Saudi Adolescents Research Articles

Prevalence and Prediction of Video Gaming Addiction Among Saudi Adolescents, Using the Game Addiction Scale for Adolescents (GASA)

Prevalence and Prediction of Video Gaming Addiction Among Saudi Adolescents, Using the Game Addiction Scale for Adolescents (GASA)

Association between Internet Game Addiction and Social Anxiety Symptoms among Adolescents in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Background: Internet Gaming Addiction (IGA) can have a significant impact on the characteristics of individual gamers and may even be a contributing factor to the development of social anxiety symptoms. This study of adolescent Saudi Arabian Internet gamers examined the influences of Internet gaming time and probable Internet Gaming Disorders (IGDs). It investigated the association between Internet game addiction and social anxiety symptoms among them. Methodology: The cross-sectional survey was conducted from March to June of 2023 among adolescents in the Saudi population. Probable IGD was measured by using the DSM-5 checklist, and the Arabic version of the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN) was used to evaluate social phobia or anxiety. Result: A total of 764 participants enrolled in the current study, 52% of whom were females, and 48% were males. 42% belonged to the age group 17-18, and 38% were 15-16. 44.8% of participants have a gaming addiction. There was a significant association between social phobia and gaming addiction (p-value ≤0.05). There was a significant association of social phobia with age and gender (p-value≤0.05). Conclusion: The findings imply a significant correlation between IGA and psychological concerns, particularly among male adolescents. Excessive internet gaming use leads to higher levels of social anxiety.

Impact of a post-lifestyle modification program in circulating angiopoietin-like proteins in Arab adolescents

This study investigated the differences and associations between serum levels of angiopoietin-like (ANGPTL)3, ANGPTL4, and ANGPTL8 in Saudi adolescents with varying levels of obesity and glycemia before and after undergoing a 12-month lifestyle change intervention. A total of 218 Saudi adolescents (45 normal, 77 overweight, and 96 obese) (mean age = 15.1 ± 1.5 years; mean BMI = 35.1 ± 6.6 kg/m2) were included. Anthropometrics were measured at baseline and follow-up. Overnight-fasting serum samples were also collected at baseline and after 12 months of intervention for routine analysis of fasting glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and lipid profile. Serum levels of insulin and ANGPTLs were assessed using commercial assays. At baseline, obese children had a higher ANGPTL8 level [0.7 ng/ml (0.4–1.3), p = 0.03]. In children with prediabetes (defined as those with HbA1c > 5.7), ANGPTL8 levels and HbA1c were significantly lower post-intervention [0.2 (0.1–0.8), p = 0.002; 5.5 ± 1.1), p < 0.001, respectively]. Follow-up lipid profile and insulin levels were significantly higher in all participants with prediabetes and obesity (p-values < 0.05). ANGPTL8 levels of those who achieved 5 % weight loss (N = 25) showed no difference after follow-up (p = 0.59). In conclusion, following a 12-month lifestyle modification program, decreased levels of circulating ANGPTL8 were observed in adolescents with obesity and prediabetes. Consequently, the degree of insulin resistance may be improved by reducing reduced ANGPTL8 levels.

The associations of family atmosphere, religiosity and lifestyle with self-esteem and self-control among Saudi adolescents.

We assessed, with validated instruments, whether family atmosphere, religiosity or lifestyle were significant correlates of self-esteem and/or self-control among adolescents (Grades 7-12, n = 2067) in Saudi Arabia. Participants' mean age was 15.5 years; 64% were boys. Higher scores in family atmosphere and religiosity and having fewer lifestyle risk factors were significantly related to higher self-esteem and self-control scores (p < .05; adjusted linear regression models). The odds of scoring low (below median) in both self-esteem and self-control decreased incrementally across the increasing quartiles of family atmosphere and religiosity; the odds decreased incrementally across decreasing number of lifestyle risk factors (p < .05; adjusted multinomial regression). Programmes supporting healthy lifestyles, positive family environments and religiosity may boost self-esteem and self-control among adolescents.

Risk and protective factors for suicidal ideation among Saudi adolescents: A network analysis.

