Annals of African Medicine最新文献

{"title":"Competency-based Medical Education: Perspectives from Students' Lens: A Cross-sectional Study among Undergraduate Medical Students.","authors":"Sayali Bhagat, Samarthya Dongre, Yamini Pusdekar","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_139_24","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/aam.aam_139_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>This study assesses the perception and challenges faced by medical students in adapting to India's competency-based medical education (CBME) curriculum. The curriculum is gradually being accepted nationwide. Students and faculty are continuously trying to implement all components of CBME in their practical and theory classes.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The research aims to provide insights into students' perceptions and challenges for the newly implemented CBME curriculum.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted among MBBS students at our medical college from 2019 batch onward. A questionnaire was sent using Google Forms and 293 responses were recorded. Data analysis was done using MS Excel.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The distribution of students across batches showed that 2019 and 2020 batches were the largest cohorts, comprising 39% and 37% respectively, followed by 2022 (14%) and 2021 (10%). The majority recognized the importance and achievement of the foundation course (73.4% and 75.5%, respectively). Attitude, Ethics, and Communication (AETCOM) was deemed necessary (79.8%) and contributed to doctor-patient relationships (43%). Early clinical exposure (ECE) was valued for interest and learning (87.3%), and practical technique like Objective Structured Clinical Examination was favored (83.9%). Challenges included time constraints for theory papers, finishing logbooks, limited self-study time, mental burnout, and coping with numerous competencies. ECE and integrated teaching were seen as pivotal for academic success, whereas AETCOM was acknowledged for its academic contribution.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143555503","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 Headache Red Flags among the General Population of Saudi Arabia: A Comprehensive Evaluation.","authors":"Sami Fadhel Almalki, Maryam Anwar AlMuhaish, Joud Khalid Alghamdi, Najd Fahad Alqahtani, Hanan Saad Alnawmasi, Sayed Ibrahim Ali","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_254_24","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/aam.aam_254_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Insufficient recognition of ominous headache red flags delays specialized care for potentially life-threatening secondary pathologies. Population-level awareness in Saudi Arabia warrants assessment to guide public health planning. The aim of the study was to evaluate headache red flag knowledge and associated care-seeking attitudes among Saudi adults through a cross-sectional survey.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A multistage random sample of 643 Saudis aged 15-85 years was recruited proportionally across 13 regions from November 23, 2023 to February 14, 2024. A self-administered questionnaire assessed knowledge of 12 common red flags through closed responses. Total scores were calculated, and associations with demographic/clinical predictors were examined using statistics including Chi-square, ANOVA, and Bayesian correlations.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Mean knowledge score was 11.73/24 indicating partial overall understanding. Higher scores correlated with male gender, ages 36-55 years, tertiary education, and prior headache histories. Knowledge of key red flags like \"thunderclap headache\" was incomplete. Timely specialist evaluation for concerning symptoms received limited endorsement over analgesic use. Vulnerable subgroups demonstrating low awareness included females, youth, and those reliant on unreliable hazard information sources.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Saudi adults demonstrated modest yet uneven headache red flag knowledge influenced by sociodemographic attributes. Specific deficits warrant targeted educational campaigns addressing individual and systemic barriers to prompt neurological evaluations for alarm symptoms. Public health efforts involving experts, community leaders, and technological innovations hold promise enhancing timely diagnosis of secondary pathologies nationwide if periodically monitored.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143555507","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":"Comparative Study between Platelet-rich Plasma, Platelet-derived Growth Factor Gel, and Normal Saline Dressing in Chronic Ulcer Healing.","authors":"M V Devesvar, Sunil Kumar Shetty, Kawari Sowbhagyalaxmi Ramesh","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_235_24","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/aam.aam_235_24","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background: &lt;/strong&gt;Chronic ulcers pose significant challenges in clinical management due to their prolonged healing time and high recurrence rates. Various treatment modalities have been explored to enhance the healing process. Among these, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) gel have shown promising results due to their regenerative properties. This study aims to compare the efficacy of PRP, PDGF gel, and normal saline dressing in the healing of chronic ulcers, focusing on wound shrinkage, healing duration, and complication rates.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Aim: &lt;/strong&gt;The aim of the study was to study and compare the efficacy of PRP, PDGF dressings, and normal saline dressings in chronic nonhealing ulcers.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Materials and methods: &lt;/strong&gt;The study was conducted in general surgery department, tertiary hospital. This is a prospective, observational study involving patients with chronic nonhealing ulcers. A total of 105 patients were enrolled in the study, with 35 patients allocated to each treatment group. Participants were evaluated at baseline and followed up weekly for 8 weeks. The primary outcome measures included wound size reduction, time to complete healing, and the incidence of any complications or adverse effects. The secondary outcomes included patient-reported pain levels and quality-of-life assessments.