Patterns of Use, Cessation Behavior and Socio-Demographic Factors Associated with Smoking in Saudi Arabia: a Cross-Sectional Multi-Step Study

Abdelwahab, Siddig Ibarhim,El-Setohy, Maged,Alsharqi, Abdalla,Elsanosy, Rashad,Mohammed, Umar Yagoub Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2016 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.17 No.2

Smoking is accountable for the fatality of a substantial number of persons and increases the likelihood of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Although data have shown high prevalence rates of cigarette smoking in Saudi Arabia, relatively little is known about the broader scope. The objectives of this study were to investigate socio-demographic factors, patterns of use and cessation behavior associated with smoking in Saudi Arabia (KSA). The study utilized a cross-sectional, multi-step design of sampling. Residents (N=1,497; aged 15 years and older) were recruited from seven administrative areas in Southwest Saudi Arabia. A pretested questionnaire was utilized to obtain data on participant cigarette smoking, including their daily use, age, education, income, marital status and employment status. The current study is the first of its kind to gather data cessation behavior of Saudi subjects. With the exception of 1.5% females, all the respondents were male. The majority of the respondents were married, had a university level of education, were employed, and were younger than 34 years old. The same trends were also observed among smokers' samples. The current prevalence of cigarette smoking was 49.2% and 65.7% of smokers had smoking at less than 18 years of age. The mean daily use amongst smokers was 7.98 cigarettes (SD=4.587). More than 50% of the study sample had tried at least once to quit smoking. However, 42% of the smokers participating had never. On the other hand, about 25% of the respondents were willing to consider quitting smoking in the future. Modeling of cigarette smoking suggested that the most significant independent predictors of smoking behavior were geographic area, gender, marital status, education, job and age. Considerable variation in smoking prevalence was noted related with participant sociodemographics. Findings recommend the necessity for control and intervention programs in Saudi community.

Histopathologic Characterization of Prostate Diseases in Madinah, Saudi Arabia

Albasri, Abdulkader,El-Siddig, Abeer,Hussainy, Akbar,Mahrous, Mervat,Alhosaini, Abdulaziz Abdullah,Alhujaily, Ahmed Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.10

Aims: To delineate the histopathological pattern of prostate diseases and to highlight age variations in prostate specific antigen (PSA) values and histopathological features. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review was made of all prostate biopsy reports seen between January 2006 and December 2013 at the King Fahad Hospital, Madinah, Saudi Arabia. Prostate lesions were tabulated and classified into benign and malignant groups. Histological scoring of adenocarcinomas was accomplished using the Gleason system. PSA values were correlated with Gleason scores. Results: Of 417 prostate lesions reviewed, 343 (82.3%) were benign and 74 (17.7%) were malignant, giving a benign to malignant ratio of 4.6:1. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (both with and without inflammation) was the commonest prostatic lesion and accounted for 80.3% of all cases and 97.6% of all benign cases. The age range was 20 to 97 years with a mean of 69.2 years and a peak age group at 70-79 years. Seventy one cases of adenocarcinoma accounted for 95.9% of the total of 74 malignant tumors. It showed an age range of 44 to 95 years, a mean age of 70.9 years and peak prevalence in the 80-89 year age group. Gleason score seven was the most frequent (39.4%) in occurrence. Most adenocarcinomas, 41 cases (57.7%), were moderately differentiated (Gleason score of 5-7). PSA values ranged widely between 16-1,865ng/ml with a mean of 363.4ng/ml. Elevated PSA (>100ng/ml) levels were found in 53 (81.6%) patients. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between serum PSA level and Gleason score (p=0.0304). Conclusions: Prostatic lesions constitute a significant source of morbidity among adult males in Madinah. Benign prostatic hyperplasia was the commonest benign prostatic lesion and adenocarcinoma was the commonest histological subtype of prostatic cancer.

