Qat Chewing Research Articles

DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE AND RISK FACTORS OF HEAD AND NECK SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA IN NATIONAL ONCOLOGY CENTER IN ADEN, YEMEN: PROSPECTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a significant health concern in Yemen, with a notable impact on the population. Major risk factors for HNSCC in this region include qat chewing, cigarette smoking, and tobacco. The goal of our study was to analyze the correlation between demographic profiles, affected anatomical sites, and risk factors. A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted using data extracted from the medical records of patients diagnosed with HNSCC at the National Oncology Center (NOC) in Aden, Yemen, covering the period from January 2023 to December 2023. Information on patient demographics, primary tumor locations, family history, and exposure to risk factors such as qat chewing and cigarette smoking was collected through a structured questionnaire. The study included 100 patients, with a male-to-female ratio of 2.45:1. The mean age of the patients was 53.2 ± 14.7 years, with a significant portion (41%) falling in the 36–54 age group and (40%) falling in the 55–73 age group. The most commonly affected site was the nasopharynx, accounting for 48% of cases. Qat chewing was the predominant risk factor among patients (74%), followed by cigarette smoking (50%) and tobacco (28%). Middle-aged individuals, particularly men aged 36–54 and 55–73 years, are disproportionately affected by HNSCC in Yemen. The nasopharynx emerges as the most prevalent site of cancer. Qat chewing stands out as a prevalent risk factor among patients, followed by cigarette smoking and tobacco. Public education on the risk factors associated with HNSCC is essential for effective disease management and prevention efforts in Yemen.

The association of Helicobacter pylori infection with increased total IgE antibodies in Sana'a city, Yemen: a case-control study

Background: This study aimed to determine the association between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and the total serum IgE antibodies.
 Methods: This case-control study was conducted during a period from August 2018-July 2020. Two hundred individuals were enrolled in this study. They were divided into 100 individuals infected with H. pylori (case group) and 100 individuals were not infected with H. pylori (control group). Three ml peripheral blood was withdrawn from each individual. The blood sample was used for the detection of total IgE antibodies using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. A stool sample was collected from each individual for the determination of H. pylori antigen using a rapid immunochromatography assay.
 Results: Total IgE antibodies were positive among 46% of H. pylori-infected cases versus 19% of controls. There was a statistically significant association between H. pylori infection and total IgE antibodies (p=0.001). Regarding the risk factors for H. pylori infection, there was a statistically significant association between smoking and H. pylori infection. In contrast, there was no statistically significant association between the type of water, washing vegetables, washing and chewing qat, and family history with H. pylori infection.
 Conclusions: It could be concluded that total IgE antibody level increased in patients infected with H. pylori compared to the non-infected individuals.

Dental caries experience among qat chewers in dental college clinics, Jazan, Saudi Arabia

AimsThere is a considerable debate on the impact of qat chewing on dental and oral health. Thereby, this study aimed at assessing the dental caries among qat chewers (QC) and non-qat chewers (NQC) who attend outpatient dental clinics, College of Dentistry, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.Materials and methodsA sample of 100 QC and 100 NQC were recruited amongst those attended dental clinics, college of dentistry, Jazan University during the 2018–2019 academic year. Their dental health was assessed by three pre-calibrated male interns using DMFT index. The Care Index, Restorative Index and Treatment Index were calculated. Comparisons between both subgroups were done using independent t test. Multiple linear regression analyses were further conducted to stand on the independent determinants of the oral health among this population.ResultsQC were unintentionally older (36.55 ± 8.74 years) than NQC (32.96 ± 8.49 years; P = 0.004). Fifty-six percent of QC reported brushing their teeth compared to only 35% (P = 0.001). NQC with university and postgraduate educational levels were more than QC. The mean Decayed [5.91 (5.16)] and DMFT [9.15 (5.87)] were higher among QC compared to NQC [3.73 (3.62) and 6.7 (4.58); P = 0.001 and 0.001, respectively]. The other indices were not different between both subgroups. The multiple linear regression revealed that qat chewing and age, individually or together, as independent determinants for the dental decay, missing, DMFT and TI.ConclusionQat chewing habit has a detrimental impact on dental health. It is associated with higher dental caries and missing teeth, and a lower treatment index.