Suicide is among the leading cause of death in adolescence and suicidal ideation is its most critical precursor. Suicidal ideation being a complex phenomenon involving multiple factors, this study aimed to use network analysis to depict the interplay of risk and protective factors for suicidal ideation. An online survey was conducted with 614 Saudi adolescents (mean age = 16.16, SD = 1.88, range = 12-18, 61% female). Participants completed instruments to assess suicidal ideation, bullying victimization and perpetration, psychache, family cohesion and adaptability, positive parenting, and multidimensional social support. A psychological network analysis was estimated to determine the most central risk and protective factors for suicidal ideation. As per strength and expected influence centrality, the risk factors that were central were psychache and bullying victimization, and the central protective factors were family cohesion and support from significant other. The network analysis showed that other factors directly connected with suicidal ideation were bullying perpetration, family adaptability, positive parenting, support from family, and support from friends. This network study highlights the importance of addressing both risk and protective factors in an attempt to deal with suicidal ideation. The findings suggest that interventions targeting psychological pain, bullying, and family bonds may be crucial in the treatment and prevention of suicidal ideation among adolescents.

Associations between Serum Iron Indices and Self-Assessed Multiple Intelligence Scores among Adolescents in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Micronutrient deficiencies, including iron deficiency, are linked to different cognitive impairments and sensory functions. However, whether circulating iron levels affect self-assessed multiple intelligence (MI) scores in adolescents remains uninvestigated. This study aimed to investigate associations between serum iron levels and self-assessed MI scores in adolescents in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Recruiting 434 Saudi adolescents (174 boys and 260 girls, aged 12-17), we administered the McKenzie questionnaire to assess MI across nine categories. Anthropometrics and fasting blood samples were collected to measure circulating iron and transferrin levels. Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) and transferrin saturation (TSAT) levels were calculated. Notably, girls exhibited significantly higher MI scores in the interactive domain than boys (age and BMI-adjusted OR = 1.36, 95% confidence interval = 1.07-1.73, p = 0.01). No significant correlations were observed between serum iron and MI. However, normal TSAT levels (TSAT > 20%) corresponded with higher age and BMI-adjusted odds of MI scores in the musical (OR = 1.59, 95%CI = 1.1-2.2, p = 0.006), linguistic (1.57, 1.1-2.3, p = 0.016), kinesthetic (1.48, 1.1-2.1, p = 0.024), spatial (1.45, 1.1-2.1, p = 0.03), and existential (1.56, 1.1-2.1, p = 0.01) categories compared to ones with lower TSAT levels (TSAT ≤ 20%), only in boys. In conclusion, serum iron levels may not directly influence MI domains in adolescents in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; however, lower TSAT levels, indicative of iron-deficiency anemia, may influence MI, only in boys, indicating a possible relationship between iron metabolism and cognitive functions.

Social Media Use and Sleep Quality Among Secondary School Students in Aseer Region: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Use of different social media platforms has increased radically over the past decade, emerging as an important part of adolescents and young people's everyday life. This might exert potential adverse effects on sleep quality and daytime performance of young adults. To assess the relation between use of social media platforms and sleep quality among public secondary school students. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 961 students in Aseer region, Saudi Arabia. Students were asked to fill in a structured interview questionnaire covering personal data, pattern of social media use, sleep quality using The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and their mental health status using the depression, anxiety and stress scale (DASS-21). Students' ages ranged from 15 to 20 years with a mean age of 16.7 ± 2.1 years old. A total of 570 (59.3%) students were females. Tiktok (80%), Snapchat (77.9%), Instagram (63.8%) and YouTube (58.8%) were the most reported platforms used. Regarding their sleep quality, 34.7% of students were poor sleepers. TikTok use (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.01-1.77), hours spent on social media (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.16-1.37) and having moderate to severe depressive symptoms (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.19-2.40) were significant independent predictors of poor sleep among the studied sample. The present study emphasized the association between prolonged use of social media and poor sleep quality among Saudi adolescents. Awareness and behavioral change strategies and activities concerning the drawbacks of poor sleep and proper use of social media are urgently called for to control mental and physical health consequences of poor sleep and social media addiction.

Social representation of masculine and feminine sports among Saudi adolescents.

This study examined how certain sports are represented as masculine or feminine in Saudi adolescents, namely, which sports adolescents associate with males and which sports they associate with females. Previous research aligned with this concern was conducted within Western culture; however, there is a need to shed light on how the issues of social representation of masculine and feminine sports affect other cultures such as Middle Eastern cultures. A survey was completed by 280 Saudi adolescents, aged between 12 and 17 (M = 13.5, SD = 1.3). The survey contained open-ended recall questions that asked participants to name three masculine, feminine, and natural sports. Most participants were familiar with using feminine and masculine terminology to describe sports, and nearly half had personally used gendered terms to describe sports. Overall, the participants generated 2,195 names of various sports, with the majority classified as natural (appropriate for both men and women), many masculine, and the fewest feminine. The connection between specific sports and masculinity or femininity can restrict the activities of adolescents who do not conform to traditional gender roles. Also, adolescents who are interested in sports that are not typically associated with their gender may experience social stigma or exclusion, which can discourage their participation. Therefore, it is important to establish inclusive environments in sports, regardless of the gender.

