World Family Medicine Journal /Middle East Journal of Family Medicine最新文献

{"title":"Knowledge, Behavior and Practices about Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Jizan region: Cross-sectional study 2020","authors":"Mona H. El-Mahdy, S. Mahmoud, A. Abdelmola, Other I. Darraj, Reham A. Madkhali, A. Masmali, Shatha M Jaafari, Noura A. Duhmi, Dina M. Maafa, Reem M. Majrashi, Atiaf M. Mubaraky","doi":"10.5742/mewfm.2023.95256142","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5742/mewfm.2023.95256142","url":null,"abstract":"Background: SARSCoV2 disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a serious ongoing pandemic that causes death worldwide. Unprecedented steps have been taken to contain the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic in Saudi Arabia. Compliance with personal measures is influenced by their knowledge, behavior, and practices toward COVID-19. Aims: To determine the knowledge, behavior, and practice of COVID-19 among the population in Jizan City in Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted on Jizan residents from December 2019 – April 2020. The data was collected through convenient sampling using internet-based surveys distributed to participants using the “snowball” technique. All residents over the age of 15 could participate in this study. Data analysis was performed using (SPSS). Results: A total of 527 participants were included in this study. The survey revealed that 52.4% of participants had good knowledge (8.8 ± 2.34 points out of 12), 60.9% had good behavior (7.4 ± 2.19 points out of 10), and 36.2% had good practices towards COVID-19 (7.9 ± 2.46 points out of 12). It was found that age and level of education were significantly associated with good knowledge about the COVID-19 virus (p < 0.01). Moreover, age and occupation were significantly associated with good behavior toward the COVID-19 virus (p < 0.01). However, Occupation was the only factor significantly associated with good practice toward the COVID-19 virus (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Jizan region residents show good knowledge and behavior toward COVID-19 prevention. However, it is not accompanied by good practice toward COVID-19 . Thus, text messages from health authorities and governments are recommended. The above-related factors should be considered in the application of those interventions. Keywords: COVID-19, Knowledge, behavior, Practices, Cross-sectional study","PeriodicalId":23895,"journal":{"name":"World Family Medicine Journal /Middle East Journal of Family Medicine","volume":"59 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"90448823","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Primary health care capacity assessment in Qatar: the primary health care progression model as an assessment method","authors":"M. Al-Kuwari, J. Abdulmajeed, Mujeeb C. Kandy, H. Al-Mudahka, S. Al-Abdulla, Hanan Al-Mujalli, Alexandra Tarazi, M. Abdulmalik","doi":"10.5742/mewfm.2023.95256130","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5742/mewfm.2023.95256130","url":null,"abstract":"Background: The Primary Health Care Performance Initiative (PHCPI) was developed as a measurement of Primary Health Care (PHC) to evaluate the PHC systems, improve services, and maximize health outcomes. With the limitation of data sources and metrics of PHC capacity, PHCPI designed the PHC Progression Model, as a rubric-based mixed-methods assessment tool for capacity measurement through a participatory process. This paper uses the PHC progression model to assess the system capacity of primary health care in Qatar. Methods: The PHC Progression Model consists of a set of 33 quantitative and qualitative measures, each of which is assessed using a rubric that classifies the level of performance into 4 levels, ranging from Level 1 (low capacity) to Level 4 (high capacity). The assessment measured both quantitative and qualitative information. Results: The assessment showed that PHC in Qatar has a strong capacity with an overall score of the key measures of capacity governance (3.6), inputs (4.0), and population health management (4.0). Conclusion: The main strength of the system was in the key inputs such as facility, workforce, fund, information system, and drugs and supply. Also, the assessment showed strong population health and facility management including standardized team organization, measuring performance, community engagement, and use of the information system data. Keywords: Primary health care, progression model, health system evaluation, health care capacity, Qatar","PeriodicalId":23895,"journal":{"name":"World Family Medicine Journal /Middle East Journal of Family Medicine","volume":"28 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"78346834","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of Lixisenatide (Short-acting Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonist) as an Add-on to Insulin in Lowering HbA1C among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis","authors":"Ashwaq Ali Abusalem, Ahmad Raja Saeed Albalawi Albalawi","doi":"10.5742/mewfm.2023.95256162","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5742/mewfm.2023.95256162","url":null,"abstract":"Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of Lixisenatide, a short-acting glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist, as an add-on therapy to insulin in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The primary outcome of interest was the change in HbA1c levels. