scholarly journals Prevalence of Self-Reported Food Allergies and Their Association with Other Health Conditions among Adults in Saudi Arabia

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 347
Author(s):  
Nora A. Althumiri ◽  
Mada H. Basyouni ◽  
Norah AlMousa ◽  
Mohammed F. AlJuwaysim ◽  
Nasser F. BinDhim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bariatric Surgery ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Food Allergy ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Food Allergies ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
And Gender

Food allergies are a potentially life-threatening health issue, and few studies have determined their prevalence throughout Saudi Arabia. The main objective of our study was to estimate the prevalence and distribution of self-reported food allergies, and explore their association with other health conditions among adults in Saudi Arabia. This study was a nationwide cross-sectional survey conducted via phone interviews in June 2020. A proportional quota-sampling technique was used to obtain equal distributions of participants by age and gender across the 13 regions of Saudi Arabia. Self-reported food allergy, height, weight, health conditions, mental health status, and demographic variables were collected. Of the 6239 participants contacted, 4709 (75.48%) participants responded and completed the interview. Furthermore, 50.1% of the participants were female, with a mean age of 36.4 ± 13.5 years (18–90 years). The prevalence of food allergies was 19.7%. The most self-reported food allergies were egg, shellfish and shrimp, and peanuts, with a prevalence of 3.7%, 3.1%, and 3.0%, respectively. There was an association between the presence of food allergies and reported bariatric surgery, asthma, colon disease, and being at risk of depression. Bariatric surgery was significantly associated with lower likelihood of self-reported allergy (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.22–2.34, p = 0.002). This study revealed, for the first time, a high prevalence of self-reported food allergies among adults in Saudi Arabia in a large nationwide sample, and food allergy association with bariatric surgery, asthma, colon disease, and being at risk of depression. This information is valuable for clinicians and policymakers, particularly in terms of food allergen labeling.

scholarly journals Obesity in Saudi Arabia in 2020: Prevalence, Distribution, and Its Current Association with Various Health Conditions

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 311
Author(s):  
Nora A. Althumiri ◽  
Mada H. Basyouni ◽  
Norah AlMousa ◽  
Mohammed F. AlJuwaysim ◽  
Rasha A. Almubark ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
National Level ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Age And Gender ◽  
Prevalence Of Obesity ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Colon Diseases

The global prevalence of obesity is increasing. Obesity is associated with many chronic diseases and health conditions. This study aims to estimate the current prevalence of obesity in Saudi Arabia and described the current national-level status of the association between obesity and various health conditions. This study is a nationwide cross-sectional survey conducted over phone-interviews in June 2020. In this study, a proportional quota-sampling technique was used to obtain equal distributions of participants, stratified by age and gender, across the 13 regions of Saudi Arabia. Weight and height were self-reported, and the obesity was determined as BMI ≥ 30. Logistic regression adjusted for age and gender was used for exploring current associations between obesity and health conditions. Of the 6239 participants contacted, 4709 participants responded and completed the interview with a response rate of 75.48%. Of them, 50.1% were female, the mean age was 36.4 ± 13.5 (Range: 18–90), and the median age was 36. The national weighted prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥ 30) was 24.7%, and the prevalence in the sample (unweighted) was 21.7%. Obesity was significantly associated with type 2 diabetes [Odd ratio, (OR) = 1.52], hypercholesterolemia (OR = 1.69), hypertension (OR = 1.61), lung diseases (OR = 1.69), rheumatoid arthritis (OR = 1.57), sleep apnea (OR = 1.82), colon diseases (OR = 1.31), and thyroid disorders (OR = 1.8). This study provides an update on the recent prevalence of obesity in Saudi Arabia. It also shows the variation in prevalence rates between different regions, which might be explored further. Although obesity shows a decreasing trend, almost one-quarter of this study sample were obese. Obesity is currently associated with many health conditions that can affect the individuals’ quality of life, impose stress on the healthcare system and impose an economic burden on the country. This evidence highlights the need for action to focus more on obesity in Saudi Arabia.

