Journal of Medicine and Life最新文献

This study aimed to assess pain intensity in patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The study was conducted between 2022 and 2023, enrolling 203 patients admitted to the Orthopedics Department. Participants self-reported their post-surgical pain 24 hours after THA by selecting a VAS rating that best represented their personal experience. Based on their diagnosis, participants were categorized into four relatively homogeneous groups: left-sided coxarthrosis, right-sided coxarthrosis, unilateral THA for bilateral coxarthrosis, and bilateral THA for bilateral coxarthrosis. Data were analyzed using SPSS, with frequency analysis performed using the chi-square (χ²) test. Pain intensity in patients undergoing uncemented THA ranged from mild irritation to pain requiring moderate analgesics. The statistical analysis revealed significant differences in pain frequencies across groups (χ² (24, 203) = 37.192; P = 0.04), with variations largely attributable to the type of THA performed. VAS scores indicated that patients with unilateral THA for coxarthrosis reported moderate pain lasting up to 30 minutes, necessitating moderate-intensity analgesics. In contrast, participants undergoing bilateral THA experienced more severe pain, requiring the administration of strong analgesics for effective pain relief and increased functionality. Among surgical procedures, uncemented total hip prostheses were associated with the highest frequency of manageable pain, characterized as irritation or mild discomfort requiring moderate analgesics.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is a recovery method developed to minimize pain and improve post-operative healing in patients. Brain tumor resection using the ERAS concept is relatively new. This case series evaluates the implementation of the ERAS protocol in three female patients diagnosed with supratentorial brain tumors. All patients presented with headache as a primary symptom and underwent craniotomy under general anesthesia supplemented with a scalp block. The surgeries were performed with stable hemodynamics, and anesthesia was maintained using dexmedetomidine, propofol, and rocuronium. After surgery, the patients were immediately extubated and treated in the intensive care unit. The use of opioid-free anesthesia significantly supported the ERAS principles by reducing pain, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), and shivering. This case series highlights the potential of opioid-free anesthesia as an effective alternative to opioids, aligning with the ERAS protocols to improve postoperative outcomes in brain tumor resection.

Social media is gaining popularity in Saudi Arabia, influencing the concept of beauty and cosmetic surgical needs, particularly among younger individuals. This study aimed to understand how social media is changing the face of cosmetic surgery by reflecting new beauty standards. A comprehensive literature review was conducted, focusing on studies published between 2015 and 2024 from databases such as PubMed and Scopus, examining the impact of social media on decisions related to plastic surgery. Our study accessed multiple studies revealing a concerning trend in the influence of social networks, especially on appearance-related decisions. Some persuasive appeals include false images, celebrity endorsements, and the use of pictures before or after the reconstruction of cosmetic surgery. Additionally, marketing strategies employed by plastic surgeons were found to contribute to the rising demand for both surgical and minimally invasive procedures. This article provides a detailed understanding of how social media can influence ideals and trends in cosmetic surgery while also highlighting the psychological impacts of impossible standards of beauty as well as the ethical implications of advertising practices in the industry. It also examines whether the influence of social media primarily serves the financial interests of providers or adds pressure on them to meet patients' heightened expectations. The limitations in prior research highlight the need for studies involving diverse populations and a closer examination of the potential long-term effects of social media on cosmetic surgery trends and perceptions of beauty.

The rising prevalence of obesity and diabetes underscores the need for innovative approaches to promote healthier lifestyles and improve clinical outcomes. Emerging evidence suggests that integrating mobile health (mHealth) technologies, such as smartphone applications and wearable devices, may provide a promising solution. mHealth interventions have the potential to enhance the delivery and accessibility of nutritional therapy and lifestyle modification programs for people with obesity and diabetes. This systematic review examines the available literature on the application and effectiveness of mHealth-based tools and technologies in managing these chronic conditions, offering insights into the current state of the field and opportunities for future research and clinical implementation. The review explores the diverse range of mHealth apps and devices utilized, their impact on weight loss, glycemic control, and other health-related outcomes, and the challenges and limitations associated with their use. This study highlights future directions and the growing importance of mHealth in the comprehensive management of obesity and diabetes to inform healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers about the potential of these innovative approaches to enhance patient care and improve population health.

