Background and Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of overweight, obesity, and the associated risk factors among medical students at Jazan University in Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 228 medical students from their second to sixth academic years at the Faculty of Medicine, Jazan University. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data regarding sociodemographic characteristics, physical activity, dietary habits, comorbidities, medication use, family history, and lifestyle factors. Anthropometric measurements including height, weight, and waist circumference were recorded. Chi-square test and binary logistic regression were used to identify the risk factors associated with obesity. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among the participants was 13.3% and 15%, respectively. Hence, the combined prevalence of overweight and obesity is 28.3%. The mean weight was 63.39 ± 18.93 kg, and the mean height was 163.48 ± 9.78 cm. On the other hand, 17.3% of participants were underweight, whereas 54.4% had normal BMI. Most of the participants (61%) did not engage in regular exercise. A high proportion consumed fruits (82.9%) and vegetables (58.8%) 3 or fewer days per week, and 84.2% consumed 3 or fewer meals per day. Fast-food consumption more than 3 days per week was reported by 42.1% of participants. Obesity was not significantly associated with sociodemographic factors, physical activity, dietary habits, comorbidities, medication use, or family histories. However, those with a monthly family income of SAR 15,000–24,999 had significantly lower odds of obesity than those in the lowest income group (OR 0.230, p = 0.045). Conclusions: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among medical students at Jazan University is high. Although no significant associations were found between obesity and most risk factors, this study highlights the need for interventions that promote healthy lifestyles among medical students. Further research is needed to identify effective strategies for preventing and managing obesity in this population.

Hyperkalemia is prevalent among chronic kidney disease patients, and their knowledge and perceptions regarding a potassium-rich diet vary widely. In this study, we aim to evaluate the level of knowledge regarding potassium-rich diet Intake among chronic kidney disease patients in Jazan, Saudi Arabia, and to identify potassium-rich diet intake-related practices among them. We conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study using the convenient sampling method on CKD patients. The questionnaire was composed of 20 questions distributed over 3 domains. The data had been analyzed using SPSS software version 23. Frequency and percentages were used to display categorical variables. Mean and standard deviation was used to present numerical variables. The independent t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) test were both used to test for factors associated with knowledge and perception score. A total of 404 were involved in the study. Most were aged between 41 and 60 years 38.6%. The majority were male 57.2% and of Saudi nationality 76.7%. Regarding marital status, 64.6% were married and 4% were divorced. Regarding employment, 67.3% were unemployed, and 5% were students. As regards education, 60.9% had less than a high school education and 0.9% had a master’s degree/PhD or equivalent. The knowledge levels about potassium-containing diets show that 79.8% had low knowledge, 20% had moderate knowledge, and only 0.2% had a high knowledge level. Participants’ behaviors toward a potassium-rich diet show that 52.7% have considered lowering dietary potassium is essential, while 32.7% were unsure of its necessity. Only 16.1% indicated that salt quantity on nutritional labels influenced their shopping choices. A total of 53% of participants avoided or reduced consumption of potassium-rich foods. Additionally, 36.4% opted for low-potassium alternatives and 26% read potassium content on labels. Behavioral scores ranged from 0 to 5, with a mean of 1.84 ± 1.62. Lastly, A moderate positive correlation was found between knowledge and behavior scores. This study identifies significant gaps in knowledge and behavior regarding high-potassium meals among CKD patients in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. The results underscore the necessity for better patient education, customized treatment plans, and a multidisciplinary approach to nutrition management to enhance dietary adherence and clinical outcomes.

Background: Obesity is a global health crisis with a rapidly increasing prevalence among university students. Medical students are a unique population that may be at a higher risk of obesity due to the demanding nature of their studies and the associated stress. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of overweight, obesity, and the associated risk factors among medical students at Jazan University in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 228 medical students from their 2nd to 6th academic years at the Faculty of Medicine, Jazan University. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data regarding sociodemographic characteristics, physical activity, dietary habits, comorbidities, medication use, family history, and lifestyle factors. Anthropometric measurements including height, weight, and waist circumference were recorded. Chi-square test and binary logistic regression were used to identify the risk factors associated with obesity. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among the participants was 13.3% and 15% respectively. Hence, the combined prevalence of overweight and obesity is 28.3%. The mean weight was 63.39 ± 18.93 kilograms, and the mean height was 163.48 ± 9.78 centimeters. On the other hand, 17.3% of participants had underweight whereas 54.4% had normal BMI. Most of the participants (61%) did not engage in regular exercise. A high proportion consumed fruits (82.9%) and vegetables (58.8%) 3 or fewer days per week, and 84.2% consumed 3 or fewer meals per day. Fast food consumption more than 3 days per week was reported by 42.1% of participants. Obesity was not significantly associated with sociodemographic factors, physical activity, dietary habits, comorbidities, medication use, or family histories. However, those with a monthly family income of 15,000-24,999 riyals had significantly lower odds of obesity than those in the lowest income group (OR 0.230, p = 0.045). Conclusion: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among medical students at Jazan University is high. Although no significant associations were found between obesity and most risk factors, this study highlights the need for interventions that promote healthy lifestyles among medical students. Further research is needed to identify effective strategies for preventing and managing obesity in this population.

Bronchial asthma is a common chronic airway disease marked by reversible obstruction and bronchial hyperresponsiveness. Effective management relies on patient understanding of the condition and available treatments. This study aimed to assess awareness of asthma risk factors, exacerbations, and disease severity among the population in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted through social media platforms, targeting individuals from various cities in the Jazan region. A total of 633 participants completed structured questionnaires designed to assess their knowledge of asthma and its environmental risk factors. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software. Out of the 633 participants, 506 (79.9%) demonstrated good awareness of the relationship between environmental risk factors and asthma exacerbations, while 127 (20.1%) exhibited poor awareness. Nearly all participants (99.2%) had prior knowledge of asthma, and 437 (69%) were aware of the link between environmental factors and exacerbations, making efforts to reduce exposure. House dust mites were identified as the most frequently reported cause of asthma exacerbations (69.5%), followed by respiratory infections (67.1%). A significant association was found between educational level and awareness of asthma’s environmental triggers (P = .020), with participants holding bachelor’s and diploma degrees showing higher levels of awareness compared to other educational groups. The overall level of awareness regarding environmental risk factors associated with asthma exacerbations was satisfactory, though gaps remain in understanding specific triggers such as respiratory infections, cold weather, and exercise. Educational attainment and a formal asthma diagnosis were significantly associated with greater awareness. Targeted educational interventions may help bridge these knowledge gaps, enhancing asthma management, and reducing exacerbations in the region.