Journal of family & community medicine最新文献

{"title":"Accuracy of blood pressure-to-height ratio for the identification of elevated blood pressure in children: A cross-sectional study.","authors":"Ignatio R Haryono, Nawanto A Prastowo","doi":"10.4103/jfcm.jfcm_251_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jfcm.jfcm_251_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>There is little evidence to show that the blood pressure-to-height ratio (BPHR) accurately detects elevated blood pressure (EBP) in children. The present study evaluated the accuracy of BPHR in detecting EBP in children aged 8-11 years.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study involved 1087 children (531 boys and 556 girls), aged 8-11 years. Weight, height, and blood pressure (BP) were measured using the standard procedure. EBP was defined as systolic or diastolic pressure at the 90th percentile or above at a specific gender, age, and height. Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman's correlation were applied. The diagnostic accuracy was set at an area-under-the-curve of ≥0.90. Sex-specific cutoff points for systolic BPHR (SBPHR) and diastolic BPHR (DBPHR) were determined. The sensitivity and specificity of SBPHR and DBPHR were also determined.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Most variables between sexes were comparable (P > 0.05), except weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) in the 8-9 years' age group. Almost all variables for children with EBP were significantly higher than normotensive (P < 0.05). SBPHR correlated with all variables except BMI in girls. DBPHR correlated with almost all variables except age (sexes) and height (girls). The accuracy of SBPHR and DBPHR in diagnosing EBP in both sexes was above 95%. The optimal threshold of SBPHR and DBPHR for diagnosing EBP was 0.804/0.519 in boys and 0.831/0.530 in girls. The sensitivity and specificity were 90.8%-96.5% and 86.0%-93.2%, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>SBPHR and DBPHR have high accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity in detecting EBP in Indonesian children aged 8-11 years.</p>","PeriodicalId":101441,"journal":{"name":"Journal of family & community medicine","volume":"32 2","pages":"101-107"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12097690/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144145210","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence of thyroid disorders in pregnant Arab women: A systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Ahmad B Aamir, Rabia Latif, Hoor H Alqudihi, Roaa A Zedan, Sarah Hunachagi","doi":"10.4103/jfcm.jfcm_323_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jfcm.jfcm_323_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Since thyroid profile is linked to genes and differing environmental factors, it is essential to evaluate the frequency of thyroid diseases in various ethnicities. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to explore the pooled prevalence of thyroid disorders in pregnant Arab women. Following the prospective registration (PROSPERO CRD42024590477), four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane) were searched systematically to retrieve studies that report the prevalence of thyroid hormone disorders in pregnant Arab women. Data were synthesized using RStudio within a random effect model. Study heterogeneity and data robustness were assessed by I² and sensitivity analysis, respectively. Egger's regression asymmetry test and funnel plots were used to explore publication bias. Search results yielded 981 studies from which nine studies were taken. The risk of Bias was \"high\" in one, \"moderate\" in five and \"low\" in three studies. The estimated pooled prevalence were: subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) 20% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 14%-28%) (I² = 94%, P < 0.01), overt hypothyroidism (OH) 3% (95% CI: 1%-8%) (I² = 79%, P < 0.01), isolated hypothyroxinemia (IH) 4% (95% CI: 2%-6%) (I² = 69%, P = 0.02), unspecified hypothyroidism 27% (95% CI: 10%-45%) (I² = 98%, P < 0.01), and hyperthyroidism 2% (95% CI: 1%-3%) (I² = 0%, P = 0.45). No significant publication bias was detected (Egger regression asymmetry test <i>P</i> values; SCH = 0.10; OH = 0.16; IH = 0.62; hyperthyroidism = 0.15). Study showed that in pregnant Arab women, unspecified hypothyroidism is more prevalent than hyperthyroidism. Of the subcategories of hypothyroidism, SCH is the most prevalent followed by IH and OH.</p>","PeriodicalId":101441,"journal":{"name":"Journal of family & community medicine","volume":"32 2","pages":"91-100"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12097685/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144145282","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Perspectives of family medicine residents in Jeddah on leadership training: A cross-sectional study.","authors":"Wejdan A Alshehri, Tasneem M Bakhudayd, Reem E Aldaheri, Abeer M Alahmadi","doi":"10.4103/jfcm.jfcm_312_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jfcm.jfcm_312_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This study aimed to evaluate the perceptions of family medicine (FM) residents in Jeddah on leadership training to provide guidance to the development of the leadership training curriculum.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted among 119 residents of the Family Medicine Saudi Board Program in Jeddah during January to October 2024. Data were collected using a self-administered online questionnaire consisting of three parts: assessment of the resident's agreement with leadership ideals, evaluation of exposure to leadership domains, and identification of leadership training opportunities during residency. The link of the questionnaire was shared with the residents through WhatsApp. