Host genetics, environment, lifestyle and proximity between hosts strongly influence the composition of the gut microbiome. To investigate the association of dietary variables with the gut microbiota, we used 16S rDNA sequencing to test the fecal microbiome of Bedouins and urban Saudis and we compared it to the gut microbiome of baboons living in close contact with Bedouins and eating their leftovers. We also analyzed fermented dairy products commonly consumed by Bedouins in order to investigate their impact on the gut microbiome of this population. We found that the gut microbiomes of westernized urban Saudis had significantly lower richness and biodiversity than the traditional Bedouin population. The gut microbiomes of baboons were more similar to that of Bedouins compared to urban Saudis, probably due the dietary overlap between baboons and Bedouins. Moreover, we found clusters that were compositionally similar to clusters identified in humans and baboons, characterized by differences in Acinetobacter, Turicibacter and Collinsella. The fermented food presented significantly more bacteria genera common to the gut microbiome of Bedouins compared to urban Saudis. These results support the hypothesis that dietary habits influence the composition of the gut microbiome.

Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) and the foremost cause of blindness. This study aimed to assess the level of awareness of DR and its related risk factors among patients with DM in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with DM attending primary health care centers at the Ministry of Health in Jeddah. A structured, pretested, self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on the sociodemographic and DM- and DR-related characteristics of the patients. Results: A total of 377 patients were enrolled. About 82.6% of the patients were aware that DM can affect their eyes, and they listed physicians, ophthalmologists, television, and family members as common sources of information on the topic. About 36% of the patients reported that their doctors had not advised them about it. More than half responded that they did not feel their vision to be affected by DM. More than 58% had never been diagnosed with DR. About 35% did not go to their eye checkups, even though around 59% thought that DR could lead to blindness. Of the 64% of patients whose DM was well controlled, 11% and 25% listed surgery and laser treatment, respectively, as available treatment options for DR. The following factors were found to be significant in relation to the subjects’ awareness that DM can affect their eyes: the patients’ perception of their doctors’ advice about DR; the experience of having their vision affected by DM; the knowledge that DR may lead to blindness; the practice of going to eye checkups. Conclusions: Despite having good awareness about DM and its effects on eyes, the patients exhibited a relative lack of awareness about DR. Considering the association of DR with DM, its increasing magnitude is a potential burden on the community and health systems.

Objectives. This study assessed the knowledge and attitudes regarding complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in medical students in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, it evaluated their views on the incorporation of CAM in their medical syllabus. Methods. The study was conducted by selecting a cross‐sectional sample of senior medical students in the Faculty of Medicine. A validated and reliable self‐administered questionnaire was used to explore the knowledge, attitude, and benefits of CAM. It was distributed to a sample of 273 students. Results. The study included 242 students, making the response rate 88.6%. Only two‐thirds of students (62.4%) were aware of acupuncture principles and only 17.4% recognized that chiropractic is associated with pain management. The knowledge of common herbs such as St. John’s Wort, Echinacea, and Ginkgo biloba was limited among the students. Older students had a positive CAM attitude compared to younger students (p = 0.027). Conclusion. Students attitudes toward CAM learning were encouraging regardless of their limited knowledge on the subject. A high percentage of students agreed that CAM in combination with conventional therapy is beneficial in treating unusual cases, but the choice of CAM should be based on evidence. Furthermore, medical students are still reluctant to have CAM practitioners in their referral network.

Background: Depression in medical students and interns appear higher than the general population, with evidence of mental health deterioration over a period of medical training. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence and evaluate the predictors of depression among male medical students and interns, Albaha University, Saudi Arabia. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional analytic study was conducted which includes a representative stratified random sample with the proportional allocation of male medical students and interns, College of Medicine, Albaha University (2017–2018). A questionnaire included sociodemographic characteristics of the participants as well as a medical and family history of depression, medical or psychiatric illness, abuse or violence, and the major traumatic event was utilized. In addition, the validated reliable Arabic version of Becks Depression Inventory (BDI) questionnaire was used to screen for depression. Results: The study included 161 medical students and 21 interns. Their age ranged between 19 and 26 years with a mean of 22.03 ± 1.94 years. Majority of the participants (98.9%) were Saudis and singles (84.6%). The prevalence of depression, based on the BDI scale, was 53.8%; it was mild in 25.8% and severe or extreme in 4.4% of the participants. No factor was significantly associated with depression. However, severe or extreme depression was more reported among students/interns with a history of domestic abuse or violence and those who had a history of major trauma or psychiatric event, P < 0.001. Conclusion: Depression is a common problem among male medical students and interns in AlBaha University, with no difference according to demographics, smoking history, family history of depression, history of chronic medical or psychiatric illness, history of domestic/violence abuse, and history of major trauma or psychiatric event.

The effect of an educational program on quality of life in patients undergoing hemodialysis in western Saudi Arabia