Digital Commons Network^™

The Effect Of Motivational Interviewing On Glycemic Control Among Saudi Persons With Type 2 Diabetes: A Feasibility Study, Fatima Y. Al-Slail, Ibtihal M. Bin Jumah, Kawther O. Abdelfadil, Sahar M. Fadl, Amaal O. Almutairy, Abdullah F. Alanazi, Omer O. Kheir

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To assess the feasibility of integrating a motivational interviewing approach with a comprehensive diabetes care program in Saudi primary care clinics. Approximately 23.1% of the adult Saudi population is diabetic, yet only 22.5% of these diabetic individuals maintain adequate glycemic control as defined by Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels <7%.

Methods: This quasi-experimental study employed pre- and post-evaluation methods to compare HbA1c levels among persons with uncontrolled diabetes before and after implementing a motivational interviewing (MI) and comprehensive care program. Adults with type 2 DM were included. The MI approach was used to educate and motivate the patients. Starting from November …

Childhood Obesity: Global Burden, Multifactorial Etiologies, Biological Mechanisms, And Emerging Interventions For Prevention And Management, Fahad H. Baali

Saudi Medical Journal

Childhood obesity, characterized by excessive accumulation of body fat that adversely affects health, is a global public health challenge. It affects approximately 8.2% of children and adolescents globally and contributes significantly to the burden of chronic diseases in later life. Obese children are at increased risk of developing metabolic disorder cluster, type 2 diabetes (T2D), coronary artery disease (CAD), and psychosocial complications. Increasing prevalence of childhood obesity imposes substantial economic costs and highlights the urgent need for effective prevention and management strategies. The causes of childhood obesity are multifactorial including genetic predispositions, environmental influences, dietary habits, and physical inactivity. Early …

Research Productivity On Obesity In The Arab World: A Bibliometric Analysis (2004–2023), Jamil Adnan Samkari, Ahamd Azam Malik

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To examine obesity research trends in Arab countries to inform policies and interventions.

Methods: A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Web of Science database accessed via King Abdulaziz University’s electronic library. Publications on obesity research in Arab countries from 2004 to 2023 were analyzed using R-Bibliometrix. Key parameters included publication volume, leading authors and institutions, funding sources, keyword co-occurrence networks, and collaboration patterns.

Results: Obesity-related research output in Arab countries demonstrated consistent growth from 2004 to 2023, with a threefold increase in publications since 2015. Regional and international collaborations have intensified, although disparities in research productivity persist across …

Prevalence Of Autoimmune Thyroid Disease Among Individuals With Celiac Disease In A Primary Care Setting In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Mansour I. Alrasheed, Hussam Jnaid, Faisal K. Alrasheed, Tarfah R. Alsharidi, Abdulelah I. Alrasheed, Sarah A. Alobaid, Norah A. Sulaiman

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: Celiac disease (CD) is a prevalent autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten consumption, leading to an immune response that damages the small intestine. Research shows a link between CD and autoimmune thyroid disorders (AITD). This study seeks to determine the prevalence of AITD among adult and pediatric patients with CD in the primary care setting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study reviewed electronic health records of individuals diagnosed with CD from January 2016 to December 2023 at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre. Collected data encompassed patient demographics, diagnostic approaches, thyroid function assessments, thyroid autoantibody profiles, …

Colorectal Cancer Screening In Saudi Arabia: Current Challenges And Future Directions, Abdulrahman A. Aljabri, Abdulrahman G. Alharbi

Saudi Medical Journal

Colorectal cancer has become a major public health concern in Saudi Arabia. It is the most prevalent cancer among men and the third most prevalent among women. Although screening for people aged 45-75 is recommended by national recommendations, screening uptake is still below 10%, and less than 1% of older persons have a colonoscopy. With regional differences that vary from age-standardized rates of 3.2 per 100,000 in Jouf to 21.8 per 100,000 in Riyadh among men, approximately 29% of cases are detected at late stages. Therefore, we assessed the epidemiological, social, and health-related systemic structures preventing effective colorectal cancer screening …

Research Productivity On Obesity In The Arab World: A Bibliometric Analysis (2004–2023), Jamil Adnan Samkari, Ahamd Azam Malik