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for categorical variables, while medians and interquartile ranges (IQRs) were used for ordinal data. Mann- Whitney U test was used to compare differences between two independent groups (age and gender) and Kruskal-Wallis test was utilized for comparisons involving more than two groups (year of residency and training site).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Majority of the family medicine residents in Jeddah supported the integration of leadership training into residency (median = 6, interquartile range [IQR] = 2), highlighting importance of clinical and community leadership roles (median = 7, IQR = 2). Female residents demonstrated a significantly higher appreciation for leadership training than males (P = 0.008). Exposure to leadership domains varied, with self-awareness and administration most emphasized, while professionalism and character development were less prominent. Preferred training formats included workshops (80.7%) and leadership mentors (71.4%), which underscored the demand for practical and guided approaches.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings highlight a strong demand by FM residents for a structured leadership training, with particular emphasis on practical and mentorship-based approaches. Incorporating leadership development into residency programs is essential to equip future family physicians with the skills necessary for effective roles in clinical and community leadership.</p>","PeriodicalId":101441,"journal":{"name":"Journal of family & community medicine","volume":"32 2","pages":"150-156"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12097694/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144145195","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Health-related quality of life and its determinants in patients with migraine relating to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.","authors":"Dhafer Alshayban","doi":"10.4103/jfcm.jfcm_276_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jfcm.jfcm_276_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Migraine is a neurological disorder associated with different levels of disability that can impact health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The management of this condition worsened with the challenges posed by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study sought to evaluate the effects of migraine on HRQoL and identify key factors contributing to these outcomes in migraineurs in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was carried out on 198 migraine patients between October 2022 and April 2023. HRQoL was assessed using the EQ-5D-5L comprising five domains. Data was collected by both face-to-face interviews and a self-administered online questionnaire. Categorical variables were described as frequencies and percentages while means with standard deviations or medians with interquartile ranges (IQRs) were computed for continuous variables. Chi-square test was used to assess associations of COVID-19 infection with migraine complications and HRQol.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The majority of the cohort were predominantly females (67.7%), university graduates (79.8%), and unemployed (63.3%). About 53% of migraineurs who reported no COVID-19 infection, indicated an increase in migraine attacks during the pandemic, whereas 51.9% of the participants who had COVID-19 reported an increase in attacks (P = 0.894). Migraineurs aged <30 years reported a significantly higher HRQoL score (median=0.94, IQR = 0.17, P < 0.001). Participants with higher income levels reported better HRQol (median: 0.89). Those with multi-comorbidities (median= 0.84 vs. 0.99, P < 0.05) showed significantly lower HRQoL.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Study highlighted significant impact of COVID-19 on increasing frequency of migraine attacks in individuals infected with COVID-19, which in turn led to a decline in HRQol. Correlates of poor HRQoL included advancing age, low income, presence of multiple comorbidities, and unhealthy body mass index. An urgent intervention to improve the HRQol should be implemented after the pandemic.</p>","PeriodicalId":101441,"journal":{"name":"Journal of family & community medicine","volume":"32 2","pages":"108-116"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12097684/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144145225","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The effect of school toileting behaviors and environment on the development of bowel and bladder dysfunction symptoms in children aged 5-10 years.","authors":"Maha K ALMadi, Basmah Z ALGhanim, Abdulmohsen N ALFadhli, Abdullah H ALHussain, Abdullah M Handoom, Basim ALBaqawi, Ossamah S ALSowayan","doi":"10.4103/jfcm.jfcm_315_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jfcm.jfcm_315_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Bladder and bowel dysfunction (BBD), a common condition affecting school-age children, is characterized by lower urinary tract symptoms, recurrent urinary tract infections, and bowel elimination issues. Toileting habits are often overlooked in clinical assessment as a contributor, leading to frequent clinic visits without properly addressing the problem.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This study assessed school toileting behaviors in children and the prevalence of symptoms suggestive of BBD. Study population comprised of children between 5 and 10 years old, attending schools regularly across the cities of Al Khobar, Dammam, and Al Qatif. Data were collected between December 2023 and March 2024 through an invitation to participate in a web-based questionnaire distributed through social media platforms (WhatsApp groups and \"X\"), open only to parents reporting having children within our age limits and cities of assessment. Using both the Dysfunctional Voiding Scoring System and school toileting behavior and environment questionnaire, a multivariate regression model was used to assess the predictive factors for BBD.