Southern Saudi Arabia Research Articles

Impact of high-order repeat cesarean deliveries on early maternal complications among major placenta previa patients in Southern Saudi Arabia.

To investigate the rates and odds ratios (ORs) of early maternal complications among patients with major placenta previa (PP) who have undergone high-order repeat cesarean deliveries (HOR-CDs) in comparison to those with low-order repeat cesarean deliveries (LOR-CDs). We carried out a retrospective review of all major PP patients (n=184) who delivered through second or subsequent repeat CDs, from January 2012 to December 2021 (Abha Maternity and Children's Hospital, Abha, Saudi Arabia). The patients were categorized into 2 groups: the LOR-CDs group (n=100), comprising individuals with their second and third CDs (CD2-CD3) and the HOR-CDs group (n=84), consisting of those undergoing their fourth to seventh CDs (CD4-CD7). In comparison to the LOR-CDs, the HOR-CDs group with major PP exhibited significantly higher rates and ORs of early maternal complications, including MRI-diagnosed placenta accreta spectrum (PAS, OR=2.67), transfusions of packed red blood cells (OR=2.71), moderate to severe intra-operative bleeding (OR=1.80), emergency hysterectomy (OR=2.96), urological injuries (OR=3.17), and length of post-operative hospital stay (OR=3.91). The major PP subgroup undergoing CD6-CD7 showed the highest rates and ORs for PAS diagnosis at 84.6% (OR=3.98) and emergency hysterectomy at 28.6% (OR=4.04). Among patients with major PP, undergoing more than 3 CDs is associated with a notable increase in both the rates and ORs of various early maternal complications. This trend of increasing many complications correlates directly with an ascending number of CDs.

From classroom to operating room: What attracts medical students to neurosurgery

BackgroundThe specialties chosen by medical students after graduation are critical to their professional trajectories. This study investigates the perceptions of medical students at Jazan University in southwestern Saudi Arabia toward neurosurgery, focusing on the factors that influence their inclination to pursue this specialty. MethodsAn observational cross-sectional study was conducted among 342 medical students from the Faculty of Medicine at Jazan University during the 2022–2023 academic year. The participants included students ranging from second- to sixth-year levels. ResultsAmong the 342 students, 207 (60.5 %) were males, and 135 (39.5 %) were females, with 169 (49.4 %) expressing interest in neurosurgery. Over time, there was a trend of decreasing interest in neurosurgery. The primary reasons for choosing this specialty were market demand for neurosurgeons and potential for substantial income, while stress was the main deterrent. Multivariate analysis revealed that third-, fourth-, and fifth-year students were significantly less likely to pursue neurosurgery, with reductions of 89 % [OR=0.11, 95 % CI: (0.04–0.29), p < 0.001], 83 % [OR=0.17, 95 % CI: (0.07–0.43), p < 0.001], and 74 % [OR=0.26, 95 % CI: (0.11–0.61), p = 0.002], respectively. The strongest motivating factors for choosing neurosurgery were research opportunities [OR=2.37, p < 0.001] and the prestige associated with the specialty [OR=2.35, p < 0.001]. ConclusionsThe study provides valuable insights into medical students’ perceptions and career aspirations related to neurosurgery in southern Saudi Arabia. It highlights key factors such as research opportunities, prestige, and competitiveness that motivate students to consider neurosurgery as a specialty. The study also addresses common misconceptions and stereotypes about neurosurgery, promoting a more accurate understanding of the field among students. These findings have significant implications for medical education, career guidance, and healthcare policy, helping to shape initiatives that enhance patient care and support the development of neurosurgery.

Assessment of Chronotype Distribution Among University Students and Its Association With Lifestyle Characteristics and Academic Performance.

