulata parasite in Pakistan is highly diverse, and genetically differentiated. This pattern accords well and complements that seen among T. annulata representing the global endemic site. The parasite population in the Arabian Peninsula overlapped with that in the Indian-Subcontinent (India) and that in Africa (Tunisia), which shared some genotypes with that in the Near East and Europe (Turkey). This suggests some level of parasite gene flow, indicative of limited movement between neighboring countries.

A case study on the electrical energy auditing and saving techniques in an educational institution (IMCO, Sohar, Oman)

Due to the rapid economic growth and rising Oman population, Oman's annual energy demand has increased by approximately 9%. This percentage signifies that there is a considerable expansion of industries and other manufacturing sectors as the population increases. A study of the energy audit of International Maritime College Oman (IMCO) was conducted to determine the opportunities to save energy efficiency costs, which will be reflected positively in reducing the operational costs of the buildings. In this study, the annual energy consumption of IMCO buildings was simulated using DesignBuilder software. The validation of the simulation results was performed using monthly electricity consumption billing records, with an average of 7.4% during all months. Two strategies were proposed to manage energy consumption: replacing the traditional fluorescent lamp with a LED lamp light control and installing window solar films that are able to control solar heat. The simulation results of the two strategies showed 16% and 7.6% reductions, respectively, in energy consumption. A cost analysis of the findings was performed and showed a payback period of less than 2.5 years for both proposals.

SocioCultural and Religious Impacts Upon Covid-19 Pandemic Physical Distancing Public Practices.

IntroductionCOVID-19 is the first pandemic event that has happened in Oman which requires all residents and nationals to practice quarantine and physical distancing.MethodsThis cross-sectional study targeted the population of Oman and was carried out during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic from 11th August 2020 to 7th September 2020. This study utilized the online survey most appropriately designed for the population. The survey was distributed to the public through social media and text messages. The survey was translated into the four main spoken languages in Oman, which are Arabic, English, Swahili, and Hindi.ResultsA total of 943 residents responded to the online survey. The majority of respondents reported that they are ready/ready to a great extent to practice physical distancing (61.9%) during the pandemic compared to 34.9% not sure/ready to some extent and 3.2% not ready at all for physical distancing. It was found that financial factors, religious and cultural-norms had the strongest negative-impact to maintain physical distancing. While level of responsibility, governmental legislations, and fear of getting or transmitting the infection had the strongest positive impact to maintain physical distancing. Males reported a greater financial and religious negative impact of physical distancing with p-values of 0.002 and 0.001, respectively. Females reported a greater positive impact of family and friend's support and legislation with p-values of 0.046 and 0.008, respectively.ConclusionReligious practices mainly negatively affected the male gender during this pandemic which hindered the adherence to physical distancing. This could be due to culture and norms that derive from human behavior within communities and may affect the safety measures during an outbreak or pandemic. Hence, even with availability of vaccinations, campaigns on public health and the utilization of faith leaders should be the national practice to continue emphasizing compassionate attitudes towards physical distancing.

Prevalence of risk factors of non-communicable diseases in the Sultanate of Oman: STEPS survey 2017.

BackgroundNon-communicable diseases (NCD) represent a major public health issue and currently cause 185.75 deaths per 100,000 population in Oman. Hence, there is a need for comprehensive, up-to-date and internationally comparable data on NCD risk factors in order to evaluate the effectiveness of ongoing public health policies and to develop further NCD prevention and control interventions. The aim of the study was to provide evidence-based, up-to-date, extensive, and reliable baseline data on the behavioural and biological risk factors of NCDs in the Sultanate of Oman.MethodsA cross‐sectional, prospective, observational community‐based survey designed to be nationally representative of the Sultanate of Oman was conducted based on the WHO STEPwise approach to Surveillance (STEPS). Multi-stage stratified random sampling according to geographical distribution selected a total of 9053 households (Omani nationals and non-Omani residents). Cluster sampling was used to randomly select equal clusters from each governorate. 823 households were randomly selected from the list of all households in all selected clusters from each governorate and one eligible adult selected from each household randomly accounting for 6582 consenting participants. The survey used demographic and behavioural information questionnaires along with physical and biochemical measurements among adults aged 18 years and above.ResultsThe prevalence of behavioural risk factors such as tobacco use was 9%, alcohol consumption was 2%, insufficient fruit or vegetable intake was 61%, and insufficient physical activity was 39%. The prevalence of biological risk factors such as overweight and obesity was 66%, raised blood pressure was 33%, raised blood glucose was 16%, and raised blood cholesterol was 36%. The prevalence of multiple risk factors was also determined and 95% of the population were found to have more than one risk factor. Three or more risk factors were found among 33% of population aged 18 years and above and 45% of the population aged 45 years and above.ConclusionA high prevalence of various NCD risk factors was found which needs to be addressed through health promotion, education, and policy. The findings are important to support the formulation and implementation of NCD-related policies and action plans that improve health status and prevent mortality due to NCDs in Oman.

Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the general population of Oman: results from four successive nationwide sero-epidemiological surveys

ObjectiveTo assess the seroprevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Oman and longitudinal changes in antibody levels over time within the first 11 months of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.MethodsThis nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted as a four-cycle serosurvey using a multi-stage stratified sampling method from July to November 2020. A questionnaire was used and included demographics, history of acute respiratory infection and list of symptoms, COVID-19 contact, previous diagnosis or admission, travel history and risk factors.ResultsIn total, 17,457 participants were surveyed. Thirty percent were female and 66.3% were Omani. There was a significant increase in seroprevalence throughout the study cycles, from 5.5% (4.8–6.2%) in Cycle 1 to 22% (19.6–24.6%) in Cycle 4. There was no difference in seroprevalence between genders, but significant differences were found between age groups. There was a transition of seroprevalence from being higher in non-Omanis than Omanis in Cycle 1 [9.1% (7.6–10.9%) vs 3.2% (2.6–3.9%)] to being higher in Omanis than non-Omanis in Cycle 4 [24.3% (21.0–27.9%) vs 16.8% (14.9–18.9%)]. There was remarkable variation in the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 according to governorate. Close contacts of people with COVID-19 had a 96% higher risk of having the disease [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.96, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.64–2.34]. Labourers had 58% higher risk of infection compared with office workers (AOR 1.58, 95% CI 1.04–2.35).ConclusionThis study showed a wide variation in the spread of SARS-CoV-2 across governorates in Oman, with higher estimated seroprevalence in migrants in the first two cycles. Prevalence estimates remain low and are insufficient to provide herd immunity.

Epidemiology of multiple sclerosis in the Sultanate of Oman: A hospital based study

BackgroundThe prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) has been changing not only globally but also in individual countries. We aim to estimate the prevalence of MS in the Omani population over the period from 2006-2019 as well as the incidence between 2015-2018. MethodsThis is a retrospective observational hospital-based study. All MS patients diagnosed, as per the revised McDonald criteria, over the period from June 2006 and until May 2019, had their information reviewed for age at disease onset, gender and year of diagnosis. We obtained the population of Oman from the national census data. ResultsA total of 422 patients were diagnosed with MS during the study period and the population of Oman as per the 2019 census data was 2,652,199. The estimated crude prevalence was 15.9 (95% confidence interval: 14.4 - 17.5) per 100,000 and the female to male ratio was 2.17:1. The mean age at disease onset was 27.3 ± 7.7 (range: 9 - 59) years in which 83% of the patients had the first clinical manifestation at the age of 19 - 40 years, while only 9% had a disease onset at <19 years. The annual incidence increased from 1.00 case per 100,000 in 2015 to 1.38 cases per 100,000 in 2018. ConclusionThe prevalence of MS in the Omani population is 15.9 per 100,000 placing Oman as a medium risk zone.

Genetic diversity of the Nubian ibex in Oman as revealed by mitochondrial DNA.

The Nubian ibex (Capra nubiana) is patchily distributed across parts of Africa and Arabia. In Oman, it is one of the few free-ranging wild mammals found in the central and southern regions. Its population is declining due to habitat degradation, human expansion, poaching and fragmentation. Here, we investigated the population's genetic diversity using mitochondrial DNA (D-loop 186 bp and cytochrome b 487 bp). We found that the Nubian ibex in the southern region of Oman was more diverse (D-loop HD; 0.838) compared with the central region (0.511) and gene flow between them was restricted. We compared the genetic profiles of wild Nubian ibex from Oman with captive ibex. A Bayesian phylogenetic tree showed that wild Nubian ibex form a distinct clade independent from captive animals. This divergence was supported by high mean distances (D-loop 0.126, cytochrome b 0.0528) and high FST statistics (D-loop 0.725, cytochrome b 0.968). These results indicate that captive ibex are highly unlikely to have originated from the wild population in Oman and the considerable divergence suggests that the wild population in Oman should be treated as a distinct taxonomic unit. Further nuclear genetic work will be required to fully elucidate the degree of global taxonomic divergence of Nubian ibex populations.

Prevalence and risk factors of diabetes in a large community-based study in the Sultanate of Oman: STEPS survey 2017

BackgroundType 2 diabetes in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, including Oman, is currently the fastest growing health crisis and is a significant cause of premature mortality and disability. There is currently insufficient up-to-date information available on prevalence of type 2 diabetes. This study aimed to assess the latest prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and its associated demographic, behavioural, and clinical risk factors.MethodsUsing the WHO STEPwise approach to chronic disease surveillance, a nationally representative population-based survey was conducted from January to April 2017 of adults aged 18 years and above. A multi-stage, stratified, geographically clustered random sampling surveyed 9053 households including Omani nationals and non-Omani residents. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the predictors of diabetes.ResultsOverall prevalence of diabetes among the population was 15.7% (95% CI: 14.0–17.5%) whereas prevalence of prediabetes was 11.8% (95% CI: 11.4–12.2%). Age, educational level, raised blood pressure, family history of diabetes, abnormal waist-to-hip ratio, and hypertriglyceridemia were found to be significantly associated with diabetes mellitus. Of the cases of diabetes mellitus, 17% were newly diagnosed and 13.2% were on medication and had an uncontrolled glucose level while 55.5% were not taking medication (although diagnosed) and had an uncontrolled blood glucose level.ConclusionsThe present study provides reliable information regarding the high prevalence of diabetes mellitus among the adult population in Oman with urgent attention needed to address this significant burden on the health system. The high proportion of uncontrolled cases warrants further research, awareness programmes, and community interventions.