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 290 participants were included in the study, and they were evenly distributed across various age groups. There were slightly more females (56%) than males. Most children (98.3%) were Saudi nationals and reported attending government-funded schools (62.1%). Data analysis showed that 111 (38%) children had symptoms suggestive of BBD of which 68% were females. Age, type of school attended, and satisfaction with cleanliness of toilet did not emerge as significant predictors of BBD in our study group (P > 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>While BBD symptoms were prevalent in our study population, most reported satisfaction with their school toilet environment. Further studies across other regions of Saudi Arabia can provide more insight and guide school officials accordingly. Fostering a supportive, safe, and hygienic school toileting environment will promote an overall healthy elimination habit of children.</p>","PeriodicalId":101441,"journal":{"name":"Journal of family & community medicine","volume":"32 2","pages":"131-137"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12097692/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144145239","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Perceptions of the first graduates of the reformed medical curriculum of the College of Medicine at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University.","authors":"Mohammed S Madadin, Sara A Hashim, Abdulaziz M Almulhim","doi":"10.4103/jfcm.jfcm_332_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jfcm.jfcm_332_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The College of Medicine at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University reformed its undergraduate program into an integrated, outcomes-based, theme-based, and student-centered program. The present study aimed to determine the perceptions of first graduates on the efficacy of the reformed program and examine the levels of their satisfaction and self-efficacy of the knowledge and skills acquired.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>The first batch of graduates was invited to participate in this cross-sectional study. An online self-administered questionnaire using a five-point Likert-style scale was used to evaluate the curriculum content, teaching and learning methods, communication with teachers, and assessment methods. It also evaluated graduates' satisfaction and self-efficacy levels of their acquired knowledge and skills, as well as their level of competence and professional ability. Analysis of variance was applied to differentiate graduates' perceptions regarding the quality and impact of academic years.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The strongest subject in the curriculum according to the participants was the subject of ethics, professional and behavioral sciences, with a mean of 4.11 (±1.03). The 5thyear curriculum was rated the highest as regards the quality and impact of individual academic years with a mean of 4.49 (±0.70). Team and multidisciplinary work were rated the highest, with a mean of 4.60 (±0.62) when it came to graduates' satisfaction and self-efficacy levels on the acquired knowledge and skills. Medical ethics stood out for its content and graduates' self-efficacy. Most of the graduates revealed that they were ready for work as interns and residents (76%) and were proud to be doctors (81.4%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The graduating students' opinions offer valuable information for potential curriculum revisions. Their perceptions of the curriculum design should be explored in greater detail in future qualitative studies. Further internal studies are recommended to enhance the integration of the basic science content and improve assessment and evaluation methods.</p>","PeriodicalId":101441,"journal":{"name":"Journal of family & community medicine","volume":"32 2","pages":"157-163"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12097689/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144145140","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comment on \"Barriers for adherence to diabetic retinopathy screening among Saudi adult population, 2023\".","authors":"Saurabh R Shrivastava","doi":"10.4103/jfcm.jfcm_326_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jfcm.jfcm_326_24","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":101441,"journal":{"name":"Journal of family & community medicine","volume":"32 2","pages":"164-165"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12097688/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144145215","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pink eye outbreak in rural Borneo schools: The panic and the prompt public health response.","authors":"Sam F Jiee, Aina S Aziz, Lim S Hee, Muhamad A Qamil, Yassimear Ugak, Jeffery Stephen","doi":"10.4103/jfcm.jfcm_20_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jfcm.jfcm_20_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>On September 28, 2022, a rural health clinic reported unusual eye symptoms in students from five schools in Sri Aman Sarawak, a rural region of Borneo. The objective of our investigation was to verify the diagnosis, identify the source of infection, conduct active case findings, and implement control and preventive measures.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Our case definition included eye redness, discharge, or watering in students, staff, or their family members in Sri Aman since early September 2022. Descriptive epidemiology included active case finding and the construction of an epidemic curve. A retrospective cohort study was conducted to investigate the outbreak of conjunctivitis in students and staff in specific schools, allowing for the identification of exposed individuals and calculation of accurate attack rates.