Chronotype is associated with the timing of peak physical and mental performance and activity levels. University students may experience changes in their chronotype, influencing their daytime activity and academic performance. This study aims to assess the distribution of chronotypes among a sample of university students from southern Saudi Arabia, examining its association with demographic, academic, and lifestyle factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted atJazan University, located in the southwestern region of Saudi Arabia, between FebruaryandMarch 2023. Data collection was carried out using a structured questionnaire comprising three main components: demographic and academic data of participants, lifestyle characteristics, and an assessment of chronotype using the reduced version of the Horne andÖstbergmorningness-eveningnessquestionnaire. Associations between chronotype and demographic/lifestyle characteristics were analyzed using Pearson'schi-squared test or Fisher'sexact test. The study included 507 students. The mean age of theparticipants was 22 years (standard deviation: 2.07), with over half being male 277 (54.6%). The chronotype assessment indicated that 139 (27.4%) of students were morning types, 112 (22.1%) evening types, and 256 (50.5%) were neither type. Statistically significant variations in chronotypes were found in relation to the year of study, perceived influence of sleep habits on academic performance, meal frequency, consumption of fast food and certain caffeinated beverages, and smoking or Khat chewing habits (P<0.05). The findings suggest that an unhealthy lifestyle and the use of certain stimulants can influence chronotypes. Students with an evening chronotype should be a focus for university health services, allowing early identification and counseling to mitigate the negative impact of a disturbed chronotype on academic performance and reduce the risk of study-related stress.

Two new species and a new record of infaunal crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Pinnotheridae and Varunidae) from Oman and Saudi Arabia

Recent surveys of shallow subtidal soft-bottom habitats of Oman and the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia have uncovered several crabs new to science. Stemming from these efforts, two crab species are herein described as new to science. The first is a new pinnotherid crab, Indopinnixa arabica n. sp., from northern Oman. The other is a new species of varunid crab, Gopkittisak ngankeeae n. sp., from northern, eastern and southern Oman. Additionally, the first known males of another varunid crab, Brankocleistostoma fossulum (Barnard, 1955), are described and illustrated based on material from eastern Oman and southern Saudi Arabia, also representing a new record of the species for the Arabian region.

Potential evidence of the Critically Endangered Arabian leopard in southern Saudi Arabia

Potential evidence of the Critically Endangered Arabian leopard in southern Saudi Arabia

Depositional environments and carbon isotope excursions of the Middle Oxfordian (Transversarium Zone) sediments in the Central Saharan Atlas, Southwestern margin of the Tethys

This study examines the Middle Oxfordian sediments of the Theniet Et-Temar Formation in the Central Saharan Atlas (NW Algeria), which was located in the southwestern part of the Tethys Ocean during the Late Jurassic. Using microfacies analysis and δ13Ccarb isotopes, this research aims to elucidate the sedimentological and isotopic signatures of these sediments.Ten microfacies types were identified and grouped into four facies associations: nearshore (FA1), inner lagoon (FA2), shoal bar (FA3), and outer lagoon (FA4). Sequence stratigraphy, employing the T-R sequence concept, delineates the evolutionary stages of the studied succession into prograding deltaic front facies (LST1), retrogradational open marine facies (TST2), and deltaic plain facies within the highstand systems tract (HST2).Stable carbon isotopes from three sections namely, El Bayadh, Ghassoul, and Sidi Tifour of the Middle Oxfordian (Transversarium Zone) provide insights into carbon cycle perturbations and paleoenvironmental conditions. There are two δ13Ccarb excursions in the studied sections. A major positive excursion in the El Bayadh, Ghassoul and Sidi Tifour sections shows similar records in both southern (Saudi Arabia, Iraq) and northern Tethys regions (France, Poland, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland, and Uzbekistan). The negative δ13Ccarb shifts with values of −2.77‰ at the top of the Ghassoul section and −2.28‰ in the middle member of the Sidi Tifour section are coupled with more negative δ18Ocarb values suggesting alteration of isotopic values due to meteoric diagenesis.The variations in carbon isotopes suggest synchronous changes in the global marine dissolved inorganic carbon pool, potentially influenced by sea level fluctuations, climatic changes, and/or Jurassic dysoxic to anoxic events.

