evolving dermatology scenario in Saudi Arabia: a need assessment

To assess the need of dermatological research in Saudi Arabia considering the divergence between the current dermatological and desired condition. A total of 164 reports published in the past 10 years were retrieved from the Medline database using the key words: 'dermatology' and 'Saudi Arabia'. The proportion of research reports was 30.5% [50/164]. Fifty percent [25/50] of the research reports were clinical epidemiological descriptions of clinical and demographic features of various skin conditions. Reports on etiological and therapeutic research were 12% [6/50] and 14% [7/50], respectively. The majority of publications were non-research consisting of case reports and case series 52% [86/164], reviews 14% [23/164], and others 1.2% [2/164]. Data obtained from various dermatological publications not only indicated that Saudi Arabia is doing pretty well when compared to other countries in the region but also showed that it is way behind the economically developed countries. Dermatological research in Saudi Arabia has a long way to go. Specific recommendations on this are made on how to address the dermatological research needs

Pilgrims satisfaction with ambulatory health services in Makkah, 2008

The main objective of this study was to assess the level and correlates of patients' satisfaction with ambulatory health services provided for pilgrims during Hajj period in 2008. This was a facility-based, cross-sectional study conducted in the Makkah region during the Hajj season in December 2008. A two-stage technique was used to select 500 patients from those who attended the ambulatory health services. One hundred subjects were selected by systematic random sampling [every fifth] from each of the five hospitals included in the study and asked to fill in a pilot-tested self-administered questionnaire. A total of 487 questionnaires were analyzed. Descriptive statistics and t-test, Mann Whitney test and ANOVA, or Kruskal-Wallis test was used as appropriate after checking for normality. Level of significance level was set to be <0.05 throughout the study. From 478 subjects analyzed, 390 [81.6%] were man, 345 [72.2%] were married, 28.9% had either intermediate or high secondary school education, and 2.4% were skilled laborers. The total satisfaction score for health facilities was 20.45 +/- 4.03 of 25. The satisfaction scores were 20.15 +/- 4.7 of 25 for patient satisfaction with physicians and 21.35 +/- 4.5 for patient satisfaction with paramedical personnel. The overall satisfaction score was 61.5 +/- 4.5 of 75 points. There were significant relations between total satisfaction of health facilities with education level and with occupation [P = 0.012, 0.001, respectively]. The total satisfaction of patients with physicians was significant only with education level. The overall satisfaction score had a significant relation with occupation [P = 0.03], but a borderline relation with the education level [P = 0.056]. Satisfaction with ambulatory Hajj health services is acceptable. Some physicians and waiting area services need special attention to improve satisfaction levels with ambulatory health in the subsequent Hajj seasons

Keratoacanthoma: An unusual presentation

Keratoacanthoma is an epithelial neoplasm occurring on the sun exposed skin of elderly persons. It usually presents as solitary flesh colored nodule with central keratin plug and is characterized by rapid growth followed by spontaneous regression in weeks to months. We present a 45 year old male with keratoacanthoma on forehead present for a long time with recent rapid increase in growth following trauma

Case report of a rare cutaneous manifestation of sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disease of unknown etiology and pathogenesis with a chronic course characterized by multiple remissions and relapses. Besides a brief review of relevant literature, this paper reports on a 70- year-old Saudi male patient who presented with a rare form of cutaneous sarcoidosis masquerading as psoriasis. Physical examination revealed presence of multiple, symmetrical erythematous plaques covered with silvery white, adherent scales involving elbows, knees, scalp and side of both buttocks but complete absence of similar lesions in genitalia and nails. Though radiological findings suggested sarcoidosis, cutaneous sarcoidosis was finally diagnosed by morphological changesnoncaseating, granulomatous inflammation as revealed by skin biopsy. After two months of treatment with prednisolone and other medications, this patient showed considerable improvement and all lesions disappeared. In the light of this case and review of literature, several aspects of cutaneous sarcoidosis presenting as psoriasis are discussed

Cigarette smoking behavior among male secondary school students in the central region of Saudi Arabia

This study was conducted to examine the smoking habits among male secondary school students in Al-Qassim, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [KSA] and to assess their knowledge and attitudes towards smoking. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Al-Qassim region, KSA during March 2003. Randomly selected was 14 out of 110 government male secondary schools. In the sample section, care was taken to represent urban and rural communities. In urban areas, 8 schools with the largest number of students were selected. This is in addition to 3 schools, which were the only schools with special education on Islamic, Commercial and Technical programs. In the rural areas the 3 most distant schools were included in the sample. Data were obtained through self-administered questionnaires that contained questions on personal background, smoking behavior, knowledge and attitude towards cigarette smoking. A total of 2203 students responded to the questionnaires with 83% response rate. Of the studied group, 606 [29.8%] were current smokers and among these 83.7% started smoking at the age of 15 years or less. Technical and commercial secondary school students had higher prevalence of the habit of smoking than those in general and Islamic secondary schools. It was found that the more pocket money received by the students, the higher was the prevalence of smoking. The most common reason given for cigarette smoking behavior [CSB] was the influence of friends [63.5%]. Family factor, especially the brother's smoking habit [24.8%] was also important. Most of the students knew that smoking is harmful to their own health [89.3%], and to others [73.9%]. The association between smoking and lung cancer was 84.3%, 80.9% for chest disease and 78.2% for heart disease, while the relation to other diseases was less known. We conclude that onset of smoking in the young is alarming. This is of immense importance in formulating health education strategies, which should be directed towards pupils, teachers and parents. The religious aspect should also be an integral part of such programs

Knowledge, beliefs and perception of youth toward acne vulgaris

This study was carried out to assess the knowledge, concepts and perceptions of the youth towards Acne. This cross-sectional study included 700 students of both genders from all geographic areas in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the year 2001. They were asked to complete a self administered questionnaire that contained several items measuring different areas in there beliefs, knowledge and perceptions about acne. Acne and non-acne sufferers were included. Responses were matched with demographic data. Five hundred and seventeen students [73.9%] responded to the questionnaire. Male and female responders were 267 [51.6%] and 250 [48.4%]. More than half of them reported that they suffered from acne 276 [53.4%]. Three quarters [76%] of the sample considered psychological conditions contribute to occurrence of acne, 72.1% believe that diet is one of etiologic factor. Only 15.9% reported that acne is an infectious disease. Sixty-two% believed that acne is not a serious problem, while 56.7% consider it as both a cosmetic and health problem. The results of this study pointed out that misconceptions and false beliefs on acne are widespread and enduring among the youth. Health education program on acne is needed to improve their understanding of the condition