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To examine obesity research trends in Arab countries to inform policies and interventions. Methods: A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Web of Science database accessed via King Abdulaziz University’s electronic library. Publications on obesity research in Arab countries from 2004 to 2023 were analyzed using R-Bibliometrix. Key parameters included publication volume, leading authors and institutions, funding sources, keyword co-occurrence networks, and collaboration patterns. Results: Obesity-related research output in Arab countries demonstrated consistent growth from 2004 to 2023, with a threefold increase in publications since 2015. Regional and international collaborations have intensified, although disparities in research productivity persist across …

Colorectal Cancer Screening In Saudi Arabia: Current Challenges And Future Directions, Abdulrahman A. Aljabri, Abdulrahman G. Alharbi

Saudi Medical Journal

Abstract Colorectal cancer has become a major public health concern in Saudi Arabia. It is the most prevalent cancer among men and the third most prevalent among women. Although screening for people aged 45-75 is recommended by national recommendations, screening uptake is still below 10%, and less than 1% of older persons have a colonoscopy. With regional differences that vary from age-standardized rates of 3.2 per 100,000 in Jouf to 21.8 per 100,000 in Riyadh among men, approximately 29% of cases are detected at late stages. Therefore, we assessed the epidemiological, social, and health-related systemic structures preventing effective colorectal cancer …

Prevalence Of Autoimmune Thyroid Disease Among Individuals With Celiac Disease In A Primary Care Setting In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Mansour I. Alrasheed, Hussam Jnaid, Faisal K. Alrasheed, Tarfah R. Alsharidi, Abdulelah I. Alrasheed, Sarah A. Alobaid, Norah A. Sulaiman

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: Celiac disease (CD) is a prevalent autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten consumption, leading to an immune response that damages the small intestine. Research shows a link between CD and autoimmune thyroid disorders (AITD). This study seeks to determine the prevalence of AITD among adult and pediatric patients with CD in the primary care setting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study reviewed electronic health records of individuals diagnosed with CD from January 2016 to December 2023 at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre. Collected data encompassed patient demographics, diagnostic approaches, thyroid function assessments, thyroid autoantibody profiles, …

Nutritional Knowledge Of The Phenylketonuria Diet Among Healthcare Providers In Saudi Arabia, Nouf A. Alghamdi, Rouba K. Naaman

Saudi Medical Journal

ABSTRACT Objectives: Phenylketonuria (PKU) is associated with detrimental impacts on factors contributing to the etiology of obesity, and metabolism disorders. Therefore, we hypothesized that physicians and dietitians demonstrate a sufficient level of nutritional knowledge of the PKU type diet. The aim of this study is to assess understanding of the PKU diet in relation to current guidelines among dietitians and metabolic physicians in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This study involved 238 participants, primarily Saudi and non-Saudi dietitians and metabolic physicians working in Saudi Arabia, who asked to complete an electronic questionnaire assessing their nutritional knowledge of the PKU diet. The questionnaire …

Prevalence Of Respiratory Distress Syndrome Among Late Preterm Infants Admitted To A Neonatal Intensive Care Unit In Saudi Arabia: A Retrospective Study, Abdulmohsen K. Alswayed, Kamal Ali, Amjad O. Alharbi, Ghadah K. Alnami, Haifa M. Bindokhi

Saudi Medical Journal

ABSTRACT Objectives: The objective of this research was to identify how common Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is and explore related factors in late preterm infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted over 1 year (2021). Infants with a gestational age of 34 to 36 weeks were selected using a consecutive, non-probability sampling method. Clinical, neonatal, and maternal factors were analyzed to assess their impact on the prevalence of RDS in this gestational age group. Results: The majority of infants in the …

Real-World Evidence Of Nusinersen Treatment For Patients With Spinal Muscular Atrophy In The Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia: Initial Insights From The Saudi National Spinal Muscular Atrophy Program, Ahmed H. Al-Jedai, Hajer Yousef Almudaiheem, Tareef Y. Alaama, Fahad Abdo Bashiri, Mohammed Abdelrahman Almuhaizae, Fouad Abdullah Alghamdi, Aljohara A. Alsakran, Fahad Zuriqan Ibrahim

Saudi Medical Journal

ABSTRACT Objectives: To assess the clinical and functional outcomes of 110 patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) program who received nusinersen treatment in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Methods: Motor assessments were performed using the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia infant test of neuromuscular disorder (CHOP-INTEND) and Hammersmith infant neurological examination (HINE) for type 1 SMA, the Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale–Expanded (HFMSE) for types 2 and 3 SMA; the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) for ambulant type 3 SMA, and the revised upper limb module (RULM) for types 2 and 3 SMA. Results: Data included all SMA types (type 1, 2.72%; …

