Increased psychological distress after the lifting of COVID-19 lockdown in the Saudi population: a cross-sectional study

Background Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its global health and socioeconomic aftereffects, the enduring state of crisis is increasingly impacting the coping capacity of the populations. In this study, we aimed to characterize the levels of psychological distress after the lifting of COVID-19 lockdown. Results The Impact of Event Scale (IES-R) and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales-21 items (DASS-21) were used to screen for post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and stress. The prevalence of PTSD was 41.6% and was associated with severe or extremely severe stress (27.8%), anxiety (31.4%), and depression (39.0%). All disorders were strongly correlated with one another. The risk of developing PTSD was independently associated with residence in high COVID-19 prevalence region (OR = 2.25, p = 0.004), poor (OR = 3.98, p = 0.002), or moderate (OR = 1.63, p = 0.048) self-assessed overall physical health, psychiatric comorbidity (OR = 1.87, p = 0.036), number of COVID-19-like symptoms (OR = 1.94, p = 0.039), and severe COVID-19 morbidity in the acquaintances (OR = 1.54, p = 0.026). Four theories were proposed to explain these high figures, with a discussion of their practical implications. Conclusions The lifting of lockdown measures was associated with a substantial increase in psychological distress among the Saudi population, referring to figures reported during the lockdown. This may indicate a decline in the overall population’s coping capacity with the enduring crisis.

Evaluation of Forensic Genetic Parameters of 24 STR Loci and Y indel in a Southern Region Saudi Population Sample Using GlobalFiler™ PCR Amplification Kit

The last three decades have seen rapid advances in the field of short tandem repeats (STRs) genotyping technology. Autosomal STRs have emerged as a powerful tool in forensic identification and paternity investigations. The indigenous population of Saudi Arabia is irregularly distributed and has historically been organized into geographically distinct groups or tribes of patrilineal descent. So far, there has been no detailed investigation of the southern region Saudi population to assist in the interpretation of DNA-based forensic evidence and in the construction of DNA database. The objective of this study is to investigate the genetic structure in 154 unrelated healthy Saudi subjects within three generations from the southern Saudi regions using a GlobalFiler™ PCR Amplification kit. Intra- and Inter-population genetic diversity as well as the forensic genetics parameters were analyzed. Our results showed that SE33 and TPOX loci were the most and the least polymorphic loci, respectively. The PIC, PE, TPI, Ho and He varied from 0.56116 (TPOX) to 0.94393 (SE33), 0.26638 (TPOX) to 0.83859 (SE33), 1.1875 (TPOX) to 6.33333 (SE33), 0.57894 (TPOX) to 0.92105 (SE33) and 0.6169 (TPOX) to 0.952 (SE33), respectively. The highest PM was observed for D22S1045 (0.223944) and the highest PD for SE33 (0.98935). The combined PD was 99.99999999% and the combined PM was equal to 3.19021E-25. Phylogenetic parameters showed that the southern region Saudi population had the closest genetic relationship with the Saudi, Emirati, Kuwaiti, and Bahraini populations. The study offers some important insights into the southern region Saudi population structure using GlobalFiler™ PCR Amplification kit.

Study of pedicles and spinal canal diameters at the level of lumbar vertebral in normal adult Saudi population using computed tomography

The values of normal transverse (interpedicular) and sagittal (midsagittal) diameters are different at various levels of lumbar spinal canal in individuals of the same race and differ at identical levels in individuals of various races. The aim of the study was to determine normal reference range of the lumbar spinal canal dimensions and to evaluate lumbar pedicle dimensions with respect to spinal level, age, gender in Saudi population by using Computed Tomography. This study was conducted in Najran province (K.S.A), archival abdominal CT scan images from PACS in hospitals were used. The data of this study was collected from 210 (102 male and 108 female) normal Saudi adults individuals with different ages, gender over a period of 20 months (2019 - 2021). The mean spinal canal transverse distance (SCTR) showed steady decrease from L1 to L4, as there was an increasing in (SCTR) at L5 relative to L4, The mean spinal canal anteroposterior diameter (SCAP) showed a decrease from L1 to L3, and then a gradual increase from L4 to L5 (Fig.4-10). This pattern was observed in males only as there was an increase of female (SCAP) at L2 and L5, and no significant gender difference was noted at any lumbar level for (SCAP) The mean pedicle width (PW) showed steady increase from L1 to L5. While the mean pedicle height (PH) showed a gradual decrease from L1 to L5. The study conclude that Computed tomography is a reliable method for determining the morphological measurements of the spinal canal and pedicles diameter.

