European Journal of Medical and Health Research
Not a member yet
578 research outputs found
Sort by
Knowledge, Perception, and Use of Vape Among the Saudi Population in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Get PDFBackground: Vaping has emerged as a significant trend within the broader context of global tobacco use, posing new public health challenges. Aim: To assess the knowledge, perception, and use of vaping among the Saudi population in Riyadh. Methodology: A cross-sectional analytic study design, conducted from September 2023 to May 2024, involved 353 participants selected through a convenience sampling technique. Data collection was facilitated via a self-administered structured questionnaire adapted from the CDC and translated into Arabic, focusing on sociodemographic information, vaping knowledge, perceptions, and usage patterns. Results: The results indicated a vaping prevalence of 31.20%. A majority of participants (79.09%) displayed good overall knowledge, though this association was not statistically significant (X2=2.066, P=0.3559). Vapers tended to have a neutral perception of vaping (55.45%), with this association being statistically significant (X2=17.238, P=0.0002). Conclusion: The study revealed that 31% of participants are vape users with good knowledge about vaping's components, health risks, benefits of quitting, and regulations. However, their perception was neutral, viewing vaping as less harmful, less addictive, and less expensive than conventional cigarettes, and potentially assisting both in quitting and starting smoking. Recommendations: There is a need to develop educational programs targeting individuals aged 18 to 22 to address misconceptions and highlight the detrimental effects of vaping, aiming to shift perceptions and reduce its prevalence in this age group
Perception of Medical Students to Problem-Based Learning in the Clinical Phase of Curricular Faculty of Medicine, University of AL-Butana, Sudan
Get PDFProblem-based learning (PBL) is one of teaching methods adopted by the Faculty of Medicine, University of AL-Butana; whereas the students form a complementary part to the learning process. This approach helps the students to have an active engagement and participation through research, discussion and exchange of information. This is across sectional descriptive study which was conducted at the Faculty of Medicine, University of AL-Butana from February up to October 2021. This study aimed to assessing undergraduate medical students’ perception to PBL in the clinical phase of circular in Faculty of Medicine University of Al-Butana (FMUB) at batches sex and five. All students in batch five and six their number were 140 at the clinical phase of the curriculum were enrolled in the study. Structural questionnaire was designed to collecting data. The results of study presented that the majority of the students were considered that the PBL were effective in construction of professional knowledge. The study showed that the variety of the PBL presented in the curriculum in the clinical phase were not adequately enough, also the students were highly satisfied with their tutor’s performance. The study concluded that PBL were effective in construction of professional knowledge and students were highly satisfied with their tutors’ performance. The study recommended that the adoption of the PBL as an instructional methods of the medical students of the Faculty of Medicine at University of AL-Butana
Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Proteus mirabilis Isolated from Urinary Tract Infections in Duhok City, Iraq, Using VITEK2 System
Get PDFBackground: Proteus mirabilis is a Gram-negative bacterium, it is renowned for its capacity to swarm across surfaces with strength and create an eye-catching bulls-eye pattern. Proteus mirabilis belongs to the Enterobacteriaceae family, which is regarded as one of the most common causes of urinary tract infections (UTIs). UTI is a very common type of infection in the urinary system which can involve any part of the urinary system and mostly can be treated with an antibiotic. This study aimed to isolate Proteus mirabilis, estimating its incidence in urinary tract infections among symptomatic patients in Duhok City, Iraq, and assessing its antibiotic susceptibility.Materials and Methods: In this study, 250 midstream urine samples were taken from patients at the Private VIN Hospital in Duhok, Iraq over four months (from April to August 2022) using a sterile urine container. Patients ranged from age (4 to 70) and each sample was cultured on MacConkey and blood agar media. The VITEK2 System is used in the detection of the proteus isolates and also their antimicrobial sensitivity.Results: According to the results in this study, 9.6% (24/250) of the samples collected revealed positive results for Proteus mirabilis. Also, the results demonstrated that the most active antibiotics against Proteus mirabilis were meropenem, ertapenem, and piperacillin/tazobactam, while the most resistant antibiotics were nitrofurantoin and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. In this study, females-were more infected than males.Conclusion: Proteus mirabilis one of the important agent of UTIs, their rate was 9.6%, the most active antibiotics against Proteus mirabilis were meropenem, ertapenem, and piperacillin/tazobactam
Biochemical Study of Hypothyroidism Subjects and Relationship to Overweight
Get PDFThis article evaluates the relationship between thyroid hormone levels, including TSH, fT4, T4, T3, and lipid profiles, such as total cholesterol, LDL, and HDL, in obese individuals compared to healthy ones. The research included 80 individuals, of which 40 were categorized as obese (20 males and 20 females) and 40 were healthy controls (also 20 males and 20 females). All participants were between the ages of 25 and 45. To perform thyroid gland tests, blood samples of 10 ml were taken from both healthy and subjects participants without EDTA and put into test tubes. The plain tube containing blood was centrifuged to separate the serum for further thyroid function and chemical tests. The ELISA device was used following the manufacturer's instructions. The study found significant differences in the levels of TSH hormone between subjects and healthy participants based on the collected data. Furthermore, subjects had significantly lower levels of fT4 hormone in subjects (4.4±2.0) compared to healthy controls (8.1±2.1). The research findings indicated a significant reduction in T4 hormone levels (4.3±1.3) in subjects, which was consistent in both males and females and corresponded with the increase in TSH hormone levels (9.17±2.0) observed in subjects individuals compared to healthy subjects (2.98±2.1).However, there were no significant alterations in T3 hormone levels among subjects when compared to healthy individuals. Hence, the study concludes that there is a definitive correlation between hypothyroidism and obesity