The risk of cardiovascular disease differs among various ethnic groups, highlighting disparities in cardiovascular health among different populations. While multiple studies from other countries have looked at changes in physiological parameters during autonomic function tests like isometric handgrip and cold pressor tests, no correlational research has been done in Saudi Arabia. This lacuna underscores the importance of examining the relationship between cardiorespiratory parameters in young Saudi Arabian individuals during these tests. This study aimed to determine the correlation between the isometric handgrip and cold pressor tests and physiological parameters in healthy young Saudi Arabian college students. A single-arm interventional study was conducted with a cohort of 65 healthy young adult Saudi college students, including male and female participants. A point estimate was calculated with a 95% confidence level. Physiological parameters were analyzed and compared at rest and during isometric handgrip and cold pressor tests. The study involved participants with an average age of 21.12 ± 1.02, predominantly male students. A significant impact was observed only in respiratory rate (P = 0.007) during the isometric handgrip and cold pressor tests. In contrast, blood pressure parameters and arterial oxygen saturation values showed no statistical significance during both tests. This sheds light on their autonomic responses to physiological stressors and contributes to our understanding of cardiovascular health across diverse populations, guiding future interventions for global improvements in cardiorespiratory outcomes.

Epistaxis, or nosebleeds, is a common medical concern in emergency departments worldwide, often triggered by trauma, infections, allergies, and high blood pressure. Despite its frequency, there is limited research on the knowledge and attitudes of health-related students regarding the first aid management of epistaxis. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes toward first aid management of epistaxis among health-related specialty students at Al-Baha University, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered online questionnaire. A total of 370 participants were recruited through convenience sampling. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to identify significant associations. The findings revealed that over 70% of participants showed strong knowledge in identifying causes of epistaxis and applying first aid, although only 9.6% correctly differentiated between various causes of nosebleeds. Attitudes were highly positive, with 92.1% of respondents supporting training in nosebleed first aid and 85.9% recognizing epistaxis as a health priority. Significant differences in knowledge scores were observed based on age, academic year, and previous training (P < 0.05). Participants reported a median self-assessed confidence and knowledge rating of 6 on a 10-point scale. These findings underscore the need for targeted education and training in nosebleed management among healthcare students. The study highlights the need to address knowledge gaps and improve attitudes towards epistaxis first aid management among health-related specialty students at Al-Baha University in Saudi Arabia.

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among females worldwide and can often be detected at an early stage through breast self-examination (BSE). However, in many developing countries, most cases are diagnosed at advanced stages. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice of BSE among women of reproductive age in Saudi Arabia. This study adopted a community-based descriptive-analytical cross-sectional design. A stratified simple random sampling technique was used, with 50 participants from each region. Almost 500 Saudi women who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were enrolled in this study, and of these, 32.8% were within the age group of 20-29, 30.4% were within the age group of 30-39, and 32.8% were within the age group of more than 40 years. The overall knowledge score regarding BSE items among participants was 38%. Significant associations were found between breast cancer knowledge scores and demographic factors such as age group, educational level, marital status, region, and residence area (P < 0.05). Regarding knowledge of breast cancer risk factors, 48% of participants demonstrated poor knowledge, 43% had moderate knowledge, and only 9% had good knowledge. Effective prevention of breast cancer requires awareness and understanding of its risk factors. It is important for young women, starting from puberty, to be educated about potential changes in breast tissue and to receive proper training in BSE techniques from healthcare professionals.

