RESUMEN
In a cross-sectional survey in February-May 2019, the prevalence of Pediculosis capitis with demographic data and the behavioral practices were investigated among 750 participants in the Eastern region of Saudi Arabia. Female participation was highly remarked with a percentage of 94.08% compared to that of male one about 5.91%. A deficiency of knowledge about lice infestation was noted especially among illiterate participants raised from their socio-economic levels (p-value = 0.001). Lice infestation reached higher rates in children aged less than 20â¯years with itching of the hair scalp. The obtained results revealed that 59.33% of the respondents believed that frequency of personal hygiene and washing of hair were the best methods for preventing the lice infestation. However, the treatment of lice infestation using anti-lice agents (p-value = 0.020) was preferred by 14.26% of participants. Although knowledge about the preventive tools for lice infestation (p-value 0.089) was not significantly associated with the experience of infestation but knowledge about the appropriate treatment to kill lice (p-value 0.020) and the wrong practices in the treatment of a head lice infestation were (p-value 0.005) significantly associated with the experience of infestation. Health programs and campaigns preventions are highly advised to increase the awareness of Pediculosis capitis with an effective strategic plan to control, manage, and prevent this disease.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency has a far-reaching impact on several metabolic functions including cardiovascular health. This study aimed to test the association of serum 25 [OH]-vitamin D3 levels among cardiovascular disease (i.e., hypertension and ischemic heart disease) patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 360 participants from the tertiary care hospital. The simple random technique was used to select the participants. Only Saudi nationals were included in the study. Sociodemographic information, nutritional status, biochemical parameter (lipid profile, blood glucose level), and questions relating to cardiovascular disease were collected from the hospital record through data collection sheet. Serum Vit D level was determined by serum 25 (OH) blood test. Statistical package for social science (SPSS) software version 24 was used for data analysis. Binary logistic regression model was fitted to indentify the associated factors of vitamin D deficiency among cardiovascular disease patients. RESULTS: Approximately 40.6% and 27.8% of study participants had vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency, respectively. After adjustment of covariates, among cardiac patients, vitamin D deficiency was associated with ischemic heart disease (OR 2.24, 95% CI 1.11-4.52), and blood triglyceride level (OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.22-4.22). CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are associated with ischemic heart disease, hyperglycemia, and hypertriglyceridemia. There is a need for the screening of cardiovascular disease patients for vitamin D levels.
RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess physical activity, socio-demographic predictors and to determine reasons for practicing and/or not practicing physical activities. METHODS: Cross-sectional study was conducted among male high school students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data using stratified cluster sampling technique (N= 453 students). RESULTS: Although 36.4% of the student reported that they practiced enough exercise during their usual week days, only 15.5% of the students were found to be practicing physical activity at a recommended level (≥5 days/week). On the other hand, 20.1% of the students were found to be inactive and not practicing physical activity at any day. Among the factors that associated with adolescents physical activity, logistic regression showed that students age was associated negatively with physical activity behaviour (OR= 0.6, P <0.001). Also, logistic regression showed that students physical activity behaviour was independently associated with students perceived body weight (OR= 27, P <0.001). The main reasons for practicing physical activity were: to enhance muscle and strength (70.9%), to have fun with friend and entertainment (66%), and to improve physical appearance (53.6%), respectively. The main reported barriers inhibiting adolescents from practicing physical activity were: lack of sports facilities in the community (74%), lack of friends and peer support (59.4%) and lack of suitable public sport club in the community (54.6%). CONCLUSION: This study revealed low prevalence of physical activity among adolescents. National strategies to increase levels of physical activity and minimize obesogenic environmental factors are required.