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;The demographic data and baseline characteristics were comparable across the three groups. The mean age of participants was 56.2 years, with a slight male predominance (58%). The PRP group demonstrated the highest mean wound size reduction of 75% by the end of the study period, followed by the PDGF gel group with 68%, and the normal saline group with 45%. The differences between the groups were statistically significant (P &lt; 0.05). The average time to complete healing was 5.2 weeks for the PRP group, 6.1 weeks for the PDGF gel group, and 7.8 weeks for the normal saline group. The PRP group showed significantly faster healing compared to the other groups (P &lt; 0.05). Complication rates were low across all groups, with minor adverse effects reported. The PRP group had a 5% incidence of mild local infection, while the PDGF gel group had a 7% incidence. No serious adverse effects were observed. Patient-reported pain levels decreased significantly in all groups, with the most substantial reduction observed in the PRP group. Quality of life improvements were also most pronounced in the PRP group, followed by the PDGF gel group and the normal saline group.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;This study concludes that PRP is a highly effective treatment for chronic ulcers, offering faster wound healing and greater wound size reduction compared to PDGF gel and normal saline dressing. PDGF gel also presents a viable alternative with good efficacy. Normal saline, while less effective, remains a baseline treatment option. Further research with larger sample sizes and lo","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143536549","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":"Trends and Insights in Cognitive Impairment and Depression Research: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis.","authors":"Feras Alsulaiman, Majed Alabdali, Danah Aljaafari, Arwa A Alsulaiman, Safa I Alzahrani, Rawan M Alyahya, Mohammed Alshurem, Abdulla Alsulaiman, Omar Al Ghamdi","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_258_24","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/aam.aam_258_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Cognitive impairment and depression are widespread, debilitating conditions that significantly impact quality of life and present major public health challenges. This study aimed to explore the intersection of cognitive impairment and depression, identifying trends, major contributors, influential studies, and emerging research subjects.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a bibliometric analysis using the Scopus database on July 21, 2024, covering the literature from 2000 to 2024. Data were extracted and analyzed using R (version 4.3.3) with the bibliometrix package and \"biblioshiny\" web interface for visualization. The analysis included assessing publication trends, identifying the leading authors, evaluating major journals, and tracking institutional contributions. Keyword co-occurrence and thematic tracking were used to explore the research focus subjects and evolving trends.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Two thousand and fifty-one articles were identified, with annual scientific production showing a 7.71% growth rate, from 18 articles in 2000 to 195 articles in 2022. The average number of citations per article fluctuated, previously increasing but declining in recent years. The leading journals included the Journal of Affective Disorders and the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. The leading authors were Zhang Y and Li Y, with significant contributions from the University of Toronto and the University of California. The USA led in article production, followed by China and Canada, with extensive international collaboration. The most cited document was that of Rock etal.,with 1336 citations. The keyword analysis highlighted \"depression\" as the most frequent term, and thematic tracking revealed distinct clusters of nonhuman and human research.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>This study's results inform future research guidelines and underscore the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to address these interrelated conditions. It contributes to the existing literature by tracking the evolution and current state of research and guiding future studies toward emerging themes and gaps in this faculty.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143536552","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":"Rectourethroperineal Fistula Associated with an Atretic Bulbomembranous Urethra: Successful Staged Management of a New Variant of an Extremely Rare Anorectal Malformation.","authors":"Boniphace Tresphory, Andrea Joseph Mombo, Alessandro Calisti","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_269_24","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/aam.aam_269_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Since 2005, only one case of a male patient presenting with a congenital rectourethroperineal fistula was reported. It was classified as a rare regional variant of an H-type rectourethral fistula in Krickenbeck's anorectal malformations classification. A staged approach was used to manage the patient, including colostomy, anorectoplasty, and a hypospadias correction. We report a second case of a continent rectourethroperineal fistula with the rare association of an atretic bulbomembranous urethra. The patient underwent staged surgeries to separate the rectum and the urethra from the perineal fistula, reposition the neoanus, and anastomose the anterior-to-posterior urethral tracts. These resulted in fecal continence and successful voiding.