Omar A. Al-Mohrej

Is the Saudi public aware of Middle East respiratory syndrome

Summary To limit the spread of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Health tried to raise public awareness using different public campaigns. We aimed to measure public awareness of MERS in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted between May and June 2014 using a newly designed Arabic questionnaire that was distributed and completed online. We analyzed the response of 1149 respondents across Saudi Arabia. We found that 97% of the participants were aware of MERS. In addition, 72% realized that coughing and sneezing could spread the infection. Furthermore, 83% thought that some patients with MERS could be cured. Moreover, 62% knew that no vaccine can prevent the disease. However, only 36% realized that taking antibiotics will not stop the infection, and only 41% recognized that no medication has yet been manufactured to treat it. Regarding protection measures, 74% used hand sanitizers, 43% avoided crowded places, and 11% wore masks in public places. Moreover, only 47% knew that bats and camels are the primary source of the virus. As anticipated, this level of awareness varied between the different categories of the studied population. Female, married, older, and more educated participants were significantly more knowledgeable about the disease. Public awareness of MERS is generally sufficient. However, some false beliefs about treatment were fairly common. In addition, almost half of the population remains unaware that bats and camels are the most likely sources of the virus.

Knowledge and attitude towards total knee arthroplasty among the public in Saudi Arabia: a nationwide population-based study

PurposeStudies on total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in Saudi Arabia are scarce, and none have reported the knowledge and attitude of the procedure in Saudi Arabia. Our study aims to measure the knowledge and attitude of TKA among the adult Saudi population.MethodsTo encompass a representative sample of this cross-sectional survey, all 13 administrative areas were used as ready-made geographical clusters. For each cluster, stratified random sampling was performed to maximize participation in the study. In each area, random samples of mobile phone numbers were selected with a probability proportional to the administrative area population size. Sample size calculation was based on the assumption that 50% of the participants would have some level of knowledge, with a 2% margin of error and 95% confidence level. To reach our intended sample size of 1540, we contacted 1722 participants with a response rate of 89.4%.ResultsThe expected percentage of public knowledge was 50%; however, the actual percentage revealed by this study was much lower (29.7%). A stepwise multiple logistic regression was used to assess the factors that positively affected the knowledge score regarding TKA. Age [P = 0.016 with OR of 0.47], higher income [P = 0.001 with OR of 0.52] and participants with a positive history of TKA or that have known someone who underwent the surgery [P < 0.001 with OR of 0.15] had a positive impact on the total knowledge score.ConclusionsThere are still misconceptions among the public in Saudi Arabia concerning TKA, its indications and results. We recommend that doctors use the results of our survey to assess their conversations with their patients, and to determine whether the results of the procedure are adequately clarified.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal pain of the neck, upper extremities and lower back among dental practitioners working in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

Objectives Studies have shown that dentists have a higher incidence of work-related musculoskeletal (MSK) pain than those in other occupations. The risk factors contributing to MSK pain among Saudi dentists has not been fully studied so this study aims to estimate the prevalence of MSK pain and investigate its associated risk factors among dentists in Saudi Arabia. Setting and participants A cross-sectional survey was carried out in the capital city Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, using random cluster sampling. 224 surveys were distributed among dentists with a 91.1% response rate (101 women and 103 men). Outcomes The prevalence of MSK pain and its associated risk factors were investigated. Results 184 (90.2%) respondents reported having MSK pain. Lower back pain was the most commonly reported MSK pain (68.1%). Gender and age were reported to be predictors for at least one type of MSK pain. Older age was associated with lower back pain (OR 1.23; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.50) and women had double the risk of shoulder pain (OR 2.52; 95% CI 1.12 to 5.68). In addition, lower back pain was related to the time the dentist spent with patients (OR 0.28; 95% CI 0.14 to 0.54), while shoulder pain (OR 1.03; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.06) and lower back pain (OR 1.06; 95% CI 1.03 to 1.10) were significantly related to years of experience. Conclusions MSK pain is common among older and female Saudi dentists. Research on the impact of exercise and the ergonomics of the workplace on the intensity of MSK pain and the timing of its onset is required.

Chronic ankle instability: Current perspectives

Ankle sprain is reported to be among the most common recurrent injuries. About 20% of acute ankle sprain patients develop chronic ankle instability. The failure of functional rehabilitation after acute ankle sprain leads to the development of chronic ankle instability. Differentiation between functional and anatomical ankle instability is very essential to guide the proper treatment. Stability testing by varus stress test and anterior drawer test should be carried out. Subtalar instability is an important pathology that is commonly by passed during the assessment of chronic ankle instability. Unlike acute ankle sprain, chronic ankle instability might require surgical intervention. The surgical and conservative management options can be very much developed by in-depth knowledge of the ankle anatomy, biomechanics, and pathology. Anatomical repair, augmentation by tendon, or both are the basic methods of surgical intervention. Arthroscopy is becoming more popular in the management of chronic ankle instability.

What encourages Saudis to quit smoking

Context: Despite the noticeable increase in public awareness among Saudis, Saudi Arabia is still ranked as the fourth largest tobacco importer in the world. A very limited number of studies have studied ex-smokers in the Saudi population. Aims: In this study, we aimed to analyse the socio-demographic characteristics of ex-smokers in an attempt to determine who is most likely to quit smoking among Saudis. Settings and Design: This study is an extension to a previous cross-sectional study, which was conducted in Saudi Arabia during the period between April and May 2013. Subjects and Methods: A new questionnaire was developed and manually distributed electronically through different popular Twitter accounts. The questionnaire was written in Arabic and included information about socio-economic factors and smoking history. Results: The results of 2057 questionnaires showed that 808 (39%) were current smokers, 460 (22%) were ex-smokers while the remaining 808 (39 %) never smoked. The majority of ex-smokers (57%) decided to quit because of religious and social reasons. In addition, health reasons were the drive for 40% of the quitters while only 2.7% of the quitters made the decision because of financial reasons. In the multivariate analysis for reasons to stop smoking, we found that quitting was not influenced by gender, income or age at the onset of smoking. Conclusions: We have looked at smoking cessation from a broader perspective, analysing different categories of the Saudi population. Social, religious and health reasons must be emphasised by counsellors assisting Saudi smokers to quit.

