Saudi Female Population Research Articles

A Cross-Sectional Evaluation of Knowledge About Breast Cancer and Perceived Barriers to the Uptake of Mammogram Screening Among Northern Saudi Women: A Population-Based Study.

Mammogram screening (MS) is the gold-standard method for early detection of breast cancer (BC), and its use has been proven to minimize BC-related deaths and reduce treatment costs. However, recent epidemiological surveys have reported that rates of mammogram uptake by the Saudi female population are low. Here, we assessed the knowledge of BC and perceived barriers to MS uptake among pre-eligible northern Saudi women. We administered a standard and validated Arabic questionnaire to 400 women aged 40-69 years. SPSS version 21.0 (IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, USA) was used for data analysis. We applied logistic regression analysis to find the factors associated with participants' knowledge of BC and MS. Spearman correlation test was applied to find the correlation between knowledge and barrier scores. The study participants reported that smoking habits (61.3%) and unhealthy food habits (57.8%) were the most common risk factors for BC. Of the studied participants, 56.3% had low or medium degrees of knowledge about BC risk factors and MS. The degree of knowledge was significantly associated with education level (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.35; 95% confidence interval [CI]. = 1.61-3.13; P = 0.008) and a family history of BC (aOR, 3.66; 95% CI, 1.94-5.49; P < 0.001). Fear of a BC diagnosis (50.8%) and concerns regarding test procedures were the most common barriers to MS uptake. We also found a negative correlation between participants' knowledge and perceived barriers to MS (rho = -0.389, P < 0.001). We recommend that concerned authorities offer women multiple health education sessions covering BC risk factors and the necessity for pre-eligible women to undergo MS spaced at regular intervals at different facilities. Furthermore, a multicentric mixed-methods survey is warranted to find the qualitative aspects of barriers to MS.

Prevalence of anemia and its association with random blood glucose levels and anthropometric indices in the Saudi female population

Prevalence of anemia and its association with random blood glucose levels and anthropometric indices in the Saudi female population

Breast Cancer Incidence Patterns in the Saudi Female Population: A 17-Year Retrospective Analysis.

Background and Objectives: Breast cancer is considered the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer among women globally and in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to assess breast cancer incidence patterns and trends among the Saudi female population. Materials and Methods: Breast cancer incidence parameters were obtained from the Saudi Cancer Registry (SCR). The data were retrospectively analyzed for the period from 2001 to 2017 to investigate changes in incidence rates. Temporal trends were also analyzed through joinpoint regression analysis and were dissected by age groups and administrative regions. Results: During the specified period, breast cancer jumped by 55% to constitute 30.9% of all cancer cases among Saudi females. The median age at diagnosis increased to reach 51 years at the end of that period, with an overall increase of 6.3%. The overall Age-Standardized Incidence Rate (ASR) escalated by 151.7% from 11.8/100,000 to 29.7/100,000 population for that period. The Eastern region noticeably had the highest ASR and peaked at 52.2/100,000 population. The joinpoint analysis of the ASR showed increased trends, with an annual percent change (APC) of 5.13% (p &lt; 0.05, [95% CI 4-6.3]). An age-specific analysis was also performed and showed that the age group 70-74 years had the highest trend (APC 10.2%, [95% CI 7.2-13.4], p &lt; 0.05). Region-specific analysis revealed that the Jouf region had the highest trend among the regions (APC 8.8%, [95% CI 3.7-14.2], p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: Our analysis indicates increased breast cancer incidence in Saudi Arabia with an alarming pace. With the existing trend, it is expected that Saudi Arabia will continue to display an increase in breast cancer incidence. Long-term preventive measures and more effective screening strategies are warranted to alleviate the burden of the disease.

