Assessment of physical inactivity and perceived barriers to physical activity among health college students, south-western Saudi Arabia

Physical inactivity is a public health problem in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was carried out to evaluate the pattern of physical activity, predictors of physical inactivity and perceived barriers to physical activity among health college students in King Khalid University. A total of 1257 students [426 males and 831 females] were recruited. The Arabic short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used. Overall, 58.0% of the students were physically inactive. Only 13.4% of the students performed vigorous physical activity, 14.8% moderate-intensity physical activity and 29.9% walking activities which met World Health Organization criteria of health-enhancing physical activities. The prevalence of inactive leisure time was 47.5%. The independent predictors of physical inactivity were non-membership of sports clubs and being a medical student. The top reported barrier to physical activity among inactive students was time limitations [51.3%]. Overcoming perceived barriers may increase physical activity among students

Neonatal seizures; etiology, clinical types and outcome

Seizures in the neonates are quite different from those in older children and adults, whereas seizures in preterm differ from those of term infant. Neonatal seizures are poorly organized and at times inconspicuous, they also differ in origin from those of older children as they frequently arise in subcortical areas while in older children they arise from cortex. To find out the frequency of seizures and determine the frequency of various types of neonatal seizures among newborns admitted to Nishtar Hospital, Mulatn. Pediatric Unit-I, Nishtar Hospital, Multan. From May 1998 to December 2000. 200 cases. Out of these 200 cases, 1662 [81%] were male and 38 [19%] were female. Among the babies with seizures, 163 [81.5%] were full term, 25 [12.5%] were preterm and 12 [6%] were post-term. In relation to time of presentation, 40 [40%] patients presented within 24 hours, while 72 hours of birth and remaining 55 [27.5%] patients after 72 hours of birth. Among the etiological factors noted there were 100 [50%] patients with birth asphyxia, 40 [20%] with infections, 30[15%] with metabolic problems, 18 [9%] with intra-cranial hemorrhage and 6[3%] patients had kernicterus. Cerebral malformations were noticed in 4[2%] cases and 2 [1%] patients were diagnosed as pyridoxine dependency. Regarding the type of seizures multi focal clonic seizures occurred in 100 [50%] cases, generalized tonic seizures in 56 [28%] cases and subtle and focal clonic seizures in 22 [11%] each. Sixty one 30.5% patients died during their hospital stay. Neonatal seizures indicate significant underlying disease. Recognition of etiology is often helpful in prognosis and treatment