Pattern of Lymph Node Pathology in Western Saudi Arabia

Albasri, Abdulkader Mohammed,El-Siddig, Abeer Abdalla,Hussainy, Akbar Shah,Alhujaily, Ahmed Safar Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.11

Background: This study aimed to characterize the histopathological pattern of lymph node pathology among Saudi patients and to highlight the age and gender variations of these lesions as base line data. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data from lymph node biopsy specimens received at the Department of Pathology, King Fahad Hospital, Madinah, Saudi Arabia from January 2006 to December 2013. Results: Of the 289 lymph node biopsy specimens received, 154 (53.3%) were from males and 135 (46.7%) from females giving a male: female ratio of 1.14:1. Age of the patients ranged from 2.5 to 96 years with a mean age 33.9 years. The commonest lymph node group affected was the cervical (30.4%) followed by axillary (9.7%) and inguinal (8.7%). Malignant lymphoma [71 Hodgkin's disease (HD), 57 non Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL)] 128 (44.3%), reactive hyperplasia 68 (23.5%), and tuberculosis 41 (14.2%) were the common causes of lymph node enlargement. While HD, reactive hyperplasia and tuberculosis were commonest in young adult patients (10-29 years old) and rare above the age of 50 years; NHL was the predominant cause of lymph node enlargement above 50 years. Conclusions: Lymph node biopsy plays an important role in establishing the cause of lymphadenopathy. Among the biopsied nodes, lymphomas were the most common (44.3%) followed by non-specific reactive hyperplasia (23.5%) and tuberculous lymphadenitis (14.2%).

Parasitological Observation in Schoolchildren with Urogenital Schistosomiasis Following Treatment with Three Different Brands of Praziquantel

JIN YAN,차승만,Lee Jinmoo,Elhag Mousab Siddig,홍성태,이영하 대한의학회 2020 Journal of Korean medical science Vol.35 No.46

This study compared the anthelminthic effects of three different brands of praziquantel being used in Sudan against Schistosoma haematobium (S. haematobium) infection. We enrolled 1,286 schoolchildren from six primary schools and examined their urine samples for eggs of S. haematobium at the baseline survey and follow-up two weeks after administering the medication. The schoolchildren were divided into three groups based on the three brands of praziquantel (different material production), with two school children for one brand. The overall baseline prevalence of S. haematobium infection was 15.5%. Two weeks after treatment with brands A, B, and C of praziquantel, cure rates were 87.1%, 82.4% and 83.8% respectively, and the egg-reduction rates were 69.0%, 81.0% and 70.6% respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in cure rates and egg-reduction rates between the three brands. We conclude that the three different commercial brands of praziquantel used in Sudan have similar anthelminthic effects on S. haematobium.

Comparison of the Change in the Prevalence and Intensity of Schistosoma haematobium Infection Between High and Low Prevalence Areas of White Nile State, Sudan

차승만,홍성태,이진수,Hoo-Gn Jeong,권인선,Abd Al Wahab Saed,Mousab Siddig Elhag,Hassan Ahmed Hassan Ahmed Ismail,Mutamad Amin,이영하 대한기생충학ㆍ열대의학회 2020 The Korean Journal of Parasitology Vol.58 No.4

This study aimed to investigate whether mass drug administration (MDA) intervention has an equivalent effect on reducing the prevalence and intensity of Schistosoma haematobium infection regardless of the baseline values. A repeated cross-sectional survey was performed targeting students of 12 primary schools in Al Jabalain and El Salam districts of White Nile State, Sudan, at both 1 week before and 8 months after the MDA. Prior to the baseline survey, school-aged children in Al Jabalain had received MDA interventions twice in 4 years, while those in El Salam had not. The baseline prevalence was 9.1% in Al Jabalain and 35.2% in El Salam, which were reduced to 1.8% and 5.5% at 8 months after the MDA, respectively. The corresponding reduction rates were 80.3% and 84.4%, not significant difference between both districts. However, changes in the geometric mean intensity (GMI) of egg counts were significantly different between both districts. The baseline GMIs were 14.5 eggs per 10 ml of urine (EP10) in Al Jabalain and 18.5 EP10 in El Salam, which were reduced to 7.1 and 11.2 EP10 after treatment, respectively. The corresponding reduction rates were 51.0% and 39.5%. In conclusion, MDA interventions were found to bring about similar relative reduction in prevalence regardless of the baseline value; however, the relative reduction in infection intensity was more salient in the district with a low baseline value for both prevalence and intensity. This clearly points to the importance of repeated MDA interventions in endemic areas, which will eventually contribute to schistosomiasis elimination.

