Background: Cigarette smoking is one of the world’s largest avoidable risk factors for morbidity and mortality. Numerous studies have investigated the association between smoking and hypertension (HTN). Although observational data and cross-sectional research often exhibit a link between smoking and HTN, establishing causation remains challenging owing to potential confounding variables. Mendelian randomization (MR), a genetic epidemiological technique that employs genetic variants as instrumental variables, offers a more robust approach for evaluating causal links. This review aimed to explore both the observational and causal relationships between smoking and the risk of HTN. Methodology: A comprehensive literature search across major electronic databases was conducted to identify relevant observational and Mendelian randomization (MR) studies on smoking and HTN risk. Various characteristics were included during study selection, such as study design, exposure assessment, and age range. Standardized processes were used for data retrieval and quality evaluation. Results: Analysis of observational data revealed a paradoxical association between smoking and the risk of HTN, where a lower risk was observed among current smokers when compared to non-smokers. However, observational analysis also presented a dose-response effect with greater smoking intensity showed a modest linear increase in HTN risk, and older smoking initiation was associated with a slight increase in HTN risk (compared with younger). In contrast, MR-based causal estimates provide inconsistent evidence regarding the causal relationship between smoking behavior and HTN. Some MR analyses indicated a potential causal link between smoking and HTN; but this was not consistent. Conclusion: Observational studies suggest a paradoxical association between smoking and HTN. However, MR studies do not provide sufficient evidence to establish a causal relationship. Regardless, lifestyle variables remain crucial for overall health. Healthcare professionals should regularly assess smoking status and provide counseling for quitting. Further research is needed to clarify the underlying processes, identify mediators, and evaluate the interventions.

Observational studies report inverse associations between educational attainment and depression/anxiety risks, but confounding hinders causal inference. This study aimed to assess potential causal relationships using Mendelian randomization (MR). Two-sample MR analysis was conducted using genetic instruments for education, smoking, body mass index, and physical activity from published genome-wide association studies. Depression and anxiety data came from the UK Biobank ([UKB] 117,782 individuals) and FinnGen (215,644 individuals) cohorts. Inverse variance weighted regression determined associations between exposures and mental health outcomes. Increased educational attainment was causally associated with reduced risks of depression (odds ratio [OR] = 0.99 per year, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.990–0.996, P < .001) and anxiety (OR = 0.99, CI: 0.98–0.991, P < .001) in both cohorts. Smoking initiation conferred higher risks of depression (UKB OR = 1.05, CI: 1.03–1.06, P < .001; FinnGen OR = 1.20, CI: 1.10–1.32, P < .001) and anxiety (FinnGen only, OR = 1.10, CI: 1.01–1.21, P < .05). Likewise, maternal smoking history associated with greater depression (UKB OR = 1.15, CI: 1.10–1.35, P = .027) and anxiety susceptibility (FinnGen OR = 3.02, CI: 1.67–5.46, P = .011). Higher body mass index elevated depression risk in both cohorts. Physical activity showed no clear associations. This MR study provides evidence that education may causally reduce mental health disorder risk. Smoking, obesity, and low activity appear detrimentally linked to depression and anxiety. Improving access to education could offer effective strategies for lowering population psychiatric burden.

Background and Objectives: Bariatric surgery has been proposed as a treatment option for type 2 diabetes, but there is limited research on its efficacy and the use of standardized outcome measures. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of bariatric surgery in managing type 2 diabetes and to assess the BAROS protocol postoperatively. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in southern Saudi Arabia, involving 346 bariatric surgery patients aged 18–60. This study collected data through an electronic questionnaire distributed via a Telegram group and Twitter hashtag. Anthropometric data, postoperative complications, and the evolution of obesity-related comorbidities were collected. The quality of life was evaluated using the Moorehead–Ardelt questionnaire of the BAROS protocol. The total BAROS score was classified as “Insufficient”, “Moderate”, “Good”, “Very good”, or “Excellent”, considering the presence of comorbidities. The data were analyzed using SPSS software ver.23. Results: The mean age of the participants was 30.97 ± 8.49 years, and 70.81% were female. Sleeve Vertical Gastrectomy was the most common surgical technique used (n = 336). The excess weight loss percentage (EWL%) was 70.55 ± 22.57%, and 27.75% of participants achieved complete remission of type 2 diabetes. The total BAROS score was “Excellent” for 40.17% of participants and “Moderate” for 27.16%. The presence of comorbidities was negatively correlated with the BAROS score (r = −0.651, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Bariatric surgery effectively manages type 2 diabetes with a high rate of EWL% and complete remission. The BAROS protocol is a valuable tool for assessing the quality of life postoperatively, with most participants achieving a “Moderate” to “Excellent” score. Comorbidities negatively impact the BAROS score, highlighting the importance of managing these conditions postoperatively.