Early Prediction of Breast Cancer by Genetic Screening Profile among Young Females in Najran area (Southern Saudi Arabia) 2022-/2024

Breast cancers constitutes a significant health problem globally, and the pursuit of powerful early detection techniques remains paramount. This study investigates the potential for early prediction of breast cancer among younger females inside the Najran place of Southern Saudi Arabia through the use of genetic screening profiles. The study aims to elucidate genetic markers related to breast cancer susceptibility in this precise demographic, imparting insights into the disorder's early detection and potential preventive measures. A complete literature assessment establishes the modern-day know-how of breast cancer etiology, genetic factors, and screening techniques, highlighting gaps in know-how concerning the genetic profile of young females in Najran. Methodologically, a cohort of younger females will go through genetic screening protocols, coupled with designated clinical checks, enabling the identity and analysis of genetic markers related to breast cancer predisposition. Statistical evaluation may be hired to correlate recognized genetic variants with the threat of growing breast cancer, bearing in mind the construction of predictive fashions. Findings from this research keep massive promise in advancing personalized medicinal drugs and informing focused screening packages, thereby contributing to the early detection and prevention techniques precise to the young girl population within the Najran place of Southern Saudi Arabia.

Impact of Motivation in Promoting Sports Participation among People with Disabilities

Sport plays a vital role in facilitating the integration of people with disabilities into society, with motivation being a crucial factor for their participation. This cross-sectional study aims to determine the motivation behind sports participation among people with disabilities, considering age, gender, disability type, and educational level as potential influencing factors. A sample of 205 people with disabilities, recruited from three sports clubs in southern Saudi Arabia, completed the Motivation Scale for Sports Participation of People with Disabilities. Statistical analyses, including independent and one-way ANOVA, were conducted to explore motivation variations based on demographic characteristics. Results indicated higher levels of internal motivation, followed by external motivation among participants. Notably, people with visual impairments exhibited greater external motivation, while those with physical impairments demonstrated significant internal motivation. Age-related differences were identified, with older people showing lower internal motivation but higher external motivation. Furthermore, significant variations in motivation were observed based on educational level, with people possessing higher academic backgrounds displaying elevated motivation levels. Gender-based differences in motivation were not significant. To enhance the engagement of people with disabilities in sports activities, tailored policies considering age, education, and disability type-specific motivations are recommended, aiming to foster a supportive environment conducive to their athletic pursuits.

The Incidence of Abnormal Preoperative Testing Among Elective Surgery Patients in a Referral Hospital in Southern Saudi Arabia.

Background Preoperative investigations are important to assess the clinical condition of patients who undergo elective surgical procedures. However, there is still debate about the usefulness of performing preoperative investigations. We aimed to determine the prevalence of routine preoperative investigation abnormalities among elective general surgery patients. Methodology This retrospective hospital-record-based study was conducted at the King Abdullah Hospital in Bisha Province, southern Saudi Arabia. General and clinical data of 968 patients who underwent elective surgical interventions from February 2022 to January 2023 were retrieved and analyzed. Result A total of 968 patients (578 females and 390 males) aged between 14 and 80 years were included in the study. Four hundred and eleven (42.5%) patients were in the age groupof 40 years and above. The commonly detected comorbidities among the patients were diabetes (15%), hypertension (12%), respiratory diseases (7.5%), and cardiac diseases (2.5%). Abnormalities related to hemoglobin (31%), total leucocyte count (12.7%), and platelets (8.5%) were found in 968 patients. Around 15% of patients had increased creatinine levels. Hypokalemia was observed in 6.8% of patients. Increased liver enzymes were reported in limited proportions (10% to 14%) of patients. Slightly abnormal radiological findings were reported for chest X-ray (CXR) (2.8%), electrocardiogram (ECG) (2%), and Doppler echocardiography (Echo) (0.8%). A statistically significant association between the age of the patient and abnormal findings of ECG (p <.001), Echo (p = .001), and CXR (p <.001). Cardiac abnormalities were commonly associated with patients of ≥ 40 years. Abnormal cardiac findings (CXR, ECG, Echo) were significantly (p<.05) increased with the presence of diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular comorbidities. Conclusions Preoperative testing revealed limited proportions of abnormal findings among patients with elective surgical procedures. Routine ordering of many preoperative investigations without specifications may not predict postoperative complications of the patients. Therefore, undertaking preoperative testing should be guided by targeted history, physical examination, clinical risk factors, and type of surgical procedure intended to be performed.

