Dyslexia is one of the most common learning disabilities. It poses challenges in reading skills development and can have a lasting impact in other areas of learning.
To investigate the prevalence of ...developmental dyslexia among primary school children aged 6–13 in Arab countries, and to explore associations with gender and residency.
Following the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines, we included studies up to December 2023 that were found in English and Arabic research database searches. Random-effects proportional meta-analyses determined the prevalence of dyslexia in Arab countries, with a direct comparison between girls and boys using odds ratios.
The meta-analysis included 18 studies with 30,243 participants: eight studies (44 %) from Egypt, four (22 %) from Saudi Arabia, and six (34 %) from other Arab countries. The pooled prevalence of dyslexia for children aged 6–13 in these studies was 11 %. The odds ratio for girls vs. boys was 0.85 (95 %). Geographical variations were notable, with eight studies (44 %) from Asia and ten (56 %) from Africa. Eight studies (44 %) were from the Gulf region, while ten (56 %) were from non-Gulf region. Prevalence of dyslexia was significantly higher in Arab countries in Asia (24 %) than in Africa (12 %), and the prevalence in non-Gulf countries was 13 % which was nearly half in comparison to Gulf countries (24 %).
The prevalence rates of dyslexia in primary school children varies across the Arab world, with higher rates among boys, Arab countries in Asia, and Gulf countries. Further research is needed to include both genders and standardized diagnostics across more Arab countries to understand and address dyslexia effectively.
•Dyslexia affects 11 % of Arab primary students, with higher rates among boys. Gulf region shows higher prevalence (24 %) than non-Gulf (13 %).•Meta-analysis (18 studies, 30,243 participants) shows dyslexia prevalence higher in Arab countries in Asia (24 %) than in Africa (12 %).•Research needs standardized diagnostics in Arab countries to address dyslexia, considering gender differences and Arabic language challenges.
Full text
Available for:
GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
In an era of global interdependence, universities play a crucial role in promoting social responsibility and sustainable development. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with ...Disabilities emphasizes the empowerment of individuals with disabilities, a key aspect of inclusion. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the necessity of digital platforms to ensure equitable opportunities, particularly for those with disabilities. It highlighted challenges in transitioning to remote operations and stressed the importance of accessible digital tools in maintaining inclusivity during disruptions. This study investigates how university websites promote social responsibility and empower individuals with disabilities in Saudi Arabia, the UK, and the US. It also examines how these websites foster inclusivity, advocate for disability rights, and contribute to societal change. Using a qualitative case study design, the study evaluated university websites focusing on accessibility services, inclusive policies, and academic accommodations. Qualitative content and thematic analyses identified recurring themes and variations. The findings reveal diverse strategies in empowerment initiatives, website maintenance practices, community engagement approaches, the accessibility of support services, and the presentation of success stories. Despite differences among websites, this study underscores their significance in empowering individuals with disabilities. Recommendations aim to guide universities worldwide in enhancing their digital platforms, ensuring inclusivity, especially during challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although dyslexia is the most common learning disorder in children, it has not received adequate attention in Saudi Arabia.
This study aimed at determining the prevalence of dyslexia among Saudi ...students in Grades 3–6, exploring associations between severity of dyslexia, its behavioral indicators, gender and grade, and the moderating role of grade in the relationship between severity and behavioral indicators.
The sample consisted of 2848 female students and 2647 male students in Zulfi governorate, Saudi Arabia. A survey-based mixed-methods design was chosen including a structured interview with teachers and three assessments using the Diagnostic Assessment Scale for Dyslexia, the Arabic Reading Test, and the Dyslexia Behavioral Indicators Scale.
Dyslexia was assessed in 5.86 % of the total sample. It was twice as prevalent among male students as among female students (6.54 % and 3.83 %, respectively). The mean score for behavioral indicators of dyslexia was also significantly higher for male than for female students. The correlation between dyslexia severity and behavioral indicators score was high and significant, with grade level as a significant moderator.
We found that, for children with dyslexia in Saudi Arabia, dyslexia was twice as prevalent among male students as among female students. Early dyslexia diagnosis and intervention services are suggested to reduce the risk for reading problems.