Correlation Of Clinical And Laboratory Findings Of Dehydration With Ultrasonographic Measurements, Yusuf Yilmazturk, Abdullah Sadik Girisgin, Mustafa Alpaslan, Necmi Baykan

Saudi Medical Journal

ABSTRACT Objectives: To assess bedside ultrasonographic readings in conjunction with laboratory and clinical results, as well as to look into the efficacy of these measurements while evaluating patients who are being monitored for dehydration and managing their therapy. Methods: We assessed 300 patients, 150 of whom were in the case group and 150 in the control group. Laboratory results throughout therapy, clinical dehydration, vital signs, and bedside ultrasonography results were all documented. A vena cava inferior collapsibility index of 50% or higher, dry oral mucosa, decreased skin turgor, and a fresh onset of altered consciousness were all considered clinical indicators …

Proton Beam Therapy Indications In The Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia: A Saro Clinical Practice Guideline, Saif A. Aljabab, Mohammed A. Aldehaim, Hussain A. Alhussain, Yasir A. Bahadur, Ibraheem S. Alomary, Majed A. Alghamdi, Abdulaziz S. Alghamdi, Yasir M. Alayed, Ali A. Balbaid

Saudi Medical Journal

ABSTRACT Objectives: To update the national guidelines for proton therapy to reflect the evolving literature. The Saudi Particle Therapy Centre is making efforts to establish proton therapy services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods: The Saudi Particle Therapy Center collaborated with the Saudi Association of Radiation Oncology to formulate a panel of radiation oncologists with proton therapy experience to refine and update our previous publication. The recommendation level was based on the overall evidence using a 4-grade scale following the World Health Organization quality of evidence recommendations. These updates focus on summarizing the literature and the level of recommendation …

Video Call Program For Intensive Care Patients And Their Families During The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Study, Haifa Alhumedi, Hasan M. Al-Dorzi, Abdulaziz Aldawood, Amal Almatroud, Mona Aldawsari, Haseena Banu Khan, Victoria Burrows, Samiyah Alrawy Alanazi, Brintha Naidv, Salha Al Zayer, Zandile Yeni, Saja Marhoun, Hoda Khoutani, Saeed Maghrabi, Sarah Alzighaibi, Fawaz Rabeeah, Sattam Alanazi, Huda Alghamdi, Abdul Aleem Atassi, Ali Alkathaami, Yaseen M. Arabi

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To describe the utilization of the My Visit application for video calls between patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) and their families during the .COVID-19 pandemic as an alternative to hospital visits. Methods: The My Visit (Zeyareti) application was launched in 2 National Guard Health Affairs hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 and extended to all ICUs in August 2020. It allowed patients to communicate with their families using dedicated screens. This retrospective study was conducted using an automated satisfaction survey between September 2020 and September 2023. Results: Over 37 …

Long-Term Growth Hormone Effects In Prader-Willi Syndrome: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Mahmoud N. Almutadares, Nour M. Gazzaz, Naseem Y. Alyahyawi, Nuha M. Alrayes, Eman A. Mazi, Fahad F. Mansouri, Kholoud A. Hothan, Hanaa A. Hamadallah, Esraa M. Bukhari, Ahlam A. Mazi

Saudi Medical Journal

ABSTRACT Objectives: To assess the long-term effects and mortality rates associated with GH therapy in patients with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS). Prader-Willi Syndrome is a rare genetic disease characterized by growth hormone (GH) deficiency among other endocrine disorders. Methods: A systematic literature search was carried out on 4 databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases. The search was based on two keywords: “Growth hormone” AND “Prader-Willi Syndrome”. Outcome data included height-standard deviation score (SDS), weight SDS, body mass index (BMI)-SDS, insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF1), mortality, low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, and blood glucose. Results: A total of …

Saudi Clinical Practice Guidelines For Management Of Diabetic Kidney Disease In Adults, Khalid I. Almatham, Hajer Y. Almudaiheem, Waleed A. Alhazzani, Haifa F. Alotaibi, Saad S. Alobaili, Mohammed H. Tawhari, Saud N. Alsifri, Rehab B. Albakr, Mohammed N. Alomi, Khalidah A. Alenzi, Bedor A. Al-Omari, Ahmed H. Al-Jedai