Analysis of Composition and Diversity of Natural Regeneration of Woody Species in Jebel El Gerrie Dry Land Forest East of Blue Nile State, Sudan

Abuelbashar, Ahmed Ibrahim,Ahmed, Dafa-Alla Mohamed Dafa-Alla,Siddig, Ahmed Ali Hassabelkreem,Yagoub, Yousif Elnour,Gibreel, Haithum Hashim Institute of Forest Science 2022 Journal of Forest Science Vol.38 No.2

The study aims to assess composition, diversity and population indices of natural regeneration of woody species in Jebel El Gerrie forest reserve, Blue Nile State, Sudan. We conducted field work between December 2018 and January 2019. We used random sampling to collect vegetation data in the forest where we made a total of 90 circular sample plots (radius 17.84 m) and distributed them proportionally to the area of each of the four density-based vegetation classes of the forest i.e. high density (C1), medium density (C2), low density (C3) and crop land (C4). In each sample plot we identified all regenerating tree species and counted their regeneration frequencies. We calculated ecological metrics of regeneration frequency, density, abundance, richness, evenness, diversity and importance value index (IVI) and drew abundance rank curve. Results revealed that out of fifteen mature tree species present, natural regeneration of 8 species, which belong to 6 families, was observed. The relatively most frequently naturally regenerating and abundant species were Anogeissus leiocarpa and Combretum hartmannianum. Richness, evenness and diversity of regenerating species were 1.33, 0.82 and 1.7, respectively. One-way ANOVA (α=0.05) of mean regeneration densities disclosed that there were significant differences (F_3,86=16.77, p=0.000) between C2 & C3 (p=0.000) and C2 & C4 (p=0.000). While regeneration of seven tree species were absent, two, two and four species were of good, poor and fair regeneration status, respectively. A comparison of mean density of natural regeneration with that of parent trees reflects a poor regeneration status of the forest. The study provides empirical results on the regeneration status of species and signifies the need for management interventions for species conservation and restoration, maintenance of biodiversity and sustainable production.

Immunohistochemical Expression of Cytokeratins and Epithelial Membrane Protein 2 in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma and its Potential Implications

Ahmed, Hussain Gadelkarim,Suliman, Rania Saad Abdul Gader,Abd El Aziz, Mohammed Siddig,Alshammari, Fawaz D. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.2

Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an aggressive disease and tends to involve surrounding tissues, and biomarkers for better management are yet to be identified. Materials and Methods: One hundred and fifty tissue samples with NPC diagnosis were were investigated using pan cytokeratin (CK) and epithelial membrane protein 2 (EMP2) antibodies. Results: Immunohistochemical expression of CK was identified in 144/150 (96%) and of EMP2 in 120/150 (80%). Conclusions: There is a high loss of EMP2 in NPC, especially high grade examples. Loss of CK expression is also linked to high grade NPC types.

Effectiveness of an Intervention Program on Knowledge of Oral Cancer among the Youth of Jazan, Saudi Arabia

Quadri, Mir Faeq Ali,Saleh, Sanaa Mahmoud,Alsanosy, Rashad,Abdelwahab, Siddig Ibrahim,Tobaigy, Faisal Mohamed,Maryoud, Mohamed,Al-Hebshi, Nezar Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.5

