Patterns of tobacco consumption in food facilities in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

This study aimed at assessing prevailing patterns and risk factors of tobacco consumption among clients, food handlers and employers of food facilities, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional approach to a representative sample of food facilities in Riyadh was used. A sample of 3000 participants included clients [75%]; food handlers/hospitality workers [20%] and employers [5%]. Participants were reached at restaurants, food courts or cafes. A modified version of the WHO-CDC-Global Youth Tobacco Survey questionnaire was used for data collection. The prevalence of tobacco use at food facilities was found to be 40.3%, of which 74% were customers, 18.8% were food handlers and 7.2% were managers. The consumption of tobacco was higher at restaurants [39.9%], but lowest at food courts of shopping malls. Water pipe [55.3%] was the main consumption type, followed by cigarettes [42.6%] and chewing tobacco [2.1%]. Multivariate analysis showed that gender [male], marital status [single], and type of food facility [Estaraha and cafe/coffee shop] were independent risk factors associated with tobacco use at food facilities. Tobacco use is very common in food facilities in Riyadh as reflected by results of our study, especially among single males Saudis. We should build on success encountered in banning smoking in airports, airplanes, shopping malls, market places, educational institutions and healthcare facilities, extending the ban to include food facilities as well. This is important for the health of non-smokers as well as smokers themselves

Prevalence of obesity among military personnel in Saudi Arabia and associated risk factors

Objectives: To measure the prevalence of obesity among military personnel in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [KSA], and to identify its risk factors

Methods: This nationwide cross-sectional study covered all 5 military regions of KSA. It included a multistage stratified random sample of 10,500 active military personnel. The World Health Organization STEP wise approach to chronic disease risk factor surveillance [STEPS] was used in the design of the data collection tool. The project lasted from January 2009 to February 2011

Results: The response rate was 97.4%; 40.9% of the participants were overweight, 29% obese, and 42.4% had central obesity. Multivariate analysis revealed age, education years, and family history of diabetes or hypertension as statistically significant positive predictors of body mass index, while higher military rank, smoking, eating fruits more than twice per week, and heavy physical activities were negative predictors

Conclusion: Obesity is a major health problem among military personnel in this survey especially among soldiers, and is associated with unhealthy dietary and physical activity habits. Prompt action must be taken by the military medical services department in terms of intervention programs primarily directed to soldiers and overweight personnel to control obesity and mitigate its consequences. Review of the anthropometric standards for recruitment, continuation, and promotion in military service is recommended

Socio-demographic determinants of antibiotic misuse in children. A survey from the central region of Saudi Arabia

To investigate knowledge, beliefs, and practices associated with parental antibiotic misuse. This cross-sectional study included parents visiting 4 malls in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The study took place at the College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between June and December 2010. Self-prescription of antibiotic for a child in the past year was defined as antibiotic misuse. From 610 parents [60.5% mothers and 39.5% fathers], 11.6% reported self-prescription. Responding parents differed by age, education, number of children, and profession. Overall, parents responded that antibiotics are required in children with runny nose or cough or sore throat or fever [50%]; to reduce symptom severity and duration [57.7%], are effective against viruses [68.6%], can be stopped on clinical improvement [28.7%], and it used by another family member can be used in children [20.1%]. Determinants of misuse in a multivariable model were income, number of children, type of infection treated last year, knowledge of illness requiring antibiotic or being unsure, using antibiotics used by an other family member in children, unsure for such use, and adjusting for the type of responding parent. Parents with low income, more than 2 children, lack of knowledge, inappropriate beliefs and practices are vulnerable for misusing antibiotics in children