The associations between family characteristics and problematic Internet use among adolescents in Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT The current study assessed the family correlates of problematic Internet use (PIU) in a nationally representative sample of Saudi adolescents. Students (grades: 7–12; N = 2,546) from three cities in Saudi Arabia (random selection of schools) filled out a survey on Young’s Internet Addiction Test (YIAT) and family characteristics (e.g. parents’ socioeconomic status [SES], family harmony, family members’ Internet use, and parental Internet controls). A multilevel log-binomial regression assessed family correlates of PIU (YIAT ≥40). The mean (SD) age was 15.6 (±1.8) years; 54% were girls; PIU prevalence was 41.8%. A poor SES (OR = 1.2, 95% CI 1.0, 1.4), low family harmony (bottom quartile OR = 1.4, 95% CI 1.2, 1.7), no parental restriction/supervision (OR = 1.4, 95% CI 1.2, 1.8), and heavy Internet use by siblings (OR = 1.3, 95% CI 1.1, 1.5) were significantly associated with PIU. Certain identified family risk factors are amenable to interventions given the high PIU prevalence among Saudi adolescents.

Frequency of Knee Pain and Risk Factors and Its Impact on Functional Impairment: A Cross-Sectional Study from Saudi Arabia.

Adolescents frequently self-report pain, according to epidemiological research. The knee is one of the sites wherein pain is most commonly reported. Musculoskeletal disorders play a significant role in the prolonged disability experienced by individuals, leading to substantial global personal, societal, and economic burdens. Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is a clinical knee pain commonly affecting adolescents. This study aimed to estimate the frequency of knee pain in Saudi adolescents. This cross-sectional survey was conducted from June to November 2022 and included 676 adolescents aged 10 to 18 years. The participants were questioned regarding their demographics, school habits, and the impact of these factors on back pain, musculoskeletal pain in the past 12 months, as well as quality-of-life scale and knee pain symptoms. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, with frequencies and percentages presented for categorical variables. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to compare means between groups, while the chi-squared test was used to compare categorical variables. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. A total of 676 adolescents participated in the study, with 57.5% females and 42.5% males. Among the participants, 68.8% were aged between 15 and 18 years. The prevalence of knee pain was notably higher among females (26%) compared to males (19.2%). Age and BMI were identified as significant predictors of knee pain. A significant association was also found between BMI classification and knee stiffness (p-value = 0.008). Furthermore, a significant difference was observed between adolescents who engaged in physical activities during leisure time and those who experienced difficulty bending (p-value = 0.03). Our study highlights a high prevalence of knee pain among Saudi adolescents, emphasizing the need for increased awareness about its risk factors. Preventive measures, including conservative approaches and lifestyle/activity modifications, can effectively mitigate adolescent knee pain.

Caffeine Consumption and Its Potential Health Effects on Saudi Adolescents in Jazan.

Background Caffeine is the most popular product consumedglobally in different types and amounts by various age groups. This study aimed to identify caffeine consumption patterns among adolescents in Jazan and explore related health effects. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted in Jazan on adolescents between 12 and 18 years of age. The consumption of coffee and caffeinated products and their potential health effects were evaluated using a self-reported online questionnaire. The data were analyzed using software for descriptive and inferential statistics. Results A total of 718 participants were enrolled in this study, with the age group of 16-18 years constituting the highest percentage (48.9%). Nearly 94% of the participants consumed coffee or caffeinated products, with 57% consuming the products infrequently. About 6.6% consumed coffee or caffeinated products more than three times daily, and about half of the participants used medium-sized cups. The most consumed type of caffeinated beverage was Arabic coffee, followed by tea, soft drinks, and Nescafe. Education level and age group showed a significant correlation with consumption patterns. The most common health effects of caffeine consumption were headaches, irregular sleep, and nausea, which were statistically related to age group, gender, and comorbid conditions. Conclusions Consumption of coffee and caffeinated beverages was relatively high among adolescents in this study. Further research on the habits of Saudi adolescent consumers, particularly across different areas of the country, is required.