Saudi Medical Journal

ABSTRACT Objectives: To develop evidence-based national guidelines incorporating recent advancements in clinical research and therapeutic strategies for the management of patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Methods: We developed the guidelines using the GRADE methodology and a multidisciplinary expert panel comprising nephrologists, endocrinologists, clinical pharmacists, and methodologists across KSA. We conducted a systematic literature review of studies published between 2014–2024. The evidence certainty was evaluated across 5 domains using GRADEpro and categorized into 4 levels: “high”, “moderate”, “low”, and “very low”. Recommendations were formulated based on the benefit-risk ratio, evidence quality, and expert …

Breastfeeding In Indonesia On The Rise, But Mothers Need More Support

Saudi Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

Approaches To Reduce The Impact Of Stroke In Gulf Cooperation Council Nations, Muath A. Alammar

Saudi Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

Phase Iv Clinical Trials For The Treatment Of Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma (Nsclc): A Systemic Review From 2020-2025, Yousif A. Kariri, Mohammed H. Alqasmi, Bijad S. Alqahtani

Saudi Medical Journal

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate and provide evidence on drugs investigated in completed phase IV clinical trials for adult non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) therapy, primarily focusing on treatment objectives and adverse effects. Methods: Clinical research studies from January 2020 to January 2025 were systematically reviewed using the “ClinicalTrials.gov” database. The inclusion criteria focused on publicly available, relevant, and completed Phase IV studies limited to “Clinicaltrials.gov”, while those not meeting these specifications were excluded. As of 3 January 2025, a total of 7,541 Phase IV clinical trials were available on “ClinicalTrials.gov”, of which 121 were related to NSCLC. Results: Six of …

Stroke Incidence, Mortality And Disability-Adjusted Life Years (Dalys) Trends In Association With Air Pollution, Dietary And Metabolic Risk Factors In Gulf Cooperation Council Countries: Global Burden Of Disease Data Based Analysis 1990-2021, Bandar N. Aljafen, Anusha S. Meo, N. Shaikh, Sultan A. Meo

Saudi Medical Journal

ABSTRACT Objectives: To identify the primary risk factors contributing to stroke incidents and deaths, analyzing the trends and changes in regional stroke statistics between 1990 and 2021 in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Methods: This longitudinal time trend study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from June to August 2024. The data were recorded from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) and the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) datasets. The incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life year (DALY) rates of stroke in the GCC countries, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, …

Characterization And Management Of Pain Across Phases Of Intraosseous Infusion In Emergency Department Patients With Non-Cardiac Arrest, Aiping Shi, Juan Chen, Xiaowei He, Chunyan Chen, Ming Sun, Wei Li, Wenxia Xu, Wei Yang, Xiaoqin Han

Saudi Medical Journal

ABSTRACT Objectives: To identify risk factors for moderate-to-severe pain during intraosseous infusion (IOI) in non-cardiac arrest patients in the emergency department (ED). Secondary aims include evaluating pain trajectory across procedural stages and assessing the efficacy of a personalized pain management strategy. Methods: This mixed-methods study analyzed 220 ED patients undergoing IOI (150 retrospective, 70 prospective). The prospective cohort was randomized to standard care (n=35) or personalized pain management (n=35). Pain was quantified using the numeric rating scale (NRS) and critical-care pain observation tool (CPOT). Results: During puncture, 35.33% (53/150) reported no/mild pain. Pain severity peaked during flushing, with 73.33% (110/150) …

Maternal Systemic Iron Homeostasis In Diabetes-In-Pregnancy: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study From A Tertiary Health Care Centre Of South India, Kamila Thalapalliyil, Zachariah Bobby, Gowri Dorairajan, Pampa Ch. Toi

Saudi Medical Journal

ABSTRACT Objectives: To explore whether uniform supplementation causes iron overload among a cohort of South Indian non-anemic pregnant women with diabetes-in-pregnancy (DIP). Methods: The study took place between May 2022 and May 2024 and consisted of 120 participants from 2 groups: healthy pregnant women (HP) and pregnant women with DIP. Levels of Hb and the serum indices of iron homeostasis-iron, unsaturated iron-binding capacity, total iron-binding capacity, transferrin saturation, ferritin, hepcidin, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), and sTfR index, were estimated. The levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, indices of oxidative stress, malondialdehyde, total antioxidant status (TAS), and oxidative stress index (OSI; ratio …

Who, Itu, Wipo Showcase A New Report On Ai Use In Traditional Medicine

Saudi Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

Unmasking Iron Deficiency And Iron Deficiency Anemia In Saudi Arabia: Data From A Large Private Sector Lab, Osman O. Radhwi, Omar M. Raslan, Eman M. Mansory