Background and Objectives: Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial condition that affects quality of life (QoL). Symptoms like discomfort, blurred vision, and light sensitivity can negatively impact work efficiency, productivity, and psychological well-being. This study aimed to examine the relationship between DED and QoL, identify risk factors, and estimate DED prevalence in Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 1062 participants from Saudi Arabia, recruited via convenience sampling. Data were collected using an online questionnaire with three sections: sociodemographic information, the ocular surface disease index (OSDI) to assess DED severity, and the Arabic WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire to evaluate QoL. Results: Among participants, 77% suffered from DED. Males (β = −9.18, p < 0.001), postgraduate degree holders (β = −13.86, p = 0.001), and individuals with income >15,000 SR (β = −5.10, p = 0.023) had lower OSDI scores compared to reference groups (females, those with high school education or lower, and those with income <5000 SR, respectively), indicating a lower DED risk. Employed individuals, students (employed: β = 10.78, p < 0.020; students: β = 10.60, p < 0.016), divorced/widowed individuals (β = 18.70, p < 0.003), and those with diabetes, hypertension, and thyroid disorders showed higher OSDI scores. Higher OSDI scores correlated with lower QoL scores across all domains (physical: β = −0.26, p < 0.001; psychological: β = −0.22, p < 0.001; social: β = −0.25, p < 0.001; environmental: β = −0.20, p < 0.001). Conclusions: DED significantly affects all QoL domains. Risk factors include occupation, diabetes, hypertension, and thyroid disorders. Awareness and prevention efforts should be prioritized by institutions, while physicians should screen for DED in patients with chronic conditions. Further research is needed on the long-term effects of these risk factors and to improve management strategies.

This study is aiming to investigate the association between walking and depression, anxiety and stress among adults from Jazan, Saudi Arabia. This study was a cross-sectional investigation where data was collected via an online self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire had 4 components that measured demographics of the sample, presence of depression, anxiety and stress, and walking history. Differences in median scores of depression, anxiety, and stress according to the measured characteristics were tested via the Mann–Whitney U test. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to estimate odds of reporting depression, anxiety, and stress according to the measured characteristics. A total of 472 adult subjects participated in the current study. The median age of the participants was 23 years, and 52% were males. Half of the participants had variable degrees of depression and anxiety while 39% of the participants had variable degrees of stress. Gender appeared to have the strongest influence on level of depression, anxiety, and stress among the recruited sample (odds ratio 1.8, 2.1, 1.6 respectively (P values < .01). Upon stratifying the sample according to gender, marital status seems to have an association with depression, anxiety, and stress among females (P values < .05). Among males, only walking more than 3 days was associated with the reduction of anxiety (P value .005) and depression (P value .06). This study identified gender difference where walking was not associated with mental health among women but relatively associated among males.

Dysmenorrhea, or painful menstruation, is one of the most prevalent conditions among adolescents and young females globally, significantly affecting academic performance, quality of life, and social interactions. Despite its high prevalence, dysmenorrhea has been rarely investigated in Saudi Arabia, resulting in a scarcity of national data. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, severity, and determinants of dysmenorrhea among females in Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study included 1026 participants recruited from various regions of Saudi Arabia using a convenience sampling technique. Data collection was conducted using a validated, self-administered online questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were utilized to evaluate the prevalence, severity, and associated symptoms of dysmenorrhea. Additionally, multiple logistic regression was employed to identify the determinants of dysmenorrhea within the sample. The analysis was performed using R software. The prevalence of dysmenorrhea among the sample was 87%, with a mean pain score of 6 ± 2.2. Common menstrual cycle-associated symptoms included mood swings (79%), abdominal bloating (60%), diarrhea (32%), and constipation (26%). Factors associated with an increased risk of dysmenorrhea included Saudi nationality (OR = 1.96, p = 0.032), employment (OR = 1.75, p = 0.034), and a history of gynecological surgeries (OR = 1.81, p = 0.045). Conversely, multiparity was associated with a reduced risk of dysmenorrhea (OR = 0.36, p = 0.046). Dysmenorrhea is highly prevalent among Saudi women and is accompanied by significant menstrual symptoms that adversely affect quality of life. Understanding its determinants and associated symptoms is essential for improving management strategies and mitigating its impact on women’s lives.