RESUMEN

Background and Objectives: Persistent high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV) can cause cancers in the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus, penis, and oropharynx. A lack of knowledge about HPV can lead to vaccine hesitancy, which is detrimental to combating HPV-related diseases. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of an HPV educational intervention to enhance university students' awareness of HPV. Materials and Methods: We conducted a quasi-experimental one-group pre-test and post-test study on male and female college students from the College of Applied Medical Science and the College of Nursing in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, at King Saud University. Data were collected from May 2023 to March 2024. The first section of the survey assessed sociodemographic factors, and the second section measured knowledge regarding HPV. Results: A total of 271 students completed the surveys, with 71 males (26.2%) and 200 females (73.8%) participating. Students aged 22 years or older had better HPV awareness. Gender significantly predicts HPV awareness, with female students being four times more likely to be aware of HPV compared to male students. After the educational intervention, significant improvements in HPV knowledge were observed in all items (p-values < 0.0001) and across all demographic groups. Misconceptions about HPV were corrected, and the overall knowledge score increased from 29.3% to 82.0%. Conclusions: Our results suggest that similar interventions could benefit other populations in the kingdom, potentially increasing vaccination rates.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Background: The human skin, with a pH of 4 to 6, serves as a barrier against external pathogens. Alkaline handwash products (HWPs) can compromise this barrier and are widely used following the Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study aims to determine the pH of a sample of HWPs in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and assess the effect of environmental factors on their pH. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive, observational study carried out in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The study involved a convenience sample of 33 liquid soaps, soap bars, and synthetic detergents (Syndets) from various brands. The pH of the handwash products was measured using laboratory-validated techniques. Data analysis was conducted using RStudio 2022 software. Results: Of the HWPs, 16 (48.5%) had a highly alkaline pH (≥10), while 14 (42.4%) had an acidic pH (4.0-6.9). Most liquid soaps were acidic (84.6%), with a mean pH of 5.9, whereas soap bars had a mean pH of 10.3. Syndets had a mean pH of 6.0. Conclusions: On average, liquid soaps and syndets offered a more physiological pH than soap bars. Liquid soaps were more affordable than synthetic detergents, making them a better value option among the three types of HWPs. Environmental factors such as exposure to hot weather did not have a significant impact on HWPs.

RESUMEN

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.50688.].

RESUMEN

Objectives The objective of the study is to explore the correlation between handedness and footedness and various demographic factors, including sex, age, faith, ethnicity, and perceived social pressures on limb use, among Muslims and non-Muslims. Methods This is an analytical cross-sectional study conducted in Saudi Arabia from September 2020 to February 2021. This research involved healthy community members aged 18 and above. An electronic survey was administered to collect demographic information on age, sex, faith, ethnicity, and the perceived degree of social pressure favoring the use of the right hand. The Waterloo handedness questionnaire (WHQ-Ar) and Waterloo footedness questionnaire (WFQ-Ar) were utilized for the assessments. Results A total of 728 respondents completed the survey. The mean (SD) age was 34.54 (11.53). Among them, 454 (62.4%) were ethnically Arab, and 507 (69.64%) identified as Muslims. The mean (SD) WHQ-Ar and WFQ-Ar scores were 42 (31.6) and 10.51 (8.1), respectively, with higher scores indicating "right" preference. Older age was associated with higher scores (p = 0.01) and men with lower handedness scores (p = 0.003). Participants who did not perceive social pressure had significantly lower scores (p < 0.001). Footedness was associated with slightly lower scores in Muslims (p = 0.001). Conclusion The degree of pressure perceived to use a particular hand has a major influence on handedness scores in Muslims and non-Muslims alike; this was true even when comparing populations with different levels of permissiveness to specific hand use due to varying religious or cultural backgrounds. Social pressure, regardless of routine religious practices, is more likely to influence handedness scores. Age and sex influence the scores similar to international reports, and footedness appears less likely to fall under the influence of cultural pressures.

RESUMEN

Human papillomavirus (HPV) genotype distribution varies according to the assessment method and the population targeted. This study aimed to assess HPV infection prevalence in women aged 23 to 82 with abnormal cytology attending King Fahad Medical City (KFMC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, using retrospective data collected from January 2021 to December 2022. Cytological distribution included 155 samples of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) (n = 83), low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) (n = 46), high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) (n = 14), atypical squamous cells cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (ASC-H) (n = 10), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (n = 2). All samples were submitted to HPV detection and genotyping using Xpert HPV assay specimens. The most prevalent epithelial abnormalities were ASCUS (53.50%). Positive HPV infection results were observed in 52.9% of the samples. The highest prevalence of HPV genotypes, accounting for 31%, was attributed to the other high-risk genotypes, including 31, 33, 35, 39, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, and 68, followed by high-risk genotype 16, which counted in 11.60% of cases. Individuals who tested positive for HPV 16 were at a high risk of ASC-H, HSIL, and LSIL. Those testing positive for HPV 18-45 exhibited an elevated risk of LSIL, and those with positive results for other high-risk HPV genotypes were at an increased risk of ASCUS and LSIL, suggesting a low oncogenic potential. The results suggest that the percentage of association between samples with abnormal cervical presentation and negative high-risk HPV diagnosis is noticeably increasing. This underscores the need for effective screening programs and an understanding of the impact of specific HPV genotypes on cervical abnormalities.