Examining the Interplay of Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, and Clinical Indicators in Obesity, Diabetes, and Hypertension among Overweight and Obese Individuals in Douala, Cameroon
Get PDFBackground: Global obesity has risen significantly since 1975, with a marked increase in Cameroon. This leads to metabolic syndrome (MetS) due to energy imbalance and other factors. Addressing MetS requires a comprehensive approach involving lifestyle changes and medical interventions. This study investigates the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) related to obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, and examines clinical parameters among overweight and obese individuals in Douala, Cameroon.Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted using structured questionnaires to gather data on KAP. Clinical parameters including glycaemia, blood pressure, and pulse rate were measured. The data was analyzed to understand the correlation between KAP and clinical parameters, and the impact of socio-demographic factors and medical history.Results: The study found that despite having sufficient knowledge and a positive attitude, a significant number of individuals don’t apply preventive or management measures for obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Socio-demographic factors and medical history also influence these health indicators. Interestingly, over half of the participants had high blood pressure, while most had normal glycaemia and pulse rate. The study highlights the complex relationship between KAP and clinical parameters, stressing the need for comprehensive education and intervention. The findings suggest that improving KAP could indirectly help control clinical parameters.Conclusion: This study emphasizes the role of KAP in managing obesity-related conditions. It calls for strategies that improve these aspects and regular health monitoring. The findings can guide healthcare strategies for obesity management
A Comparative Study of Cystatin C and Creatinine as a Preliminary Marker of Nephropathy in Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Get PDFBackground: Type 2 diabetes disorder (T2DD) is one of the most common disorder in societies, and its causes are genetic and acquired. This disorder is characterized by an increase in the concentration of glucose in the blood. High concentrations of glucose in the blood for long periods lead to complications, the most important of which is diabetic nephropathy (DNP), which is characterized by the gradual loss of the kidney's filtration function.Material and methods: The present study was designed based on collecting twenty patients with newly DNP (as first group) and twenty healthy individuals (as second group). The levels of HbA1c, Creatinine and Cystatin C of all study individuals were measured using Chromatographic assay method, Kinetic colorimetric method and Immunoturbidimetric assay techniques respectively.Results: This study used the t-test statistical method to compare groups as well as sensitivity and specificity based on HbA1c, creatinine and Cystatin C biomarkers. The current study showed a higher the HbA1c percentage, creatinine level and Cystatin C level in the first group compared to the second group. On the other hand, the current study showed that Cystatin C has greater sensitivity and specificity than creatinine towards the DNP disease.Conclusion: The current study concluded by stating the importance of the role of Cystatin C as an early indicator of DNP disease, as the current study proved that Cystatin C has greater sensitivity and specificity than creatinine towards DNP diseas
Mental Health in Later Life: Clinical Insights and Management Strategies for Late-Onset Psychiatric Conditions
Get PDFLate-onset psychiatric conditions, which emerge or are first diagnosed in older adulthood, present unique challenges. This review examines their prevalence, risk factors, and clinical presentations, providing a comprehensive overview of their impact on older adults. Late-onset psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder (MDD), are increasingly recognized as significant health concerns among older adults. Epidemiological trends show a rising incidence, influenced by an aging population and demographic changes. Variability in prevalence rates due to gender differences and aging-related factors highlights the need for tailored research and clinical approaches. Risk factors include genetic predispositions, environmental exposures, and lifestyle factors. Genetic research emphasizes hereditary components, while environmental and lifestyle influences, such as stress and social isolation, add complexity to the clinical picture. Comorbidities, common in older adults, further complicate diagnosis and treatment. Clinical presentations of late-onset psychiatric conditions often differ from early-onset forms, with symptoms that may overlap with age-related changes, making diagnosis challenging. Accurate evaluation is necessary to distinguish these conditions from cognitive and neurodegenerative disorders. Managing and treating these conditions effectively requires a comprehensive, individualized approach integrating pharmacological interventions, psychotherapy, and behavioral therapies tailored to older adults. Pharmacological treatment should consider changes in drug metabolism, sensitivity with age, and the risks of polypharmacy. Essential psychotherapies include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT), with integrated care involving multidisciplinary teams to address both psychiatric and physical health. Neurologists and geriatricians are crucial in managing neurological manifestations and overall geriatric care. Addressing late-onset psychiatric conditions is critical given the growing old adult population. The rising prevalence emphasizes the need for ongoing research and innovation, focusing on early detection, refining diagnostic criteria, and exploring new therapeutic approaches to enhance care for older adults
