Research and research activities in a university in Eastern Saudi Arabia

The purpose of the present study was to obtain the views of faculty members regarding various aspects of scientific research, which is one of the essential functions of a University. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, between January and June 2001, using a standardized questionnaire to obtain the views of faculty members in both basic and clinical departments on issues related to scientific research. The questionnaire consisted of 41 items and the responses were assessed on a 5 point scale. The variables included specified objectives for research by administration, quality of research, process of application for funding, available facilities for research, constraints to meaningful scientific research and mechanisms that would enhance its quality. The response rate was 67% [74 of the total available 110]: Professors 22, Associate Professors 27, Assistant Professors 23 and Lecturers 2 in 24 departments [6 basic sciences, 18 clinical sciences]. The number of completed research projects was judged inadequately by 50 [68%], and 31 [42%] thought the quality could be improved upon. The process of the application for funding was cumbersome. The major identified constraints were inadequate infrastructure, additional administrative duties [89%] and teaching schedule overload [82%]. The major strategies suggested to enhance the quality of research included simplifying the process for application for research [approval and funding], provision of defined quality time for faculty members to engage in research and the establishment of adequate support and infrastructure facilities. Most faculty members aspire for a higher quality of biomedical research. The following were identified strategies to improve research goals and quality: Provision of starting seedling packages for new faculty members, simplifying research application processes, establishing efficient and adequate infrastructures, and providing protected research time

Acute myocardial infarction in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia: retrospective analysis of 264 patients

The medical records of all patients [N=246] admitted to King Fahd Hospital with a confirmed diagnosed of acute mycoardial infraction [AMI] between January 1982 and December 1987 were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 221 males [84%] and 43 females [16%] were identified. Median age was 53.2 +/- 12.3 years. Saudi patients constituted 61% of the patients, and Indians and Pakistan were the most frequent nationalities among non-Saudis [16%]. Current smoking history [57%], past medical history of coronary heart disease [48%], and diabetes mellitus [28%] were the most common risk factors encountered. Of all the patients, 54 [20%] died in hospital from AMI-related complications. Logistic regression analysis identified cardiogenic shock, cardiac arrest, and development of severe congestive heart failure [CHF] as three adverse factors that, independently, influenced in-hospital mortality. Over a median follow-up of 32 months, 208 patients were analyzed for long-term survival. The survival curve estimated that at 36 months the survival probability [ +/- SE] was 0.78 +/- 0.06 [95% confidence interval, 66 to 90%]. The multivariate proportional hazard of Cox revealed that age above 60 years, severe CHF, and withholding long-acting nitrates were the only significant covariates that independently influenced long-term survival adversely. Our data indicant covariates that independently influenced long-term survival adversely. Our data indicate that to combat smoking should be intensified. Furthermore, the baseline information obtained from our analysis should be compared with that derived from our newly established coronary care unit. The data also indicate that the prospective evaluation of the protective role long-acting nitrates is warranted