Smoking intervention programme for male secondary-school students in south-western Saudi Arabia

A one-day antismoking programme was conducted for 289 students in a male secondary school in Abha, Saudi Arabia. The one-group pretest/post-test design to evaluate the programme was based on an Arabic version of the WHO standard questionnaire for young people. The results showed that the prevalence rate of regular smoking was 14.5%. The students showed marked variability in correct responses to various factual items. The programme had a significant impact on nonsmokers [P < 0.01] and prespecialty students [P < 0.01]. With the exception of smokers, the students showed an overall positive attitude towards public action, but the impact of the one-day programme was less than satisfactory

Prevalence of hypertension in south-western Saudi Arabia

Prevalence of hypertension was surveyed in south-western Saudi Arabia. Hypertension was ascertained by measuring blood pressure under standard conditions and by interview for positive history. The overall prevalence was 11.1%, and the age-adjusted prevalence was 10.6% in men and 11.4% in women. Prevalence increased significantly by age. Among previously known cases, 76% were receiving treatment, but only 20% were found controlled. It is concluded that hypertension affects a sizeable proportion of Saudi communities. Further efforts are needed to improve control of the disease

Hand dermatitis in industry

This study was conducted in three industries - tanning, tile and paint - in Asir Province, the Southern region in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The problem of dermatitis has not been investigated in any of these three factories. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the prevalence of hand dermatitis in the tanning, tile and paint industries and to define the relative risk of developing such condition in each industry. All the exposed workers [31, 52, 53] in the three factories were included in the study. A control group [40 subjects] was included to provide a reference estimate. Data were collected through structured interviews using a standardized questionnaire that included questions on personal and occupational history and symptoms of hand dermatitis. Prevalence figures were compared using tests of significance. Odds ratio and their 95% confidence intervals were computed to indicate the risk of exposure in each industry. The prevalence of hand dermatitis in tanning, tile and paint industries were 45.2%, 15.4% and 25.9% respectively. The association with exposure was significant in tanning and paint industries where odds ratio were 10.16 and 4.3 respectively. In tile industry, the association was insignificant [odds ratio 2.24]. The majority of workers with hand dermatitis did not seek medical consultation and all of them did not have sick leave. This study revealed that workers in tanning industry and paint industry were at a high risk of developing hand dermatitis. The chemicals used in these industries might be claimed for such high risk. Further studies are recommended to investigate the exact role of these chemicals in inducing hand dermatitis. This may help determining of the possible prophylactic measures

Prevalence of eustachian tube dysfunction among primary school children in Ismailia city

A cross sectional study was undertaken on 560 children aiming to detect the prevalence of Eustachian tube dysfunction among primary schoolchildren in Ismailia City. The study subjects were classified according to the clinical ENT examination into two major groups: The first group comprised 300 children free from ENT disorders and the second group consisted of 260 children suffering from ENT disorders. Tympanometry was performed to all subjects. The measurement of middle ear pressure was taken as a proxy to Eustachian tube function. The prevalence of Eustachian tube dysfunction was found to be 28.3% among primary schoolchildren in Ismailia City. There was a significant relationship between Eustachian tube function and some variables such as age and type of ENT disorder. On the other hand, sex had no significant effect on Eustachian tube function. The effect of the socioeconomic status in this aspect needs further elaboration