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

Upstream investment in health care: national and regional perspectives

Since the burden of disease has shifted towards non-communicable diseases and public health management, there is a greater need to direct resources to address risk factors of the diseases rather than the diseases themselves. The downstream agenda focused on treatment services and is still an important problem at the level of national health management. Much has been accomplished in preventive programs for infectious diseases in Saudi Arabia but a great deal more is needed to combat non-communicable diseases. While a national non-communicable diseases program is being established in the Kingdom, more advanced pilot projects of NCD can be started in the regions. A model for cardiovascular diseases in Qassim will be presented

Evaluation of continuing medical education in Al-Qasim, Saudi Arabia

To evaluate CME activities in All Qassim region in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia A study using a pre-structured questionnaire was conducted in AL- Qassim, targeting physicians working in he hospitals. The survey was conducted in two phases. The first phase has conducted at the inception of the department of professional education and the second one year later. Questionnaires were given to a sample of physicians working in the hospitals. Mean CME hours in the region increased from 5.5 [ +/- 5.9] to 14. 2 [ +/- 19.7], p = 0.0001. 50% said that the CME should be presented differently. There was need for regular courses [61%] departmental and bedside activities [52%] and visiting speakers [45%]. Only 47% of the physicians were using the Internet. There is a need to shift from credit counting to a process that can yield professional development through practical courses and departmental activities. The use of the Internet in CME activities should be encouraged