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We identified 228 cases of acute conjunctivitis in three boarding schools and four day schools, with an incubation period ranging from 24 to 78 hours. Most of the cases were secondary school students, comprising 56.6% of the total, with a nearly equal gender distribution of 51.3% male and 48.7% female. Bilateral involvement was observed in 61.8% of the cases. The overall attack rate was 8.5%.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Good personal hygiene, prompt isolation of unwell students, and efficient event-based surveillance systems in healthcare facilities are crucial for the prevention of the spread of infectious diseases in schools and the protection of public health through early detection and intervention.</p>","PeriodicalId":101441,"journal":{"name":"Journal of family & community medicine","volume":"32 2","pages":"145-149"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12097687/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144145198","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Community-based participatory research for the assessment of health needs in Najran Health Cluster.","authors":"Seham M Eldeeb, Rashed S Alqudhaya, Salem A Alsalem, Ali M Alsalem, Alhassan M Alhawkash, Zaid M Alqureshah","doi":"10.4103/jfcm.jfcm_298_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jfcm.jfcm_298_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The health clusters are currently working toward becoming accountable care organizations responsible for the health status and healthcare needs of their population and for the value-based utilization of resources driven by the population health management (PHM).</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>In collaboration with the Health Holding Company and the Center for National Health Insurance, the Najran Health Cluster conducted its first 2024 community health needs assessment. Community-based participatory research was conducted using the quantitative and qualitative research methods. Quantitative research was based on the secondary data collection and analysis, whereas qualitative research engaged 229 participants in Focus Group Discussions. The PHM team analyzed this data to profile the community and identify the health needs of the population.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Based on the health profile of the Najran health cluster, the main community health needs were identified: Accessing specialized healthcare services, improving school health programs and chronic disease prevention, enhancing physical activity and healthy food choices, smoking prevention, and minimizing the hazards of technology.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Najran faces complex demographic and epidemiological transitions, that present challenges and opportunities for its healthcare system and society. Strategic planning and targeted interventions are essential for the fostering of a thriving community.</p>","PeriodicalId":101441,"journal":{"name":"Journal of family & community medicine","volume":"32 2","pages":"123-130"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12097693/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144145219","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Triggers for multiple sclerosis relapse in Saudi Arabia: An exploratory cross-sectional study.","authors":"Foziah J Alshamrani, Azra Zafar, Mona H AlSheikh, Abdullah S Alamri, Alaa K Alshammari, Modhi S Alajmi, Mohammad A Zeeshan, Ibrahim A Alghnimi, Ghadeer M Fardan, Mohammed F Almuaigel","doi":"10.4103/jfcm.jfcm_263_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jfcm.jfcm_263_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune demyelinating inflammatory disease that affects the central nervous system. Relapse of MS involves the development of new MS-related neurological symptoms or the worsening of existing symptoms for at least 24 h, at least 30 days after the start of the last relapse. Stress, lack of sleep, high/low temperatures, infections, missed doses of MS medications, high-altitudes, antibiotic use, the use of oral contraceptives, and smoking are possible triggers for an MS relapse. To our knowledge, no studies have identified triggers for MS relapse in Saudi Arabia.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study was conducted among Saudi MS patients aged 16 years or older who met the criteria of relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) or secondary-progressive MS (SPMS). Patients were recruited through Arfa MS society. Data collected included demographic information, type of MS, age at diagnosis, family history of MS, and possible trigger factors. Medical information was abstracted from electronic files whereas information about trigger factors was patients obtained through interviewing the patients. Categorical variables were presented as frequency and percentage, whereas mean and standard deviation were calculated for continuous variables. Chi-square test was used to compare the data across categorical variables.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 305 MS patients were included in the study. Majority of the participants were females (61.6%) and were aged >30 years (63.9%); 89.5% had RRMS and 11.1% patients had a family history of MS. Anxiety and stress were the most frequently reported triggers by the participants (77.4%). Anxiety and stress, sleep deprivation, and pregnancy or breastfeeding were significantly common in respondents aged <30 years (P < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study is the first step toward identifying the triggers for MS relapse in Saudi Arabia. It will support the expansion of research for the establishment of strategies to avoid these triggers.</p>","PeriodicalId":101441,"journal":{"name":"Journal of family & community medicine","volume":"32 2","pages":"117-122"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12097691/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144145297","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}