Identification of skin microbiota in Saudi female community and their effects on keratinocytes viability (in vitro)

Objectives: This study aims to identify the skin microbiota of a Saudi female population and investigate topically applying a specific bacterial strain isolated from the skin to understand its effects on skin cells’ basic functions, including cell viability, using a primary human keratinocyte cell culture system. Methods: Microbiota samples were collected from four body parts of 200 females from AL-Madinah, Saudi Arabia, who were clinically screened for the absence of any disease. The four skin samples were collected by swabbing from the forehead, forearms, underarms, and behind both ears with no prior preparation or clearing of the skin surface. Samples were analyzed with the VITEK®2 Compact system after preparations according to the manufacturer's instructions. Staphylococcus aureus and commensal Staphylococcus epidermidis were isolated from the study participants and grown to investigate their effects on normal human epidermal keratinocyte (NHEK) basic functions, including cell viability in vitro. Results: Three bacterial phyla (Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Proteobacteria) were most abundant in Saudi female populations, while Bacteroidetes was not observed in these individuals. The most abundant phylum in the underarm area was Firmicutes (91.01%), whereas Proteobacteria was abundant in the forearm area (76.92%), and Actinobacteria showed up in the behind-ear area (24.28%). Staphylococcus (S. aureus and S. epidermidis) was the most abundant genus, on average making up >80% of the microbial community within every sample. The effect of S. aureus and S. epidermidis on NHEK viability was investigated. Results indicated that S. aureus reduced the viability of NHEKs, while S. epidermidis strains did not. Next, the effects of co-incubating NHEKs with S. epidermidis and S. aureus on NHEK viability were investigated to determine if S. epidermidis could inhibit the effect of S. aureus. Monolayers incubated with S. aureus and S. epidermidis had higher percentage viability than monolayers incubated with S. aureus alone (p = 0.04, n = 3). NHEK monolayers treated with S. epidermidis two hours before adding S. aureus had higher percentage viability than monolayers exposed to S. aureus alone (p = 0.03, n = 3). Conclusions: These data demonstrate that the most abundant bacterial phyla in a Saudi female population are Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Proteobacteria, and the most abundant genus is Staphylococcus (S. aureus and S. epidermidis). The data also reveal that S. epidermidis can protect human keratinocytes from the effects of the skin pathogen S. aureus in vitro. Further analysis of the mechanisms behind this is necessary.

Pre-menstrual syndrome among the general female population of Saudi Arabia: Are there any Opportunities for Pharmacist’s involvement in patients education?

Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) affects up to 20% of reproductive-aged women and contribute to marked impairment of interpersonal or workplace performance in about 3-8%. Thus, a study was conducted to find out the frequency of PMS in Saudi female population using modified Moos menstrual distress questionnaire (MDQ) and assess the severity of emotional, physical, and behavioural symptoms. Method: The pharmacists-led cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted from January to April 2020 among the female population in Asir region, Saudi Arabia. The study questionnaire was first distributed to university students and was requested to pass it on to their family members and others. Results: There was a total of 383 public responded to our study, whereas 60 responses were excluded due to incomplete data. Among the respondents, majority were between the age group of 21¬ to 25 years (n=167; 51.7%), students (n=209; 64.7%), single (n=224; 69.3%). Most of the respondents in all age groups experienced any one of these PMS ranging from moderate to severe intensity. Under every domain of the PMS, most reported severe mood swing as the negative effects by 121 (37.5%); in cognitive symptoms, mild lack of concentration by 117 (36.2%); in fluid retention, breast pain by 101 (31.3%); in behaviour change, mild lack of performance by 111 (34.4%); in somatic symptoms, severe body aches by 132 (40.9%); and in autonomic reactions, mild sweats by 81 (25.1%), respondents. Among the respondents, negative effects, behaviour change, and somatic symptoms were commonly seen with varying intensity which was ranging from 15.5% to 37.5%, 9.9% to 34.4%, and 14.2% to 40.9%, respectively. Conclusion: A considerable high prevalence of PMS was found among the study population. Healthcare professionals especially pharmacists involvement is highly required to conduct health education and awareness programs, and counselling services for female population on symptoms of PMS and prevention through lifestyle modification.

Dermatological complications and quality of life: A cross-sectional study in Saudi female population

Dermatological complications and quality of life: A cross-sectional study in Saudi female population

Body measurements with 3D body scanner: the case of female population in Saudi Arabia

Purpose The purpose of this paper was to develop the first standard apparel sizing system for Saudi adult female population originating from anthropometric study using three-dimensional (3D) body scanner. Design/methodology/approach An anthropometric survey was conducted in four regions of the country where 1,074 participants between the ages of 18 and 63 were scanned using white light 3D body scanner. K-means cluster analysis using stature and hip girth as control variables produced the proposed sizing system, whereas regression equations were used to determine the parameters between measurements of different sizes. Findings Three sizing groups with 12 size designations in each totalling 36 size designations were identified. The sizing charts developed in this study show that key girth measurement ranges of chest, waist and hips are comparable to that of ISO standard and (ASTM D5585-11), while the Saudi female population falls into shorter height brackets than ISO and ASTM standards. Originality/value In this study, the first anthropometric database for Saudi female population was established using 3D body scanning technology, and a sizing system for this target population was developed.