scholarly journals Exploring Weight Stigma in Saudi Arabia: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (17) ◽  
pp. 9141
Author(s):  
Nora Althumiri ◽  
Mada H. Basyouni ◽  
Norah AlMousa ◽  
Mohammed F. AlJuwaysim ◽  
Adel Alhamdan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Bariatric Surgery ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Weight Stigma ◽  
Waterpipe Smoking ◽  
Nutritional Knowledge ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated

Background: Weight stigma (WS) in the Middle East, especially in Saudi Arabia, is widely ignored. People with obesity are blamed for their weight, and there is a common perception that weight stigmatization is justifiable and may motivate individuals to adopt healthier behaviors. The authors of this study aimed to explore WS prevalence and factors associated with WS in a large nationwide study of Saudi Arabian adults. Methods: This study was a nationwide cross-sectional survey conducted via phone interviews in June 2020. A proportional quota-sampling technique was adopted to obtain equal distributions of participants by age and sex across the 13 regions of Saudi Arabia. In total, 6239 people were contacted, and 4709 (75.48%) responded and completed the interview. The authors of the study collected data about WS using the Arabic Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire (WSSQ), BMI, smoking, nutritional knowledge, bariatric surgery, risk of depression, and demographic variables. Results: Participants had a mean age of 36.4 ± 13.5 (18–90), and 50.1% were female. The prevalence of higher WS was 46.4%. Among other risk factors, there was a significant association between WS and obesity (odds ratio (OR): 3.93; 95% CI: 2.83–5.44; p < 0.001), waterpipe smoking (OR: 1.80; 95% CI: 1.20–2.69; p < 0.001), bariatric surgery (OR: 2.07; 95% CI: 1.53–2.81; p < 0.001), and risk of depression (OR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.36–2.09; p < 0.001). Conclusion: This was the first study to explore WS and its associated factors among adults in a community setting in Saudi Arabia. This study revealed some risk factors associated with WS that may help to identify people at risk of WS and to develop interventions to reduce WS, such as improving nutritional knowledge, correcting the ideas about bariatric surgery and obesity in general, and ceasing waterpipe smoking.

scholarly journals Perioperative nutrition care and dietetic practices in the scope of bariatric surgery in Saudi Arabia using adapted protocols for evaluation

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 205031212110361
Author(s):  
Elham Abbas Aljaaly
Keyword(s):  
Bariatric Surgery ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Care Process ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Nutrition Risk ◽  
Nutrition Care ◽  
Management Protocol ◽  
Perioperative Nutrition

Objectives: This study evaluates the availability of perioperative nutritional care protocols and the practices of bariatric registered dietitians in Saudi Arabia. The primary outcomes of the study were conducted using an adapted American survey “with permission.” Methods: A cross-sectional survey of a selected 32 dietitians providing bariatric services completed a self-administered online questionnaire from 12 hospitals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Results: All surveyed dietitians were females, mainly Saudi nationals (93.9%, n = 30), and accredited by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (93.8%, n = 30). Only 37.5% (n = 6) of the dietitians were specialized in bariatric surgery. Perioperative common practices of dietitians included a conduct of screening for nutrition risk before (44%, n = 14) and after surgery (62.5%, n = 20) and applied a nutrition management protocol that is mainly based on the application of nutrition care process (62.5%, n = 20). Dietitians (81%, n = 26) reported the importance of having standardized protocols for nutritional management of patients undoing bariatric surgery, where 69% (n = 22) confirmed the availability of pre-operative written protocols in hospitals and 75% (n = 24) confirmed the existence of post-operative protocols. Pre-operative practices included using approaches for weight loss before surgery, for example, very low and low-calorie diet. Dietitians (25%, n = 8) see two to ten patients per month. The sleeve gastrectomy procedure is the most often performed surgery. Conclusion: This is the first study to evaluate the perioperative nutrition care protocols and practices related to bariatric surgery in Saudi Arabia. Perioperative bariatric protocols are available, but some dietitians are not aware of their availability and contents. Researchers emphasize the importance of creating national protocols by the Saudi Credentials Body to standardize practices within the field.