Response of Saudi Population to Strict Preventive Measures against COVID-19

Background: The Saudi ministry of health (MOH) started the preventive measures very early on before having a single case of COVID-19. There were very few studies regarding the awareness and adherence to the preventive measures against COVID-19 among the Saudi population in the literature. Objectives: The study aims to examine the awareness and commitment to the strict Saudi government preventive measures against COVID-19. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey targeted Saudi and non-Saudi populations aged 18+ in March–April 2020. The online questionnaire was designed to explore the participant’s sociodemographic data, washing hygiene habits, the general level of awareness regarding COVID-19, and the extent to which they adhere to the government’s strict instructions. Results: Out of the 2958 participants in the survey, 23% washed their hands for between 20 and 30 s, 59.6% washed their hands after shaking hands with other people, 67.9% washed their hands after use of other’s utilities, 65.9% had appropriately followed the MOH recommended guidelines for home quarantine and social distancing. People in different age groups differed significantly on their practiced hygienic practices score p < 0.001. Respondents’ educational level had converged considerably and positively on their clean proper prevention practices score, f(2838.3) = 15.70. Conclusion: The majority of the participants adhere to the strict government instructions regarding COVID-19 as they have to obey the law. Health sector employees measured significantly greater hygienic preventive measures and precautions in comparison to other sectors. More public health efforts should increase hygienic best practice scores to achieve the best outcome.

Autoimmune Disease and Chronic Illness in KSA (Cross Sectional Study)

Background: The shortage of prevalence data based on a representative sample of the general population, as well as the small number of disorders covered in co-morbidity studies, are major issues in autoimmune disease research. In this study, the incidence of autoimmune illnesses in a representative sample of Saudi Arabia's general population is documented, and the hypothesis of an overall relationship between these diseases is explored. Methods: This was an analytical cross-sectional study to spot light on the prevalence of autoimmune disease among Saudi population. Since the aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of autoimmune disease and their relationship with chronic illnesses among Saudi, this is the suitable design for this research. The study was carried out among Saudi population. Data were collected from general population using questionnaire. Participants were chosen via probability simple random sampling technique. Participants were selected from the general population. The expected number of sample size was 700 participants. However, the study included 802 participants. Results: The study included the participation of 802 participants from both genders and different age groups in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. There were 436 female participants (54.4%) and 366 males (45.6%) took place in this study. The most prevalent age group was 45-54 years (n= 232, 28.9%). There were 199 participants reported having a family history of autoimmune diseases (24.8%). Furthermore, there were 186 participants who are using medications for high cholesterol level (23.2%) with no significant for gender (P= 0.08). Diabetes was prevalent among 203 participants (25.3%), blood pressure disorder (n= 211, 26.3%), ulcerative colitis (n= 137, 17.1%) and other comorbid conditions. Conclusion: In conclusion, this survey confirm relatively high prevalence of autoimmune disease among Saudi population. In addition, participants suffered from additionally comorbid conditions.

Using Herbal Medicine for Dental Pain in Saudi Arabia: Prevalence and Knowledge Assessment

Background: The dental community has started to use natural plant properties to relieve dental pain. Besides their significant serious side effect, Herb’s ingredients should be chosen wisely. However, many studies are conducted to find out the herb’s information due to the lack of randomized controlled clinical trials. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and the knowledge of the effect of using herbal medicine for dental pain among Saudi population. Methodology: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia between September 2020 and October 2021. based on a structured questionnaire among Saudi populations. Structured self-administrated questionnaires in English and Arabic languages were used as a study tool. Authors collected the information using social media channels through google forms. SPSS 26 was used for data entry and data analysis. Results: The study included 4213 participants. 25% of study sample were males and 75% were females. 51.6% aged between 20- 30 years old. 61.8% of all participants use herbs to relieve toothache (82% of them use clove or clove oil and 36% use thyme). Think herbs are safe and free from side effects in treating toothache. 8% noticed side effects or damage while using herbs to relieve dental pain (27% of them swelling, 21% sharp stomach pain, 21% hypersensitive and 17% bleeding). Conclusion: The Saudi population show relatively good knowledge level and practice towards herbs use in dentistry. The use of herbs to relieve toothache was significantly associated with female gender, age, residence area in western region and average monthly income.