Heavy menstrual bleeding awareness among Saudi female population and clinical implications.

BackgroundHeavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is a common clinical problem. However, seeking medical advice might be delayed until patients develop several clinical consequences.AimTo assess the prevalence and awareness of HMB among the Saudi female population and measures that are commonly used to control the bleeding.MethodThis is a cross‐sectional study where a trained study team member carried out a survey. The survey includes patient demographics and medications history, comorbidities, blood transfusion, and patient perception about her period. HMB was defined as bleeding lasting >7 days, flooding or changing protection more than every 2 hours, and passing clots >1 in. in diameter.ResultsFour hundred and thirty‐one women were evaluated for HMB with a median age of 27.72 ± 7.75. Out of the total number, 281 (65.2%) females were identified to have HMB. Among these 281 females, only 35.6% were aware of having HMB, whereas 64.4% either unaware or unsure about having it. For those who were aware of having HMB, only 32% seek medical advice, particularly gynecology clinic though 46.6% were not satisfied with offered management. On the other hand, 28% and 3.9% of those unaware of having HMB did required iron supplementation and blood transfusion, respectively.ConclusionHMB is a major clinical problem though awareness about having HMB lacks regardless of the age and education level. Raising awareness and a multidisciplinary approach may result in early diagnosis, early intervention, and reduction of clinical consequences.

Awareness About Venous Thromboembolism Among Saudi Female Who Use Oral Contraceptive Pills: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) are a widely used method of contraception, and use of OCPs is a well-known risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE). This study aimed to assess the level of awareness of the association between OCP use and the risk of VTE and the level of knowledge of symptoms and signs of VTE among Saudi females who are users of OCPs. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among the Saudi female population between October and November 2020. Knowledge about VTE risk with the use of OCPs and awareness of VTE symptoms and signs among Saudi females were assessed using a structured online questionnaire distributed through social media platforms. Results: Of 1173 participants, 726 used or had been using OCPs. Only 329 (45%) and 303 (41%) were aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), respectively, as a medical condition, while 312 (43%) were aware of the association of OCPs use with DVT risk. Leg swelling was the most commonly identified symptom of DVT in 297 patients (40%), while shortness of breath was the most common symptom of PE in 331 patients (46%). Conclusion: This study showed that the Saudi female population had a low level of knowledge and awareness of DVT and PE in OCP users. Efforts are needed to increase awareness of these preventable diseases in the Saudi female population.

Anthropometric Breast Measurement: Analysis of the Average Breast in Young Nulliparous Saudi Female Population

Background:Anthropometric measurements and proportions of the female body play a significant role in plastic and reconstructive surgery. This study is aimed to identify the descriptive measurements of the breast in a sample population of young nulliparous Saudi women.Methods:Fifty-four nulliparous Saudi women of 20–25 years old, with no physical or developmental deformity, and body mass index (BMI) of 20–25 kg/m2 were recruited. The following parameters were measured: body weight, height, BMI, sternal notch-nipple length for each breast (SN), internipple distance (IND), distance from nipple to inframammary fold (IMF), distance from edge of areola to the IMF, and areolar diameter (AD).Results:The mean values of age, BMI, height, and weight of the participants were 22.1 ± 1.2 years, 21.8 ± 3.1 kg/m2, 162.1 ± 5 cm, and 57.4 ± 8.6 kg, respectively. The mean values of the breast parameters were 19.8, 20.3, 7.7, 5.4, and 4.5 cm for SN, IND, distance from nipple to IMF, distance from lower end of the areola to IMF, and AD, respectively. Statistically significant difference was found only in the distance from edge of areola to IMF between the right and left breasts, with the parameter significantly higher in the left breast (P < 0.05, n = 54). A positive correlation between weight and BMI was found in SN, IND, distance from nipple to IMF, and AD.Conclusion:These study results will be useful for the comparison of anthropometric breast values of young Saudi women with those of women from other nationalities.