Coping Mechanisms and Posttraumatic Stress Exhibited by Children in Areas of Yemen's Armed Conflict in Southern Saudi Arabia.

This study is an attempt to explore war-related trauma, its stressful effects, and the coping strategies of Saudi schoolchildren. The authors hypothesized that children exposed to war-related trauma will show higher levels of PTSD, and that those with higher levels of PTSD symptoms use more maladaptive coping strategies. The study describes the correlation between traumatic events and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as coping strategies. Five hundred twenty-seven intermediate and high school students, 12 to 18 years old, living in the conflict zone in southern Saudi Arabia completed three standardized self-reported scales: the War Zone Traumatic Events Checklist, the Child PTSD Symptom Scale, and the Children's Coping Strategies Checklist. Each participating student was randomly chosen. Analysis was based on two groups: the high-PTSD symptoms group (182 children) and the low-PTSD symptoms group (345 children). The study was conducted between September 2020 and April 2022 while the war was ongoing as part of an ongoing larger study. Children exposed to war-related traumatic events exhibited greater prevalence rates for PTSD. The children reported high levels of PTSD symptoms and applied a variety of coping strategies to manage related stress. Participants rarely reported that psychological or educational interventions had been used to manage the war-related traumatic experiences and PTSD or to improve related coping styles. The results are discussed in the context of mental health services needed for children in the conflict zone. To bridge the gap between health care services and the needs of children with PTSD, and for better understanding and interventions, health professionals are invited to develop a biopsychosocial model that identifies the risks of PTSD related to exposure to war-related traumatic events in school-aged children and, hence, provide a multidisciplinary intervention program that educates, encourages, and supports teachers and parents in following medical recommendations and goals.

Clinical Features and Predictors of Mortality in Patients With Acute Pulmonary Embolism: A Retrospective Study From Southern Saudi Arabia.

We aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics, outcomes, and mortality predictors in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). Adult patients who were admitted to the Armed Forces Hospital Southern Region, Khamis Mushait, a large tertiary hospital in Southern Saudi Arabia, with the diagnosis of acute PE were retrospectively examined for the predictors of one-year mortality. The overall in-hospital mortality was 15.6% among 212 patients. In univariate analysis, only age was significantly associated with increased early mortality, whereas age, obesity, presence of active malignancy, hypertension, use of thrombolytics, and Simplified Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (sPESI) were significantly associated with increased late mortality. By use of binary logistic regression, the presence of obesity (HR 6.010, 95%CI 0.048-16.853, p=0.030), active malignancy (HR 3.040, 95%CI 1.147-8.059, p=0.025), and the use of thrombolytics (HR 8.074, 95%CI 2.719-23.977, p<0.001), were independently significant factors for late (overall) mortality, respectively. Among Saudi Arabian patients in the Southern Region, our data show that age is an independent factor for increased early and late mortality. The presence of obesity, active malignancy, and the use of thrombolytics, were independently significant factors for increased late (one-year) mortality. These factors should be taken into account for risk stratification and decisions on tailored management of patients with PE. Further prospective multicenter studies are needed.

Hematological malignancies: Prevalence and hematological characteristics in a single center in southern Saudi Arabia.

