Factors associated with hospitalization for type2 diabetic patients at a teaching hospital in Saudi Arabia

Increasing prevalence of diabetes all over the world intensifies the demand for health care services, and particularly for inpatient care. The present study aims at identifying factors associated with hospitalization for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus at a teaching hospital in Saudi Arabia. To achieve the objectives of the study, comparison was made between hospitalized and non-hospitalized type 2 diabetic patients using a retrospective case-control design. Four categories of factors namely, socio-demographic, outpatient clinic, clinical and quality indicators were investigated to elicit their relation with hospitalization among type 2 diabetes patients. Univariate analysis and stepwise multiple regression analysis were employed. Hospitalization was found to be independently associated with male gender, frequent visitors of outpatient clinics other than diabetes clinic, patients with nephropathy and patients with HbA1c >/= 7%. Limited number of cases and controls received the recommended ambulatory care for diabetes patients as evidenced by the marked low level of process of care indicators for diabetes patients. Conclusions and recommendations: Hospitalization was related to a limited number of factors many of which require better ambulatory care at outpatient clinics of the study hospital. It was recommended to continuously monitor the identified significant variables using the hospital electronic medical record system in order to target those patients at high risk for hospitalization

Impact evaluation of nutrition education intervention for an elementary school in Riyadh city

An experimental study was conducted to assess the impact and suitability of nutritional education intervention [NEI] for the 5th and 6th graders at a girls' elementary school in Riyadh city. The NEI was launched in four classes through two sessions and two assessments with two months apart. The results show that at 1st assessment, the mean knowledge score of 6th grade intervention class was significantly higher than the control [t=13.986, p<0.001]. This score increased among all classes after the 2nd boostering session. The mean dietary self-efficacy [SE] score of the 5th grade control class and 6th grade intervention class at 1st assessment were significantly lower than their comparable classes. Three classes had a significant increase of SE score after the 2nd boostering session. The mean practice score at 1st assessment was inconsistent between intervention and control classes with higher scores among the 5th graders than the 6th graders. Only one class of the 6th graders showed increased mean practice score after the 2nd boostering session. Stepwise linear regression models revealed that exposure to NEI sessions was a major predictor of students' knowledge at 1st assessment [R[2] 345] and knowledge was a predictor of SE and practices scores [R[2].041 and .136]. SE was a predictor of students' dietary practices at both assessments [R[2].= 107 and 0.162]. The study recommends the replication of such a program among diverse school population to have more improvement in students' dietary knowledge, SE and practices