Workplace influenza vaccination in two major industries in Saudi Arabia a cost benefit analysis

This study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of mass Influenza vaccination on workers health and costs reductions. We compared 1396 Influenza vaccinated workers versus 1004 not vaccinated workers from same workplaces, regarding outcome of interests, like frequency of Influenza Like Illnesses [ILI], frequency of physician office visits due to ILI, sick leaves due to ILI, and cost benefit analysis and cost saving analysis in two major industries in Riyadh; food processing, and chemical industries. The goal of vaccination coverage was 80%, but the maximum coverage reached was 58%. Average sick-leave days reduction during the 4 months follow up period was from 1.27 days/worker in the no vaccine group to 0.31 days/worker in the vaccine group [p<0.001]. Also, there is a reduction in the average number of physician office visits from 0.99/worker in the no vaccine group to 0.23 days/worker in the vaccine group [p<0.001]; with relative risk reduction of ILI among vaccinated workers to 0.37 [0.31<95%CI< 0.44] compared to no vaccine group. Combined data from the two industries showed a net saving of about 28 US$ per each vaccinated worker

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

Study of hospital wastes and its managment in Riyadh city

To identify size and magnitude of the problem of hospital wastes, its characteristics, and methods of hospital wastes management. Data were collected from 14 major hospitals in Riyadh city using a questionnaire. The questionnaire included inquiries about types of hospital wastes, weight, and details of its management. Also, companies responsible for hospital wastes management were contacted about details of hospital wastes management. Data were collected and entered to the PC using Epi Info software version 6.4d, frequency tables and cross tabulations were produced. A total of 14 hospitals were contacted, 7 public and 7 private hospitals, contain 3007 beds. Total daily hospital medical wastes was 1347 Kg, and total non-medical wastes was 11175 Kg. All hospitals collect wastes on daily basis. All hospitals had contracts with hospital wastes management companies. Public hospitals have higher rates of hospital medical wastes compared to private hospitals. The average weight of hospital medical waste per bed was higher for public hospitals [0.55kg / bed] compared to private hospitals [0.35 Kg / bed]. Hospital wastes management is a priority for all countries. Proper training for hospital wastes management personnel is mandatory. Establishment of an effective occupational health program is needed in all hospitals to immunize health care workers, impose post exposure prophylaxis and carry out surveillance. Clear policy regarding hospital wastes management is mandatory in every hospital

Breast-feeding and complementary feeding practices in Egypt and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

An interview survey was conducted on 639 and 340 mother-child pairs from Ismailia, Egypt and Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [KSA] respectively. The children were 12-36 months old. Mothers were selected randomly from primary health care centers. The study aimed at comparing breast-feeding practices in the study areas and to identify some determinants of exclusive breast-feeding and early complementary feeding. The study has shown that 39.7% of Egyptian mothers and 66.4% of Saudi mothers initiated exclusive breast-feeding at 4-6 months. Most of Egyptian mothers [60.3%] started complementary feeding early [before 4 months] as compared to [33.6%] of the Saudis. Egyptian mothers tended to terminate breast-feeding later than Saudi mothers. More than one-third of Saudi mothers did that during the first 6 months of child age, as compared to only 6.7% in Egypt. The majority of Egyptian mothers [77.2%] gave sugar water or infant formula soon after giving birth, the comparable figure in Saudi mothers was only [34.4%]. Women's primary sources of information and support for breast-feeding were: nobody [i.e personal decision], mother or close relatives, and medical personnel. In both study areas, early complementary feeding increased with higher levels of mothers' education, younger mother's age, mother's employment, shorter maternity leave, longer hospital stay after delivery, and narrower inter-pregnancy spacing. Early initiation of breast-feeding within the first hour of birth showed no association with early complementary feeding neither in Egypt nor in KSA. The study recommends that efforts to improve breast-feeding should include a variety of strategies and target groups, as well as modifying key behaviors found to be most detrimental to exclusive breast-feeding by trying innovative strategies in health education and mass media programs