ABSTRACT
Background: this study aimed to assess parental knowledge and attitudes on childhood immunization among Saudi parents
Methods: this was a cross sectional prospective study. Pretested well designed questionnaires were distributed during March 2017. Parents with children of 0-12 years old were invited to answer the questionnaires. Association between dependent variables [knowledge, and attitudes] and independent ones [parent's demographics] were tested using Chi-square test. P values of < 0.05 were considered statistically significant
Results: a total of 731 parents were recruited. Parents had good knowledge on aspects related to the general role of vaccination in prevention of some infectious diseases were 672[91.9%], timing of the first dose in vaccination schedule included 635[86.9%]. However, poor knowledge was documented among parents in other aspects like the importance of administration of multiple doses of the same vaccine to child immunity were 304[41.6%], administration of multiple vaccines at the same time have no negative impacts on child immunity were 271[37.1%], vaccination of children against seasonal influenza were 334[45.7%] and contraindication to vaccination were 287[39.3%]. Parents attitudes towards immunization was positive expect in some aspects related to vaccination side effects showed 316 [34.2%] and the probability of occurrence of diseases against which the child was vaccinated was 288[39.4%]. Gender, residence and educational level were found to be significantly associated with both parent's knowledge and attitudes towards immunization
Conclusion: although parents had good knowledge and positive attitudes on some aspects related childhood immunization, gaps in both studied domains were identified. Educational interventions are needed to upgrade parent's knowledge with special emphasis on less educated and residents of rural areas
ABSTRACT
Background: The prevalence of asthma has increased considerably in the last few years. This study aimed at assessing the prevalence of asthma and its related risk factors among children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Methods: A cross sectional prospective study was carried out. Pretested well-designed questionnaires were distributed during the period from May to October 2016
Results: Parents of 1700 children out of 4000 have completed the questionnaire with a response rate of 42.5%, 1082 [63.6%] of them were male. Asthma prevalence among girls [14.4%] was higher than boys [12.4%], but this difference was insignificant. Asthma prevalence was significantly higher among Saudi participants [14.4%] compared to non- Saudi [5.9%]. Nature of residency, the presence of a plant or presence of pets at home had no significant effect on asthma prevalence. A smoking of family member and a history of asthma in the family had an important association on asthma prevalence rate. The highest prevalence of asthma [29.7%] was among the younger children [<3 years]. Symptoms of asthma enhanced during exercise. The positive association between asthma and both cough and breathlessness was noted. Asthma had no effect on schools absenteeism, visiting or admission to hospitals. Body mass index had no effect on the prevalence of asthma
Conclusion: The asthma prevalence rate among children was 13.1%, whereas, smoking and a history of asthma in the family increased this rate. Further studies are recommended to investigate asthma prevalence based on clinical and laboratory diagnosis to explore the link between asthma and obesity
ABSTRACT
Background: Postpartum Depression [PPD] is defined briefly as a "complication of birth where its reasons are differing from a carrier mother to mother". Symptoms of PPD resemble those of any other depression disorders but PPD is characterized by the time of occurrence and period than any other depression
Objectives: This study aimed to estimate proportion of postpartum depression among Saudi women and identify the social and psychological factors that related to postpartum depression
Methods: The study included 150 postnatal females, selected randomly in [2014 -2015]. The data collected through structured questionnaires. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale [EPDS] was used to screen for PPD
Result: This study found that there was a strong statistical association between PPD and anxiety regarding baby's expenses [38.2%], PPD and having still births or babies born with health issues [62.6%]. Also, in having PPD in a previous pregnancy [53.4%]. In addition those who were having a history of depression associated with PPD [47.2%]. Lastly, anxiety regarding baby's responsibilities had a border line association with PPD [69.9%]. Also, we found that there was a strong associations between PPD and not receiving support from family or friends during pregnancy [35%], or from husbands during pregnancy [43.9%], not having husbands beside them during labor [55.3%], and not having a good marriage relationship [36.6%]
Conclusion: PPD was associated with stillbirth, unhealthy baby, history of PPD depression, anxiety about baby's responsibility or expenses, lack of support from family or husband and bad marriage