This study explored the role of dentate status and dental caries on diabetes-related complications among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A hospital-based cross-sectional design was applied to collect data on diabetic patients attending integrated services for non-communicable diseases and oral health at a public hospital in Thailand. Diabetic complication outcomes included diabetic eye and foot complications and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The main independent variable of dentate status and dental caries was classified into three categories: dentate and caries-free, dentate with caries, and edentulous. The relationships were evaluated through epidemiological models depicted by directed acyclic graphs (DAGs). Multivariable Poisson regression with robust standard errors was applied to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) according to DAGs. Among 438 patients with T2DM, 62.8% were women, and an average age was 63.6 years. Most patients were dentate with dental caries (70.1%), and 8.2% were edentulous. Prevalence of diabetic foot complications and CKD were 37.1% and 10.1%. Six patients had eye complications. Regarding CKD outcome, PR estimates from univariable and multivariable models were 0.94-1.12 for the dentate with caries group and 1.67-2.31 for the edentulous group, all with non-significant P values. Regarding foot complication outcome, PR estimates were 1.10-1.12 for the dentate with caries group and 1.26-1.37 for the edentulous group, all with non-significant P values. Though not statistically significant, the magnitude and direction of PR suggested a possible hypothesis that, among patients with T2DM, edentulism might be related to a higher prevalence of CKD and diabetic foot complications as compared to being dentate and caries-free.

Efforts to improve healthcare services have been ongoing, particularly in equipping emergency departments (EDs) to handle pediatric cases. However, many EDs continue to lack specialized equipment and adequately trained personnel, exposing children to significant health risks. This study aimed to identify self-reported barriers among emergency physicians in managing pediatric patients and assess their confidence levels in pediatric care. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between March 2023 and January 2024 among emergency physicians dealing with pediatric emergencies practicing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected through an online self-administered questionnaire, which included demographic details, perceived barriers in pediatric care, availability of pediatric services, recommendations for improvement, and a 4-item confidence assessment. Out of 214 ED physicians, 197 responded (response rate: 92.1%), with junior residents comprising 40.1% of participants. The most reported barriers were determining accurate medication doses (20.8%) and managing interactions with parents (19.8%). Confidence in pediatric care was reported by 46.2% of participants and was significantly higher among consultants (AOR = 2.522; 95% CI, 1.187-5.358; P = 0.016) and those who encountered pediatric patients regularly during their shifts (AOR = 3.113; 95% CI, 1.396-6.946; P = 0.006). Conversely, lower confidence was observed among physicians who recommended workshops and mandatory training courses for improving pediatric care quality (AOR = 0.475; 95% CI, 0.228-0.988; P = 0.046). The findings highlight a lack of confidence among ED physicians in managing pediatric patients, with confidence levels varying based on the age of patients and frequency of pediatric exposure. The most common challenges were accurate medication dosing, interactions with parents, and addressing a diverse range of pediatric diseases. Consultants and regular exposure to pediatric cases were associated with increased confidence, while a perceived need for workshops and mandatory courses predicted decreased confidence.

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Risk factors of mortality in patients with AMI have been widely investigated, identifying older age and heart failure as common contributors. This study aimed to determine risk factors and explore predictors associated with higher mortality among patients with AMI. A retrospective study was conducted at a cardiac center in western Saudi Arabia (KSA) between January 1, 2023, and September 1, 2023. Inclusion criteria comprised patients with a confirmed diagnosis of AMI. Exclusion criteria included patients younger than 18 and those with incomplete diagnostic or follow-up data. A data collection form was generated, including all possible factors associated with mortality among patients with AMI. The study included 851 MI patients with a mean age of 58.78 years, primarily male participants. Survival analysis based on the days of hospitalization revealed that 30-day and 60-day survival rates post-hospitalization were 66.8% and 33.4%, respectively. Patients with acute MI of the anterior wall or other specific sites demonstrated significantly higher risks of mortality compared to those with unspecified acute MI. Elevated creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB) levels and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were also significantly associated with increased mortality risk. The findings highlighted an association between mortality and diabetes mellitus (DM) and transmural MI of the anterior wall. Significant differences between surviving and deceased patients were observed in several factors, including troponin, CK-MB, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), BUN, creatinine levels, age, and hospital stay duration.