Impact of Tooth Loss and Other Risk Factors on Cognitive Impairment in Saudi Female Population.

Introduction It is known that cognitive impairment is linked to aging and neurobiological, psychological, and social factors. Recently, however, mastication and the number of teeth has also attracted attention, with a previous case control study reporting a correlation between the loss of teeth and Alzheimer's disease. Objective To investigate possible relationships between cognitive function and various demographic variables, stress, medical history, and number of natural teeth in a specified female population. Materials & Methods A sample of the Saudi female population, 40–65 years of age, who visited the King Khalid University College of Dentistry (Abha, Saudi Arabia), was studied. Education, occupation, perceived stress, and medical history, along with the number of remaining teeth, were assessed. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was used to assess cognitive performance and the results were statistically analyzed. Results Subjects were divided into those with mild, moderate, and severe impairment based on MMSE score; the association between age, education, occupation, medical history, and cognitive function demonstrated statistically significant results. Fifty percent of subjects with 0–16 teeth exhibited severe cognitive impairment. Of the cognitive abilities, attention, recall, and language skills were linked to the number of remaining teeth. When subjects were categorized into only high and low cognitive impairment based on MMSE score, regression analysis did not reveal a significant correlation between any of the studied variables and cognitive impairment. Conclusion Results of the present study add to the recent data and head towards the theory of likely connection between the number of teeth and hippocampus-dependent cognitive functioning. Results of regression analysis revealed an absence of conclusive relation in the latter part of study. Longitudinal analyses including comprehensive clinical dental data with brain-imaging will shed further light on probable causal relationship(s).

Association of Vitamin D Gene Polymorphisms and Bone Mineral Density in Healthy young Saudi Females.

Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease characterized by low bone mineral density. Vitamin D metabolism may play a pivotal role in its pathophysiology. To determine the association between Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms and bone density, as well as its relation to biochemical markers of bone turnover, in a healthy Saudi female population. A cross-sectional study was carried out at Taibah University, Madinah Region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. After receiving informed consent, blood samples from 300 subjects were collected to measure calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone osteocalcin, and 1,25-OHD and perform genetic analysis of SNPs in vitamin D receptors (VDR) rs2228570, rs731236, and rs11568820. There were significant differences between the CC, CT, and TT alleles of VDR rs2228570. Carrying the TT allele was associated with increased risks of decreased bone density and the presence of osteopenia with lower vitamin D3 levels (p≤0.001). The VDR rs731236 gene showed that CC allele carriers had significant risk of osteopenia. The AA genotype of rs11568820 showed lower levels of physical activity, bone mineral density, Z scores, serum osteocalcin, phosphorus, and parathyroid hormones. The presence of the TT allele of the SNP rs2228570 of the VDR gene and the SNP rs731236 of the CC genotype was associated with the presence of osteopenia and decreased bone mineral density alongside malfunctions of vitamin D.

Prevalence and risk factors of iron-deficiency anemia in Saudi female medical students

Introduction: Iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) is quite common in female adolescents and adults worldwide. Despite the higher prevalence of IDA, there is a paucity of research in finding its prevalence and potential causes in young Saudi female population. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and possible causes of IDA in young female medical students and search for risk factors in the studied group. Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty female students from Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University were selected by randomized sampling whose blood samples were taken to measure their hemoglobin (Hb) and serum ferritin levels. According to the World Health Organization criteria, individuals with Hb 0.05) was found between IDA and the background, gynecological history, and dietary habits of the anemic participants. Conclusions: The higher prevalence rate of anemia among Saudi female medical students (38.3%) was similar to the earlier reports of the Gulf region. Considering the higher ratio of anemic students, iron supplements should be prescribed to the affected youngsters to improve their Hb level.

