Background/Objectives: The association between vitamin D deficiency and prediabetes has been extensively investigated, yet the findings remain inconsistent, with limited data available on the MENA region. This systematic review aims to assess the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and prediabetes in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, focusing specifically on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed across four databases, which were Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane, Scopus, and PubMed. RCTs studies conducted on people with prediabetes aged 15 years and older who live in the MENA region, and receiving vitamin D supplementation were included in the study. Results: From 2194 studies identified from the literature search, only 51 studies were considered eligible for full-text review. Ultimately, seven articles were finalized for inclusion. The findings from these studies showed mixed results, where some studies indicated that vitamin D supplementation had no significant effect on these outcomes. The remaining reported improvements in insulin sensitivity and a reduced risk of progression to type 2 diabetes with vitamin D supplementation. Conclusions: This systematic review examines the complex and contradictory relationship between vitamin D deficiency and prediabetes in the MENA region. Due to the mixed pattern seen in the intervention of vitamin D to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes, further research is necessary to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and potential confounding factors specifically in population of the MENA region.
1 December 2025 in Clinical Epidemiology & Public Health
Background: Thyroid disorders, including overt and subclinical forms, are a major public health concern. Accurate biochemical classification is essential for early detection and effective management, particularly in population-based screening. Objective: To estimate the prevalence and distribution of thyroid dysfunction and examine age and sex associations using comprehensive hormone profiling. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study of 4,081 individuals evaluated at a tertiary endocrine center in Ibb, Yemen (August 2018–July 2025). Thyroid status was classified using FT3, FT4, and TSH. Subclinical hypothyroidism was defined as elevated TSH with normal FT3/FT4; subclinical hyperthyroidism as suppressed TSH with normal FT3/FT4. Abnormal TSH defined overt hypo and hyperthyroidism with concordant FT3/FT4 changes. Analyses used SPSS v26 and Pearson’s chi-square tests. The cohort comprised 92.4% females, with the majority aged 30–49 years. Results: Normal thyroid function was observed in 89.3% of participants. Subclinical hypothyroidism was present in 10.7%, subclinical hyperthyroidism in 2.7%, overt hypothyroidism in 0.8%, and overt hyperthyroidism in 1.7%. Females were disproportionately represented (92.4%), and the 30–49year age group was most affected. Age showed a significant association with TSH in females (χ² = 10.303, df = 4, p = 0.036) and borderline significance in the total population (χ² = 9.418, df = 4, p = 0.051). FT3 and FT4 showed no consistent age associations. Sex did not consistently influence hormone profiles. Conclusion: Approximately 13.4% of the population exhibited subclinical thyroid dysfunction. Age was a significant determinant of TSH variation, particularly among women, underscoring the importance of agestratified screening and integrated FT3–FT4–TSH classification in endocrine surveillance.
Background and Objectives: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing in prevalence worldwide, placing a substantial burden on healthcare systems, particularly in resource-limited settings. In Yemen, limited screening and diagnostic capacity contribute to delayed detection and management. Prediabetes, a reversible state of dysglycemia, carries significant cardiovascular risk and frequently progresses to diabetes. Early identification of both conditions is vital for prevention and public health planning. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted from July 2024 to May 2025 in three medical centers in Ibb Governorate, Yemen, assessed 1045 adults aged 18–60 years without known diabetes or prediabetes. Glycaemic status was classified according to the 2025 American Diabetes Association criteria. Undiagnosed diabetes was defined using three diagnostic combinations: FBS + OGTT, FBS + HbA1c, and OGTT + HbA1c. Results: The prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes was 8.4% (FBS + OGTT) and 9.76% (FBS + HbA1c or OGTT + HbA1c). Prediabetes prevalence was 23.4%, 14.7% and 26.4% based on FBS, OGTT, and HbA1c, respectively. Females represented a higher proportion of undiagnosed diabetes and prediabetes cases. Age was significantly associated with glycemic status across all tests, while gender showed significant associations with FBS and HbA1c. Family history of chronic disease was significantly associated with HbA1c-based classification. Approximately 8–10% of adults in Ibb had undiagnosed diabetes, while up to one-quarter had prediabetes. Age and family history were key predictors of dysglycaemia. Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for targeted, multi-marker screening and early intervention strategies, particularly in relatively stable regions of conflict-affected settings, to prevent progression to diabetes and reduce long-term complications and healthcare burden.
Background and objective: Helicobacter pylori infection is a leading cause of chronic gastritis and gastric cancer worldwide. Despite its clinical importance, epidemiological data from Yemen remain scarce. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and demographic distribution of H. pylori infection across three age groups and gender among patients attending the Medical City Complex in Ibb, Yemen, between August 2018 and February 2026. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed anonymized medical records of 18,606 patients presenting with abdominal pain who underwent the H. pylori Ag rapid test of stool. Frequencies, chi-square tests, and OR with 95% confidence intervals assessing associations between infection status and demographic variables were recorded. Results: Overall prevalence was 29.4% (n = 5,464). Females showed a higher prevalence (30.4%) than males (26.7%) with a statistically significant difference (χ² = 24.5, df = 1, p < 0.001; OR = 1.05, 95% CI: 1.03-1.07). Age-specific analysis revealed the highest burden among individuals 50 years (24.4%). The association between age category and infection status was highly significant (χ² = 159.4, df = 2, p < 0.001). Conclusion: An H. pylori infection remains highly prevalent in Yemen, with significant variation across age and gender. The elevated burden among younger individuals and females underscores the need for targeted screening and preventive strategies. Given its established role in chronic gastritis and gastric cancer, these findings highlight the importance of early detection and public health interventions tailored to demographic risk profiles.
Background: Dyslipidemia is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Despite its global burden, data from Yemen remain scarce. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of lipid abnormalities and their associations with age, gender, and vitamin D deficiency among patients attending a specialized endocrinology and diabetes clinic in Ibb, Yemen.