Adherence to the American Diabetes Association standards of care among patients with type 2 diabetes in primary care in Saudi Arabia

To assess adherence to 11 American Diabetes Association [ADA] standards of diabetic care. We conducted this one-year historical prospective study between October 2010 and September 2011 on 450 adult type 2 diabetes patients in a primary care center in Saudi Arabia. We used the definitions of the 2010 ADA standards of diabetic care processes and targets. Four-hundred and fifty medical files were valid. The adherence to ADA process standards of measurement of glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c] was 68.7%, 92.9% for blood pressure, and 80.2% for serum lipids. Screening was lowest for nephropathy [35.6%], and highest for diabetic foot [72%]. Adherence to medications ranged between 82.2% for antiplatelets, and 92.4% for dyslipidemia. For outcome standards, 24.2% of the patients had an HbA1c <7%, and 32.2% had controlled blood pressure [<130/80 mm Hg]; and 58.5% achieved targeted low-density lipoproteins [LDL]. Only 7.2% had glycemic control in addition to controlled blood pressure and targeted LDL level. An increasing trend of patients achieving glycemic control [<7%] was shown throughout follow-up [p=0.003]. We found suboptimal adherence with many ADA standards of diabetic care among patients with type 2 diabetes treated at a primary care center in Saudi Arabia. The achievement of outcome standards, either singly or combined, is lower than the adherence rates. However, the figures show improvement in adherence during the follow-up period

prevalence of smoking and its associated factors among military personnel in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: a national study

The aim was to measure the prevalence of smoking and identify its potential predictors among military personnel in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [KSA]. This cross-sectional study was carried out among military personnel in the five military regions of KSA between January 2009 and January 2011. The sample of 10,500 military personnel in the Saudi Armed Forces was equally divided among the five regions with a ratio 3:7 for officers and soldiers. A multistage stratified random sampling was used to recruit participants in the four services of the armed forces in the five regions. Information on sociodemographic characteristics with a detailed history of smoking was collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire. Bivariate analysis was used to identify the factors associated with smoking, and multiple logistic regression analysis to discover its potential predictors. About 35% of the sample was current smokers, with higher rates among soldiers. The eastern region had the highest rate [43.0%], and the southern region the lowest [27.5%]. Navy personnel had a higher risk of being current smokers [40.6%], and the air defense the lowest risk [31.0%]. Multivariate analysis identified working in the navy, and low income as positive predictors of current smoking, while residing in the southern region, older age, years of education, being married, and having an officer rank were negative [protective] factors. Smoking is prevalent among military personnel in KSA, with higher rates in the Navy and Air Force, among privates, younger age group, lower education and income, and divorced/widowed status. Measures should be taken to initiate programs on smoking cessation that involve changes in the environment that is likely to promote this habit

Gender differences in health education needs and preferences of Saudis attending Riyadh Military Hospital in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Health reforms that tend to increase the participation of clients in decision-making requires them to be health-literate; hence, the importance of health education. However, not much research has been done to investigate the differences in health education needs according to demographic characteristics of the clients. The aim of this study was to find out any possible gender differences there may be in health education needs and preferences. This cross-sectional study was conducted at Riyadh Military Hospital, Saudi Arabia, on a convenience sample of adult Saudis attending its clinics. Data was collected from April 2009 to May 2010 using a self-administered questionnaire covering demographic data, history and needs of health education, methods, and preferred educator. Of the 1300 forms Q- distributed, 977 were returned completed [75.2% response]. Most men [74.0%] and women [77.9%] had had health education, but more women reported that it had been helpful [P = 0.014]. More men mentioned health CD education needs relating to primary prevention [P = 0.027], and unhealthy practices [P = 0.003], and considered the different language a barrier [P = 0.002] even after adjustment for age and education. The one-to-one method was the most preferred health education method for men [72.7%] and women [67.9%] More women preferred group health education [P = 0.02] after adjustment for age and education. Significantly more men preferred pharmacists and dietitians as health educators. The results point to a few significant differences between men and women regarding their health education needs, barriers, and preferences. These must be taken into consideration when planning health education programs

Physicians' awareness of bisphosphonates-related osteonecrosis of the jaw

To assess the awareness and knowledge of physicians and dentists regarding bisphosphonates related osteonecrosis of the jaw [BRONJ]. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in the Department of Dentistry, Riyadh Military Hospital, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from June to September 2010. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire distributed among a sample of physicians and dentists at the hospital. A total of 222 valid completed responses were obtained [response rate: 82.2%]. Less than one-third of the participants [31.5%] were aware of osteonecrosis of the jaw, while slightly more than half of them were treating patients with bisphosphonates [BP]. None of the physicians had a correct response in all 4 knowledge questions. There were statistically significant associations between knowledge and qualification [p=0.019], years of experience [p=0.002], and specialty [p=0.034]. We found that physicians and dentists have low awareness and deficient knowledge regarding BRONJ, although most of them do prescribe BP to their patients. Therefore, intervention to raise awareness and knowledge among healthcare providers is needed

group approach for a health education program on diarrhea comparison of community health workers versus students delivering the program

Although mortality from diarrhoeal diseases has shown some decline, they are still a major cause of malnutrition and inadequate health in children. These sequelae are the results of improper knowledge and false beliefs among mothers. Community health workers might have a great impact in increasing the awareness of mothers through health education. The aim of this work is to test the hypothesis that community health workers are more effective than medical students in promoting the knowledge of mothers about proper practices during diarrhoea. Two hamlets were randomly chosen from two villages of the same district. They were comparable in all socio-demographic characteristics. Fifty mothers have been included from each hamlet. A pilot study was done with the aim of tailoring the health education program to the studied communities. The program was planned to be delivered in a group approach, ensuring interaction between donors and recipients. Students and community health workers were trained on delivering the program exactly in the same manner. A pie-post questionnaire was designed to measure the change of knowledge of the mothers before and after the program. Results have shown statistically significant differences in the pre-post test results in both groups. However, the magnitude of this change turned to be higher in the community health workers group. The conclusion is that group approach was successful in raising the awareness of mothers about proper management of diarrhoea, specially when delivered by community health workers

comparative study of anxiety and depression symptoms among sewermen

This comparative study was done on a group of sewermen, and a control group of municipal of the same socio-demographic characteristics. The aim was to test hypothesis that they were different in the frequency, and or intensity of anxiety and depression symptoms. These were measured through using Zung scale. The results show that sewermen had lower anxiety scores than control group, and the different was statistically significant. No significant differences were observed in relation to depression symptoms