Descriptive Epidemiological Analysis of Thyroid Cancer in the Saudi Population (2001-2013)

Objective:Thyroid cancer has one of the highest frequency rates among thyroid diseases, and ranks second for neoplasia in the Saudi female population. This paper concerns a comprehensive evaluation of increasing incidence trends and geographical distribution of different patterns of thyroid cancer among the Saudi Arabian population using the latest Saudi Cancer Registry (SCR) reports.Methods:The analysis included a total of 7,670 thyroid cancer cases (1604 male and 6066 female) which were recorded in the SCR files for the period between January 2001 and December 2013.Results:The overall incidence of thyroid cancer increased during the period from 2001 to 2013. The most common age group affected was 35–39 years in both sexes. Najran recorded the highest differences in thyroid cancer rates with increase between 2001 and 2013. Controversially, other regions like Tabuk and the Northern provinces recorded obvious decreases in rates of thyroid cancer among females.Conclusion:Thyroid cancer is the second most common cancer among females in Saudi Arabia with incidence peaks in both genders aged 35–39 years and increase overtall in the country from 2001 to 2013. The specific causes of this upward trend are unknown. Further clinical and epidemiological research must be conducted for clarification, with an emphasis of causes of the variation in thyroid cancer prevalence between regions in Saudi Arabia.

Prevalence of apical periodontitis in root canal-treated teeth from an urban Saudi female population: Influence of root canal fillings and coronal restorations

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of apical periodontitis (AP) in root canal-treated teeth in females in Qassim region, Saudi Arabia and to evaluate the correlation of quality of the root canal fillings, coronal restorations (CRs), and cast restorations with the AP. Study Design: Cross-sectional retrospective study. Place and Duration: Female Dental Clinics at College of Dentistry at Qassim University, Saudi Arabia from January 2014 to February 2017. Materials and Methods: A total of 400 orthopantomograms were evaluated out of which root canal treatment (RCT) had been performed in 1108 teeth. Frequencies and percentages of quality of RCT, CR, and periapical status were recorded. Their association was recorded by Chi-square test and Pearson correlation was computed at significance level of 5%. Results: A total of 813 (73.4%) endodontically treated teeth presented with AP radiographically. The percentages of teeth which fulfilled the criteria of an acceptable RCT, CR, and cast restoration radiographically were 8.8%, 64%, and 93.6%, respectively. The incidence of AP among teeth with acceptable RCT (35.1%) was significantly lower than those with unacceptable RCT (77.1%) (P Conclusion: The prevalence of AP has been found 73.4% in root treated teeth. Quality of RCT, CR, and of cast restoration is significantly associated with periapical status in root-filled teeth.

Assessment of plasma level of 25(OH)D and its correlation with cardiorespiratory fitness in young females of Dammam City, KSA

Abstract Objectives Vitamin D deficiency is a growing health problem worldwide. This vitamin is considered a risk factor for metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and diabetes. The current study aimed to estimate vitamin D deficiency incidence in young Saudi females in Dammam City and to examine the possible correlation between vitamin D level and cardiorespiratory fitness. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 87 young Saudi females were recruited with mean age = 20.78 ± 2.37 years. Each participant signed a written informed consent and performed a treadmill exercise stress test. Blood analysis for 25(OH)D was performed on all participants. None of the participants was taking a vitamin D supplement, and they were not suffering from endocrine diseases, diabetes or any contraindications for the exercise stress test. Results As much as 92% of the recruited sample demonstrated vitamin D deficiency with mean value = 15.19 ± 7.19 ng/ml. Cardiorespiratory fitness was represented by VO 2 peak with a mean value of 30.67 ± 8.72 ml/kg/min. A positive significant correlation was demonstrated between 25(OH)D/body weight and VO 2 peak. Conclusions The current study showed a magnificent and persistent health threat to the young Saudi female population of Dammam, as demonstrated by the high incidence of vitamin D deficiency. This study also demonstrated a positive correlation between vitamin D/body weight with cardiorespiratory fitness (VO 2 peak) in the studied group. This crucial finding could be used in designing an optimal national strategic plan focusing on the female population.

Low expression of leptin and its association with breast cancer: A transcriptomic study.