To determine the prevalence of leukemia in the Aseer region of Saudi Arabia and the importance of hematological, biochemical and coagulation profiles for leukemic patients in the context of disease management. This retrospective study comprised 210 patients between 2012 and 2022 who had been diagnosed with leukemia at different ages. The multiple unpaired t-test was used to compare leukemic patients with control samples, which consisted of healthy individuals, and p<0.05 was taken as significant. The data was compiled from Aseer Central Hospital in the Aseer region and collected through peripheral blood smear and bone marrow biopsy (2012-2017) or by flow cytometry (2018-2022), according to the hospital information system and registry data. Of the total 210 leukemic patients (61.4% males and 38.6% females), 104 cases (2012-2017) were diagnosed based on peripheral blood smear and bone marrow biopsy, and 106 cases (2018-2022) based on flow cytometry. Fifteen subtypes of leukemia were identified, with chronic myeloid leukemia being the most common (34.2%), followed by acute myeloid leukemia (17.6%), chronic lymphoblastic leukemia (11.9%), and B-cell acute lymphoid leukemia (9.5%). Other rare cases were also found. Of the 210 leukemia cases diagnosed in the Aseer region between 2012-2022, the most common subtype was chronic myeloid leukemia, followed by acute myeloid leukemia. In all leukemia subtypes, distinctive significant changes were observed in hematological parameters, biochemical parameters, and coagulation profiles.

Effect of Vitamin D on Thyroid Function Among Diabetic Patients

This study evaluated the correlation between vitamin D levels and thyroid function in a diabetic population (HbA1c = 6.5%) from southern Saudi Arabia, involving 2918 participants (54.9% of females and 45.1% of males). The results indicated that 18% were vitamin D deficient, 69.4% were vitamin D insufficient, and 12.7% were vitamin D sufficient. Gender-specific analyses revealed that 10% of females and 8% of males were vitamin D deficient. Among those with primary hypothyroidism, 0.9% were vitamin D deficient, while for subclinical hypothyroidism, 7.2% were vitamin D deficient. For primary hyperthyroidism, only 0.3% were vitamin D deficient, with no deficiencies in subclinical hyperthyroidism. A partial correlation analysis, controlling for age and gender, showed a significant negative correlation between vitamin D and thyroid hormone levels (r² = –0.328). Multinomial regression indicated that individuals with vitamin D deficiency had a 1.511 times higher risk of subclinical hypothyroidism. Those with vitamin D insufficiency showed an increased risk for both primary (Exp(B) = 1.189) and subclinical hypothyroidism (Exp(B) = 0.719). In conclusion, this study highlights a significant link between vitamin D levels and thyroid function in diabetics, with deficiency and insufficiency associated with higher risks of specific thyroid disorders.

The Role of Sports Clubs in Promoting Social Integration among People with Disabilities in Saudi Arabia

Recently, interest in sports has increased due to its benefits for growth and development. People with disabilities face many challenges when engaging in sports compared to their peers without disabilities due to stigma and socio-cultural prejudices directed against them. Despite the important role that sports clubs may play in promoting social inclusion, few studies in Saudi Arabia have focused on this population. Hence, this study was one of the first to examine the role of sports clubs in promoting social integration among people with disabilities in Saudi society and the effect of demographic and social factors on social integration among people with disabilities recruited from sports clubs in southern Saudi Arabia. The sample included 205 disabled adults aged 18-40 years (M = 29.8 years; SD = 3.82 years). Data were collected using a social inclusion questionnaire for people with disabilities. About 51% of disabled people had low, and 13.17% had high social integration. The levels of social inclusion varied by gender, age, type of disability, academic level, and duration of participation in the club. These findings highlight the need to develop appropriate strategies to enhance the role of sports clubs in promoting the social inclusion of individuals with disabilities. More active efforts should also be made to provide professional coaches with the funds and facilities necessary for the effective operation of sports clubs.