Chronic Qat Chewing Effects on Nasopharynx, Oropharynx, and Laryngopharynx

Background Qat (also known as Khat, Kat, Miraa) is a green plant Catha edulis planted mainly in East and South Africa, and The Arabian Peninsula. It is widely and traditionally consumed by people in some regions. It has general effects on different systems such as cardiovascular and nervous system. Local effects were mainly described in the oral cavity such as periodontitis and white keratotic lesions. Scarce studies proved its relationship with cancer development. To date, there is a literature gap in reporting other local manifestations. In this study, the authors discuss additional local manifestations noted with chronic qat chewing. Aim In this study, the pharyngeal effects of chronic qat consumption were described. Material and methods This study is a retrospective study retrieved from an Ear, Nose, and Throat clinic records. All patients attending the clinic with history of chronic qat chewing more than 10 years were included in the study. Patients’ complaints were analyzed for the presence of voice change, stridor, and dysphagia. Nasopharyngeal and laryngeal endoscopy were used to assess the velopharynx, oropharynx, epiglottis, aryepiglottic folds, and pyriform sinuses. Results This study included 22 patients. Most patients presented with muffled voice and stridor on exertion. More than half of the cases developed velopharyngeal stenosis. All cases had uvular edema and associated deformity of the posterior pillar and the laryngeal structure were described. Conclusion Changes in the nasopharynx, oropharynx, larynx, and hypopharynx were noted in patients with chronic qat consumption.

Risk Factors Associated with Periodontal Diseases among Yemeni Adult Patients

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the possible risk factors associated with periodontal diseases among adult dental patients in Yemen. Methods: The study population comprised of 805 patients attending the teaching dental hospital in Dhamar city, Yemen. The first part of investigation was interview including age, gender, systemic diseases, pregnancy (for women), as well as tooth brushing, smoking, and Qat chewing habits and dentist interval visits. The second part was clinical examination including the periodontal parameters. Data were analyzed and presented in terms frequencies and percentages or means and standard deviations, as appropriate. Chi-squared test was used for associations and Mann-Whitney U test was used for differences. Regression analysis was utilized for the determinants of the periodontal disease. A P-value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The bivariate analyses revealed significant differences (P< 0.05) between the independent variables (proposed risk factors) groups in relation to the periodontal parameters except for systemic disease in relation to GI and BI, visiting dentist in relation to CI, BI, and GR, and pregnancy in relation to PI, GI, CI, and BI (P> 0.05). The regression analyses revealed that the age, smoking, and brushing teeth are significant (P< 0.05) determinants for all periodontal parameters. Whereas, systemic disease was a significant determinant for GR, and sex for BI. Conclusions: Age, brushing teeth and smoking are the significant determinants of periodontal health. Education about the side effects of bad habits as well as maintaining good oral hygiene should be implemented.

A systematic review on risk factors for khat chewing among adolescents in the African continent and Arabian Peninsula.

IntroductionKhat is a flowering plant with stimulant effect on the nervous system and produce psychological dependence. Despite its harmful effects, the ingestion of khat has been part of cultural norms and the legality of khat varies by region.ObjectiveThis systematic review aimed at critically evaluating the available evidence on the risk factors of khat chewing among adolescents.MethodsA systematic review was conducted on published research studies from five databases Scopus, PubMed, Science-direct, Ovid and google scholar using keywords khat chewing OR qat chewing AND associated factors OR risk factors OR contributing factors AND adolescents OR teenagers. Articles included were either cross-sectional, cohort, case-control or qualitative studies which were published between the year 1990 till present. Excluded articles were the non-English written articles, descriptive studies and irrelevant topics being studied.ResultsOut of 2617 records identified and screened, six were included for the analysis and interpretation of the data. All included studies were cross-sectional study design. All six studies reported having family members who chewed khat significantly predict khat chewing among adolescents, followed by five articles for friends or peers who also chewed khat and four articles for male gender. Smoking was also found to have the highest odds (OR = 18.2; 95% CI: 12.95–25.72) for khat chewing among adolescents.ConclusionThe review highlights the crucial role of family members, friends or peers and male gender to predict khat chewing among adolescents. Effectiveness of health promotion programs to educate and reduce khat chewing among adolescents will require active participation of family members and friends.

Patterns of pharyngeal manifestations of chronic indulgence in 'Qat' consumption.