scholarly journals Food Taste, Dietary Consumption, and Food Preference Perception of Changes following Bariatric Surgery in the Saudi Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 3401
Author(s):  
Nora A. Althumiri ◽  
Mada H. Basyouni ◽  
Faisal Saeed Al-Qahtani ◽  
Mohammed Zamakhshary ◽  
Nasser BinDhim
Keyword(s):  
Bariatric Surgery ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Food Preference ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Food Preferences ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Food Allergies ◽  
Saudi Population ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Patient Reported

Background: Bariatric surgery is known as the most effective treatment resulting in long-term weight loss for obesity. However, behavioral changes, including food preference, food allergies, and consumption, between groups of patients who underwent bariatric surgery in comparison with people who did not have bariatric surgery have not been fully discussed in the literature. Objective: The aim of this article is to describe patient-reported changes of perception related to food preferences, consumption, and food allergies in participants who underwent bariatric surgery and to compare their food consumption with participants who did not have bariatric surgery in Saudi Arabia. Methodology: This study is a secondary analysis of the Sharik Diet and Health National Survey (SDHNS) conducted in July 2021. Quota sampling was utilized to generate balanced distributions of participants by age and gender across all administrative regions of Saudi Arabia. Data collection included sociodemographic information (age, gender, and educational level), as well as food habits and the consumption of various food categories. Results: Of the 6267 potential participants contacted in 2021 from the 13 administrative regions of Saudi Arabia, 5228 successfully completed the interview, with a response rate of 83.4%. Gender was distributed equally among the total participants in the sample. The prevalence of bariatric surgeries in Saudi Arabia was estimated at around 4.1% of the total sample. More than 36% of people who had bariatric surgery experienced food taste changes, and around 15% reported a decrease in allergic reactions to food. Moreover, 68.1% had food preference changes, either starting to favor a new food or no longer favoring one. There was a significant association between consuming more red meat, chicken, and energy drinks and a decreased consumption of grains and rice among those who had the bariatric surgery compared with those who did not. Conclusions: This study found that more than two-thirds of people who had bariatric surgery self-reported food taste and food preference changes. More studies should be performed on the Saudi population, including clinical follow-up, to better understand these changes.

scholarly journals LEVETIRACETAM USE, AVAILABILITY AND KNOWLEDGE OF TOXICITY AMONG EPILEPTIC PATIENTS AND THEIR CARE GIVERS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN KING SALMAN ARMED FORCES HOSPITAL TABUK SAUDI ARABIA

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Olayan Alatawi ◽  
Faisal Alzahrani ◽  
Nasrin S Saiyed
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Side Effect ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Armed Forces ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Care Givers ◽  
Epileptic Patients ◽  
Study Participants

Background: Levetiracetam (Keppra®) is a well-known second-generation anti-epileptic drug (AED). The study was aimed to addresses Levetiracetam use, availability and knowledge of toxicity among epileptic patients and their care givers in King Salman Armed Forces Hospital Tabuk Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted in King Salman Armed Forces Hospital (KSAFH) in Tabuk city in Saudi Arabia. The study participants were epileptic patients and their care givers, selected from different outpatient departments using a convenient sampling technique. Data was collected using an Arabic self-reported questionnaire consisted of open-ended and closed-ended questions to facilitate study participants. Altogether, 381 persons answered the full questionnaire. The data were entered into SPSS version 26.0 for Windows, cleaned and managed before analysis. Results: Participants age ranged from 18 to 63 years, with a mean 29.6 years and standard deviation 5.8 years. 47.0% (n= 179) were male and 53.0% (n= 202) female. Six out of ten participants lived in the urban area (67.7%). Majority of the participants had knowledge about seizures (96.9%). About 31.0% of the participants and/or patients had seizures (epilepsy) since more than 20 years. Nearly 28.0% participants and/or patients had family history of seizures (epilepsy). Majority of the participants had Levetiracetam at home and aware of the correct usage of it. However, about 11% of the participants felt that Levetiracetam is used to help sleep. Eight out of ten of the participants reported “Sleepiness” as the side effect of Levetiracetam (79.3%). Half of the participants reported “Headache” as the side effect of Levetiracetam. About 94.0% of the participants knew that someone could take enough Levetiracetam to harm themselves. Conclusion: The study population used Levetiracetam, they demonstrated basic awareness of Levetiracetam use including the potential consequences of overdosing. Participants' knowledge regarding the toxicity of Levetiracetam is adequate. Special awareness programs for parents of children with epilepsy may be needed to reduce the knowledge gaps in the management of epilepsy and to ensure compliance and optimal therapeutic outcomes.

