World Family Medicine Journal /Middle East Journal of Family Medicine 

About: World Family Medicine Journal /Middle East Journal of Family Medicine is an academic journal. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Medicine & Internal medicine. Over the lifetime, 273 publications have been published receiving 30 citations.

Positive and negative acute phase reactants in sickle cell diseases

Abstract: Background: We tried to understand some positive and negative acute phase reactants (APR) in sickle cell diseases (SCD). Methods: Consecutive patients with the SCD and controls were studied. Results: The study included 193 patients (98 females) and 132 controls (67 females). Although the body weight and body mass index (BMI) were retarded in the SCD (58.9 versus 71.1 kg and 21.5 versus 26.8 kg/m2, respectively, p<0.000 for both), the body heights were similar in both groups (164.8 versus 162.8 cm, p>0.05). Parallel to the retarded body weight and BMI, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (93.4 versus 102.4 mg/dL, p=0.025), low density lipoproteins (LDL) (70.4 versus 98.1 mg/dL, p<0.000), high density lipoproteins (HDL) (24.2 versus 35.8 mg/dL, p<0.000), and systolic (117.6 versus 127.9 mmHg, p=0.001) and diastolic blood pressures (BP) (77.3 versus 86.0 mmHg, p<0.000) were all retarded in the SCD. On the other hand, total bilirubin (TB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were both increased (4.0 versus 0.7 mg/dL and 638.9 versus 268.4 U/L, respectively, p<0.000 for both) in the SCD. Similarly, white blood cell (WBC) and platelet (PLT) counts (16.338 versus 7.407 /µL and 421.424 versus 268.612 /µL, respectively) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) (90.3 versus 78.3 fL) were all increased whereas the hematocrit (Hct) level was decreased (23.2 versus 36.6%) in the SCD (p<0.000 for all). Conclusion: Body weight, BMI, FPG, LDL, HDL, systolic and diastolic BP, and Hct may be some negative whereas TB, LDH, WBC and PLT counts, and MCV may be some positive APR in the body. Keywords: Sickle cell diseases, positive acute phase reactants, negative acute phase reactants, chronic endothelial damage, atherosclerosis, body weight, body mass index

Assessing the Use of Contraceptive Methods for Family Planning among Married Women of Rawalpindi [urban]

Abstract: Qualitative data from a survey of married women living in urban areas of Rawalpindi are presented here in an effort to better understand their views on contraceptive techniques and the factors that impact their use. A purposeful selection strategy was used to choose participants, and only married women of childbearing age were eligible to participate. In total, 12 focus groups were held in the urban region of Rawalpindi. Some modern contraceptive methods were known to the majority, but overall use was extremely low. The prevalence of any form of contraception, including IUDs, was especially low. Modern contraception is not widely used because of concerns about side effects, religious apprehensions about harming the unborn child, a lack of information, or a lack of access to high-quality treatment according to the findings. The number of young women in the Pakistan who utilize contraception is influenced by social, demographic, and economic factors. Young women’s access to contraception may be restricted unless these findings are included into public health programs. Access to family planning information and services for young women is highly recommended. Key words: Contraceptive Methods, Family planning, Urban areas, Rawalpindi

Prevalence and associated factors of burnout among nurses in a general hospital in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia

Abstract: Background: Burnout is a prevalent psychological state among nurses. Burnout syndrome consists of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment, which results from prolonged stress in the workplace. Aim: This study aimed at assessing the prevalence and associated factors of burnout among nurses in Yanbu General Hospital, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 249 nurses at Yanbu General Hospital, Saudi Arabia. The validated Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey for Medical Personnel was used to measure burnout. Sources of stress were assessed by 17 items. Data obtained were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version. 20. Students’ t-test, correlation and analysis of variance were used to assess the relationship between variables. Results: High burnout was found among 168 (67.5%) participants. The EE score was significantly higher among Saudis, (p=0.004), among those who worked >40 hours per week (p<0.001) and among those who had more than 8 shifts per week (p=0.001). The depersonalization (DP) score was significantly higher among Saudis (p=0.014), and among those who worked >40 hours per week (p<0.001). The personal accomplishment (PA) score was higher among those who had higher monthly income (p=0.038). Sources of stress were associated with the three scales of burnout. Conclusion: Burnout was highly prevalent among nurses in this study and was associated significantly with work related factors and sources of stress in the workplace. Working conditions should be improved to minimize the impact and consequences of burnout among nurses. Key words: Burnout, Mental Health, Nurses, Saudi Arabia, Source of Stress, Yanbu

What a lower prevalence of diabetes mellitus but higher incidence of dyslipidemia in smokers

Abstract: Background: We tried to understand whether or not there is a relationship between smoking and diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods: Current regular smokers for the last six months and age and sex-matched non-smokers were included. Patients with current alcohol consumption (one drink a day) and patients with malignancies or inflammatory, infectious, or devastating disorders were excluded. Results: The study included 247 smokers and 167 non-smokers. The mean age and body mass index (BMI) of smokers were 46.2 years and 26.6 kg/m2, respectively, and 70.0% of them were male. Although the mean weight, BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, and hematocrit values were similar in both groups, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and DM were lower in the smokers (102.3 versus 111.6 mg/dL, p=0.007 and 8.9% versus 14.3%, p<0.05, respectively). Similarly, high density lipoproteins (HDL) were lower in the smokers, again (40.9 versus 44.0 mg/dL, p<0.05). On the other hand, triglycerides (163.1 versus 151.3 mg/dL, p<0.05) and low density lipoproteins (LDL) (123.8 versus 117.5 mg/dL, p<0.05) were higher in the smokers. Parallel to triglycerides and LDL, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (10.6 versus 9.3 mm/h, p<0.05) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (2.3 versus 2.0 mg/L, p<0.05) were also higher in them. Conclusion: Smoking-induced low-grade inflammation on vascular endothelium in whole body may terminate with the endothelial dysfunction, accelerated atherosclerosis, end-organ insufficiencies, early aging, and premature death. FPG and HDL may be negative whereas triglycerides, LDL, ESR, and CRP positive acute phase reactants terminating with lower prevalence of DM but higher incidence of dyslipidemia in smokers. Key words: Smoking, fasting plasma glucose, diabetes mellitus, high density lipoproteins, triglycerides, low density lipoproteins, dyslipidemia

Trends in Herpes Zoster Infection in Saudi Arabia; A Call for Expanding Access to Shingles Vaccination

Abstract: Background: Data on Herpes Zoster (HZ) incidence and complications in Saudi Arabia (KSA) are unknown. We aim to evaluate the trends in HZ cases and complications in Saudi Arabia to aid decision makers in optimizing vaccine access. Methods: A retrospective survey was conducted among patients with history of HZ throughout KSA between June and December 2021. 68 patients were included and data were collected by online questionnaire and telephone interviews. Results: Females were predominantly affected by HZ. Overall mean age at diagnosis was 39.43±16.50 years. Among all the symptoms; painful blisters were frequently reported in 81% of participants. Symptoms continued for <30 days in two-thirds of the participants, while others remained symptomatic for a longer period. Most females, 40 (59%), were non-pregnant or lactating at time of the infection. Medications used were analgesics, antiviral drug therapy and herbal remedies with 36 (53%) using analgesics alone. The majority of participants, 56 (82%), were not vaccinated against HZ. Conclusion: HZ is a prevalent condition affecting a wide range of patients including geriatrics. Available vaccine products help in reducing both the incidence of HZ and its complications. With the given efficacy of the vaccine products, vaccine access should be widened across KSA. Keywords: Herpes Zoster, Healthcare, Vaccination, Shingles, Public Health