The aim of this work is to report a series of cases of qat chewers with a pattern of pharyngeal complications and to illustrate the end result of damage to the mucosal lining of the oro- and hypo-pharynx. The commonest presentation is the end result of the acute inflammatory phase. The cases included in the study show variable degrees of narrowing of the pharynx as seen by videoendoscope for the nasopharynx, oropharynx and larynx. RESULTS: The observations of the study are collected from 25 cases with varying presentations extending from feeling of nasal obstruction to variable degrees of dysphagia. The end result of the scarring is illustrated by figures and a table showing the relative incidence of the site of maximum narrowing. CONCLUSION: Qat chewing has a strong correlation with a pattern of pharyngeal complications which need to be further investigated in a wide sample case-control study.

Tooth Loss and its Association with the Number of Children and Interpregnancy Interval: A CrossSectional Study Among Yemeni Women

Introduction: Physiological pregnancy changes can negatively impact the oral health of pregnant women. Objectives: The present study sought to assess tooth loss among a sample of Yemeni women in association with the number of children and interpregnancy interval. Subjects and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 644 Yemeni women. The subjects were interviewed to collect relevant socio-demographic factors, including age, education, and number of children. Oral hygiene practices as well as oral habits (such as qat chewing and smoking) were also recorded. Number of missing teeth was ascertained through clinical examination. Results: A round 644 women aged between 16 and 51 years participated in the study. Overall, the participants revealed poor oral hygiene practices, with only one-fifth of the sample reported brushing their teeth regularly (i.e., at least once a day), and around 36.8% reported using dental aids occasionally. Some 52% and 21% of the sample were qat chewers and smokers, respectively. The mean number of tooth loss and the number of children were 4.7 and 4.15, respectively; approximately 54% of the participating women had more than 3 children. The logistic regression revealed a significant association between the number of children and tooth loss. Conclusion: Yemeni women showed unsatisfactory oral hygiene practices and a high prevalence of tooth loss which increased proportionally with the number of children and interpregnancy interval. This emphasizes the importance of effective oral hygiene motivation and health education among females during pregnancy periods.

A Socio-semiotic Analysis of Qat culture in Yemen

Qat, Catha edulis has become synonymous with Yemen, as the phenomenon of Qat chewing in Yemen dates back hundreds of years in history. No social, cultural, or political gathering in the afternoon time can do without Qat. Afternoon time becomes the sign of Qat sessions and socialization. Despite Yemen's openness to other cultures and the recent revolution in all kinds of social media, Yemenis do not stop the habit of chewing Qat. The purpose of the present research work is to analyze 'Qat' as a linguistic sign consisting of a signifier and a signified to understand its various social, cultural, and political signifieds that give it the semiotic power to dominate all aspects of life in Yemen and to ground the coinage of many lexical items that are culturally specific to Qat culture and Yemeni dialects. The present paper uses semiotics as a research method in which it adopts Saussure's linguistic model of sign, signifier, and signified and Barthes' concepts of denotation and connotation. Semiotically, this paper shows that the Yemeni people are not addicted to Qat as a drug, as might be assumed by some foreigners who are not familiar with the sign system of Yemeni culture. The Yemeni people are addicted to Qat as a polysemous sign that is associated with values, norms, rituals, enjoyment, relationship, and socialization at the connotative level.

Cone beam computed tomography findings in the temporomandibular joints of chronic qat chewers: Radiographic bone density and trabecular microstructural analyses

This cross-sectional comparative study investigated the effects of qat chewing habit on the radiographic bone density (RBD) and trabecular microstructure of temporomandibular joint condyles using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). In total, 85 systemically healthy Yemeni males were included and divided into qat chewers (QCs; n=41); and non-qat chewers (NQCs; n=44). The participants responded to a structured questionnaire and underwent standardized clinical examination and CBCT scanning of the temporomandibular joint. Measurements of RBD and trabecular microstructure (trabecular thickness, trabecular separation, bone volume fraction, and fractal dimension) were performed. Statistical significance was established at P ≤ .05. No statistically significant differences were found between QCs and NQCs in RBD or trabecular microstructure. The mean standard deviations and maximum values of trabecular separation on the nonchewing side for QCs were significantly lower compared to the corresponding values for NQCs (0.60 and 2.68 for QCs vs 0.72 and 3.05 for NQCs; P=.025 and .05, respectively). A comparison between chewing and nonchewing sides in QCs revealed no significant differences. Qat chewing habit induces insignificant changes in condylar RBD and trabecular microstructure as detected by CBCT. Further studies using advanced radiographic techniques are warranted.