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in major databases for relevant studies published up to the present. Seven studies were included in the quantitative data synthesis. The characteristics of the included studies, including intervention, design, duration, sample size, demographics, baseline characteristics, and outcome measures, were summarized in a descriptive manner. A pooled analysis was performed to assess the overall effect of Lixisenatide on HbA1c levels. Heterogeneity among the studies was evaluated, and sensitivity analyses were conducted when necessary. Results: The pooled analysis of the seven included studies demonstrated a significant reduction in HbA1c levels with Lixisenatide as an add-on therapy to insulin. The mean difference (MD) was -0.41% (95% CI: -0.55 to -0.28), indicating a clinically meaningful improvement in glycemic control. Although heterogeneity was observed among the studies (I² = 80%, p < 0.0001), the overall effect estimate remained consistent. Conclusion: Our systematic review and meta-analysis provide robust evidence supporting the efficacy of Lixisenatide as an add-on therapy to insulin in lowering HbA1c levels in patients with T2DM. The significant reduction in HbA1c levels indicates mproved long-term glucose control, which is associated with reduced risks of diabetes-related complications. Clinicians should consider incorporating Lixisenatide into the treatment regimen of patients with T2DM who require additional glycemic control beyond insulin monotherapy. Further research is needed to explore secondary outcomes and safety profiles associated with Lixisenatide in this patient population. Key words: lixisenatide , add on therapy, insulin , glp-1 receptor agonist, Type 2 diabetes","PeriodicalId":23895,"journal":{"name":"World Family Medicine Journal /Middle East Journal of Family Medicine","volume":"2015 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"87775417","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Low-dose warfarin may be a life-saving treatment regimen in sickle cell diseases","authors":"M. Helvaci, Aysenur Varol, Kuddusi Onay, A. Abyad, Lesley Pocock","doi":"10.5742/mewfm.2023.95256131","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5742/mewfm.2023.95256131","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Sickle cell diseases (SCDs) are inborn and destructive processes on vascular endothelium, particularly at the capillaries. Methods: All patients with the SCDs were included. Results: We studied 222 males and 212 females with similar ages (30.8 vs 30.3 years, p>0.05, respectively). Disseminated teeth losses (5.4% vs 1.4%, p<0.001), ileus (7.2% vs 1.4%, p<0.001), cirrhosis (8.1% vs 1.8%, p<0.001), leg ulcers (19.8% vs 7.0%, p<0.001), clubbing (14.8% vs 6.6%, p<0.001), coronary heart disease (18.0% vs 13.2%, p<0.05), chronic renal disease (9.9% vs 6.1%, p<0.05), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (25.2% vs 7.0%, p<0.001), and stroke (12.1% vs 7.5%, p<0.05) were higher in males but not acute chest syndrome (2.7% vs 3.7%), pulmonary hypertension (12.6% vs 11.7), deep venous thrombosis and/or varices and/or telangiectasias (9.0% vs 6.6%), or mean age of mortality (30.2 vs 33.3 years) (p>0.05 for all). Conclusion: The sickled or just hardened red blood cells (RBCs)-induced capillary endothelial damage initiates at birth, and terminates with multiorgan failures and sudden deaths even at childhood. Although RBCs suspensions and corticosteroids in acute, and aspirin plus hydroxyurea both in acute and chronic phases decrease severity, survivals are still shortened in both genders, dramatically. Infections, medical or surgical emergencies, or emotional stress-induced increased basal metabolic rate accelerates sickling, and an exaggerated capillary endothelial edema-induced myocardial infarction or stroke may cause sudden deaths. Lifelong aspirin with an anti-inflammatory dose plus low-dose warfarin may be life-saving even at childhood both to decrease severity of capillary endothelial inflammation and to prevent thromboembolic complications in the SCDs. Key words: Sickle cell diseases, sickled or just hardened red blood cells, capillary endothelial edema, myocardial infarction, stroke, sudden deaths, low-dose warfarin","PeriodicalId":23895,"journal":{"name":"World Family Medicine Journal /Middle East Journal of Family Medicine","volume":"62 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"89488813","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hypertrophic