The incidence of breast cancer is alarmingly increasing worldwide and also among Saudi women. Obesity is linked with an increased cancer risk and studies have also revealed that leptin may be involved in breast tumorigenesis particularly among obese women. Numerous transcriptomic studies have been carried out worldwide; however, molecular studies among breast cancer patients of diverse ethnic groups from the Arabian Peninsula are scarce. In the present study, whole transcriptome analysis of 45 surgically resected breast tumors from Saudi Arabian female patients was carried out. Expression data were analyzed, and molecular networks and canonical pathways were identified. We identified 1,159 differentially expressed genes using p-value with a false discovery rate <0.05 and a fold-change >2 as a cut-off. Using ingenuity pathway analysis tool, we identified many canonical pathways that were implicated in breast cancer for the first time. Notably, along with other lipid metabolism molecules, leptin (LEP) was one of the most downregulated genes (fold cut-off, −7.03) with significant differences between the breast cancer and the control groups (p<0.0001) and was further confirmed in all the samples using qPCR. Transcriptomic profiling of breast cancer from a Saudi female population revealed downregulation of LEP. Molecular pathway analysis demonstrated the role of LEP and other associated molecules of the lipid metabolism pathway. Involvement of leptin and lipid metabolism in breast cancer was highlighted. The majority of cases presented were of late stage, stressing the need to educate individuals concerning early diagnostic testing and the life-style risk factors for breast cancer such as unhealthy diet and obesity.

Serum amyloid a gene polymorphism and its association with lipid profile in Saudi females with osteoporosis.

Background and Objective:Osteoporosis can be defined as a systemic skeletal disease characterized by low bone mass and micro architectural decline of bone tissue. Serum amyloid A (SAA) is a family of protein that increases up to 1,000-fold in blood during inflammation. In this study, we aimed to study the relationship between SAA1 gene polymorphism (rs12218) and lipid profile and osteoporosis.Methods:The study was performed on the female students of Taibah University in Al Medina, KSA during June 2014 to April 2015. According to BMD; osteoporosis group (138 students) and control group (128 students). All groups were subjected to; BMI, BMD, calcium, phosphorus, creatinine, lipid profile and SAA. Polymerase chain reaction and Real Time were done to determine the distribution of allele and genotype frequency of SAA (rs12218) C/T polymorphism.Results:This study shows that the TT genotype of rs12218 was more frequent in osteoporosis group than control group (P<0.001). Also, TT genotype and T allel was found to be associated with plasma total cholesterol, TG, LDLc, HDLc, Tscore, Zscore and SAA1 level in osteoporosis group (P=0.000, P=0.05, and P=0.000, P=0.000, P=0.01, P=0.02, P=0.000 respectively). The logistic regression analysis with and without lipid disorders in the osteoporosis group also show that the TT genotype of rs12218 still differed significantly between these two groups (P=0.001, OR=1.814, 95% CI: 0.719-4.577).Conclusion:The results of this study shows a significant association between TT genotype of rs12218 and both lipid level and osteoporosis in Saudi female population.

Insulin Receptor Substrate-1 (IRS-1) Gly927Arg: Correlation with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Saudi Women

Pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) share a common pathophysiology associated with similar risk factors. Genetic variants used to determine the risk of developing T2DM might also be associated with the prevalence of GDM. The aim of the present study was to scrutinize the relationship between the G972R polymorphism of the insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) gene with GDM in the Saudi female population. This is a case-control study that monitored 500 Saudi women. Subjects with GDM (n = 200) were compared with non-GDM (n = 300) controls. We opted to evaluate rs1801278 polymorphism in the IRS1 gene, which plays a critical role in the insulin-signaling pathway. Genotyping was performed with the Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. The frequency of the rs1801278 polymorphism was significantly higher in women with GDM than in women with non-GDM (for TT + CT versus CC: P = 0.02). Additionally, there was a significant increase in the frequency of the Arg-encoding mutant allele from GDM to non-GDM (for T versus C: P = 0.01). Our results suggest that the rs1801278 polymorphism in the IRS-1 gene is involved in the occurrence of GDM in the Saudi population.

On line and under veil: Technology-facilitated communication and Saudi female experience within academia

The Saudi female population, which is characterised as sheltered, hard-to-reach and conservative, is arousing good interest globally (and nationally). Therefore, a review of literature on emerging issues surrounding Saudi female experience is timely. This article, in the form of a literature review, provides a background to and justification for a forthcoming study, which will examine how technology-facilitated communication has shaped the social–cultural pattern of Saudi female experience within academia.