Cone beam computed tomography findings in temporomandibular joint of chronic qat chewers: Dimensional and osteoarthritic changes.

The social habit of chewing qat (also known as khat) is widely practised in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It has been linked with various oro-facial conditions, including temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD). This cross-sectional, comparative study sought to investigate the effects of qat chewing on temporomandibular joint (TMJ), using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). A total of 85 Yemeni males were included. The participants were divided into two groups: Qat chewers (QC; n=41) and non-qat chewers (NQC; n=44). Relevant data were obtained using a structured questionnaire and standardised clinical examination. Additionally, CBCT images of the TMJs were obtained, and then, osteoarthritic changes and TMJ dimensions were analysed. SPSS 21 was used for statistical analyses, with a significant level was set at 0.05. Compared to NQC, a significantly higher proportion of QC presented with clinical signs of TMDs. The qualitative CBCT findings revealed significantly higher osteoarthritic changes in QC than in NQC: osteophyte (51.2% vs 22.7%; P=.008), subcortical sclerosis (48.8% vs 27.3%; P=.047), articular surface flattening (46.3% vs 6.8%; P=.009) and subcortical cysts (43.9% vs 4.5%; P<.001). However, CBCT quantitative findings (condylar dimensions) did not show significant differences between the two groups. The chewing side of the QC group showed slightly more changes compared to the non-chewing side. The results demonstrate that qat chewing has detrimental effects on TMJ manifested mainly as osteoarthritic changes. Further large-scale studies are recommended.

ORAL CANDIDA ALBICANS COLONIZATION RATE IN FIXED ORTHODONTICS PATIENTS

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the oral Candida albicans colonization ( OCAC) in a cluster of teenagers and young adults while being treated with a fixed orthodontic appliance (FOA).&#x0D; Subjects and methods: The investigational group was selected from orthodontic patients whom were examined clinically as soon as to get baseline information before active treatment. The cluster included 210 patients; 45 males, 165 females (mean age 21.6 ± 4.5 years). Clinical, demographic data and risk factors were collected in standard questionnaire then each individual was directed to carry out oral wash by a phosphate-buffered saline solution, which was expectorated and processed intended for the isolation of Candida species on Sabouraud’s dextrose agar. The isolated Candida species were identifying by culturing on chromogenic Candida agar and notice species-specific colony natures.&#x0D; Results: The predominant Candida species isolated was C. albicans with OCAC rate equal to 13.8% extensively enhanced after the insertion of a FOA, as revealed by the oral rinse (P &lt; 0.05) techniques. The results also revealed an increase of OCAC in male patients (24.4%) than female patients (10.9%), 21-25 years patients (17.1%), and regular smoking and Qat chewing were significant associated risk factors (OR=28.6, OR=10.7 respectively , P &lt; 0.0001). There was no significant association between C. albicans colonization with oral hygiene in fixed Orthodontic patients.&#x0D; Conclusion: As a whole, the current data suggest that the introduction of FOA is likely to promote OCAC. Moreover, it becomes visible that the routine oral hygiene procedures performed by these patients may not necessarily reduce OCAC while smoking and chewing Qat habits significantly increased OCAC in FOA. Also smoking and Qat chewing during FOA treatment should be banned if potential harmful effects are to be prevented. Further work with a larger sample size is required to confirm or deny these results.&#x0D; Peer Review History: &#x0D; Received 27 March 2019; Revised 20 April; Accepted 8 May, Available online 15 May 2020&#x0D; UJPR follows the most transparent and toughest ‘Advanced OPEN peer review’ system. The identity of the authors and, reviewers will be known to each other. This transparent process will help to eradicate any possible malicious/purposeful interference by any person (publishing staff, reviewer, editor, author, etc) during peer review. As a result of this unique system, all reviewers will get their due recognition and respect, once their names are published in the papers. We expect that, by publishing peer review reports with published papers, will be helpful to many authors for drafting their article according to the specifications. Auhors will remove any error of their article and they will improve their article(s) according to the previous reports displayed with published article(s). The main purpose of it is ‘to improve the quality of a candidate manuscript’. Our reviewers check the ‘strength and weakness of a manuscript honestly’. There will increase in the perfection, and transparency.&#x0D; Received file &#x0D; &#x0D; Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 6.5/10&#x0D; Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 8.0/10&#x0D; Reviewer(s) detail:&#x0D; Name: Dr. A.A. Mgbahurike&#x0D; Affiliation: University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria&#x0D; E-mail: amaka_mgbahurike@yahoo.com&#x0D; &#x0D; Name: Dr. Tamer Mohamed Ali El Habibi&#x0D; Affiliation: Suez Canal University, Egypt&#x0D; E-mail: tamer_hassan@pharm.suez.edu.eg&#x0D; &#x0D; Comments of reviewer(s): &#x0D; &#x0D; Similar Articles:&#x0D; ORAL C. ALBICANS COLONIZATION AND NON-CANDIDA ALBICANS CANDIDA COLONIZATION AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS, YEMEN&#x0D; PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF ORAL NON-CANDIDA ALBICANS CANDIDA CARRIAGE IN DENTURE WEARERS IN SANA'A CITY- YEMEN&#x0D;