Examining the Impact of Socioeconomic Factors and Lifestyle Habits on Obesity Prevalence Among Male and Female Adolescent Students in Asser, Saudi Arabia.

Background Understanding the relationships between obesity and lifestyle factors is essential for the effective prevention and management of obesity in youth. This study aimed to investigate the association between sociodemographic factors, lifestyle elements such as physical activity and social stress, and the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Saudi adolescents in the Aseer region. Methodology From December 2022 to March 2023, we conducted a cross-sectional study using the multi-stage stratified random sampling technique. The study included Saudi male and female adolescents aged 12-19 years attending middle and high schools. Ordinal logistic regression was used to analyze the association between the ordinal dependent variable, classified into weight groups (normal, overweight, obese), and the independent variables. Results Of the total of 512 individuals, 90.4% were aged ≥18 years, 77.5% were males, and 76.8% were urban residents.Of the studied population, 33.6% were overweight, and 20.5% were obese.The prevalence of obesity and overweight was significantly higher among males compared to females (20.9% vs. 19.1% and 36.5% vs. 23.5%, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed the following factors to be associated with obesity and overweight: female gender (2.31, 95% CI = 1.45-3.71), age 12-17 years (0.53, 95% CI = 0.28-0.97), place of delivery (Tanoma) (2.32, 95% CI = 1.13-4.75), family size of over eight members (0.43, 95% CI = 0.24-0.74), family monthly income of over 20,000 SAR (3.79, 95% CI = 1.38-11.35), being smokers (0.26, 95% CI = 1.31-2.93), experiencing social stress (1.96, 95% CI = 1.96-2.93), engagement in physical activity less than three times a week (0.49, 95% CI = 0.32-0.75), and engagement in physical activity more than three times a week (0.36, 95% CI = 0.22-0.58). Conclusions These findings emphasize the importance of addressing demographic, socioeconomic, and lifestyle factors in combating childhood and adolescent obesity through targeted interventions.

The Prevalence of Video Game Addiction and Its Relation to Anxiety, Depression, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children and Adolescents in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and objective Video games have become a popular source of entertainment among children and adolescents, not only targeting the young generation but also increasingly popular among older demographics as well. This study aimed to assess the association between video game addiction and depression, anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactivitydisorder (ADHD) among children and adolescents in Saudi Arabia. Materials and methods This was a cross-sectional studyinvolving Saudi adolescents aged 12-16 years. A self-administered online survey was distributed on social media (Twitter, WhatsApp, and Snapchat). The surveyaddressed sociodemographic characteristics (i.e., age, gender, area of residence city, etc.). Arabic versions of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (PHQ-GAD7), the ADHD Rating Scale-IV (ADHD-RS), and the seven-item GameAddiction Scale(GAS-7) questionnaires were distributed as well, including Arabic terms for depression, anxiety, and ADHD. Results A total of 393 surveys were completed (males: 58.3% vs. females: 41.7%). Of note, 63.1% of the respondents reported playing video games every day with an average of more than five hours of gaming time per day (25.2%). The prevalence of video game addiction was 62.1%. Independent risk factors of video game addiction included being young in age, playing video games every day, playing more than three hours per day, and playing multiplayer games. Furthermore, our findings suggestthat a higher video game addiction score is correlated with higher scores in inattention, anxiety, and depression. Conclusion This study found a high prevalence of video game addiction amongSaudi children and adolescents. Excessivevideo game playing negatively influences mental health and leads to issues including anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Also, younger males with an increased rate of regular playtime were more likely to exhibit video game addiction in comparison to the rest of the population. Further research is required to more comprehensively assess the prevalence rate of video game addiction and its effect on the mental health of the younger generation within the region.

Lifestyle habits and obesity indices among male adolescents in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Obesity among adolescents is a global health apprehension which requires early prevention. The aim of this study was to determine the association between lifestyle habits including physical activity, sedentary behaviors and eating habits with obesity indices of body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) among male adolescents in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. We randomly selected 471 secondary school male adolescents aged 14–18 years. A pre-validated self-reported questionnaire was used to record the data on physical activity level, sedentary behaviors, sleep duration and eating habits. The International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) cutoff values for adolescents under 18 years of age were used to define overweight and obesity. Total energy expenditure was calculated using metabolic equivalent-minutes per week. Anthropometry including weight, height, BMI, waist circumference, waist/height ratio (WHtR), were assessed. 53.7% and 48.4% of the adolescents were overweight/obese and had abdominal obesity; respectively. Those with overweight and obesity or above 50% of WHtR were much less active in terms of METs-min/week from vigorous-intensity sports, sum of all METs-min/week from all vigorous-intensity physical activity, total METs-min/week from all physical activity compared with non-obese adolescents and below 50% of WHtR. The present study identified the lifestyle habits that were associated with obesity and may represent valid targets for the prevention and management of obesity among Saudi adolescents. Knowledge of the factors that contribute to obesity could be used in preventive programs for the control of obesity among adolescents.

