Awareness of cardiovascular disease in eastern Saudi Arabia

To estimate the awareness of cardiovascular disease [CVD] and their determinants in a screening campaign in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. All national residents in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia aged 30 years and above, were invited to participate in a screening campaign for the early detection of diabetes and hypertension at more than 300 examination posts throughout the eastern province. A pre-structured questionnaire was designed to collect data on age, gender, marital status, education level, occupation, lifestyle habits, and history of heart attack, angina, arterial disease, stroke, and transient ischemic attack. Weight, height, blood pressure, and glucose concentration were measured. Out of 197,681 participants, 5372 [2.7%] were aware of a history of a CVD. The prevalence correlated well with age. It was higher in women, widows, and subjects with lower level of education. More than 75% of affected subjects had two or more risk factors. A substantial proportion of those with a history of CVD had multiple risk factors, necessitating an effective, focused policy for the prevention and treatment. Increased effort is required to promote an awareness of cardiac disease and also probably target primary care providers involved in the screening process

Hypertension in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia: results of a screening campaign

To estimate the prevalence of hypertension through a screening campaign in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, and examine its association with lifestyle factors. In 2004, all Saudi residents in the Eastern Province, aged 30 years and above were invited to participate in a screening campaign for the early detection of diabetes and hypertension. Blood pressure was recorded by trained nurses using a mercury sphygmomanometer, based on the recommendations of [JNC- VII]. A positive screening test for hypertension was defined as systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure of >/= 140 and 90 mm Hg, respectively. Subjects who had positive screening tests were asked to come on the following day for a confirmation of the reading. Hypertension was considered if there was a persistent reading of systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure of >/= 140 and 90 mmHg after confirmation, or when there was history of a previous diagnosis. 21% of the sample was positive from previous history or screening. After confirmation, the prevalence of hypertension dropped to 15.6%, pre-hypertension was 3.7%, whereas the prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension was 2.8%. The prevalence rose with age. It was higher in women than in men of all age groups and in all sectors of the eastern province, although the mean systolic and diastolic BP was higher in men than women. It was higher with lower education, in widows and divorcees than others [P<0.0001]. The yield of the screening for abnormal blood pressure was high. Systematic follow-up of subjects with abnormal screening results is vital

Overweight and obesity in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia

To describe anthropometric characteristics of participants and the influence of sociodemographic and cardiovascular risk factors involved in the prevalence of obesity in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. In the year 2004, all Saudi residents in the Eastern province aged 30 years and above, were invited to participate in a community screening campaign for early detection of diabetes and hypertension. Demographic data, medical history, life habits, weight, height, blood pressure, and glucose concentration were recorded using a structured questionnaire. Obesity and overweight were defined by body mass index [BMI] >/= 30 kg/m2 and 25-29.9 kg/m2, respectively. Logistic regression was used to predict the association of the significant factors with the prevalence of obesity. Out of 195,874 participants, the overall prevalence of obesity was 43.8%, while 35.1% were overweight. The prevalence of underweight was 1.3%. The peak prevalence of obesity was observed in the age group 50-59 years. Obesity was higher among women than men, higher in housewives, and among the less educated than others [p<0.0001]. Linear regression analysis showed a strong proportional association of BMI with diabetes, hypertension, triglycerides and cholesterol, and an inverse proportional association with physical activity and smoking. Obesity and overweight constitute an important health problem affecting a high proportion of Saudi population. Addressing associated factors, and enhancing public health education is an important aim to focus on for weight control

community based screening campaign for the detection of diabetes mellitus and hypertension in the eastern province, Saudi Arabia: methods and participation rates

To describe a community-based diabetes and hypertension screening campaign, the percentage of screened positive individuals, identified the participation rate, and the factors affecting the participation. Campaign design and methods: A community-based screening campaign whose main objective was the screening for diabetes and hypertension was conducted in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia for three and half months in the year 2004. A structured questionnaire was used. Diabetes mellitus was diagnosed on the basis of repeated detection of a fasting blood sugar equal to or more than 126 mg/dl, and hypertension when the blood pressure was 140/90 mm Hg or more. Of the 650, 000 target population 214, 381 [33%] participated, and 197, 681 questionnaire were completed of the number of individuals screened, 31, 711 [16%] were positive for abnormal blood pressure and /or glucose, and needed confirmation of their results. Only 17296 [54, 5%] of them were referred to health facilities for confirmation of results Conclusion; Community screening campaigns for diabetes mellitus and hypertension is extremely efficient in identifying undiagnosed diabetic and hypertensive individuals. The most successful strategy for the screening and confirmation of results was through PHCCs, especially in the rural areas, where there was good organization and strict adherence to guidelines on methodology