Evaluation of the effects of chronic qat chewing on lateral pterygoid muscle using MRI

ABSTRACT Objective: This study explored the effect of qat chewing (QC) on the lateral pterygoid muscle (LPM), using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: Forty qat chewers (QG), divided into three subgroups, according to duration of QC, and 20 non-qat chewers (NQG) were included. MRI sections were obtained to assess hypertrophy and atrophy of the superior belly (SB) and inferior belly (IB) of the LPM on the chewing and contralateral non-chewing side. Results: There was a significantly higher prevalence of atrophy of the IB (p < 0.001) and hypertrophy of the SB and IB (p = 0.002) in the QG. Hypertrophy of SB and IB was marked (p = 0.001) on the chewing side. Conversely, SB atrophy was marked on the non-chewing side (p = 0.003). MRI demonstrated a positive correlation between LPM alterations and the duration of QC in subgroup analysis. Conclusion: Unilateral QC might be a cause of LPM alterations.

Association between qat chewing and dyslipidaemia among young males.

ObjectivesThis study investigated the association between qat chewing and prevalence and patterns of dyslipidaemia among young Yemeni males.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, we used a multistage random cluster sampling method. Data were obtained using a questionnaire. Additionally, anthropometric measurements and fasting blood samples were collected. We used Program-Adult Treatment Panel III. The blood samples were analysed for lipid profile measurements including levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C).ResultsA total of 440 Yemeni male with mean age of 21.4 ± 3.6 years were enrolled. The students were divided into the following two groups—qat chewers (n = 283) and non-qat chewers (n = 77). The overall occurrence of dyslipidaemia was significantly higher in qat chewers than that in non-qat chewers (89.8% versus 80.5%) (P < 0.05). Hypercholesterolaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia, high LDL-C level, and mixed hyperlipidaemia were lower in qat chewers than in non-qat chewers (16.6%, 58.3%, 16.3%, and 10.6%, respectively, versus 20.8%, 64.9%, 18.2%, and 20.8%, respectively). Isolated hypertriglyceridaemia was slightly higher in qat chewers than in non-qat chewers (47.7% versus 44.2%). However, the incidence of low HDL-C level, isolated low HDL-C level, and isolated hypercholesterolaemia were generally higher in qat chewers than in non-qat chewers (83%, 25.1%, and 6%, respectively, versus 75.3%, 15.6%, and 0%, respectively).ConclusionThis study showed high prevalence of dyslipidaemia among Yemeni male qat chewers. Low HDL-C level was the main lipid variable, followed by hypertriglyceridaemia. Genetic factors, war conditions, physical inactivity, and low-fat traditional Yemeni diet were considered the determinants of the study findings.