Keloid Formation in a Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patient (A Case Report)","authors":"S. Mahmud, Aiman Abu-Ajiena, Lina A Okar","doi":"10.5742/mewfm.2023.95256128","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5742/mewfm.2023.95256128","url":null,"abstract":"Keloids are scars that extend beyond the original area of skin damage. They can develop after minor skin trauma in predisposed individuals. Many factors play a role in keloid scar formation, with certain systemic diseases being a risk factor for their development. Diabetes mellitus is a disease that affects a variety of organ systems including the skin. Multiple skin conditions have been implicated directly and indirectly with diabetes mellitus and their presence would often be a sign of insulin resistance or poor glycemic control. Here we present a case of hypertrophic keloid developing in a patient with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. The patient had no prior skin trauma, nor did she develop the lesions at the sites of insulin injection. This raises the question of whether hypertrophic keloids might be associated with diabetes mellitus and whether recommendations for DM screening and guidance on use of insulin injections in those patients should be put in place. Key words: Keloids, Hypertrophic, Diabetes, Insulin resistance","PeriodicalId":23895,"journal":{"name":"World Family Medicine Journal /Middle East Journal of Family Medicine","volume":"12 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"85036563","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Awareness of Population Regarding GLP-1 (liraglutide and Semaglutide) Prescribing in PHCC in Abha City, KSA","authors":"Majed Mohammed Al Saleh, Zaina Mansoor Alshammary, Ahmed Mansour Asiri, Mohammed Ahmed Humeyed, M. A. AL Mater, Mohammed Saeed AL masodi, F. Q. Shamakhi, Shatha Mohammed Alshehri, Nouf khaled Alshehri, Khaled Abdulatif Zayed","doi":"10.5742/mewfm.2023.95256163","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5742/mewfm.2023.95256163","url":null,"abstract":"Background: GLP-1 is a peptide hormone related to the glucagon superfamily and shares a significant amino acid sequence with glucagon. The glucagon superfamily peptides are secreted from the small intestine, pancreas, brain, and peripheral nerves. Furthermore, GLP-1 controls intestinal motility and decreases gastric motility. It also has an effect of satiety, which may be attributed to its effect on the gut, but it also has a direct effect on the hypothalamic feeding centers. Aim: This study aims to assess the population awareness level regarding GLP-1 prescribing in PHCC in Abha City. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional web-based study was used. An online questionnaire was developed by the study researchers based on a literature review and after consultation of the field experts. The questionnaire of this study included participants’ demographic data, medical history, and GLP-1 use and satisfaction. Also, it covered participants’ awareness regarding GLP-1 and its effects. Results: A total of 160 participants who used GLP-1 completed the study survey. Participants’ ages ranged from 18 to more than 50 years with a mean age of 34.8 ± 13.9 years old. Exactly 89 (55.6%) participants were females. The most used GLP-1 were Saxenda (39.4%), Ozempic (37.5%), and Trulicity (14.4%) while 8.8% used a combination of them. Exactly 127 (79.4%) participants had an overall poor awareness level regarding GLP-1 while only 33 (20.6%) had a good awareness level. Conclusion: In conclusion, the current study revealed that a significant portion of diabetic and obese persons use GLP-1 for reducing weight and controlling blood glucose levels. On the other hand, their awareness level regarding the drugs was unsatisfactory. Keywords: GLP-1, diabetes, obesity, awareness, use, population, knowledge, Saudi Arabia","PeriodicalId":23895,"journal":{"name":"World Family Medicine Journal /Middle East Journal of Family Medicine","volume":"9 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"91090895","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence of Psychological distress among medical students in different levels of training and other associated factors in Riyadh","authors":"Khalid A. Bin Abdulrahman, Abdulrahman O. Alomar, Rayan Ahmed Nasser Alghamdi, Ahmed Alanazi, Hamoud Meshal Hamoud Almutairi, Faisal Abdulaziz Hamdan Altoom, Alzahrani","doi":"10.5742/mewfm.2023.95256060","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5742/mewfm.2023.95256060","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Medical school is commonly perceived as a demanding environment that can negatively affect a student’s academic performance, physical fitness, and mental well-being. According to a study, 23 percent of undergraduate clinical college students in the United States had clinical depression, and 57 percent were under mental