Saudi Medical Journal

ABSTRACT Objectives: This study investigates the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in Saudi Arabia, analyzing variations by gender, age, and geographical region. Methods: An observational, cross-sectional analysis was conducted from January 2014 to February 2024 using data from Al Borg laboratories, including ferritin levels, demographics, and routine hematological results. Results: The study included 420,956 individuals, with 73% being female and 94% over 15 years old. The IDA was found in 19.8% of patients, Non-Anemic Iron Deficiency (NAID) in 23.7%, and other anemias in 9.6%. Females represented 93% of those with IDA and NAID. All patients under 12 were anemic, …

Serum Levels Of Gdf-15, Betatrophin, Tnf-Α And Il-6 In Diabetic Patients With And Without Diabetic Complications, Ahmet Yılmaz, Tugce Kaymaz, Burkay Yakar, Mehtap Gömleksiz, Erhan Önalan, Mehmet F. Gürsu

Saudi Medical Journal

ABSTRACT Objectives: To investigate serum levels of growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), inflammatory biomarkers, and betatrophin in individuals with diabetes mellitus, both with and without complications. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted involving patients with diabetes. Participants were categorized into 3 groups: Group 1 (30 healthy individuals without diabetes), Group 2 (30 diabetic patients without complications), and Group 3 (30 diabetic patients with complications). Blood samples were collected to assess standard biochemical parameters, as well as plasma concentrations of betatrophin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and GDF-15. All serum biomarkers were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques. Results: …

Evaluation Of Systemic Immune Inflammation Index, Halp Score, Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio And Platelet-Lymphocyte Ratio In Pediatric Burned Patients, Gül Doğan, Hülya İpek, Mehmet Metin, Nurcan Çoşkun, Çağatay E. Afşarlar

Saudi Medical Journal

ABSTRACT Objectives: To evaluate whether there is any relationship between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio(PLO), systemic immune -inflammation (SII) level and HALP score and the location of involvement, surface width, burn degree in pediatric burn patients to investigate the effect on prognosis. Methods: After obtaining institutional ethical committee approval, a retrospective analysis was conducted on 192 pediatric cases (under 18 years old) treated for burns in our hospital from December 2018 to December 2023. Hemoglobin, leukocyte, neutrophil, platelet and albumin levels. Simultaneously NLR, PLR, SII and HALP scores were calculated. Results: Post-hoc test results revealed that the NLR values in …

Malnutrition Rates Reach Alarming Levels In Gaza, Who Warns

Saudi Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

Prevalence And Risk Factors Of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Among Population Of Saudi Arabia: A Meta-Analysis, Waleed D. Khubzan, Dana O. Kaddah, Ola E. Alkhoshiban, Mirza H. Alkhater, Botool A. Alshahrani, Rama A. Alhatlani, Muntaha S. Alsulaimani, Dalal A. Elyas, Majed A. Almourgi

Saudi Medical Journal

ABSTRACT Objectives: To find how common gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is in Saudi Arabia and to identify the main risk factors linked to it. Methods: We followed PRISMA guidelines and registered the study on PROSPERO (CRD42025637142). A full literature search was done across PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar up to December 2024. Two reviewers independently reviewed the results. We assessed the risk of bias using the JBI critical appraisal tool and evaluated potential reporting bias through Egger’s test. To determine the overall prevalence and key contributing risk factors, we conducted a meta-analysis utilizing a random-effects approach. We also did subgroup …

Glp-1 Analog Therapy And Hemoglobin Levels: Insights From A Retrospective Study, Sarah A. Almuammar, Hani K. Alzahrani

Saudi Medical Journal

ABSTRACT Objectives: To investigate the hematological impact of Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogs, specifically changes in hemoglobin and ferritin levels. Glucagon-like peptide-1 analogs, pivotal in managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity, exhibit diverse physiological effects. While their impact on glycemic control is well-established, understanding their influence on hematological parameters remains an active area of investigation. Methods: A cohort of 700 patients prescribed GLP-1 analogs between March 2021 and October 2022 was analyzed. Demographic data, baseline hemoglobin, ferritin levels, and subsequent measurements were collected. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, subgroup analyses, and multivariable logistic …

How Does Body Mass Index Affect Breast Cancer Risk In Postmenopausal Women With And Without Cardiovascular Disease?

Saudi Medical Journal

No abstract provided.