Background: The study is the first of its kind to be conducted in Saudi Arabia (KSA), aiming to analyze the effectiveness of an intervention program in improving the knowledge of oral cancer among the youth. Materials and Methods: A total of 1,051 young Saudis (57% males and 43% females with a mean age of $20.4{\pm}1.98$) were selected using multi-stage cluster sampling. Knowledge assessment was accomplished using a closed-ended questionnaire which was subjected to reliability tests. Prevalence of risk factors in relation to gender was analyzed using the chi-squared test. Effectiveness was calculated by comparing the pre- and post-intervention means, using the two-tailed paired t-test. Multiple logistic regression was employed in order to determine factors associated with awareness of risk habits, signs/symptoms and prevention of oral cancer. The significance level in this study was set at 0.05. Results: Females were seen to be more into the habit of sheesha smoking (3.3% rather than the use of other forms of risk factors. Prevalence of diverse risk factors such as cigarette smoking (20%), sheesha (15.3%), khat (27%) and shamma (9%) was seen among males. Gender and the use of modifiable risk factors among the study sample were significantly (p<0.001) associated with effectiveness of the intervention. The intervention program was highly effective (p<0.001) in improving the knowledge of oral cancer among the youth in Jazan, KSA. Multivariate analysis revealed that age and gender are the most significant factors affecting knowledge. Conclusions: The study gives a direction for further public health initiatives in this oral cancer prone region.

Diagnostic importance of Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration in Diagnosing Hepatic Lesions among Sudanese Patients 2015

Edris, Ali Mahmoud Mohammed,Ali, Imtithal Mohamed,Bakeit, Shaimaa Bushra,Abashar, Mohamed,Siddig, Emmanuel Edwar Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2016 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.17 No.2

Background: Liver cytology is indicated and requested for evaluating hepatic masses in symptomatic or serendipitous cryptic discovered lesions. Objective: To determine the cytomorphological patterns of hepatic lesions identified among a group of Sudanese patients. Materials and Methods: This is an analytical descriptive hospital-based study included 165 patients undergoing ultrasound-guided fine needle is an aspiration cytology (FNAC)for hepatic lesions, at Al-Amal Military Hospital & Khartoum Teaching Hospital in Khartoum, Sudan. Clinical data were reviewed. Air dried Diff Quick stained smears were grouped into unsatisfactory samples, benign lesions, and malignant neoplasms. Results: Our population were consisted of 35 (21.2%) females and 130 (78.8%) males, with a male to female ratio 3.7:1 and an age ranged between 47 to 80, and a mean age $57{\pm}7$. Of 165 cases, 57 (34.5%) were benign, no atypia were noticed, 101 (61.2%) were malignant. Most investigated patients were found to have metastatic lesions. Conclusion: FNAC is a useful tool for investigating hepatic lesions.

Association Between the Prevalence of Schistosomiasis in Elementary School Students and Their Parental Occupation in Sudan

김연,차승만,김영진,Hamdan Mustafa Hamdan Ali,Mousab Siddig Elhag,Hassan Ahmed Hassan Ahmed Ismail,이건훈,홍성태 대한기생충학ㆍ열대의학회 2022 The Korean Journal of Parasitology Vol.60 No.1

Global efforts to identify groups at high risk for schistosomiasis have mainly concentrated on identifying their geographical distribution. Investigations on the socioeconomic characteristics of high-risk groups are relatively scarce. This study aimed to explore the associations between schistosomiasis among students and their parents’ occupations. A nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted targeting 105,167 students in 1,772 primary schools across Sudan in 2017. From these students, 100,726 urine and 96,634 stool samples were collected to test for Schistosoma haematobium and S. mansoni infection. A multi-level mixed effect analysis was used with age and sex as fixed factors, and school as a random factor. The odd ratios (ORs) of practicing open defecation among farmers’ children were almost 5 times higher than their counterparts whose parents were government officials (OR=4.97, 95% confidence intervals (CIs): 4.57-5.42, P<0.001). The ORs of contacting water bodies for watering livestock among farmers’ children were more than 4 times higher than those of children whose parents were government officials (OR=4.59, 95% CIs: 4.02-5.24, P<0.001). This study shows that schistosomiasis represents a disease of poverty and that farmers’ children constituted a high-risk group.