Prevalence and pattern of skin disorders among female school children in Eastern Saudi Arabia

To determine the prevalence and pattern of skin disorders among female schoolchildren in primary and intermediate schools in Al-Khobar city, Eastern Saudi Arabia. This is a cross-sectional study conducted in Al-Khobar city, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the period from January-March 2003. It involved 2239 female schoolchildren randomly selected from 30 regular public and private primary and preparatory schools. We used a multi-stage stratified random sampling technique with proportional allocation. We collected data using a pre-designed structured questionnaire and clinical examination. The prevalence of skin diseases among female schoolchildren in Al-Khobar city was 98.6%. The most common skin disease and conditions group was the pigmentary disorders [91.6%], followed by a group of dermatitis/eczema and related conditions [26.7%], and disorders of skin appendages [25.3%]. The common skin diseases and conditions in this study were melanocytic nevi [MN] [68%], post-inflammatory pigmentation [56.6%], scars [26.8%], acne [22.5%], dandruff [18.1%], pediculosis capitis [5.2%] and eczema [3.1%]. Postinflammatory hyper/hypo pigmentation was more common among primary schoolchildren, whereas MN, dandruff, keratosis pilaris, acne and folliculitis were significantly more common among preparatory schoolchildren. The prevalence of skin disorders among female schoolchildren in Al-Khobar city was very high. Therefore, we recommended the introduction of a preventive health education program for schoolchildren at different levels and their families and teachers on skin diseases

Dermatoses in obese female schoolchildren in Al Khobar area, eastern Saudi Arabia

The aim of this study was to determine the most frequent skin disorders in obese female schoolchildren in primary and intermediate schools in the Al-Khobar area, Eastern Saudi Arabia. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the Al-Khobar area. It involved 2239 female schoolchildren randomly selected from 30 regular public and private primary and preparatory schools. A multi-stage stratified random sampling technique with proportional allocation was used. Data was collected using clinical examination and anthropometric measurements. The skin diseases that were most common in obese schoolchildren were: dandruff, acne, xerosis, acanthosis nigricans, folliculitis, alopecia, stria distensae [stretch marks] and callosity. obesity is associated with specific skin disorders. Health education programs on skin diseases and obesity should be provided to all schoolchildren, their families and teachers

Attitudes of medical interns towards the practice of primary health care

Training in different specialties should prepare young physicians to assume responsibilities in primary care. Training for the acquisition of the proper attitude for health care, should he given in the course of the training in different specialties. To assess the attitudes of medical interns who have undergone rotation in the Department of Family and Community Medicine of a large university hospital, towards the provision of primary care. A cross- sectional study incorporating a structured questionnaire was carried out on a sample of 106 interns; and 20 consultants were selected as a reference group. All medical interns almost unanimously endorsed continuous, coordinated. accessible and comprehensive care. In contrast, consultants less often supported the provision of such care for their own patients. Conclusions: Unless consultants change their attitudes towards the attributes of primary care, the quality of patient care as well as physician training would suffer

Treatment-related misconceptions among diabetic patients in western Saudi Arabia

To describe the types and pattern of treatment-related misconceptions among Primary Health Care Centers [PHCCs] registered diabetic patients in Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A sample of 1039 PHCCs registered diabetic patients were interviewed using a structured questionnaire, concerning diabetic treatment-related misconceptions. This cross-sectional study was carried out in Makkah city, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from May 2000 to September 2000. A scoring system was used to document the frequency of misconceptions. The relationship of misconceptions to socio-demographic and diabetes-related variables were assessed using chi-squared tests. Four hundred and five [39%] patients had a high treatment misconception score. The score was significantly higher among females than males [P< 0.00001], and also among patients older than 35 years [P< 0.05]. There were no statistically significant differences between Saudis and non-Saudis, or in association with different education levels. Also, the score was significantly higher among patients with a shorter disease duration [P<0.04], and among patients who did not enjoy continuity of care [P<0.00001]. Patients' misconceptions were mostly related to reasons for stopping medications. Moreover, patients thought that cure from diabetes was expected following a short course of treatment [16.5%] and that one could eat what he or she liked as long as medications were taken [23%]. The results of this study showed the rate of treatment-related misconceptions to be high. It stresses the need for constant motivation and one on one level education at frequent intervals to encourage better knowledge regarding the disease and subsequent compliance to treatment

Epidemiology of bronchial asthma among school boys in Al-Khobar city, Saudi Arabia

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence of bronchial asthma among Saudi School boys at Al-Khobar city. This is a cross-sectional study. The methodology included the distribution of a self administered questionnaire which was filled by the parents of 1482 school boys who satisfied the selection criteria of the study. The prevalence rate of Questionnaire Diagnosed Asthma and Physician Diagnosed Asthma were 9.5% and 8%. Questionnaire Diagnosed Asthma school boys and their parents suffered significantly higher rates of allergenic diseases and environmental factors [pets at home, passive smoking] than non Questionnaire Diagnosed Asthma. The prevalence of Questionnaire Diagnosed Asthma among schoolboys in Al-Khobar city was more than that which was described earlier. However, this rate was less than those reported from other parts of the Kingdom but higher than the ones reported from Arab, developing and European countries. There is evidence that a combination of genetic and environmental factors play a major role in the etiology of this disease. Based on the results of this study, appropriate and practical measures need to be taken to identify causes and initiate control programs