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Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women and the leadingcause of death related to cancers. This study focuses on the screening of breast cancer for earlydetection of breast cancer and identification of risk factors for the development of breast cancer. This cross-sectional study was conducted among the female participants who were registered for the breast cancer screening program conducted by King Khalid University, Abha under the supervision of Family and Community Medicine, Department of College of Medicine. Convenience sampling was done and a total of 331 patients were selected for the study. The collected data were coded and entered into an Excel software (Microsoft Office Excel 2010) database. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 16 (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Out of 331 individuals only 3 (0.9%) were diagnosed with breast cancer. Three cases of invasive ductal carcinoma were identified among individuals with breast cancer. While 4 (1.2%) individuals had benign findings, such as fibroadenoma, ductal ectasia, sclerosing adenosis, andtissue fibrosis. Past surgical history, past radiotherapy/chemotherapy, and maternal problemsduring pregnancy were significantly associated with varying levels of breast cancer risk. Breastcomplaints show a significant association with breast cancer indicating the need for furtherinvestigation. Findings from physical examinations, mammography reports, breast ultrasound, biopsy referrals, biopsy results, and management plans all show significant relationships withbreast cancer risk. Our study findings indicate the need for health education for the prevention of breastcancer risk factors and the implementation of regular screening programs for the early detectionof the disease in the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nearly half of the Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients develop lung involvement. The study assessed the extent of pulmonary involvement among SLE patients and to identify the associated factors in the population. Methodology: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at Aseer Hospital and Khamis Myshat Hospital in the Southern region of Saudi Arabia. The study spanned from January 1, 2016, to June 3, 2023. Patient inclusion criteria encompassed individuals who received a definitive diagnosis and classification as per American College of Rheumatology criteria, while patients under 18 years of age and those with mixed connective tissue diseases were exclude. Results: A total of 247 participants were included. 41.7% (n=103) aged 41 years and older, 95.1% (n = 235) were females. Around 10.10% had diabetes mellitus and 17.00% had hypertension and hypothyroidism. Lupus Nephritis was in 15.40%. Chest involvement was reported in 21.9%, in the form of pleuritis (6.10%), pleural effusion (4.00%), and lupus pneumonitis (4.00%), interstitial lung disease (4.00%), pulmonary embolism (3.60%) of individuals, and pulmonary hemorrhage (2.80%). The respiratory symptoms reported by SLE were; dyspnea, cough, and chest pain each having a prevalence of around 18.0%. Palpitations have a relatively high occurrence at 13.80%. Meanwhile, hemoptysis (blood coughing) has a lower prevalence of 1.20%, and fever is reported at 2.80%. Having chronic kidney disease and hypertension were significantly associated with having pulmonary involvement; (χ 2=3.308, p=0.027) and (χ 2=7.782, Fisher's p=0.002) respectively. The seropositivity for antiphospholipid Abs, anti-CCP, and antids-DNA were significantly associated with pulmonary involvement (χ 2=3.239, =p=0.049), (χ 2=4.621, Fisher's p=0.023), and (χ 2=8.248, p=0.010) respectively. Conclusion: The study found that 21.9% of SLE patients experience chest involvement, with varying degrees of pulmonary symptoms. Factors such as chronic kidney disease, hypertension, antiphospholipid antibodies, Anti-CCP positivity, and seropositivity for Anti-dsDNA were found to be significant associations with lung involvement, contributing to our understanding of SLE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Microaggressions are subtle and often unintentional acts that can be verbal, nonverbal, or environmental, and they convey negative messages to individuals belonging to marginalized social groups. This study aims to determine the prevalence of microaggressions experienced by female Saudi orthopaedic surgeons. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted online and targeted female in orthopedic surgery across different regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The survey was uploaded to Google Forms and distributed through social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and WhatsApp by well-trained data collectors. Results: In this survey we included 96 female Saudi orthopedics. Their mean age was 27.46 ± 12.20 years. Most respondents were either residents (52.63%), or specialists (23.16%). Most participants (92.63%) were still in training or early in their careers, with the vast majority (93.68%) had their residency in Saudi Arabia. Nearly three-fifths (61.05%) have reported experiencing microaggressions as victims, 76.84%, did not see themselves as perpetrators of microaggressions, 23.16% acknowledged having engaged in such behavior. Patients or their families were reported to be involved in microaggressions in 43.16% of cases, while male surgeons and male support staff were implicated at 51.58% and 23.16%, respectively. Additionally, other male medical doctors participate in microaggressions in 33.68% of instances. Female surgeons were identified as being involved in 22.11% of microaggressions, whereas 29.47% involve female support staff. Conclusion: The study's outcomes can help inform strategies to promote a supportive and inclusive environment within the field of orthopaedic surgery, encouraging positive interactions and equitable opportunities for all practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metastatic breast cancer is difficult to cure and has a worse prognosis with higher rates of mortality. Recently, breast surgery is believed to improve the survival rates among these women, but due to limited evidence, definite conclusions cannot be made. Therefore, we undertook this narrative review to synthesize the evidence from existing studies to assess the effectiveness of locoregional surgery and surgery of metastatic sites in improving the outcomes among women diagnosed with metastatic cancer disease along with the summary of current treatment guidelines. We reviewed PubMed and Embase and included both observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that were published in English between 2000 and 2021. Outcomes were either survival, quality of life, toxicity related to local treatment assessed by mortality at the end of one month, progression-free survival, and breast cancer-specific survival. The main effect size assessed was hazard ratio with their 95% CIs. After literature search, we found 8 observational studies and 3 RCTs. The findings of the observational studies revealed that breast cancer surgery improves survival from 30% to 50% among women. However, findings from RCTs were mixed for local and distant progression survival. Surgery improved the local progression-free survival but worsened the distant progression-free survival. Besides, there was no effect of breast surgery on quality of life. Regarding the surgery of metastatic site, studies are complex with mixed findings and variation in survival depending upon the type of metastatic site and response to initial systematic therapy and other factors. Based on the existing mixed evidence, it is not possible to make firm and definite conclusions about the effectiveness of breast surgery in improving the survival or quality of life among women with metastatic breast cancer. In future, more RCTs are required with a larger sample size to confirm the findings of observational studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects young children in social relatedness and communication besides other characteristics. A community's awareness and early intervention services in diagnosing and treating autistic children are essential for preventing the expected complications, eg language delay, social interaction, and intellectual ability. Aim: To assess the parent's knowledge and perceptions regarding autism and its associated clinical features and effects. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted targeting all available parents aged 18 years or more living in Aseer region. Data were collected using a self-reported questionnaire from randomly selected parents who attended outpatient clinics at Abha Maternity and Children Hospital and Aseer Central Hospital. Parents' knowledge regarding autism was assessed covering general knowledge, clinical features, social effects, consequences, and curability. Results: A total of 477 parents participated. Parents' ages ranged from 18 to 85 years. 261 (54.7%) parents were male and 216 (45.3%) were females. Nearly 65.6% of parents were university graduates and 28.3% had a secondary level of education. About 50.9% of the parents know that genetics play a major role in causing autism, 69.6% think that most children with autism have special talents or abilities, 64.2% know that delayed language development is one of the main symptoms of autism, 61.2% also know that repetitive movements of the hands and head are a common symptom of autism. About 36.9% of parents think that diagnosing a child with autism will lead to discrimination against the child, 33.3% of parents think that autism is a rare condition in this country compared to the West. Conclusion: The study showed that parents had poor knowledge levels regarding autism and its related clinical features, especially male parents with low levels of education. On the other hand, their perception of the disease and its frequency in the study area was satisfactory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Certain regional demographic factors, such as high altitude, may serve as an aggravating factor that may further jeopardize the already burdened airways of asthmatic children. Abha city is located at a high altitude in the Aseer Province of Saudi Arabia. Therefore, this study explored the prevalence of bronchial asthma among secondary school students residing in Abha city and the associated risk factors for the same. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study used a simple random sampling technique to collect the data. The study enrolled 487 students (243 males and 244 females). A self-designed questionnaire was used to interview the students regarding personal, family, and environmental characteristics that could be associated with asthma. Results: The prevalence of bronchial asthma among secondary school students in Abha city was found to be 9%. 40% of cases of asthma were seasonal. The most frequent allergens were dust (95.6%), smoke (80%), incense (65.9%), perfumes (29.5%), and some food items. Only 37.8% of cases regularly took treatment and just 24.4% regularly visited asthma clinics. Cigarette smoking, the presence of overcrowding, and cockroaches in house were significantly associated with asthma in comparison to nonasthmatics. Conclusions: It is recommended that asthmatic students must quit smoking and avoid exposure to dust, smoke, and animal pets. Proper house cleaning and insect control measures must be adopted. Health education and awareness about triggers of bronchial asthma should be increased. People must be educated about the harmful effects of incense burning in asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Social phobia is quite a common disorder, with frequent severe alteration of social adaptation and quality of life. It seems important to find the prevalence of social phobia among the young university students at King Khalid University and explore the associated sociodemographic variables, family characteristics and risk factors. The factors identified may help in primary and secondary prevention of social phobia and improve the quality of life of young students considered to be the future of any community. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 550 students at the College of Education at King Khalid University during the academic year 2016-2017. The personal characteristics questionnaire, the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN), and the Social Phobia Risk Factors Questionnaire (SPRFQ) were used in this study. Results: The highest prevalence of social phobia was recorded in younger age (33.8%) and students leaving alone (30.5%). In relation to family characteristics, a higher prevalence was found among students who lost both parents (100.0%), those with separated parents (70.3%), and students with big family size (64.1%). At the same time, the lower prevalence was recorded in students with educated fathers and mothers, fathers with a professional job and employed mother. The risk factors associated with social phobia were identified as; fathers having mental disorders (100.0 %), a problem within a family and between parents, firstborn child, a student with shyness, those socially withdrawn, restrained and students with fear or anxiety. Conclusion: The prevalence of social anxiety disorder among students at King Khalid University at Abha is high. Most of the risk factors identified were modifiable, and effective community-based awareness programs may improve mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some countries were previously struggling with inadequate medical waste management and have been now hit hard by an unexpected boost in the volume of biomedical waste due to the new coronavirus pandemic. In this context, we sought to evaluate the KAP (Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice) of the healthcare workers who dealt with biomedical waste, including COVID-19 waste, and its management in Aseer Region of Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional study was conducted among Healthcare Workers in Aseer region, Saudi Arabia (13 governorates), the study conducted during a 3-months period, using an online self-designed questionnaire by convenience sampling. Data was analyzed by using statistical software IBM SPSS version 26. More than half were males (59.1%) and 44.7% were aged 18-29 years. The mean (±standard deviation) score for overall knowledge (0-15) was 11.42 (±4.33), and 5.62 (±3.96) for overall practice. The majority agreed that the prevention of hospital-acquired infection is one of their important tasks. A total of 176 responded that they reused masks. Half of the HCWs (55.1%) stated that the hospital surfaces/equipment was being properly disinfected in their institution. Participants reported the use of gloves (84.2%), gown (71.2%), eye protection (56.9%), and N-95 Mask (51.3%) while handling BMWs. This study draws the attention of the concerned governments and local administrative levels for thorough implementation of the commanded policies with the reach of overall enhancement in the BMW segregation and management in everyday practice, which will be of tremendous assistance yet after the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]