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143536551","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":"A Rare Case of Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis Presenting as an Acute Focal Neurological Deficit with Autoimmune Hepatitis-related Chronic Liver Disease.","authors":"Rizwana Shahid","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_188_24","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/aam.aam_188_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) accounts for approximately 0.5%-1% of all strokes. The onset of CVST is usually subacute to chronic, and common clinical presentations are headaches and focal neurological deficits. Patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) are at risk of bleeding as well as venous thromboembolic events. Deep venous thrombosis, thrombosis involving the portal, splanchnic, and hepatic veins, and pulmonary embolism are commonly reported with CLD; however, CVST is not a recognized complication. There are occasional case reports of CVST with hepatitis A or C-related CVST; however, we were unable to find any report of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH)-related CVST in the literature; therefore, we report the case of a 56-year-old female, diagnosed with AIH-related CLD, who presented with sudden-onset confusion and decreased verbal output. She did not have any provoking or underlying hypercoagulable disorder. Her computed tomography (CT) head, followed by magnetic resonance imaging brain, revealed evidence of cerebral venous infarction, and a CT venogram revealed extensive venous sinus thrombosis. Her coagulation profile was deranged, and workup for hypercoagulable state was negative. It was a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to anticoagulate in the presence of significant derangement of her coagulation profile. The likely etiology for CVST in this scenario was autoimmune liver damage.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143522506","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":"Benefit of Gastro™ Laryngeal Mask Airway® during Total Intravenous Anesthesia for Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography: A Randomized Controlled Study.","authors":"K N Archana, Akaash Subramanian, P Harish Kumar, Girish Bandigowdanahalli Kumararadhya, H P Nandeesh, K G Shivakumar","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_265_24","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/aam.aam_265_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Context: </strong>Deep level of sedation required during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) can cause hypoxia in part due to an unsecured airway. This study aims to study the benefits of using the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) Gastro to secure the airway in ERCP.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>To determine the benefit of Gastro LMA for securing airway for ERCP procedure, by recording the incidence of intraprocedural adverse cardiorespiratory events - hypoxia, hypotension, bradycardia, and arrhythmias.</p><p><strong>Settings and design: </strong>A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted at a tertiary hospital with the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Grade I to III patients undergoing ERCP procedure in the endoscopy suite.</p><p><strong>Subjects and methods: </strong>Eighty patients between 18 and 70 years of age fulfilling the inclusion criteria undergoing ERCP were selected for this prospective, randomized controlled study, after obtaining institutional ethical committee approval. Patients were allocated to either LMA Gastro group (G) or to control group (C). Standard anesthesia protocols were followed, and cardiorespiratory parameters were recorded at regular intervals during the course of the procedure.</p><p><strong>Statistical analysis used: </strong>Comparisons were made using t-tests and Chi-square tests, with significance set at P < 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Our study demonstrated that the LMA Gastro group maintained significantly greater oxygen saturation, with nil hypoxic events occurring in this group. Comparatively, the control group experienced four episodes of hypoxia. The LMA Gastro group also demonstrated statistically significant increases in mean blood pressure, while mean heart rates were lower. However, these did not translate to any clinically significant differences, and the incidence of hypotension and bradycardia events were comparable between the groups. The total amount of propofol required to maintain desired sedation levels was found to be comparable between the groups. No postoperative hemodynamic or respiratory adverse events were recorded, and incidence of sore throat was found to be statistically insignificant.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The LMA Gastro offers excellent control of the patient airway during TIVA for ERCP, providing superior maintenance of oxygen saturation. It also allows for the initiation of positive pressure ventilation when required. The hemodynamic profile including incidence of hypotension and arrhythmias, while providing sedation with the LMA Gastro in situ is not clinically significant in comparison to sedation with native unsecured airway. It can be easily inserted by an anesthetist, and it offers the same level of efficacy and safety even in ASA class III patients. These characteristics make it an attractive primary airway technique in ERCP.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143522510","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":"Effects of Opioid-based and Opioid-free Anesthesia in Patients Undergoing Elective Laparoscopic Surgeries.","authors":"Akshay Hiryur Manjunatha Swamy, G Sneka, Girish Bandigowdanahalli Kumararadhya, Abhilash Chennabasappa, K G Shivakumar, Sheema Umesh","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_137_24","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/aam.aam_137_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The aim of anesthetic management of patients undergoing surgeries should be to allow physiological changes during surgery with minimal effects on the vitals and rapid recovery from anesthesia with minimal residual effects. Since opioid-based anesthesia is associated with opioid abuse and side effects peri- and postoperatively, we conducted this study to compare the effects of opioid-free anesthesia using dexmedetomidine and ketamine with opioid-based anesthesia using fentanyl in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic surgeries.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A randomized prospective double-blinded study was undertaken on 70 adult patients undergoing elective laparoscopic surgeries. The patients were equally and randomly divided into two groups: patients in Group A were administered IV dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg body weight and ketamine 25 mg and those in Group B were administered IV fentanyl 2 μg/kg body weight. Comparisons of parameters representing hemodynamic stability were done between the two groups, along with the depth of sedation and adverse effects, if any.