ABSTRACT
A cross sectional study was conducted during August 1992, on a representative sample of 6,539 pregnant women attending 69 primary health care centers in the Asir region, southwestern Saudi Arabia for the assessment of their hemoglobin level. The overall prevalence of anemia (Hb < 11 g/dl) was found to be 31.9%. It was found that the prevalence was affected by age (37.3% among those who were less than 20 years old), parity (34.9% among those who had 7 and more deliveries), inter-pregnancy spacing (35.2% among those whose birth spacing was less than 1 year), gestational age, and education (35.1% among illiterates). Health education programs at primary health care level in the region should be revised to stress the importance of balanced diet, compliance with iron medication and sufficient spacing between subsequent pregnancies.
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Adult , Anemia/blood , Birth Intervals , Cross-Sectional Studies , Educational Status , Female , Gestational Age , Hemoglobins/analysis , Humans , Maternal Age , Parity , Patient Education as Topic , Population Surveillance , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic/blood , Prevalence , Risk Factors , Saudi Arabia/epidemiology , Severity of Illness IndexABSTRACT
A population study was carried out to determine the prevalence of hypertension among Saudis at primary health care level in the Asir region, Southwestern Saudi Arabia. All primary health care centers (PHCCs) were visited (238 PHCCs). Data were collected in relation to the updated Saudi population census for 1991. Chronic case registries were revised to identify existing cases of hypertension by age and sex till the end of 1991. Results showed that the prevalence of hypertension amounted to 2.4% among Saudis aged 45 years and more. Males and females aged 45 years and more living at high altitude had a significantly higher risk of developing hypertension (p < 0.05) compared to those living at sea level.