Familial Screening for the Prevention of Rare Diseases: A Focus on Lipodystrophy in Southern Saudi Arabia

BackgroundLipodystrophy is a relatively rare, complex disease characterised by a deficiency of adipose tissue and can present as either generalised lipodystrophy (GLD) or partial lipodystrophy (PLD). The prevalence of this disease varies by region. This study aimed to identify the genetic variations associated with lipodystrophy in the southern part of Saudi Arabia.Methodology We conducted a retrospective study by recruiting nine patients from six families, recruiting the proband whole exome sequencing results or any other genetic test results, screening other family members using Sanger sequencing and analysing the carrier status of the latter. These patients were recruited from the Endocrinology and Diabetes Clinic at Jazan General Hospital and East Jeddah Hospital, both in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.ResultEight patients were diagnosed with GLD, and one was diagnosed with PLD. Of the six families, four were consanguineously married from the same tribe, while the remaining belonged to the same clan. The majority of GLD patients had an AGPAT2 c.158del mutation, but some had a BSCL2 c.942dup mutation. The single PLD case had a PPARG c.1024C > T mutation but no family history of the disease. In all families evaluated in this study, some family members were confirmed to be carriers of the mutation observed in the corresponding patient.Conclusion Familial screening of relatives of patients with rare, autosomal recessive diseases, such as lipodystrophy, especially when there is a family history, allows the implementation of measures to prevent the onset or reduced severity of disease and reduces the chances of the pathogenic allele being passed onto future generations. Creating a national registry of patients with genetic diseases and carriers of familial pathogenic alleles will allow the assessment of preventive measures and accelerate disease intervention via gene therapy.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Postpartum Urinary Incontinence in Southern Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Background: Besides knowing the prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI), it is also vital to know its risk factors and how many patients will seek treatment. UI affects women’s quality of life considerably, but the severity and impact on quality of life differ significantly. Postpartum urinary incontinence (p-UI) reported a wide range ranging from 3% to 40%. It is essential to estimate the prevalence of postpartum incontinence accurately. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of consented females of childbearing age with previous delivery and complaints of p-UI from August to December 2022. Experts developed a questionnaire form after a literature review of similar articles. Data have been collected from attendants of obstetrics and gynecology departments at three leading hospitals in the region after obtaining consent for direct interviews and answering the questionnaire. Results: One hundred and seventy-six females with UI agreed to be included in the study. Participants age ranged from 18 to 50 years old, with a mean of 32.1 ± 6.8 years. Of 103 (58.5%) had previous 1–3 deliveries and 33 (18.8%) had previous deliveries of 6 times or more. The most reported type of delivery was normal vaginal delivery (NVD) among 115 (65.3%), whereas 24 (13.6%) had both NVD and cesarean section. Exact 44.3% of the females complained of urinary frequency. Furthermore, 37.5% felt an urgent need to empty the bladder, and 35.2% had frequent lower abdomen pain. Urgency was reported by 34.1% of the females, and 26.7% complained of experiencing a minimal amount of urinary incontinence (urine drops). Conclusions: The prevalence of p-UI about one-third of the participants in southern Saudi Arabia with mixed UI was the most common type. Moreover, old age, multiparity, and high BMI were significant risk factors.

Psychological well-being of women with gestational diabetes mellitus: A cross-sectional study at a governmental Maternity and Children Hospital in Southern Saudi Arabia

Objective: To estimate the rates, and severity and define determinants (demographic and obstetric) of depression, anxiety, and stress among women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Public Maternity and Children Hospital in Abha City, Southern Saudi Arabia.Women aged 18 years and over were recruited from February 1st to 30th June2023, into four groups. The first group of pregnant women with GDM, the second of new mothers with GDM, the third of pregnant women without GDM, and the fourth of new mothers without GDM. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Results: A total of 248 women were included with a mean age of 32.2±5.8 years. The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress was 19.4%, 23.8%, and 23%, respectively. Of them, 7.7%, 16.9%, and 8.1% wereextremely severe, respectively. Old maternal age, poor education, high gravidity, parity, and experiencing health problems were the most significant predictors of having any mental disorder. Conclusion: About one in every three women with GDM experienced severe or extremely severe depression. One out of two pregnant women with GDM experienced severe or extremely severe anxiety, and one-fifth experienced the same anxiety levels during their post-partum period. Considering stress, two out of every three women with GDM experienced any level of stress but it was infrequent during their post-partum period.