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There was significantly less increase in heart rate in the dexmedetomidine group than that in the fentanyl group after intubation in intraoperative period as well as after extubation. There was an abrupt decrease in the respiratory rate (RR) at 60th min in the patients administered fentanyl, and the difference in the fall was statistically significant compared to in those administered dexmedetomidine. In the dexmedetomidine group, there was a good stability of RR with the baseline values at all time intervals. There was a decrease in the mean arterial pressure values in both the groups, the difference being statistically insignificant. The depth of sedation was better in the patients administered dexmedetomidine according to the Ramsay Sedation Score as compared to in those administered fentanyl. The incidence of adverse effects was also lesser in the patients administered dexmedetomidine than in those administered fentanyl.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study concluded that opioid-free anesthesia using dexmedetomidine is better than opioid-based anesthesia using fentanyl for patients undergoing elective laparoscopic surgeries due to better perioperative hemodynamic stability, deeper sedation, and lesser adverse effects postoperatively.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143522511","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":"Serum Soluble Endocan Might Be a Predictor of Preterm Labor.","authors":"Rekha Sachan, Anamika Shahi, Pushplata Sachan, Radhey Shyam, Munna Lal Patel, Wahid Ali","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_123_24","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/aam.aam_123_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Preterm birth is defined as birth before 37 weeks of gestation. It occurs in 10% of all deliveries worldwide and is a major contributor to perinatal mortality and morbidity. The study aimed to evaluate the role of serum-soluble Endocan levels in the prediction and prognostication of preterm labor.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This was a prospective observational study carried out for 1 year in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, in collaboration with Pathology. Preterm labor was defined as per ACOG guidelines. After informed consent and ethical clearance from the institutional ethics committee, a total of 130 pregnant women with established preterm labor were recruited, and finally, 124 women were enrolled and further divided according to their gestation age, extreme preterm (n = 1), very preterm (n = 22), moderately preterm (n = 32), late preterm (n = 39), and term (n = 30) pregnancy. Serum endocan level was measured using the ELISA technique using a human ESM1 ELISA kit as per manufacturer protocol.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>94.4% of women were not registered while 52.4% were urban and 41.9% were primigravida, 88.7% had body mass index (BMI) in the normal range. The mean serum endocan level was maximum in women who delivered moderate preterm babies (866.64 ± 43.42 pg/ml). followed by (730.68 ± 107.05 pg/ml) who delivered very preterm and almost equal to late preterm (659.21 ± 68.17 pg/ml) and term delivery (662.50 ± 38.30 pg/ml). The mean serum endocan level was higher (839.52 ± 81.16 pg/ml) in women who delivered within 24 h.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Serum endocan might be a good prognostic marker in preterm labor; adequate antenatal care is required to prevent preterm labor.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143522514","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 and Risk Factors of Restless Legs Syndrome among Medical Students in Saudi Arabia: An Observational Study.","authors":"Razan Alabdulqader, Raghad Alqahtani, Khadija Alsunaikh, Sara Almousa, Ammar Alsalem, Alia Alokley","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_232_24","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/aam.aam_232_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sensorimotor condition that affects the quality of sleep for those who have it. The diagnosis is made according to the consensus criteria by the National Institute of Health panel as follows: \"(i) a strong desire to move one's legs, usually in response to an unpleasant sensation; (ii) a stronger urge in the evening and at night; (iii) movement usually satisfies the urge; and (iv) rest increases the urge.\" This study aims to investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors of RLS among medical students in Saudi Arabia; furthermore, the severity and impact of RLS on sleep status.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>A cross-sectional study conducted between 2022 and 2024 in medical students in Saudi Arabia. Three hundred and thirty-one students (233 female and 98 male) participated and completed an online consented questionnaire to detect the prevalence of RLS and associated risk factors including medical comorbidities, smoking, and caffeine intake based on criteria proposed by the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group. Furthermore, the severity and impact of RLS on sleep status were studied using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and the RLS rating scale, respectively.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The frequency of RLS among medical students is 20.2%. The severity of RLS reported in 23.9% of the students with mild-to-severe rates. About 40.3% of students with RLS had daytime fatigue and 33.4% had sleep disturbances. About 64.1% of medical students who suffer from RLS have associated medical comorbidities including iron-deficiency anemia, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy. Thirty-seven percent are smokers and 42.9% of students who had 3-4 cups of coffee daily had RLS compared to 18.6% of others who did not.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>RLS has a significant prevalence among medical students, in Saudi Arabia. RLS is highly associated with sleeping disturbance and daytime fatigue. Caffeine and smoking are considered risk factors for RLS.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143522513","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}