Acute ankle sprain: conservative or surgical approach?

Ankle sprains fall into two main categories: acute ankle sprains and chronic ankle instability, which are among the most common recurrent injuries during occupational activities, athletic events, training and army service. Acute ankle sprain is usually managed conservatively and functional rehabilitation failure by conservative treatment leads to development of chronic ankle instability, which most often requires surgical intervention. Enhancing the in-depth knowledge of the ankle anatomy, biomechanics and pathology helps greatly in deciding the management options. Cite this article: Al-Mohrej OA, Al-Kenani NS. Acute ankle sprain: conservative or surgical approach? EFORT Open Rev 2016;1:34-44. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.1.000010.

Learning methods and strategies of anatomy among medical students in two different Institutions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract Background: Anatomy instructors adopt individual teaching methods and strategies to convey anatomical information to medical students for learning. Students also exhibit their own individual learning preferences. Instructional methods preferences vary between both instructors and students across different institutions. Aims: In attempt to bridge the gap between teaching methods and the students’ learning preferences, this study aimed to identify students’ learning methods and different strategies of studying anatomy in two different Saudi medical schools in Riyadh. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study, conducted in Saudi Arabia in April 2015, utilized a three-section questionnaire, which was distributed to a consecutive sample of 883 medical students to explore their methods and strategies in learning and teaching anatomy in two separate institutions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Results: Medical students’ learning styles and preferences were found to be predominantly affected by different cultural backgrounds, gender, and level of study. Many students found it easier to understand and remember anatomy components using study aids. In addition, almost half of the students felt confident to ask their teachers questions after class. The study also showed that more than half of the students found it easier to study by concentrating on a particular part of the body rather than systems. Students’ methods of learning were distributed equally between memorizing facts and learning by hands-on dissection. In addition, the study showed that two thirds of the students felt satisfied with their learning method and believed it was well suited for anatomy. Conclusions: There is no single teaching method which proves beneficial; instructors should be flexible in their teaching in order to optimize students’ academic achievements.

Neglected dorsolateral dislocation of the first metatarsophalangeal joint: A case report

Abstract Introduction Although the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint is frequently injured, Complete dislocation of the first MTP joint represents a relatively rare traumatic injury. Presentation of case A 46-year-old gentleman presented with a traumatic first MTP joint dislocation resulting from an automobile accident. Due to coronavirus outbreak in the hospital at that time, patient was referred to another hospital. Six months later, reduction was achieved surgically and fixation of the MTP with K-wires was done. Discussion Only few case reports have described the injury, and the ideal treatment along with the long-term result of the injury has yet to be further studied because reports are rare in this regard. Conclusion Functional range of motion may result even after 6 months of delayed treatment with ORIF and osteopenia may result.

Current view of bone regeneration using mesenchymal stem cells

Bone regeneration, reparative and restorative techniques of bone length discrepancies, correction of posttraumatic and congenital defects and deformities can be induced mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) which is taken from the bone marrow. In this review article, we aimed to have a look at MSCs for bone and tissue regeneration. MEDLINE ® , Embase™, the Science Citation Index, and Google™ Scholar were used to look for relevant articles which published in English since January 2000. Studies on bone regeneration using MSCs in the field of clinical orthopedics were retrieved. The bone graft can create a self-reliant mechanism to induce bone cellular environment that adapts to the whole skeletal nature. There are several factors contributory to deciding which approach to take. These include the type of bone deformities, defects, the biological setting of the patient, the nature of the reparative process desired, and surgical or orthopedic possibility of conducting all these processes. All these factors and several others should be taken into consideration and careful medical consultation. Orthopedics along with osteology made much headway in restoring bone and tissue in uniquely medical approach that is MSCs through the autologous cancellous bone taken from the bone marrow.

Will any future increase in cigarette price reduce smoking in Saudi Arabia

CONTEXT: In Saudi Arabia, no studies have been conducted on the correlation between any possible cigarettes price increase and its effects on cigarette consumption. AIMS: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of cigarette smoking in Saudi Arabia and to predict the effect of price increase on cigarette consumption. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted in April and May 2013. METHODS: We developed an Arabic questionnaire with information on demographic and socioeconomic factors, smoking history, and personal opinion on the effect of price increase on cigarette consumption. The questionnaire was distributed in public places such as malls and posted on famous Saudi athlete medias twitter accounts. RESULTS: Among the 2057 included responses, 802 (39%) were current smokers. The smokers’ population constituted of 746 (92%) males, of which 546 (68%) had a monthly income equal or greater to 800 US dollars, and 446 (55%) were aged between 21 and 30 years. Multivariate analyses of the risk factors for smoking showed that male gender and older age were associated with greater risk. Despite the current low prices of 2.67 US dollars, 454 smokers (56%) thought that cigarette prices are expensive. When asked about the price of cigarettes that will lead to smoking cessation, 443 smokers (55%) expected that a price of 8.27 US dollars and more per pack will make them quit. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing the price of popular cigarettes pack from 2.67 US dollars to 8.27 US dollars is expected to lead to smoking cessation in a large number of smokers in the Saudi population.