RESUMEN

Introduction: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a widespread sexually transmitted infection linked to various types of cancer. Although vaccination against HPV is available, global HPV vaccination rates remain low. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the awareness and knowledge of the HPV vaccine and to identify predictors associated with vaccine hesitancy among health college students at King Saud University, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was distributed during December 2022 to students enrolled in health colleges. The survey link was randomly distributed via social media platforms and in-person interactions. The number of participants was 405 including both males and females. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The correct response rate for all knowledge items was calculated, and they were stratified by gender and college. The association of vaccine hesitancy with sociodemographic characteristics was examined using logistic regression analysis. Results: The study found that approximately half of the students (49.9%) were aware of the HPV vaccine. However, only a small percentage of students answered all to all HPV knowledge items correctly. Additionally, only a small proportion (5.2%) reported receiving the vaccine. The overall HPV vaccine hesitancy was 59.1% (43.9% for female and 75.9% for male). The most common reasons for vaccine hesitancy was not knowing enough about it. Males were two times more likely than females to believe that they did not need the HPV vaccine. The odds for HPV vaccine hesitancy were greater among males and younger age groups compared to females and older age groups. Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of implementing university-wide interventions and educational campaigns to enhance awareness and knowledge of the HPV vaccine.

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection globally. Investigating HPV awareness can reduce the burden of HPV-related cancers. AIMS: (1) Assessing HPV awareness and knowledge among health college students at King Saud University, (2) comparing these outcomes across sociodemographic characteristics. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted from November to December 2022 and included 403 health college students. Associations of HPV awareness and knowledge with sociodemographic characteristics were assessed using logistic regression analysis and linear regression analysis, respectively. RESULTS: Only 60% of students were aware of HPV, with awareness higher among females, although their knowledge scores were comparable to males. The odds of awareness of HPV were greater among medical students compared to other colleges and among students belonging to older age groups compared to the younger age group (18-20). The odds of HPV awareness among hepatitis B vaccinated students were 2.10 times that among unvaccinated students (AOR = 2.10; 95% CI = 1.21, 3.64). CONCLUSIONS: The low level of HPV awareness among college students warrants the need for HPV educational campaigns to improve HPV awareness and to promote HPV vaccination in the community.

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: The introduction of biological treatments has revolutionized the management of moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Multiple clinical trials have established the efficacy of biological agents in the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Nevertheless, there are no clear indications for optimal monitoring intervals during treatment. OBJECTIVES: Collect and analyze laboratory evaluation data from patients receiving biological therapy to provide a better understanding of the need for laboratory investigations before and during treatment with biological agents, and to analyze adverse events and other factors. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort SETTINGS: Tertiary care center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data were collected from the electronic medical records of patients attending the dermatology, rheumatology, and gastroenterology clinics from June 2014 to June 2019. The laboratory parameters of patients who have received one of the TNF-alpha inhibitors (adalimumab, etanercept, or infliximab) were collected starting at baseline and up to at least one year from treatment initiation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The time points at which patients developed significantly abnormal laboratory results during treatment with one of the TNF-alpha inhibitors. SAMPLE SIZE: 250 patients RESULTS: Most patients were treated with adalimumab (38.4%); a similar proportion (38%) with infliximab, whereas only 23.6% were treated with etanercept. The majority of the significant abnormal laboratory results occurred at baseline, 3-6 and 9-12 months. Most abnormalities were among patients using infliximab, followed by etanercept, and then adalimumab. The median number of laboratory abnormalities for dermatology patients was significantly lower than that for gastroenterology patients (P<.001), and for rheumatology patients (P=.002). CONCLUSIONS: Because dermatology patients showed a lower median number of laboratory abnormalities than patients treated by other specialties in our study, we believe that dermatology patients require less frequent laboratory monitoring. Therefore, we recommend laboratory evaluation at baseline, after 3-6 months, 1 year from the beginning of treatment, and annually thereafter for patients using TNF-alpha inhibitor agents. However, more frequent testing might be warranted according to patient comorbidities, concomitant medications, and physician judgment. LIMITATIONS: Single center and retrospective design. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: None.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Alopecia areata is a chronic autoimmune disorder attacking the hair follicle epithelium; hence, causing non-scarring hair loss. It has been found that Janus kinase 3 (JAK3) hyperactivity plays a key role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Tofacitinib is an effective JAK1 and JAK3 inhibitor that can block several cytokines such as IL-2, IL-7, and IL-6. Several studies have demonstrated the efficacy of oral tofacitinib in hair regrowth in alopecia areata patients. With the recent COVID-19 pandemic, it has been advised to withhold JAK inhibitors during the period of active infection due to possible immunosuppression. We herein report two cases of patients with alopecia universalis who continued to use tofacitinib during their active COVID-19 infection and showed no deterioration in their course of illness.

