Population based study of serum lipid levels in Al-Kharj health center, Saudi Arabia

Previous studies have shown high prevalence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity and smoking in this community. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and factors associated with hyperlipidemia. A questionnaire was administered on all patients. Four hundred and twenty-three [56.7%] of the study population had cholesterol level <5.2 mmol/L. Three hundred and twenty-three [43.3%] had cholesterol level >5.2 mmol/L [desirable level according to National Cholesterol Education Program [NCEP]]. Mean serum cholesterol level for males and females were 5.08 mmol/L and 5.19 mmol/L; 462 [59.80%] had triglycerides level <1.7 mmol/L and 311 [40.20%] had level >1.7 mmol/L [NCEP]. Age <50 years, education less than high school [12 years], family history of hyperlipidemia and high triglyceride levels were strongly associated with hyperlipidemia. The study points to high prevalence of total cholesterol, triglyceride and low density lipoprotein in this population. We suggest further studies and steps to reverse these factors, which are modifiable by changes in lifestyle

Breast feeding in a Saudi Arabia community profile of parents and influencing factors

Although bottle feeding is the main infant feeding mode in most societies, human milk is considered the most appropriate food for human infants. The aim of this study is to gather statistics regarding breast feeding prevalence, influencing factors for engaging in, and demographic characteristics of breast feeding in general population. This is a r and om cross-sectional questionnaire study conducted in Al Kharj Health Centre, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between the period of November 2000 through to February 2001. Mothers of childbearing age with at least one child were interviewed by trained interviewers. The sample was divided into 3 groups according to the mode of feeding: Exclusive breast feeding, partial breast feeding, which included some breast feeding and some bottle feeding and exclusive bottle feeding. A statistical analysis was performed using statistical package for social sciences software package, [version 10.0]. The response data were subjected to chi-square test, and Spearman's correlation analyses. Seven hundred and four mothers were interviewed. The mean age of mothers, fathers, and most recently born child were 30-years, 37-years, and 15.7-months. Partial breast feeding was the most common mode of infant feeding in this sample, with 66.1% of mothers engaging in this mode [p<0.00001]. Exclusive breast feeding was the next most common, with 27.3% of mothers engaging in this mode. Finally, exclusive bottle feeding was the least common [6.7%]. Four main demographic factors significantly related to the exclusive mode of breast feeding were husb and s' educational level, advice received regarding breast feeding, whether or not a milk sample given at discharge from hospital, and whether or not contraception used. A positive significant correlation was found between breast feeding and mother's age, father's age, age of most recently born child, parity, number of children previously breast fed, and duration of previous breast feeding. Partial breast feeding is the dominant mode of feeding in our community, although the influencing factors and behavioral factors are similar in breast feeding and partial breast feeding groups. The most significant factors affecting the outcome of breast feeding are modifiable by health education

Prevalence of smoking among high school students

Smoking is the single and most important preventable cause of morbidity and morality worldwide. This study was carried out to ascertain the prevalence of smoking among high school students in Alkharj and the influencing factors for smoking. This study was carried out by means of a Questionnaire. The study was conducted by the Department of Family and Community Medicine in Al-Kharj Military Hospital, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The participants were students of age 15 years and above in randomly selected Alkharj high schools. Out of 819 correspondence 166 [20%] were current smokers, 134 [16%] were ex-smokers. Five hundred and nineteen [64%] were non-smokers. The average starting age for current smokers was 13.8 years [13 years-15 years]. 105 [63%] of current smokers smoked less than 10 cigarettes per day [light smokers]. The influence of friends 96 [58%] and the presence of smoking in the family 53 [32%] were the 2 most important factors influencing the rate of smoking in current smokers. Ninety-five% of smokers know that smoking is harmful and 60% know that smoking is harmful for others. One hundred and one [61%] of current smokers, have tried to quit smoking but failed. The prevalence of smoking is high among school students in Alkharj. Most current smokers know the harmful effects of smoking. A collaborative effort is needed by all concerned to reduce the number of school students who smoke