stress. Our main aim of this study is to assess the mental health of medical students in different levels of training to see if a certain level plays a higher role in developing mental health issues. Methodology: This quantitative study is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among medical students in different universities in Riyadh region. The study depended on a self-reported questionnaire that included validated GHQ-12 for the Arab population that was used for assessing psychological distress. Results: In the current study, we collected data from 617 medical students from four universities in Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia. Among the students, 56.7 % of the participants were males, and 42.1 % were aged between 20-21 years old, and 91.6 % of them were single. According to the GHQ-12, 368 students were classified as GHQ- cases having symptoms of depression and psychiatric disorders (59.6 %). The prevalence of psychological distress among female students was significantly higher than among males (68.9 % vs. 52.6 %, P=0.000). Furthermore, we found that the prevalence of distress was the lowest among students who reported higher than 30000 SR monthly income (P=0.015). Concerning educational level, the results of the current study did not show any significant difference in the prevalence of distress among students of different levels (P=0.096); however, students of the first level showed the highest level of distress (72.2 %). Conclusion: The current study confirmed the previous studies on the high prevalence of psychological distress among medical students, which was significantly higher among females, students of low income, and students with lower GPAs. Moreover, the study showed that first-level students were the most affected by psychological distress. Keywords: Mental health, psychological distress, medical students, medical education, Saudi Arabia","PeriodicalId":23895,"journal":{"name":"World Family Medicine Journal /Middle East Journal of Family Medicine","volume":"7 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"80337213","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Obesity is a risk factor for COVID-19 infection in Saudi Arabia","authors":"Mohammed M Aljuaid, S. Rawaf, F. Alnajjar, Ma Alshaik, Yasmeen E. Saleh, H. A. Al Otair","doi":"10.5742/mewfm.2023.95256057","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5742/mewfm.2023.95256057","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Obesity is a global health hazard that has recently been linked to adverse clinical outcomes of COVID-19 infection. Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the obesity risk factors among hospitalized COVID-19 patients and their influence on the clinical outcomes of the disease Methods: This is a retrospective observational cohort study of COVID-19 patients admitted to one tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia from May to July 2020. Patients’ demographics, comorbidities and clinical manifestations were collected from the medical records. The clinical outcomes were compared between patients with different categories of body mass index (BMI). Results: Out of 260 patients who were included in the study, 41.6% were obese. Compared to those patients with normal and overweight BMI, obese patients with COVID-19 were more likely to have hypertension, ischemic heart disease, chronic lung disease and heart failure. Pneumonia (81.1%), ARDS (80.8%), mechanical ventilation (80%), acute kidney injury (74.2%) and heart failure (86.7%) were more prevalent in patients who were either overweight or obese. More than 50% of the patients admitted to the intensive care unit were either overweight or obese, representing nearly 55% of the mortalities. On an average, the BMI of females (32.2 ± 8.3 kg/m²), was significantly higher than males (28.3 ± 5.1 kg/m²), (P<0.01) and with higher BMI, the chance of having hypertension increases by threefold (P<0.01). Conclusion: Obesity is very common among hospitalized patients with COVID-19, particularly females. Obese patients were more likely to have cardiovascular risk factors and adverse clinical outcomes. Keywords: COVID-19, Obesity, BMI, Risk factors, Outcome","PeriodicalId":23895,"journal":{"name":"World Family Medicine Journal /Middle East Journal of Family Medicine","volume":"221 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"76663749","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Knowledge of and practice related to foot care among diabetic patients in primary health care center at Ministry of Health, Taif, Saudi Arabia","authors":"Nourah Alsumairi, Lama A. Alsumairi, R. A. Alghamdi","doi":"10.5742/mewfm.2023.95256050","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5742/mewfm.2023.95256050","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Despite the continuous efforts aimed at prevention in the studied primary health care centers, there was a notable increase in amputation rate, which has a