RESUMEN

Both the proper functioning of the female reproductive tract (FRT) and normal placental development are essential for women's health, wellbeing, and pregnancy outcome. The study of the FRT in humans has been challenging due to limitations in the in vitro and in vivo tools available. Recent developments in 3D organoid technology that model the different regions of the FRT include organoids of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, endometrium and cervix, as well as placental trophoblast. These models are opening up new avenues to investigate the normal biology and pathology of the FRT. In this review, we discuss the advances, potential, and limitations of organoid cultures of the human FRT.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Introduction Autoimmune mucocutaneous blistering dermatoses (AMCBD) are a group of disorders characterized by the production of autoantibodies that target specific adhesion molecules of the skin and/or mucous membranes. As a result, there is blister formation on the skin with or without mucous membrane involvement. Systemic corticosteroids have been used as the mainstay of treatment in AMCBD. However, due to the debilitating side effects associated with their use, there is significant morbidity and mortality, especially on the fragile elderly patients. Although the efficacy of dapsone in the treatment of AMCBD was identified decades ago, few recent studies shed light on that. Hence, further studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of dapsone as a single agent in maintaining disease remission in patients with AMCBD. Materials and methods An observational retrospective study was performed. Patients with a known diagnosis of bullous pemphigoid (BP) or pemphigus vulgaris (PV) who are treated with dapsone with or without low-dose systemic corticosteroids were included in the study, and their medical files were reviewed.  Results A total of seven patients were included (three males and four females). All patients showed a satisfactory response to dapsone, achieving disease remission in a short period of time with no serious side effects necessitating treatment cessation. Conclusions Our findings support that dapsone may have a corticosteroid-sparing effect in the management of AMCBD. Further studies are warranted to confirm our findings.

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Having a reliable source for health information is vital to build a strong foundation of knowledge, especially with the current revolution of the internet and social media, which raises many concerns regarding harmful effects on the health of the public. However, there are no studies on how the Saudi Arabian population seeks health information. Details about the most used and trusted sources of health information among the public will help health authorities and public awareness accounts on social media to effectively disseminate health information. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the types of sources accessed by the Saudi Arabian population while seeking health information, as well as their level of trust in the sources and to assess the impact of these sources on their perception of medical knowledge and health decision-making. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted to meet the objectives. The study population included both men and women who were aged 16 years or more and visited primary care clinics at King Khalid University Hospital. Four hundred and thirteen participants were sampled using the simple random method, and a self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. The data were analyzed using SPSS software (IBM Corp, Armonk, New York, USA). RESULTS: A total of 413 participants were included in this study, and of these, 99 (24.0%) were males and 206 (49.9%) had a bachelor's degree. Doctors were chosen as the first source of information by 87.6% (283/323) of the participants, and they were completely trusted by most of the population (326/411, 79.3%). The second most commonly used source was pharmacists (112/194, 57.7%), and they were partially trusted by 41.4% (159/384) of the participants. Internet searches, social media, and traditional medicine were not prioritized by most of the participants as the first or second source of health information. The majority of the participants did not trust information obtained from social media, and WhatsApp was the most untrusted source. Almost half of the respondents (197/413, 47.7%) acknowledged that various sources of information can often help them understand their health problems. However, the majority disagreed on substituting a doctor's prescription with information obtained from the internet or a friend or relative. CONCLUSIONS: Although physicians were preferred and highly trusted, internet sources appeared to impact the medical knowledge of the population. The population still preferred to use internet search to obtain health information prior to a doctor's visit.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: To identify the clinical and neuroradiological features of neurofibromatosis type 1 and the risk of malignancy in a pediatric age group. METHODS: This observational retrospective cohort study was conducted at King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for the patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 who were seen and had follow up from January 2000 to January 2019. RESULTS: A total of 50 children were included. Approximately 90% of patients presented with cafe-au-lait macules, and 34% had skin-fold freckling. Moreover, 42% of the participants had a first-degree relative with neurofibromatosis type 1, and about a quarter presented with associated epilepsy. About 90% of the neuroradiological features were consistent with those of neurofibromatosis type 1. About 52% of the patients had one or multiple types of tumors, and 34% presented with optic pathway glioma. CONCLUSION: This study described clinical spectrum of neurofibromatosis type 1 among children. It showed also a higher percentage of tumors than previous studies.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Dermatomyofibroma is a rare cutaneous mesenchymal tumor of benign fibroblastic and myofibroblastic derivations. It predominantly affects young women, and it usually presents as a reddish-brown plaque or nodule, which is commonly located over the upper trunk. We report the case of a 41-year-old female patient who presented with progressive linear dermatomyofibroma over the nape of her neck. This case report expands the knowledge about the clinical and histopathological features of this rare, benign and cutaneous tumor.