Link between perceived oral and general health status among Yemeni adult dental patients

BackgroundSelf-perceived health is an essential measure of health status and even a paramount predictor of mortality. So long as it is said that oral health (OH) and general health (GH) are mirrors to each other. This study sought to determine how Yemeni adults rate their OH and GH, whether such a self-rating influenced by some potential risk factors, and whether both ratings (OH and GH) are correlated.MethodsA sample of 587 Yemeni dental patients aged 20 years and over were consecutively recruited. A structured interview form was used covering the following variables: age, gender, marital status, educational level, presence of dental prosthesis (DP), smoking and Qat chewing habits as independent variables, along with questions on “perceived oral health (POH)” and “perceived general health (PGH)” as dependent variables. The bivariate and multiple ordinal regression analyses were applied at P-value < 0.05.ResultsMost of participants were women (73.6%), and married (71.4%), and more than half of them were young adults (58.2%), with high educational levels (53.3%), and not having DP. Only 310 participants responded to the questions on smoking and Qat chewing habits. Of these, 88.5% were non-smokers and 62.1% were Qat non-chewers. Up to 50% of the participants reported their POH as poor or fair, while lower proportions of participants (17%) reported their PGH as such. Younger age (compared to elders), high education levels (compared to primary education) and being single (compared to married) significantly revealed better levels of POH, while high education levels and being females significantly revealed better levels of PGH. Smoking and Qat chewing habits were found to have no effect on the perception of POH or PGH. POH and PGH were found to be significantly correlated (r = 0.486; P < 0.001).ConclusionHigher levels of oral health problems can be anticipated among patients who perceive poor general health, and vice versa. The age, marital status and education were independent determinants of POH, while the gender and education were independent determinants of PGH.

Prevalence of dyslipidemia among students of a Yemeni University

ObjectivesTo estimate the prevalence of dyslipidemia and patterns of lipid profile and associated factors among Yemeni university students.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 240 Yemeni students (116 males and 124 females) at Ibb University. The students were randomly selected from various faculties of the university. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from all participants. Fasting blood specimens were collected from all students for measurement of serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). The criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III) were used.ResultsThe mean age of the studied cohort was 19.8 ± 1.8 years; 48.3% were men and 51.7% were women. About 56.7% of the participants were from rural areas. Qat chewers and cigarette smokers comprised 63.3% and 6.7% of the cohort, respectively. No obese students were found in this study; however, 11.7% were overweight. The overall prevalence of dyslipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, high LDL-C, and low HDL-C among the participating students were 86.7%, 21.7%, 23.8%, 31.7%, and 81.7%, respectively. Mixed hyperlipidemia was present in 8.8% of the students. The prevalence of isolated hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and low HDL-C was 12.9%, 15%, and 70%, respectively. Dyslipidemia was significantly associated with male sex, increasing age, urban residence, and medical and natural science faculties. In contrast, smoking, qat chewing, physical activity, and the consumption of fast food, fruits and vegetables, and fish were not significantly associated with dyslipidemia.ConclusionTo our knowledge, this is the first human study conducted at Ibb University during wartime in Yemen. Dyslipidemia was highly prevalent among healthy Yemeni university students in Ibb city. Low HDL-C was the most prevalent type of dyslipidemia, followed by increased levels of LDL-C. Gender, age, residence, and type of faculty were also closely related to dyslipidemia. These results indicate the need for specialized programs to determine blood lipid levels and initiate intervention programs to reduce the prevalence and prevent the complications of dyslipidemia among Yemeni university students.

Exploring Cancer Risk Factors using Data Mining Techniques: A Case Study from Yemen

Data Mining is a hot scientific research topic that has many applications in various life aspects. Healthcare and medicine are among those aspects that attracted data mining researchers who sought to solve decision-making problems. Cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prediction are procedures that have been using data mining for decades. In Yemen, some cancer risk factors seem to be different from those in other parts of the world. By mining the data available at National Cancer Control Foundation (NCCF), useful knowledge have been extracted. In this paper, decision tree classification was selected for building a model to predict cancer risk factors. As the NCCF database contained data describe some social life aspects, environmental circumstances, lifestyle, etc., mining those data can contribute in the endeavors of clearing ambiguity about cancer risk factors in Yemen. The informative attributes that were selected for model building included gender, marital status, number of family members, province, chewing Qat, chewing tobacco (Shamaa), smoking, age, relatives with cancer, and cancer class. These data was prepared for Knowledge Data Discovery process. Then, it was prepared for feeding into C4.5 learning algorithms. The results shown that smoking, chewing tobacco (Shamaa), province of residence, marital status, and age are the most important cancer risk factors. The model produced found of high performance. In addition, the rules extracted from the model tree can also be of high value for both people and healthcare sector.

