Premarital screening and genetic counseling program: knowledge, attitude, and satisfaction of attendees of governmental outpatient clinics in Jeddah

Premarital care [PMC] is a worldwide activity that aims to diagnose and treat unrecognized disorders and reduce the transmission of diseases to couples and children. To assess the knowledge and attitude of individuals attending governmental outpatient clinics regarding the Premarital Screening and Genetic Counseling [PMSGC] programs, to identify predictors of high knowledge scores and to determine the satisfaction and recommendations of clients of the program. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to April 2009. Individuals who attended three governmental hospital outpatient clinics on the day of the interview and agreed to participate in the study were recruited. The three hospitals were the two hospitals in Jeddah that offer the PMSGC programs and the King Abdulaziz University Hospital. Ethical considerations were followed and data were collected through an interview questionnaire that had been constructed for the study. The questionnaire asked for personal and socio-demographic data and for responses, on a 5-point Likert scale, to 30 knowledge items and 14 attitude statements. Individuals who participated in the PMSGC program were asked questions regarding the services and activities of the program to ascertain their satisfaction with the program and their recommendations for program improvement. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 16 [SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL]. The sample included 655 participants, of whom 38.8% completed the PMSGC program. The participants' knowledge about the program was generally low. Education was the first predictor of a high knowledge score; individuals having >/= university degree obtained a higher score [aOR = 2.73; 95% CI: 1.77-4.20]. The second predictor was the nationality of the participants, with Saudis gaining a higher score [aOR = 2.04; 95% CI: 1.002-4.16]. The third predictor was monthly income. Regarding attitudes, the vast majority of participants [96.0%] strongly agreed on the importance of the program. Concerning the satisfaction levels of those who benefited from the program, 80.0% gave an excellent or very good score for program confidentiality, whereas lower scores were given for counseling. Counseling before the tests was conducted for only 11.7% of the study participants. The majority of participants recommended adding testing for other genetic diseases and STDs as well as additional topics for counseling. Knowledge in the general population about the PMSGC program was low. Implementation of school and university educational campaigns is important. Improved counseling and adding new topics for counseling on genetic, chronic, and psychiatric problems; building healthy families; reproduction and fertility are recommended

educational program about premarital screening for unmarried female students in King Abdul-Aziz University, Jeddah

The present study was conducted to assess knowledge and attitude of unmarried female students in King Abdul-Aziz University [KAU] towards premarital screening [PMS] program, to determine predictors of high students' knowledge scores and to improve their knowledge about PMS through conduction of an educational campaign. Multi-stage stratified random sample method was used with recruitment of 1563 students from all faculties of KAU, during the educational year 2008-2009. The Pre-test included 30 knowledge items and 14 attitude statements with student's response through a 5-point Likert scale. Health education was conducted using audiovisual aids through pre-designed educational materials. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS version 16. Students' knowledge about the program was generally low before the educational campaign. The predictors of high knowledge scores were being a health science student [aOR = 4.15; 95% CI: 2.97-5.81], age >/= 20 years [aOR = 2.78; 95% CI: 2.01-3.85], family history of hereditary diseases and income >/= 10,000 SR/month. Regarding attitude, almost all students [99.0%] agreed on the importance of PMS. After the educational program, students' knowledge about PMS was markedly improved. The mean students' knowledge score was 9.85 +/- 5.36 in Pre-test and improved to 18.45 +/- 4.96 in Post-test, with a highly statistical significant difference [paired t = 25.40, p < 0.000]. Conclusion and recommendations: The educational program was successful in improving students' knowledge about the PMS. Conduction of similar educational programs and adding PMS in the curriculum of secondary and university education are recommended

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices relating to Dengue fever among females in Jeddah high schools

Dengue is increasingly recognized as one of the world's major infectious diseases. Dengue vectors, human knowledge and human behavior have each been reported to play an important role in the transmission of the disease. A cross-sectional approach was conducted to assess knowledge, attitudes and practice [KAP] of high school female students, teachers and supervisors towards Dengue fever [DF], and to determine scoring predictors of high school students' knowledge and practice scores. A multistage, stratified, random sample method was applied. A total of 2693 students, 356 teachers and 115 supervisors completed confidential self-administered questionnaires. Students obtained the lowest mean knowledge score compared to the other two groups [F = 51.5, P < 0.001]. A positive family history of DF [a OR = 2.05; 95% CI = 1.15_3.64], having literate mothers [>/= secondary education], and students' age ?17 were the predictors of high students' knowledge score. The only predictor of high practice score was obtaining high knowledge score [a OR = 2.06; 95% CI = 1.73_2.44]. KAP towards DF was deficient among target populations, especially among students. School-based educational campaigns and social mobilization for raising knowledge and changing it into sound practice is urgently needed for controlling dengue epidemics in Jeddah

out-patients medical sector in eastern Saudi Arabia a comparison of performance

There is a steady government-encouraged growth in both the public and private sector of health care delivery in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [KSA]. However, the possible negative impact of the private sector on governmental Primary Health Care [PHC] programmes remain to be examined. This is a cross sectional study of randomly selected Saudi Outpatient using a checklist. Variables studied were; type of records, patients' presenting symptoms and frequency of visits; chart contents, as well as patients waiting time and time spent with physicians. A total of 360 records were reviewed. Patients visited PHC centres more frequently, waited longer, spent shorter time with physicians. However, private practitioners ordered more tests and prescribed more drugs. Both sectors were broadly comparable in terms of documenting patient's biodata, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up plan. The private sector performed better in terms of "history and physical". In conclusion, it was found that there is no evidence to support the general claim that the private sector is more proficient than governmental PHC centres and the overall performance of both sectors was not satisfactory

Private practitioners' knowledge of and attitude towards primary health care in eastern Saudi Arabia

Reports on private practitioners' knowledge and attitude towards primary health care [PHC] are few; there are none from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [KSA]. A questionnaire was used in a cross-sectional study in KSA and factors which influenced knowledge and attitude were examined. Of the 281 practitioners targeted, 268 [95%] were reached. The sample contained a fairly equal distribution of specialities. However, by nationality, they were predominantly Egyptians [54%] and Indians [21%]; only 10% were Saudis. The results showed deficient knowledge of and negative attitude towards PHC among responders. Previous training in PHC emerged as the single most important beneficial factor. More Saudis should be encouraged into PHC which should be stressed in the undergraduate curriculum. Private practitioners require regular updating in the field

Psychosocial impact on parents of mentally retarded children in Eastern Saudi Arabia

The impact of mental retardation [MR] is felt by the affected individual and his parents. There are conflicting reports in the literature, but no studies from Saudi Arabia. To evaluate the physical, mental, social, marital and financial impact of boys' mental retardation on their parents. Methodology: This was a case-controlled study. The study group consisted of 72 boys with mild mental retardation, registered in the Institute of Mentally Retarded Children in Dammam, and their parents [MR Group] and a control group of 72 matched normal boys and their parents. They were interviewed by purpose-trained personnel using an objective-oriented questionnaire. Between groups, mothers of the MR boys suffered higher levels of physical, mental and social stress, but marital impact was similar. About 80% of the parents in the MR group considered the financial aid received from the Institute inadequate. Within groups, the physical and financial impact was greater on mothers in the lower socioeconomic class. Conclusion: There was a need for better provision and integration of resources and services directed towards MR children and their families in Eastern Saudi Arabia