scholarly journals Prevalence and Factors Associated with Musculoskeletal Disorders among Secondary Schoolteachers in Hail, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 6632
Author(s):  
Omar W. Althomali ◽  
Junaid Amin ◽  
Wael Alghamdi ◽  
Daria Hussain Shaik
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Significant Risk Factor ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Lower Back

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the most common occupational health hazards and serious health concerns among teachers. About 39% to 95% of teachers suffer from musculoskeletal pain that can lead to a decline in their performance, frequent sick leaves and early retirement, and can have a negative impact on their quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of and risk factors for MSDs among secondary schoolteachers in Hail, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted through an electronic survey. A self-reported and validated Arabic version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was used. Participants were recruited randomly through a two-stage sampling technique. A total of 251 respondents (57.8% males and 42.2% females) returned the questionnaire. The overall prevalence of MSDs was 87.3%. Female teachers (95.3%) suffered more than their male counterparts (81.4%). The most common site was the lower back (62.55%), followed by the shoulders (53.39%) and knees (41.04%). Most of the participants (72.7%) reported MSDs in multiple sites. Binomial logistic regression predicted that smoking is a significant risk factor for lower back disorders (p < 0.05). A high prevalence of MSDs can be due to a substantial lack of awareness and practice of ergonomics, which warrant the development of preventive strategies and educational programs.

scholarly journals Food Allergy Management Has Been Negatively Impacted During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elif Soyak Aytekin ◽  
Sevda Tüten Dal ◽  
Hilal Ünsal ◽  
Ayşegül Akarsu ◽  
Melike Ocak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Allergy ◽  
Food Challenge ◽  
Oral Food Challenge ◽  
Food Allergies ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Dietary Compliance ◽  
Trial Experience ◽  
Related Risk ◽  
Home Food

ABSTRACT Objective: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic creates secondary problems for the health care system, and understanding specific issues can guide the management of the pandemic and its future consequences. We aimed to characterize the problems and related risk factors experienced with outpatient compliance and dietary compliance of children with food allergies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on the mothers of children with ongoing food allergies, eight months after Turkey’s first confirmed case of COVID 19. Results: Of the 288 patients, 76.3% and 40.2% were non-adherent to their scheduled appointments and oral food challenge, respectively, during the pandemic. The group non-adherent to their scheduled visit was significantly older (p=0.005), had more frequent home food trials without the consent of their physicians (p<0.001), and had less usable epinephrine auto-injectors (EAI) available compared with the adherent group (p<0.001). Eighty-nine patients (30.9%) with home food trial experience had more essential food allergies (p<0.001) and experienced more allergic reactions (p=0.002), compared with patients who adhered to dietary elimination. Thirty parents (10.4%) eliminated some foods from their children’s diet because of the suspected reactions. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic, significantly reduces adherence with scheduled appointments and OFC, and increases home food trials and food eliminations without physician approval. Keywords: The COVID-19 pandemic, food allergy, compliance, telemedicine, oral food challenge

scholarly journals Food allergy knowledge, attitudes, and practices of food handlers working in the five-star hotel kitchens in Turkey

2022 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-34
Author(s):  
Uğur Lokman ◽  
Aylin Akoğlu
Keyword(s):  
Food Allergy ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Food Allergies ◽  
Attitude Score ◽  
Food Handlers ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Total Knowledge Score ◽  
Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

The purpose of this study is to determine the food allergy knowledge, attitudes and practices of food handlers working in five-star hotel kitchens in Turkey and to explore the association between the obtained scores and handlers’ demographic and working characteristics. A cross-sectional survey involving 450 food handlers in the state of Istanbul, Ankara and Antalya, in Turkey, was conducted using a paper-based questionnaire. The total knowledge score of the participants was 11.89 ±2.22 (max 17), attitude score 60.63 ±10.34 (max 75) and practice score 55.60 ±8.01 (max 65). In the comparison based on demographic characteristics; the knowledge (12.10 ±2.15) and practice (56.33 ±5.91) scores of the food handlers who received food allergy training in the hotel they work were found to be significantly higher than those who did not receive food allergy training (p<0.05). Food allergy knowledge of food handlers was evaluated as "average", attitude as "positive", and practice as "low risk practice". The results obtained are expected to contribute to the development of food allergy policies, procedures, and the planning of the necessary trainings for reducing the risks of food allergies and preventing fatal allergic reactions.

