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INTRODUCTION: In Saudi Arabia, the prevalence of celiac disease (CeD) was 2.7% greater than the global pooled prevalence of 1.4%. Patients who strictly adhere to a lifetime gluten-free diet (GFD) may develop nutritional deficiencies potentially contributing to obesity, increased cardiovascular risk, and lower bone density. Therefore, this study aims to assess the knowledge of health students in the Jazan region regarding nutritional deficiencies in patients with CeD who are on a GFD and to determine the associated socio-demographic factors. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among health college students of Jazan University, including students from the College of Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Dentistry, Public Health and Health Informatics, and Allied Health Sciences, aged 18 and above, excluding internship students, students who did not complete the survey, and those who refused to participate. The minimum calculated sample size was 368. The questionnaire was adopted from the literature and translated into Arabic. It contained a socio-demographic section and a knowledge section that included 12 questions focusing on the content of macro- and micronutrients in a GFD and the impact of the diet on the health of patients with CeD. RESULTS: The study included 369 participants, with 235 (64%) aged 17-22, 280 (76%) being females, and 341 (92%) being single. The College of Medicine and the College of Applied Medical Sciences had the highest representation, and the College of Dentistry was the lowest. Most participants were in the fourth year (30%) and sixth year (24%). The grade point average (GPA) had a median of 4.3. Approximately 59.1% were aware of nutritional deficiencies among CeD patients. None of the sociodemographic factors were associated with health students' knowledge regarding CeD. Participants from the College of Pharmacy had a lower knowledge of CeD nutrient deficiencies than those from the College of Medicine. (OR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.22, 0.90). Most students stated that CeD patients should be advised to take multivitamin drugs and vitamin D supplements. Most acknowledged vitamin D, vitamin B12, and folic acid deficiencies in CeD patients. Similarly, most were aware of iron and calcium deficiencies, with a small percentage aware of zinc and copper. CONCLUSION: Approximately 59.1% had an acceptable level of knowledge, which is considered a low knowledge level among students who will be future physicians and healthcare workers to whom CeD will represent the first-line disease exposed to. Rising knowledge and awareness among those students will guarantee correct diagnosis, treatment, and better outcomes among CeD patients, thus decreasing the disease burden and increasing the quality of those patients.
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BACKGROUND: Urolithiasis, a common clinical condition, has seen a global increase in prevalence in recent years. Urinary stones are common in hot climate areas like Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and awareness of risk factors for urinary stones in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1000 Jazan adults between January and June 2022. A questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographics, urinary stone diagnosis, and awareness of risk factors. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of diagnosed urinary stones was 140 (14.0%). The prevalence was higher among patients who were older, married, had higher education, and were employees (all P<0.001). Participants who believed that hot weather (p = 0.012), sleeve gastrectomy (p = 0.049), and Saxenda injections (p = 0.000) increased the risk of stones had a higher prevalence. No association was found between stones and other sociodemographic factors or dietary habits. The main sources of knowledge were the internet (426, 42.6%) and education (155, 15.5%). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of urinary stones in Jazan is considerable (14.0%). Certain sociodemographic factors and beliefs about risk factors were associated with higher prevalence. Improving public awareness about the prevention and risk factors for urinary stones is crucial to controlling this health problem in high-risk communities.
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Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder that affects hemoglobin and increases stroke risk, particularly in childhood. This review examines the pathophysiological association between SCD and stroke, the classification of stroke types, risk factors, diagnosis, management, prevention, and prognosis. A comprehensive literature search was conducted via PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases. Relevant studies on SCD and stroke pathophysiology, classification, epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention were identified. Sickle cell disease causes red blood cells to become rigid and sickle-shaped, obstructing blood vessels. Recurrent sickling alters cerebral blood flow and damages vessel walls, often leading to ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes (HS). These occur most frequently in childhood, with ischemic strokes (IS) being more common. Key risk factors include a prior transient ischemic attack (TIA), low hemoglobin, and a high leukocyte count. Neuroimaging is essential for diagnosis and determining stroke type. Primary prevention centers on blood transfusions and hydroxyurea for those at high risk. Acute treatment involves promptly restoring blood flow and managing complications. However, significant knowledge gaps remain regarding stroke mechanisms, optimizing screening protocols, and improving long-term outcomes. This review synthesizes current evidence on SCD and stroke to highlight opportunities for further research and standardizing care protocols across institutions. Ultimately, a holistic perspective is critical for mitigating the high risk of debilitating strokes in this vulnerable patient population.