The effect of screen use on sleep quality among adolescents in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Insufficient sleep associated with daytime sleepiness is predominant among the pediatric population and upsurges during adolescence. Prolonged screen use is theorized to harmfully disturb sleep through numerous pathways. Though, the connotation between media device use and poor sleep has been inadequately assessed due to the rapid development of these devices which has outdone research abilities. This study aims to assess the effect of screen use on sleep quality among adolescents in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out using a self-administered online questionnaire targeting all accessible Saudi adolescents in Riyadh. The final questionnaire was uploaded online using social media platforms by distributing at high schools and primary health care centers. The study questionnaire covered adolescent's personal data, medical history, screen use including the type of used devices, duration of use per day and at bedtime, effect of using devices, and family and friends' influence on using devices. Sleep quality was assessed using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. A total of 324 adolescents fulfilling the inclusion criteria completed the study questionnaire. Adolescents' ages ranged from 16 to 19 years with a mean age of 17.5 ± 1.1 years old. Exact of 113 (34.9%), the study adolescents used screens for 6-8 hours on a daily basis, 111 (34.3%) use screens for more than 8 hours daily. A total of 154 (47.5%) of the study adolescents were good sleepers while 170 (52.5%) were poor sleepers. In conclusion, the study revealed that adolescents in Riyadh had a high frequency rate and duration of screen use which may exceed 6 hours daily with nearly half of them with poor sleep quality, feeling fatigue, daytime sleepiness, and lack of concentration.

Higher Sedentary Behaviors and Lower Levels of Specific Knowledge Are Risk Factors for Physical Activity-Related Injuries in Saudi Adolescents.

Encouraging physical activity (PA) for adolescents is necessary to achieve and maintain optimal health, but it may increase the risk of PA-related injuries. This study sought to assess the frequency, location, type, and severity of PA-related injuries in Saudi students aged 13 to 18 years and to identify associated risk factors. A total of 402 students, including 206 boys aged 15.87 ± 1.69 years and 196 girls aged 15.83 ± 1.70 years, were randomly assigned to participate in this study. For each participant, height, weight, body mass index, and fat percentage were measured. Responses to a specially designed four-part self-administered questionnaire were also collected. Results revealed that better specific knowledge was associated with a lower likelihood of sustaining injuries (β = -0.136; p = 0.001) but increased sedentary behaviors were associated with a greater likelihood of sustaining a PA-related injury (β = 0.358; p = 0.023). Gender, knowledge, and sedentary behaviors were the factors overall associated with a greater likelihood of suffering 1, 2, and 3 or more PA-related injuries. However, gender, fat-free mass, knowledge, and sedentary behaviors were associated overall with a greater likelihood of bruises, strains, fractures, sprains, concussions, and at least two types of PA-related injuries. Collectively, we should pay attention to the PA-related injury problem among middle and high school students, particularly when promoting a physically active lifestyle.

Disordered Eating Behaviors and Insulin Restriction in Saudi Adolescents and Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes

Background and Objectives: The prevalence of disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) in type 1 diabetes (T1D) has been studied globally; however, data from Saudi Arabia and Arab-speaking countries are scarce. This study aimed to measure the prevalence of DEBs and associated clinical characteristics in adolescents and young adults with T1D, and the impact of DEBs on glycemic parameters. Materials and Methods: A total of 265 adolescents and young adults with T1D (aged 12-25 years) were recruited randomly from the registry at the Jazan Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, Saudi Arabia. Participants completed the Diabetes Eating Problem Survey-Revised (DEPS-R) questionnaire. Other measures included hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in addition to sociodemographic, anthropometric, and clinical data. Results: The prevalence of DEBs among T1D was 27.2%. Females (32.5%) had a higher proportion of DEBs than males (18.6%) (p = 0.01). About 27% of the participants reported insulin restriction. A history of hospital admission in the previous 6 months due to DKA and frequent hypoglycemia was more frequently reported in T1D participants with DEBs compared to those without (p = 0.03). Participants with DEBs had higher HbA1c and higher BMI compared to those without DEBs. Conclusions: Adolescents and young adults with T1D with disordered eating and insulin restriction have higher glycated hemoglobin, and are at higher risk of DKA. Routine screening for DEBs should be an essential element in diabetes care, especially among highly vulnerable groups.