Patterns of Restorative Failure among Khat and Shammah Users in Jazan City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Survey

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 234-240
Author(s):  
Shilpa H Bhandi ◽  
Mohammed E Sayed ◽  
Razan A Bosly ◽  
Huda A Hakami ◽  
Maryam H Mugri
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Bivariate Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Dental Restorations ◽  
Dental Clinics ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Natural Dentition

ABSTRACT Introduction The effect of Khat and Shammah habits, with the parafunctional jaw activities that accompany them, on the integrity of the natural dentition, dental restorations, and prostheses has not yet been investigated. This study is the first attempt to identify the patterns of restorative failure among Khat chewers and Shammah users in Jazan City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in 294 recruits among dental clinics in Jazan City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from October 1, 2015, to April 30, 2016. The patients were surveyed and examined to identify the type of restorations/prosthesis they had and their failures. Bivariate analysis was conducted to investigate the association of the restorative failure with the demographic variables. General linear model was performed to investigate the association between restorations/prostheses failure and Khat/Shammah use with the controlling factors of age and gender as independent variables. Results Khat/Shammah use was statistically significantly associated with restorative failure (p < 0.05) relative to amalgam, composite, crowns, fixed partial dentures, removable partial dentures, and complete dentures. In addition, a significant association of restorative failure was observed with gender, education, and brushing. Conclusion Consumption of Khat/Shammah may be attributed as one of the reasons associated with restorative failure among the Saudi population. How to cite this article Sayed ME, Bosly RA, Hakami HA, Mugri MH, Bhandi SH. Patterns of Restorative Failure among Khat and Shammah Users in Jazan City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Survey. J Contemp Dent Pract 2017;18(3):234-240.

scholarly journals Levels and Associations of Weight Misperception with Healthy Lifestyle among Adults in Saudi Arabia

Obesity Facts ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Nora A. Althumiri ◽  
Mada H. Basyouni ◽  
Nasser F. BinDhim ◽  
Saleh A. Alqahtani
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Nutritional Knowledge ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Weight Misperception ◽  
And Gender

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Obesity affects more than one-quarter of adults in Saudi Arabia and is on the rise. A significant proportion of overweight and obese individuals misperceive their weight, and this misperception can affect their likelihood to exercise, consume healthy foods, or change unhealthy dietary habits. This study examines the prevalence of weight misperceptions in a national sample of Saudi adults and explores weight misperception association with sociodemographic factors, behavioral factors, and health status. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This study was a nationwide cross-sectional survey conducted via phone interviews. A proportional quota sampling technique was used to obtain equal distributions of participants, stratified by age and gender, across the 13 regions of Saudi Arabia. Weight and height were self-reported, and obesity was determined as a BMI ≥30. Participants were asked to describe their current weight as ideal, underweight, overweight, or obese. Misclassification was then compared across groups according to a range of sociodemographic factors, behavioral risk factors, and health indicators. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Of the 6,239 participants contacted, 4,709 (75.5%) responded and completed the interview. Of them, 50.1% were female, and the mean age was 36.4 (SD ± 13.55) years. The majority (70.1%) of participants indicated having weighed themselves within the past 30 days. The prevalence of weight misperception in general was 42.0%, and in obese participants, it was 67.6%. In addition, a significant association was observed between weight misperception and obesity, age-group, educational level, diagnosed chronic condition, self-rated health, and sedentary lifestyle. There was no significant association between weight misperception and gender, physical activity, or a nutritional knowledge. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Weight misperception could be used as an indicator of a poor health routine that may lead to negative health outcomes.

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