ABSTRACT
Background: Adolescence refers to the developmental period between childhood and adulthood, and the WHO defines adolescents as individuals between the ages of 10-19 years. They make up about 20% of the world population. Rapid development and urbanization of KSA has resulted in changes in nutritional and diet patterns that have affected the BMI of children and adolescents and led to nutritional transition. The objective of this study was to evaluate and estimate the weight status and prevalence of underweight in school-aged male and female adolescents in Arar city, Northern Saudi Arabia using the BMI
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that has been conducted among school adolescents of both sexes, aged 12-18 years during the academic year 2015-2016 over a period of 9 months [October 1[st], 2015 to June 30[th], 2016]. Information obtained through an interviewer administered semi-structured questionnaire. Body mass index [BMI] was calculated as per the formula BMI = weight [kg] / height [m2]. Age and sex-specific BMI percentiles were computed based on the Centre for Disease Control [CDC]/National Centre for Health Statistics growth curves
Results: In the studied participants [n = 849], the male-female ratio was [48.1%:51.9%]. About half [50.4%] of the studied adolescents had normal BMI, 25.7% were underweight [below the 5th percentile], 18.1% were overweight and only 5.8% were obese [above 95[th] percentile]
In Conclusion; nutritional status among adolescents is not so well. Yet more work is needed to identify the more influential factors which can improve the nutritional status among adolescents in Arar beside nutritional education programs to the mothers and/or care givers
ABSTRACT
Background: Neural tube defects [NTDs] are the most common birth defect of the central nervous system. Spina bifida [SB] is a common birth defect resulting from incomplete closure of the neural tube during the first month of pregnancy and that is associated with significant clinical complications that can affect survival and the quality of life for affected individuals
Objective: The study objective was to estimate the prevalence, types, manifestations, diagnosis, complications as well as treatment outcomes of of Spina bifida in all neonates born in Maternity and Children hospital in Arar city, Northern Saudi Arabia
Methods: This is a descriptive study involved all neonates born in Maternity and Children hospital in Arar city, Northern Saudi Arabia, KSA, during the period from 1 January to 31 December 2017. Data was collected by retrospective analysis of the recorded data and filling a pre designed questionnaire, which include questions designed to fulfill the study objectives
Results: The total number of spina bifida cases borne in maternity and children hospital in Arar city, Northern Saudi Arabia during the year 2017 was 14 cases with a prevalence of 0.51%; 8[57.1%] were females and 6[42.9%] were males. Consanguinity between parents found in 57.1% of cases, and folic acid deficiency during pregnancy reported in 78.6%. The site of spina bifida was lumbosacral in 57.1% and lumber 42.9%. The type was Spina bifida occulta 57.1%, Myelomeningocele 28.6% and Myeloschisis 14.3%. Weakness of legs, urinary incontinence 35.7%, hip dislocation, deformity of the body 21.4% and paralysis were the reported complications
Conclusion: The prevalence of spina bifida in Arar, KSA was 5.1per 1,000 live births. Majority of the reported cases were females, Spina bifida occulta was the most common then myelomeningocele and myeloschisis. The site was lumbosacral and lumber