RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The global rise in obesity and related health complications has cast a spotlight on the urgent need for initiatives that promote informed dietary decisions. This cross-sectional study investigates the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of university students at Jazan University, Saudi Arabia, regarding menu calorie labeling. The study examines how these variables may affect dietary decisions, body mass index (BMI), and support for proposed legislative measures requiring calorie disclosure on restaurant menus. METHODS: The study included 581 Saudi university students who were 18 years of age or older as a convenience sample. A three-part questionnaire that asked about demographics, anthropometric measurements, and attitudes and behaviors related to calorie counting was completed by the participants. Using the Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS, version 25.0; IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY) program, chi-square, t-tests, and ANOVA tests were used to evaluate the data. Both informed consent and ethical approval were obtained. RESULTS: The study finds that, even while more than half of the participants knew their recommended daily calorie intake and exhibited curiosity about calorie information on menus, this knowledge did not always result in healthy eating habits. Participants' opinions and behaviors regarding calorie labeling were significantly correlated with their BMI levels, indicating the importance of education in promoting nutritional awareness and healthy eating habits. New calorie labeling regulations received higher approval from people who regularly ate out. CONCLUSION: This study emphasizes the necessity of comprehensive nutritional education initiatives to raise calorie knowledge and encourage Saudi Arabian university students to make healthier eating choices. It also emphasizes the possible effects of legislative measures requiring calorie information on menus, particularly among regular diners. However, while evaluating the results, it is important to take into account the study's limitations, including self-reported data and convenience sample. To support menu calorie labeling legislation and inform targeted public health interventions for university students' eating behaviors, more research that takes cultural quirks and regional settings into account is necessary.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as the inability to achieve and maintain an erection powerful enough to permit pleasurable sexual activity. There are four categories for ED grades. The illness may be influenced by vascular, neurological, psychological, and hormonal factors. Anxiety about performance and relationship issues are common psychological triggers. AIM: This study aimed to determine the prevalence, risk factors, and awareness of ED and its management in the population of Saudi Arabia. METHOD: This community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among adult Saudi males in all five regions of Saudi Arabia (Central, Eastern, Western, Southern, and Northern). A self-administered questionnaire was distributed among participants using an online survey. The questionnaire includes sociodemographic data (i.e., age, region, marital status, education), medical history, and erectile function (International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5)) as a diagnostic tool for ED. RESULTS: In total, 924 men took part. About 512 (55.4%) were aged between 18 and 25 years old, and nearly two-thirds (595, 64.4%) were single. The Internet was the most common source of ED information 495 (53.6%). Based on respondents' knowledge, the most common risk factor of ED was depression (561, 60.8%), while the most common treatment option was lifestyle modification (654, 70.8%). The prevalence of ED among adult Saudi men was 198 (21.4%). Independent risk factors for ED include having been married, being an employee, and previous operation of the perineum. CONCLUSION: ED was common among the Saudi male population. ED was more prevalent among older men with associated chronic diseases and had elevated body mass index (BMI). Having been married, being an employee, and having a previous perineum operation were identified as the significant independent risk factors for ED. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine the cause and effect of the recognized risk factors for ED among men.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Vitamin D, zinc, and ferritin deficiencies are prevalent worldwide and linked to various health outcomes, including hair loss. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices related to these deficiencies among citizens in Jazan, Saudi Arabia, and their perceptions regarding the relationship between these deficiencies and hair loss. METHODS: A cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire was conducted between May 2023 and July 2023 among 985 participants, predominantly young adults aged between 18 and 25 years (58.9%, n = 580), females (56.2%, n = 554), single individuals (65.2%, n = 642), and Saudi citizens (98.2%, n = 967). Information on participants' demographics, knowledge, and practices related to vitamin D, zinc, and ferritin deficiencies was collected through Google Forms (Alphabet Inc., Mountain View, CA, USA). Knowledge levels were categorized as high or low based on responses. RESULTS: Almost all participants (95.2%, n = 938) had heard about vitamin D, zinc, and ferritin deficiencies and their risk of hair loss, and 554 (56.2%) participants had high knowledge, whereas 431 (43.8%) had low knowledge. The majority used the Internet to get information (37.1%, n = 365), identified sunlight as a source of these vitamins and minerals (91.7%, n = 903), and believed in their association with hair loss (74.0%, n = 729). Only about a third of participants reported daily sun exposure of 34.9% (n = 344) and vitamin supplement use of 35.4% (n = 349). Regression analysis revealed gender, awareness of vitamins, and vitamin supplement intake as significant factors related to hair loss (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The findings underscore the need for health education to improve sun exposure and supplement use practices, which could potentially reduce the prevalence of these deficiencies and associated hair loss. Future research should consider exploring other factors influencing hair loss and extending the study to different demographic groups.
RESUMEN
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.