Use of the target group index survey to evaluate the cigarette smoking profile in Saudi Arabia

To draw a profile, and study the media habits for cigarette smokers in Saudi Arabia using the Target Group Index survey [TGI]. A household survey using the TGI sample was conducted in March 2008 in 21 cities in Saudi Arabia. A sample of 7003 individuals aged 15 years or more, male and females, living in town and cities, were randomly selected using the multistage sampling technique. One individual per household was interviewed using a structured questionnaire covering socio-economic profile, media exposure, and cigarette consumer information. The study was conducted in Arabian Center for Tobacco Control, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Cigarette smoking was 35.9% in males, and 2.3% in females. This was significantly higher in the age group 30-49 years compared with younger ages [p=0.001]. Among smokers, 22.3% were heavy smokers, 69.3% were using regular flavor cigarettes, and 22.4% tried to quit smoking but failed. The most common methods of quitting smoking were; nicotine gum [18.5%], hypnosis [14%], nicotine patch [8%], and acupuncture [3%]. Ninety-eight percent of the smokers watched TV daily, noticed mainly big outdoor ads, and 46% used the Internet daily. Favorite TV and radio channels, newspaper, magazine, and interesting topics for the smokers were recorded, and the main smoker profile was drawn. The TGI can be used to draw a smoker profile and identify different segments with the greatest opportunities to send anti-smoking messages

Sero-response to measles vaccination at 12 months of age in Saudi infants in Qassim Province

To evaluate the sero-response to measles component of the first measles, mumps MMR dose given at 12 months by measuring measles antibody before and one month after the vaccination. A follow-up study where, 57 children at the age of 12 months were recruited randomly from the Primary Health Care Centers in Qassim, Saudi Arabia using a multistage sampling techniques. Fieldwork was conducted from October until December 2006. Blood samples were collected to measure measles IgG antibody before, and one month after giving MMR using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Data were compared before and after vaccination using geometric mean titer GMT and seroconversion. In the 57 infants, positivity rate increased significantly from 3.5% [2/57] pre-vaccination to 100% one month after p=0.0001, and with a sero-conversion of 96.5% [55/57]. Also, GMT increased significantly from 0.014-2.172 IU/ML, after vaccination p=0.0001. Sero conversion and GMT are significantly high after the first MMR given at 12 months and this is supported by the surveillance data in Qassim

Serosurvey of measles, mumps and rubella antibodies in Saudi children

A serosurvey study to evaluate the proportion of children with antibodies against diseases targeted by the Expanded Program of Immunization in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Using multistage sampling techniques, we collected samples and sent them for laboratory assay from the following age groups; 100 samples at 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, 6 years, 13 years, and 17 years. We conducted the study from September 2001 to February 2002. We assayed sera for measles, rubella, and mumps antibodies in the measles-mumps-rubella reference laboratory in Germany, using enzyme immunoassay and plaque neutralization [PN] as a backup test for equivocal and negative samples. We only carried out a backup test for measles samples. The age group of 6 months had the highest proportion with negative measles antibodies. After adding the backup test [PN], the proportions of children with protective measles antibody were; 64% at 6 months, 87% at 12 months, 91% at 18 months, 75% at 6 years, 96% at 13 years, and 98% at 17 years. Rubella antibody positivity rates [>7 IU] were 28% at 6 months, 49% at 12 months, 97% at 18 months, 98% at 6 years, and 100% at 13 years. While positivity rates in mumps were 14% at 6 months, 29% at 12 months, 59% at 18 months, 64% at 6 years, and 75% at 13 years. The unexpected low proportion of children with protective level at 6 years, despite being vaccinated with 2 measle doses is an important phenomenon. This reflects the interference between the first and the second measles dose. The Ministry of Health decided to conduct a catch up campaign targeting 1st through 3rd grade primary schools, who did not catch the mass campaign conducted in 2000. Also, this supports the decision taken by the ministry to change the measles immunization schedule to MMR at 12 months and a second dose at 6 years of age

Comparison of the growth standards between Saudi and American children aged 0-5 years

To compare the national growth monitoring data with the National Centre for Health Statistics [NCHS] growth standards, which is currently used in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [KSA]. A cross sectional study following World Health Organization criteria in determining sample size was adopted, whereby 24,000 children from 5 regions were selected to be the desired sample. One hundred and two Primary Health Care centers were also selected randomly from the 5 regions, from where the sample was drawn. A special questionnaire was designed for the data collection. A pilot study was carried out to test the study instruments. Weight, height and head circumference were measured by standard procedures. This data was compared with the National Centre for Health Statistics [NCHS] data. The total number of children examined was 23,821, 11,913 boys and 11,908 girls, they were drawn from 102 health centers selected randomly. Comparing different percentiles for Saudi and NCHS data, there was a significant difference between the Saudi and American children. In order to ensure a correct follow up for our children in KSA, the national figures are more appropriate to follow than the NCHS data