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

Utilization of Emergency Services in a Community Hospital

Over utilization of emergency room services by patients with non-urgent complaints is a global problem. It results in a waste of resources, stress among the emergency room staff and an increase in waiting time for patients requiring attention. This study was carried out to establish the extent of inappropriate emergency room attendance in a Saudi community. Data was collected from the emergency room register, regarding the age, sex, presenting complaints, time of presentation and disposal of patients, from January 1st 1999 to March 31st 1999 at Al-Kharj Military Hospital, Al-Kharj, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Patients were classified in different categories according to the triage criteria of the hospital. EPI-INFO statistical software was used for calculating x2 and p vales. Among the 3928 patients, 2183 [55%] were males and 1745 [44.4%] were females, while 2335 [59.4%] of the patients had primary care or non-urgent problems. In both males and females categories, 21% of the patients had respiratory tract infection followed by miscellaneous complaints like mild conjunctivitis, allergic rash, represcription for medications, minor burns [500, 12.7%, x2 = 97.49, p < 0.00001], gastrointestinal tract problems [434, 11%, x2 = 146.55, p < 0.00001] and aches and pains [304, 7.7%, x2 = 283.39, p < 0.00001]. In male and female categories the 2nd most common complaints were trauma [487, 22.3%] and obstetrics and gynecological problems [325, 18.6%]. The majority of the patients, 1806 or 46%, attended the emergency room during night shift [2300 hours-0700 hours]. Referral rates for male and female patients were 211 [9.6%] and 331 [18.9%]. Similar to the findings of other nations, inappropriate utilization of the emergency room is a big problem in the Saudi community. The majority of the patients come with minor self-limiting complaints. Maximum rush was seen at night time. There is a need for health education of such groups of patients as well as finding alternative solutions

Profile of smoking amongst health staff in a primary care unit at a general hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Smoking is a major health problem among healthcare personnel as in other parts of the community. The objective of this study was to find out the prevalence of smoking along with influencing factors related to smoking among our staff in Alkharj Military Hospital. A self-administered questionnaire study. EPI-INFO statistical package was used for statistical analysis by calculating x2 and p value A total of 230 completed questionnaires, 108 males and 122 females, were included with a response rate of 66%. The prevalence of smokers was [19%] ex-smokers [14%] and non-smokers [67%]. Male smokers 31, [29%], x2 =13.42, p< 0.001 were a significantly higher figure than female smokers. Smoking was significantly more among the group of employees with secondary school degres, 6 [35.5%], p< 0.02. The majority of smokers were smoking 11-20 cigarettes per day [46.5%, x2 = 14.80, p < 0.0001]. Friends influenced, 30 [70%], p < 0.0001, smokers to start smoking, with relaxation being the most important reason 22, [51%], p< 0.001] for continuing smoking. Seventy six% of smokers favored the establishment of a smoking cessation clinic. There was no significant difference regarding the knowledge of harmful effects of smoking among smokers, ex-smokers and non-smokers. The majority of smokers [70%] thought of stopping smoking and 58% attempted to stop smoking but most of the smokers failed due to social reasons or friends influences [44%]. Smoking prevalence is considerably high among our hospital workers. It is not only dangerous for the smokers itself but for the patients who idealize the behavior of hospital staff. Most of the smokers know that smoking is harmful to them as well as others around them but they did not succeed in quitting smoking due to various reasons. Health education combined with help from general practitioners may help to increase the quitting rate among smokers and preventing new smokers from taking up smoking

Uterine arteriovenous malformation-value of color Doppler sonography and MRI

Uterine arteriovenous malformation is an uncommon condition which may present with abdominal pain, urinary symptoms, cardiac failure or vaginal bleeding. We report the case of a 56 year old Saudi lady who had near catastrophic bleeding following curettage at an earlier presentation, before the advent of color Doppler sonography. Color Doppler ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging features of this condition are described, and we highlight the importance of appropriate imaging of the pelvis before curettage is performed