Improving Medical Emergency Team Response Time for Urgent Care Patients in Primary Health Care Centers, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Get PDFBackground: Emergency healthcare systems are of increasing concern in international healthcare developments and the global fight against the burdens of disease. Concerns about focusing on ambulance response time as a single indicator are addressed by showing a case-sensitive approach for developing emergency health care systems that in return can identify ambulance response as the main indicator for a particular system. Problem description: Data collected by monitoring the time of receiving the call at the ambulance division until transport time.Methods: The fishbone diagram is used as a tool for understanding the process variation, investigate and eliminating unusual occurrences by the following methodology: M.M.M.Main outcomes: Responding time in emergency cases not exceeding 5 minutes; To improve responding time; To improve types of communication; To improve compliance with the logbook of the emergency referred cases. The intervention plan was Continuous Training for the staff and Clear Guidelines for emergency calls. Review and assess the actual implementation of the project. Data will be collected by an Emergency Medical specialist. A copy of the data should be sent to CQI for a continuous monitoring process. Check the data for process improvement (incident report analysis). Document the results of the change. Modify the change, if necessary and possible. The Emergency Medical Technicians quality coordinator will check the Data. Continue improvement by close monitoring of the compliance.Results: the mean response time dropped from 15 minutes in January 2023 to less than 5 minutes in December 2023.Conclusion: this initiative positively impacts the emergency team's response time and improves patient satisfaction. Response time reduction was evident, and the quality of the health care service was improved. Reduction of response time also improved emergency preparednes
A Study of Bacteriological Profile of Bacterial Isolates in Sputum Samples in Azadi Teaching Hospital in Duhok City
Get PDFThe objective of this current study is to examine the bacteriological profile of microorganisms isolated in sputum samples collected from the patients in the Azadi Teaching Hospital in Duhok City. The current cross-sectional observational study was carried out in the Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of the Basic Science, College of Nursing at the University of Duhok, Kurdistan region, Iraq. A total of 150 patients with clinically verified bacterial infections were included in the study using a gram-staining and routine sampling procedure. Microscopic examination of the gram-stained sputum smears was done to assess the presence of epithelial cells, pus cells, or organisms. Consequently, 83 bacterial samples yielded positive results that indicated the presence of bacterial growth, while the remaining samples 67 did not exhibit any bacterial growth or normal flora. On assessing the organisms isolated from the study subjects, it was observed that out of 150 processed sputum samples, 44.7% (n=67) were non-bacterial samples and 55.3% (n=83) were pathogenic bacterial samples. It was seen that the most common isolated organism was Klebsiella pneumoniae in (44.6%; 37/83), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in (35%; 29/83), and then Escherichia coli in (20.4%; 17/83), were the most frequently isolated microorganisms from sputum samples of patients with upper or lower respiratory infections. The current study comes to the conclusion that in order to obtain lower respiratory tract infection samples from subjects, high-quality sputum must be obtained, and initial sputum screening should be carried out
Antibacterial Activities and Quantitative Phytochemical Screening of the Hexane and Ethanolic Oil Extracts of Syzygium aromaticum Against ESBL Producing Bacteria Isolates
Get PDFThe study was designed to determine antibacterial potentials of Syzygium aromaticum and phytochemical screening of the hexane and ethanolic oil extracts of Syzygium aromaticum (clove oil) against some multi-drug resistant bacteria (Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Shigella boydii and Klebsiella oxytoca) isolated from urine and stool samples was carried out using standard methods. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, phenol, flavonoids and sterols in both oil extracts. Similarly, the percentage yield of ethanol oil extract was 34.4 with characteristic pale-brown colour and hexane percentage yield was 16.4 with characteristic pale-brown colour. The bioassay studies showed that the ethanolic oil extract exhibited an activity against Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Shigella boydii and Klebsiella oxytoca with the zone of inhibition which ranged between (10mm - 24.33mm, 9mm - 20mm, 2.33mm - 19mm, 8.33mm – 21.67mm and 8.67mm - 20.33mm) respectively for each bacterium at a concentration percent /disc... On the other hand, the hexane oil extract were found to be more active against the isolates with the following zone of inhibition which ranged between (10.27mm - 22.60mm, 13.53mm - 27.50mm, 9.34mm - 21mm, 9.10mm - 20,33mm and 4.23mm - 21.57mm) for Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Shigella boydii and Klebsiella oxytoca respectively. The results of the study prove that the ethanolic and hexane oil extracts of Syzygium aromaticum have antibacterial potentials against the tested clinical bacterial isolates, thus confirming the use of the plant for medicinal purposes