•This research yields a better understanding of the role of grade progression on the relationship between severity of dyslexia and its behavioral indicators.•This research showed that in children with dyslexia in Saudi Arabia, the dyslexia was twice as prevalent among male students as among female students.•The behavioral indictors of dyslexia were higher in male students than in female students•Correlations between dyslexia severity and behavioral indicators were higher for female than male students•The results indicate that as the student grade level increased the negative relationship between dyslexia severity and behavioral indicators of dyslexia decreased.
Full text
Available for:
GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in pregnant women. Enoxaparin is a low-molecular-weight heparin used during pregnancy to treat or prevent VTE. In this ...study, we compare anti-factor Xa peak levels in pregnant and non-pregnant women, and explore the association between anti-factor Xa (AFXa) peak levels and possible predictive parameters. Pregnant and non-pregnant patients received a therapeutic dose of enoxaparin every 12 h and three steady-state AFXa peak levels at 4-week intervals were collected. Sixty-eight patients (36 pregnant and 32 non-pregnant women) were enrolled. AFXa peak levels within therapeutic range (0.6–1.0 IU/ml) were achieved in the first measurement in 14 (38.9%) pregnant women compared to 21 (65.6%) non-pregnant women (
p
= 0.028). In the second anti-factor Xa measurement, 20 (55.6%) compared to 25 (78.1%) were within the reference interval (
p
= 0.008). Similar results were seen with the third measurement 20 (55.6%) compared to 26 (81.3%) (
p
= 0.003). In a mixed-effect repeated-measures model, pregnancy was associated with AFXa peak level (Mean difference = – 0.177; 95% CI – 0.349 to – 0.005,
p
= 0.044). These findings suggest that further evaluation of a strategy involving more frequent monitoring of achieved AFXa levels could result in more effective anticoagulation.
Full text
Available for:
EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OBVAL, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
•Clinical practices reflecting the management of IESS in the GCC countries are needed.•Due to the accessibility of care issues, this consensus statement will guide physicians in the GCC and other ...countries with similar challenges.•Pediatric neurology experts in the GCC perceive no major differences between ACTH, Vigabatrin, and corticosteroids regarding short-term and long-term outcomes.•Vigabatrin alone or in combination with ACTH or corticosteroids are the most commonly chosen therapies by pediatric neurologists in the GCC.
Despite the availability of international recommendations for the management of Infantile Epileptic Spasms Syndrome (IESS), there is a lack of recommendations adapted to the local context of clinical practice of pediatric neurology in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. By an initiative from the Saudi Pediatric Neurology Society (SPNS), a literature review was performed and an expert panel comprised of 13 pediatric neurologists from all GCC countries (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates) was subsequently convened to discuss all issues related to the management and diagnosis practices of IESS in the GCC. The overall aim of this consensus document was to develop practical recommendations to support the care of patients with IESS in the GCC and to reflect on how clinical management approaches compare with those adopted internationally.
Full text
Available for:
GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Inhalational anesthetics have been used to induce and maintain general anaesthesia for more than 150 years. These anaesthetic agents are commonly used in the surgical and clinical practice solely and ...as a conjugant with other anaesthetics. Since inhalational anaesthetic agents develop amnesia, loss of awareness, and reduce reactions to painful surgical stimuli, they are an essential part of general anaesthesia. The choice of anaesthetic agent is based on the procedure's duration and type, patient characteristics, the attending anaesthesiologist’s preferences, and occasionally on institutional protocols. These medications are administered to the patient through the anesthetic circuit using a special vaporizer. The purpose of this research is to review the available information about inhalation anaesthetics: types, mechanism of action and adverse effects. Nitrous oxide is one of the earliest anaesthetic agents while isoflurane, sevoflurane, and desflurane are three commonly used inhalational anaesthetics. The low-solubility inhalation anaesthetics desflurane and sevoflurane have several clinical advantages over isoflurane, including rapid induction and faster recovery after prolonged treatment. However, isoflurane can sometimes be used effectively enough to match the induction and recovery times of other drugs. Inhalation anaesthetics work by suppressing inhibitory signals such as chloride channels and potassium channels and enhancing excitatory signals such as acetylcholine, muscarinic and nicotinic receptors, glutamate and serotonin in the central nervous system. Certain side effects including nausea, vomiting, malignant hyperthermia, post-operative cognitive impairment is associated with their use. More research is needed to further enhance the safety profile of available inhalation anaesthetics and can further lead to discovery of new, safe anaesthetics.