Publications by authors named "Ashraf El Metwally"

(1) Background: Aspirin and clopidogrel have been found helpful in improving clinical outcomes among patients with chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). However, the evidence on the efficacy of aspirin and/or clopidogrel on clinical outcomes has not been synthesized and summarized in the prior reviews. Hence, we undertook a meta-analysis of the research studies examining the effect of aspirin and/or clopidogrel on varying clinical outcomes among COPD patients; (2) Methods: Using key search terms, we searched databases, including MEDLINE, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and EMBASE to find observational studies and RCTs.

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Background/objectives: Mental health conditions are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with a 13% rise within the last decade. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with mental illness in patients presenting to a primary healthcare center in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

Methods: Data were extracted from the electronic health records of 46 primary care centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from March 2022 to March 2023.

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Pregnant women have a higher risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) compared to non-pregnant women, making antibiotics necessary for treatment. However, prescribing antibiotics without culture and sensitivity tests may contribute to antimicrobial resistance. A meta-analysis using R was conducted to determine the prevalence of antibiotic resistance patterns in UTIs among pregnant women.

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Aim: This study aims to identify and address the predictors that promote or prevent the utilization of dental services in primary health care (PHC) centers located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with an ultimate goal to increase the uptake of oral health care (OHC) services.

Methodology: Registration data from 99 PHC centers was used. For each patient visiting a PHC center, information on the number of dental visits was captured.

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Background: Literature has reported differences in the epidemiology or natural history of non-communicable diseases among both the male and female sexes. Stratification of multimorbidity burden based on sex is crucial to identify and implement targeted prevention and control interventions for chronic diseases.

Objectives: To determine the burden of hypertension, type-2 diabetes mellitus, and obesity; and to compare the related multimorbidity among male and female patients.

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The impact of continuing job education and professional development on early exit from the labor market is unclear. This systematic review examined how continuing job education or professional development influences the retention of current employment. We searched the PubMed and Embase databases from their start dates to January 2023.

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Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is a common metabolic disorder affecting more than 400 million individuals worldwide. Being an X-linked disorder, the disease is more common among males than females. Various Arab countries estimated the prevalence of G6PD deficiency; however, findings from different countries have not been synthesized collectively.

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Background: COVID - 19 vaccine can lead to various local and systemic side effects, including menstrual irregularities in women. There is no robust quantitative evidence of the association between the COVID - 19 vaccine and menstrual irregularities. A meta-analysis was performed to estimate the pooled prevalence of a range of menstrual disorders that may occur in women following COVID - 19 vaccination.

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Introduction: Cigarette smoking is a well-known cancer-causing behavior and a leading cause of death from cancer. However, according to previously published research and meta-analyses, cigarette smoking has a significant inverse association with prostate cancer incidence. Therefore, this study aims to investigate this association based on updated evidence by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis.

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Introduction: The aim of this study was to identify the optimal oral temperature cut-off value and other factors predictive of sepsis in elderly patients presenting to emergency department.

Methods: A hospital-based retrospective study was performed on all elderly patients who presented to the Adult Emergency Department at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh (January to December 31, 2018).

Results: Of total of 13,856 patients, 2170 (15.

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Background: The increased burden of diabetes affects the quality of life, including psychosocial problems. The study aims to compare the psychological well-being of individuals who are prediabetic, diabetic, or non-diabetic.

Methods: A cross-sectional exploratory study was conducted from January to June 2016 ( = 1,019) in Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia.

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Background: The prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) appears to be increasing worldwide. However, data on the pediatric onset of MS is lacking, particularly in developing countries.

Objective: This study is aimed at reporting the current burden of the pediatric onset of MS in the five regions of Saudi Arabia.

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Background: Discharge against medical advice (DAMA) occurs when the patient or their caretaker leaves the hospital against the recommendation of their treating physician. DAMA may expose the children to a high risk of inadequate treatment, which may result in readmission, prolonged morbidity, and mortality. The study aimed to identify the predictors of DAMA in the emergency department (ED) within the pediatric age group.

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Background: Prehypertension is a precursor to hypertension status. Psychological distress has been identified earlier among hypertensives; however, there is little evidence for the presumptive relationship between prehypertension and psychological distress.

Objective: The study aimed to assess the psychological wellbeing of the Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia population, using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and correlating it with prehypertensive patients in the same population.

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The success of COVID-19 vaccination depends on individual's vaccine acceptance. There has been misinformation on the media that doubts its effectiveness, safety, and long-term risk. Such controversy could affect the acceptance toward the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine.

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Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare the association between mental well-being between obese (classes 1 and 2), over-weight and non-obese population-based individuals.

Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia. A total of 1019 Saudi nationals aged ≥ 18 years participated in the survey.

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Background: Psychological distress is one of the major determinants for the experience progression, and recovery of chronic pain. However, it is unclear whether physical pain in specific body sites could be predictive of psychological illness. In this study, we aim to investigate the link between chronic pain in specific anatomical sites and psychological distress represented in the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12 items).

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Background: Only few studies have investigated the prevalence and risk factors of headaches among the Saudi population. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of headache and to explore its associated risk factors Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia.

Methods: The multistage sampling technique was used to enroll 1200 population-based participants who were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire about headaches, demographics, and several other parameters such as smoking status and different chronic and psychological illnesses.

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Background: Hypercholesterolemia (HC) is an important precursor to many cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and peripheral vascular diseases. A report conducted by the American Heart Association showed the prevalence of HC to be 11.9%, with around 28.

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: Chronic pain and hypertension are highly prevalent in both developing and developed countries. Although they may appear to be two separate phenomena, several studies in developed countries have found them associated at the population level. Studies in developing countries are scarce and association between pain with prehypertension are rarely explored.

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Background: The aim of this study was to assess dental as well as orofacial pain under atmospheric pressure in military divers.

Materials And Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted in King Abdulaziz Naval Base Armed Forces (KANB) in Jubail, Saudi Arabia involving 216 Saudi military divers. Questionnaire was formulated to assess the prevalence and factors associated with dental as well as orofacial pain among divers.

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Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic CNS inflammatory disease commonly affecting young adults. Both genetics and environmental factors have been reported to have a role in pathophysiology of the disease.

Objective: This article aims to report familial nature and aspects of MS in Saudi Arabia.

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Background: Diabetes is a debilitating chronic health condition that is associated with certain pain syndromes. The present study sought to evaluate chronic pain and its association with diabetes mellitus at a population level.

Methods: A population-based cross-sectional questionnaire survey study was conducted in Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia, from January 2016 to June 2016.

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Background: Recurring migraine disorders are a common medical problem, standing among the top causes of disability and sufferings. This study aimed to evaluate epidemiological evidence to report updated estimates on prevalence, risk factors, and associated comorbidities of migraine headache in the Arab countries. .

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