Sana’a University Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences

Background Trachoma is the leading cause of blindness in the world’s poorest societies. However, knowledge,
attitudes, and practices (KAP) are yet to be conducted in Yemen.
Objective To Assess the KAP and its associated factors toward trachoma among households in highly endemic
areas, Yemen.
Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in six districts of Hodeidah and Ibb governorates in September 2024. Data were collected from 1290 randomly selected individuals using questionnaires,
focused group discussions (FGDs), and observational checklists. The data were analyzed using SPSS V26, and
a multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify associated factors.
Results: Among 1290 interviewed participants, 682 (52.9%) had good knowledge, 700 (54.35%) had good attitudes, and 803(62.2%) had good practice. Having ever received Age of the head of household (years) was
significantly associated with good knowledge and good attitudes (AOR =10.02, 95% CI7.50–13.40, P <0.001),
(AOR = 3.78, 95% CI: 2.86–4.99, P <0.001), respectively, attitude good was significantly with knowledge good
(AOR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.41–2.43, P <0.001). Moreover, distance to drinking water source and cleanliness of
child’s face were significantly with good practice (AOR 2.44, 95% CI: 1.86–3.19, P <0.001), (AOR = 29.5, 95%
CI: 12.6–68.9, P <0.001), respectively.
Conclusions : A substantial segment of the population exhibits unfavorable attitudes and a lack of knowledge
concerning trachoma infection. Enhancement of awareness initiatives through community mobilization and sensitization is imperative.

Abstract :This article presents the findings of a retrospective analysis of medicolegal autopsy reports in cases of sudden
cardiac death. This study aimed to identify morphological changes in myocardial connective tissue among individuals aged 18–45 years who experienced sudden cardiac arrest. In instances of sudden unexpected adult death,
the arrhythmogenic mechanism of sudden cardiac death tends to be more common than that of mechanical death.
Cardiac fibrosis was identified in 78% of the cases, with diffuse interstitial fibrosis being (DIF) the predominant type in
91% of these cases. A significant difference (p < 0.01) was found between the area of DIF in the study group
and that in the control group. The authors concluded that sudden cardiac death cases, where no clear cause
is identified during autopsy, often stem from a functional and/or structural arrhythmogenic substrate induced by
cardiac fibrosis (myocardial remodelling).

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intratympanic PRP injection for the treatment of SNHL in Yemen and to identify predictors of successful treatment outcomes.

Methods: This prospective cohort study included 120 patients diagnosed with SNHL at the Military General Hospital in Yemen. The patients received intratympanic PRP injections and were followed up for 3 months. Pure-tone audiometry (PTA) was performed to assess hearing thresholds before and after treatment. Demographic and clinical characteristics, including etiology and duration of hearing loss, were collected. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the treatment outcomes and identify significant predictors.

Results: The study cohort comprised 36 women (30%) and 84 men (70%), with a mean age of 29.72 ± 11.85 years. The most common etiologies were noise-induced hearing loss (35.8%) and sudden hearing loss (30%). Posttreatment, significant improvement in PTA hearing thresholds was observed, with mean thresholds improving from 48.27 ± 17.77 dB HL to 31.56 ± 20.45 dB HL (p < 0.05). Patients with pre-treatment hearing levels of 26-45 dB showed the highest improvement rates, with 100% achieving a final hearing level of ≤ 25 dB. The etiology of SNHL was a significant predictor of better outcomes (p = 0.002), whereas age, sex, and duration of hearing loss did not significantly affect treatment outcomes. The treatment was well-tolerated, with minor adverse effects observed in a small percentage of patients.

\newline\textbf {Conclusion: } Intratympanic injections of PRP are an effective and safe treatment for improving hearing thresholds in patients with SNHL, particularly in resource-limited settings like Yemen. Early intervention and tailored treatment strategies based on etiology are crucial for optimizing the outcomes. Further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are required to establish the long-term efficacy and safety of PRP therapy in patients with SNHL.

Conventions: Abbreviations are usually defined at the first use in the abstract. Check whether 'PRP' should be defined here.

Consistency: Different forms of this word have been used in the text.
'posttreatment' no space [4 times]
'post-treatment' with hyphen [4 times]
Please pick one style and use it consistently throughout the text.

Consistency: Different forms of this word have been used in the text.
'pre-treatment' with hyphen [7 times]
'pretreatment' no space [3 times]
Please pick one style and use it consistently throughout the text.

Conventions: Abbreviations are usually defined at the first use in the abstract. Check whether 'SNHL' should be defined here.

Background : Asthma is the most common chronic respiratory disease, affecting millions of people of all ages worldwide. The average global prevalence ranges from 5 to 10%. Asthma is influenced by complex interactions between particular external factors such as pollution, viral and bacterial infections, allergens, and tobacco smoke, as well as an individual’s genetic makeup. This study aimed to determine the risk factors associated with atopic asthma in children in Sana’a City, Yemen.

Methods: This case-control study included 75 Yemeni children diagnosed with bronchial asthma and 75 healthy control children, matched for age and sex. Data were collected from each participant using a pre-designed questionnaire. Clinical assessments by a pulmonologist confirmed the definitive diagnosis of bronchial asthma in children. Laboratory confirmation was performed by measuring both serum Interleukin-13 (IL-13) levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and serum Immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels using the electrochemiluminescence technique.

Results: Living in urban areas served as a protective factor and was associated with a lower likelihood of atopic asthma in children than in those living in rural areas (χ²=5.4, OR = 0.3, CI = 0.08-0.9, p = 0.03). Similarly, the use of gas only in the kitchen serves as a protective factor and is linked to a reduced likelihood of atopic asthma in children compared to using a mixture of gas and wood (χ²  =7.9, OR = 0.08, CI = 0.01 - 0.7, p = 0.02). Although family history and the presence of other allergic disease factors were associated with atopic asthma in the univariate analysis, their significance was not maintained in the multivariate logistic regression model.

 Conclusion: The findings suggest that living in urban areas and using gas as the sole fuel source in the kitchen are associated with a lower risk of atopic asthma. The authors also highlighted the significant role of environmental factors in atopic asthma.

Abstract

Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) represents a common nutritional and hematological disorder. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), primarily recognized for its role in gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric cancer, has recently demonstrated a notable correlation with IDA according to emerging research. This study aims to evaluate the potential relationship between H. pylori infection and the development of IDA.

Materials and Methods: This case-control study included 100 participants between the ages of 18-56. The study group consisted of 50 individuals with confirmed H. pylori infection, while the control group comprised 50 healthy subjects. We conducted analyses of stool specimens for H. pylori antigens and occult blood. Additionally, we collected blood samples to evaluate complete blood counts and iron profiles using standardized automated systems.

Results: Our analysis revealed no statistically significant variations in demographic characteristics or risk factors between the study and control groups. The majority of participants (90% of the patient group and 92% of controls) presented without anemia. Low ferritin levels were observed in 26% of the patient group and 18% of the control group. We did not identify significant differences in hematological parameters, serum iron, or ferritin concentrations between H. pylori-positive individuals and controls. Furthermore, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) and unsaturated iron-binding capacity (UIBC) values showed no significant elevation in the study group compared to controls.

Conclusion: H. pylori infection does not demonstrate a significant association with iron deficiency anemia. Key indicators including hemoglobin levels, serum iron, ferritin, TIBC, and UIBC remained statistically comparable between H. pylori-infected participants and healthy controls.