significant negative impact on survival of diabetic patients. Sufficient awareness of diabetic patients about foot care as well as its proper practice, is essential in preventing diabetic foot problems and amputation. Objectives: To assess the knowledge and practice of foot care among diabetic patients attending primary healthcare centers. Patients and methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in Taif city, among adult diabetic patients attending the primary health care centers, belonging to the Ministry of Health during the proposed study period from February to May 2022. An Arabic self-administered questionnaire including four sections (sociodemographic factors, patients’ knowledge about self-care of diabetic foot, patients’ practices regarding self-care of diabetic foot and the barriers for not routinely checking for diabetic neuropathy at diabetic foot clinic) was utilized for data collection Results: A total of 385 diabetic patients were included in the study. Their ages ranged between 14 and 75 years with an arithmetic mean of 40.6 and standard deviation of 13.2 years. Females represented 60.5% of them. Almost two-thirds of the participants (64.4%) were type 2 diabetic patients. Almost one quarter of diabetic patients (26.4%) expressed a good level of knowledge regarding foot care; particularly older patients (p=0.033), those living in urban areas (p=0.002), the employed (p=0.007), type 2 diabetics (p=0.029) and patients who obtained their information about foot care from internet/social media or health staff (p=0.004). Good foot care-related practice was reported among 42.1% of the diabetic patients; particularly Saudi patients (p=0.029), higher educated (p=0.016), employed (p=0.032), those with higher family income (p=0.048) and those who had their information about foot care from health staff (p<0.001). Conclusion: A relative suboptimal level of both knowledge and practice related to foot care was observed. Educational programs including practical sessions, preferably through using videos regarding the best practice of foot care are highly recommended for diabetic patients. Keywords: Knowledge, practice, foot, diabetic, PHC, Taif","PeriodicalId":23895,"journal":{"name":"World Family Medicine Journal /Middle East Journal of Family Medicine","volume":"18 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"84996593","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Correlation Between Depression and Pseudosciences (Astrology, Tarot Cards, Psychic Readings)","authors":"Yara Khalid Alkhalid, Bander A. Haddad, Ahmed Alasiri, J. Alothaim, Arwa Mohammed Alamer","doi":"10.5742/mewfm.2023.95256062","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5742/mewfm.2023.95256062","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Depression prevalence is increasing worldwide, and so are Astrology, tarot cards, and psychics readings practices, as most people who seek pseudoscience practices tend to seek an answer to life issues that they suffer from, such as relationships, or financial issues for example. Aim: This study aimed to find the correlation between pseudoscience practices and depression among pseudoscience believers in Saudi Arabia. Subjects and methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted among the Saudi population who believe in pseudoscience. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed electronically using social media platforms, which adhere to the tenets of the Declaration of Helsinki 2013. The questionnaire was composed of socio-demographic variables, psychic-related practices, and depression questionnaires using Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Results: Of the 409 pseudoscience believers, 41.8% were aged between 26 – 35 years old with females being dominant (94.5%). The most prominent practice of reading was the Zodiac (81.3%). The prevalence of depression among pseudoscience believers was 36.3%. In univariate analysis, depression was significantly associated with the younger age group (p<0.001), less educated participants (p=0.028), being single (p<0.001), student (p=0.001), and practicing Zodiac (p=0.014). In a multivariate regression model, Zodiac practice reading was determined as the sole independent significant predictor of increased depression rates. Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of depression among pseudoscience believers. Increased depression was demonstrated more frequently by younger believers who were still single, less educated, and who were currently engaged in Zodiac reading practices. More research is needed to shed more light on the effect of pseudoscience on the mental health condition of its believers. Keywords: Pseudoscience, psychic reading, depression, astrology","PeriodicalId":23895,"journal":{"name":"World Family Medicine Journal /Middle East Journal of Family Medicine","volume":"38 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"84931841","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}