Clinical characteristics, management, and treatment outcomes of epididymo-orchitis among patients in a referral hospital in Southern Saudi Arabia

Clinical characteristics, management, and treatment outcomes of epididymo-orchitis among patients in a referral hospital in Southern Saudi Arabia

Body mass index, oral health status and OHRQoL among special health care needs children and parenting stress: a case-control study in Southern Saudi Arabia.

The appropriateness for determining Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) of special children by their caregivers must be thoroughly assessed. The present study was conducted to assess the Oral health related quality of life of children with disability and the stress levels of their parents. Moreover, the study also evaluated the plaque, DMFT (Decayed, missing, filled teeth) and BMI (Body Mass Index) of disabled children (cases) and healthy children (controls). The present case-control study was carried out on 150 parents of disabled children and 30 parents of healthy children (control group) at King Khalid University, Abha, KSA. The Arabic version of the 36-item parenting stress index-short format (PSI-SF) instrument was used for the assessment of parental stress, and the WHOQOL-BREF (World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version) Arabic version questionnaire was used for the assessment of quality of life of children. The parents or the caregivers who would be mainly occupied in assisting and rendering care to their children with different disabilities (certified by a pediatrician, aged between 4-14 years), were included in the study. Data were analyzed using statistical software. The total mean value score of the PSI scale of parents of cases was statistically found to be significantly higher compared to the mean scores among parents of controls (p = 0.004). The correlation between BMI and plaque & BMI and DMFT+df of cases indicated no statistically significant correlation while a statistically significant correlation between plaque and DMFT+df values in cases was observed. The mean score of the social relationship domain was statistically significantly different across the four levels of parents' educational status. The severity of dental caries, plaque accumulation and education-level of caregivers had a significant impact on the OHRQoL, however, BMI did not show a significant relation with DMFT and plaque scores. The parenting stress was found to be statistically higher among the parents of cases compared to the parents of controls.

The Relationship of ABO and Rh Blood Group Types With Severe COVID-19 Disease Mortality in ICU Patients: Insights From a Single-Center Experience in Southern Saudi Arabia.

Introduction The global COVID-19 pandemic has triggered an unprecedented public health crisis, emphasizing the need to understand factors influencing disease outcomes. This study explores the role of genetic variations in blood group antigens, particularly ABO and RhD, in shaping mortality rates among critically ill COVID-19 patients in the southern region of Saudi Arabia. Methods Utilizing a retrospective, noninterventional approach, we analyzed medical records of 594 COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) at Aseer Central Hospital from August 2020 to April 2021. The cohort, with a mean age of 60.5 years, consisted of a predominantly male population. Results The study encompassed a diverse age range of 18 to 103 years, with a mean age of 60.5 ± 17.3 years. Of the 594 patients, 398 (67%) were male, and only 5 (0.8%) had a history of smoking. Blood group distribution revealed 275 (48.4%) with O-, 189 (33.3%) with A+, and 51 (9%) with AB- types. Predominant chronic conditions included diabetes mellitus (35.5%). Tragically, 320 patients (54.6%) experienced mortality, with a 100% mortality rate for the B+ blood group and 92.9% for O- blood group. Conclusion This analysis establishes significant statistical links, underscoring the pivotal role of blood type, particularly the Rh factor, in influencing mortality risk among critically ill COVID-19 patients. These findings contribute valuable insights into risk stratification and personalized care for severe cases, emphasizing the importance of genetic considerations in understanding disease outcomes.