Effects of a Smartphone App on Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Among Saudi Adolescents: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Dietary patterns and nutritional status during adolescence have a direct effect on future health outcomes. This study aimed to promote fruit and vegetable intake among adolescents using a smartphone app called MyPlate. This randomized intervention study was conducted in an urban area of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. We included 104 adolescents aged 13 to 18 years, who were randomized into intervention (n=55) or control (n=49) arms. We examined the effects of MyPlate on fruit and vegetable intake over 6 weeks in the intervention group. Pre- and postintervention questionnaires were used in the intervention and control groups. The control group showed a significant increase in fruit consumption scores between baseline (1.15, SD 0.68) and postintervention (1.64, SD 0.98; P=.01), but no significant difference in vegetable consumption scores was observed before (1.44, SD 0.97) and after intervention (1.55, SD 0.90; P=.54). However, there was no significant difference between scores at baseline and after 6 weeks of using the smartphone app for fruit (1.48, SD 0.99 and 1.70, SD 1.11, respectively; P=.31) or vegetables (1.50, SD 0.97 and 1.43, SD 1.03, respectively; P=.30) in the intervention group. Our findings showed no significant impact of using a smartphone app on fruit and vegetable consumption. These findings suggest that a smartphone app did not significantly improve fruit and vegetable intake among adolescents. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05692765; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05692765.

Validation of the Arabic Version of Diabetes Eating Problem Survey-Revised (DEPS-R) among Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes.

Disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) in type 1 diabetes (T1D) have been studied globally in different age groups. However, there is no validated diabetes-specific questionnaire in the Arabic language for the screening of DEBs. This study aimed to translate the Diabetes Eating Problem Survey-Revised scale (DEPS-R) into the Arabic language and study its psychometric properties in adolescents with T1D. We adopted the forward-backward procedure to translate the DEPS-R questionnaire into Arabic. The validation study enrolled 258 Saudi adolescents with T1D aged 12-18 years who completed the Arabic DEPS-R questionnaire and the EAT-26. The Arabic DEPS-R showed good construct validity and reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.86). The factor analysis revealed a three-factor structure of DEPS-R which explains 54.4 % of the variance. In total, 30.6% of the participants are at high risk for DEBs (DEPS-R score ≥ 20). The psychometric properties of the Arabic DEPS-R are satisfactory, consistent with the original scale and translations in other languages. These results support the validity of the Arabic DEPS-R for assessment of DEBs in the T1D Arabic population.

Sex-Specific Cut-Offs of Single Point Insulin Sensitivity Estimator (SPISE) in Predicting Metabolic Syndrome in the Arab Adolescents.

The Single Point Insulin Sensitivity Estimator (SPISE) is a novel surrogate marker for insulin sensitivity and was found comparable to the gold standard clamp test as well as for predicting the Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) in several populations. The present study aimed to assess for the first time, the validity of SPISE in predicting MetS among Arab adolescents. In this cross-sectional study, 951 Saudi adolescents aged 10−17 years were randomly recruited from different schools across Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Anthropometrics were measured and fasting blood samples were collected for the assessment of glucose, lipid profile, adipokines, C-reactive protein and 25 hydroxyvitamin (OH) D. MetS was defined using the National Cholesterol Education Program’s (NCEP) criteria with age-specific thresholds for adolescents. The SPISE as well as insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) indices were calculated. The over-all prevalence of MetS was 8.6% (82 out of 951). SPISE index was significantly lower in MetS than non-MetS participants in both sexes (5.5 ± 2.5 vs. 9.4 ± 3.2, p < 0.001 in boys and 4.4 ± 1.4 vs. 8.6 ± 3.2, p < 0.001 in girls). The SPISE index showed a significant inverse correlation with resistin, leptin, and C-reactive protein, and a significant positive correlation with adiponectin and 25(OH) D. Areas under the curve (AUC) revealed fair and good accuracy for predicting MetS 84.1% and 90.3% in boys and girls, respectively. The sex-specific cut-off proposed was SPISE index ≤6.1 (sensitivity 72.2% and specificity 83.9%) for boys and ≤6.46 (sensitivity 96.3% and specificity 73.4%), for girls. This study suggests that the SPISE index is a simple and promising diagnostic marker of insulin sensitivity and MetS in Arab adolescents.