Exploring Cancer Risk Factors using Data Mining Techniques: A Case Study from Yemen

Data Mining is a hot scientific research topic that has many applications in various life aspects. Healthcare and medicine are among those aspects that attracted data mining researchers who sought to solve decision-making problems. Cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prediction are procedures that have been using data mining for decades. In Yemen, some cancer risk factors seem to be different from those in other parts of the world. By mining the data available at National Cancer Control Foundation (NCCF), useful knowledge have been extracted. In this paper, decision tree classification was selected for building a model to predict cancer risk factors. As the NCCF database contained data describe some social life aspects, environmental circumstances, lifestyle, etc., mining those data can contribute in the endeavors of clearing ambiguity about cancer risk factors in Yemen. The informative attributes that were selected for model building included gender, marital status, number of family members, province, chewing Qat, chewing tobacco (Shamaa), smoking, age, relatives with cancer, and cancer class. These data was prepared for Knowledge Data Discovery process. Then, it was prepared for feeding into C4.5 learning algorithms. The results shown that smoking, chewing tobacco (Shamaa), province of residence, marital status, and age are the most important cancer risk factors. The model produced found of high performance. In addition, the rules extracted from the model tree can also be of high value for both people and healthcare sector.

Uncontrolled Hypertension among Treated Hypertensive Patients

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension among Yemeni hypertensive patients on treatment. Methods: Cross sectional study was conducted among hypertensive adult patients presented to a private cardiac center in Sana’a from January to December 2016. All adult patients diagnosed to have hypertension for at least 3 months prior to the interview were included in this study. Each patient was clinically examined by training doctor on arrival to clinic and then every 3 months. The examination included; personal history, blood pressure, and through cardiovascular examination and recorded. Demographic data, special habits, body mass index, medication used and other laboratory data were registered. Collected data was coded and enter into Pc for statistical analysis. Results: The total number of patient with hypertension (HTN) presented into Cardiac Centre were 277. Of them 187 (67.5%) Were males and 90 (32.5%) were females, their age was ranged from 27 to 100 year with mean age of 57.5 ± 12.3. 61 patients (22.0%) had stage I hypertension (HTN) and stage II (HTN) was found in 182 Patients (65.7%). Of the total cases target BP controlled was achieved in 34 patients (12.3%). Several risk factors have been significantly associated with uncontrolled hypertension and these were; ischemic heart disease, elder age, left ventricular hypertrophy and renal impairment. There were no significant association between uncontrolled hypertension and other variables (Gender, Qat chewing, BMI, duration of hypertension and associated disease as diabetes mellitus, Cerebrovascular accident, medications &amp; blood cholesterol level). Conclusion: Prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension was high in individuals with concomitant hypertension and comorbidity factors. IHD, renal impairment aging and left ventricular hypertrophy are the most important determinants of uncontrolled hypertension.

Independent determinants of periodontitis in Yemeni adults: A case-control study.

The relative importance of risk factors of periodontitis varies from one population to another. In this study, we sought to identify independent risk factors of periodontitis in a Yemeni population. One hundred and fifty periodontitis cases and 150 healthy controls, all Yemeni adults 30-60years old, were recruited. Sociodemographic data and history of oral hygiene practices and oral habits were obtained. Plaque index (PI) was measured on index teeth. Periodontal health status was assessed using Community Periodontal Index (CPI) and Clinical Attachment Loss (CAL) according to WHO. Periodontitis was defined as having one or more sextants with a CPI score≥3. Multiple logistic regression modelling was employed to identify distal, intermediate and proximal determinants of periodontitis, while ordinal regression was used to identify those of CAL scores. In logistic regression, PI score was associated with the highest odds of periodontitis (OR=82.9) followed by cigarette smoking (OR=12.8), water pipe smoking (OR=10.2), male gender (OR=3.4) and age (OR=1.19); on the other hand, regular visits to the dentist (OR=0.05), higher level of education (OR=0.37) and daily dental flossing (OR=0.95) were associated with lower odds. Somewhat similar associations were seen for CAL scores (ordinal regression); however, qat chewing was identified as an additional determinant (OR=4.69). Water pipe smoking is identified as a risk factor of periodontitis in this cohort in addition to globally known risk factors. Adjusted effect of qat chewing is limited to CAL scores, suggestive of association with recession.