Saudi Med J
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To investigate the prevalence of childhood anxiety disorders in Saudi Arabia. ⋯ We conducted a cross-sectional study, between September and November 2019, in Saudi Arabia. The study group included the parents of 468 primary school children, aged 6-12 years. Parents completed the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders (SCARED) screening instrument, translated to Arabic. The measured outcome was the prevalence of childhood anxiety disorders, determined from the scores on the SCARED instrument. Results: Childhood anxiety disorders prevalence were as follows: 32.7% had one anxiety, 18.4% had 2, 10.9% had 3, 8.1% had 4, and 7.7% had 5. Of note, 22.2% of children did not have an anxiety disorder. Conclusion: Our results reveal a high prevalence of childhood anxiety disorders among primary school age children in Saudi Arabia. Based on these findings, conducting awareness campaigns and providing educational programs on childhood anxiety disorders might be important to improve the health outcomes of children.
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To explore the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics as the process and outcomes of diabetic individuals. ⋯ This registry provides great insights into the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of diabetic patients in Saudi Arabia. This registry data can be used to investigate the associations between sociodemographic or clinical characteristics and glycemic control among T2DM patients in Saudi Arabia.
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To evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of telemedicine among physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic. To assess the awareness about telemedicine among physicians and determine their opinions about telemedicine in the post-pandemic era. ⋯ Telemedicine should be part of medical services but should not completely replace physicians' personal interaction. Telemedicine could be continued for stable remotely residing patients even after the COVID-19 pandemic.
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To determine the prevalence of vasculopathic diabetic foot and the associated factors in a Saudi tertiary center. Methods: This retrospective chart review included adult patients (≥18 years) diagnosed with diabetic foot between May 2015 and July 2019 in King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Based on clinical presentation and laboratory results, the patients were categorized into 2 groups namely, "vascular induced diabetic foot group" and "non-vascular induced diabetic foot group". ⋯ A total of 404 diabetic patients were enrolled in the study. The mean age of the patients was 62.03±12.30 years; 61.9% were males. Most of the diabetic foot cases had a non-vascular etiology (n=327, 80.9%), while 77 cases (19.1%) were due to vasculopathy. Patient in the vascular group had a significantly higher incidence of coronary artery disease (32.5% versus 14.4%; p greater than 0.001), and a higher incidence of peripheral artery disease (PAD) in the unaffected limb (22.1% versus 2.1%; p less than 0.001). Conclusion: Most cases of diabetic foot were due to non-vascular causes. Old age, history of coronary artery disease, or PAD in the unaffected limb were factors that were significantly associated with diabetic foot due to arterial disease.
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To assessed the current practices for the management of thyroid nodules in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Methods: We conducted a descriptive web-based survey to physicians and surgeons involved in the management of thyroid nodules. The survey included questions on referral, ultrasound (US) reporting, fine needle aspiration (FNA), management of thyroid nodules including the approach for indeterminate FNA results, and usage of molecular testing. Results: A total of 311 responders, 155 (49.8%) were endocrinologists. Results showed that referrals and US report lack a number of valuable information including family history (84.9%) and high-risk US features (92.9%). ⋯ Only 44 (14.1%) performed molecular testing; however, 174 (55.9%) preferred it available. Significant variations in the approach were seen between endocrinologists versus non-endocrinologists. Conclusion: Practices variation in the management of thyroid nodules mandate a common practical guideline. Molecular testing is a preferable test for indeterminate FNA results by most of the responders though it is not widely available.