Attitudes and knowledge about contraceptive use of saudi married women: a cross-sectional study approach

The speedy change in the Saudi Arabian community's socio-demographic pattern will significantly influence reproductive attitudes and practices with increasing preferences toward family planning because of the use of contraceptives. The current study was conducted to determine the attitudes and knowledge of married women in the Aseer region of Saudi Arabia regarding contraceptives use. Saudi married women from the Aseer region were the participants of this cross-sectional study. The study's objectives were covered via a standardized questionnaire, and the study comprised of 412 married women. A 100 % participant's response was demonstrated, while 31.8 % of the respondents were 31-40 years old. Most of the participants have a great awareness and knowledge about contraceptives, while (n=324; 78.6%) had previously used contraceptives. Additionally, 297 (72.1%) have intention to use contraceptive methods in the future. Majority of the participants (n=297; 91.6%) considered the economic and family planning as a reason for using the contraceptives, while natural family planning was mostly preferred (n=202; 49%). Logistic regression analysis exhibited significant correlation between the age, education, employment, monthly income and children number. The findings show that Saudi married women have high perceptions and knowledge of contraception. However, more effort is required to raise awareness regarding family planning and contraceptives, whereas the policy makers must exclude the obstacles to women from using contraceptives.

Reality of forensic odontology in Saudi Arabia / A realidade da odontologia forense na Arábia Saudita

Saudi Arabia (SA), an oil rich developing country with a population of 31 million people, yet only 33% of whom are Saudis. Wealth, work opportunities and religious status make SA a hub for people from around the world whether it be through legal or illegal routs. As a developing country, SA faces many challenges in regard to mass disasters in light of its underdeveloped infrastructure and the annual Haj (Islamic pilgrimage) that attracts nearly 3 million people in a small area over a short period of time. Moreover, the numbers of unregistered births is high. These factors necessitate the importance of having a strong human identification and age estimation practice. Aim: To assess the reality of Forensic Odontology in Saudi Arabia in regard to: number of personnel and their training, number of forensic odontology cases and the way these cases are referred and documented. Materials and Methods: This project consisted of two parts: Observational study to assess how the system works in regard to forensic odontology cases, how these cases are dealt with and how they are referred. Part two: Cross-sectional survey aimed at all registered Forensic personnel to assess their qualifications, training, level of expertise, expert witness experience and involvement in specialized Forensic Odontology cases, namely: human identification, age estimation and bite mark analysis. Results: Out of 51 participants, only one dentist is registered with some form of Forensic training, 42 have a medical background, 39 of whom received medical Forensic training. Looking at forensic odontology in particular, only 11 out of 51 have had Forensic Odontology training. Participants who don't have any training in Forensic Odontology, yet have worked on cases that required Forensic Odontology training, were 37 on age estimation cases, 27 on bite mark analysis and 36 on human identification cases. There are no designated programs on Forensic Odontology in Saudi Arabia, nor is there a Forensic Odontology entity. There are no clear national guidelines or protocols to personnel when dealing with forensic cases and no detailed forms that documents oral findings. Conclusion: There is no solid Forensic Odontology system in Saudi Arabia that is objective, preserves the integrity of the law and protects human rights. There are many areas that can be improved to achieve that aim and a list of recommendations is presented.

Arábia Saudita, um país desenvolvido e rico em petróleo, com uma população de 31 milhões de habitantes, onde apenas 33% das pessoas são sauditas. Riqueza, oportunidades de trabalho e situação religiosa faz do país um centro de atração para pessoas de todo o mundo, tanto por rotas legais como ilegais. Como um país em desenvolvimento, enfrenta muitos desafios relacionados a desastres em massa em virtude de uma infraestrutura subdesenvolvida e o Haj anual (peregrinação islâmica) que atrai aproximadamente 3 milhões de pessoas em uma pequena área durante um curto período de tempo. Além disso, o número de nascimentos não registrado é alto. Nesse sentido, todos esses fatores reforçam a importância de um sistema de identificação humana e estimativa de idade eficientes. Objetivos: Avaliar a realidade da Odontologia Legal na Arábia Saudita em relação à equipes e treinamento que recebem, número de casos envolvendo a Odontologia Legal e como esses casos são conduzidos e documentados. Material e Métodos: a metodologia consistiu em dois momentos ­ estudo observacional para avaliar como o sistema funciona com relação a casos envolvendo a Odontologia Legal, como esses casos são conduzidos, analisados e referenciados. Em outro momento, um estudo focado em todo o pessoal de área pericial para avaliar sua formação e qualificação profissional, treinamento, experiência e envolvimento com casos de Odontologia Legal envolvendo identificação humana, estimativa de idade e análise de marcas de mordida. Resultados: dos 51 participantes, apenas um cirurgião-dentista está registrado com algum treinamento forense, 42 têm formação médica, dos quais 39 receberam treinamento forense na área médica. Analisando a Odontologia Legal, de maneira particular, somente 11 dos 51 participantes tiveram treinamento em Odontologia Legal. Dos participantes que não tiveram nenhum treinamento em Odontologia Legal, mas trabalharam em casos que necessitavam de tal especialidade, 37 foram casos de estimativa de idade, 27 casos de marcas de mordida e 36 casos de identificação humana. Na Arábia Saudita não há nenhum programa voltado para a Odontologia Legal e nenhuma entidade oficial nessa especialidade. Não há protocolos claros para as equipes forenses quando envolvidas em casos odontolegais, bem como formulários para achados odontológicos. Conclusão: Não há um sistema estruturado em Odontologia Legal na Arábia Saudita que seja objetivo, juridicamente embasado e que proteja os direitos humanos. Há muitas áreas que precisam ser melhoradas a fim de atingir a lista de recomendações apresentada.

Fungal Infections in Aseer Central Hospital: A Retrospective Laboratory-based Study of 340 Cases during the Years 2011 to 2015.

Objectives: The incidence of fungal infections is increasing due to increasing episodes of risk factors such as immune competence; broader used of antibiotics and longer hospital stays. This study aimed to analyze fungal isolates from patients admitted to Aseer Central Hospital between 2011 and 2015 and to shed light on practical recommendations based on scientific evidence for improving laboratory diagnosis. Methods: Retrospectively, for a period of 4 years (2011-2015), we analyzed 340 specimens submitted to the Microbiology Laboratory, at Aseer Central Hospital, Abha, Saudi Arabia. The study involved the isolation and identification of fungi using standard methods. Cultures were done on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) plates and Brain Heart Infusion Agar + 5% Sheep Blood (BHIA) according to the type of the clinical specimens. Suspected mold and yeast cultures were identified on the basis of colony morphology appeared on SDA and on microscopic features as per standard criteria. Resulted were analyzed using SPSS investigating prevalence among specimens types, sex, age groups and hospital wards. Results: Of the 340 specimens, positive fungal cultures were obtained in 105 (30.88%), no growth was seen in 218 plates (64.12%) and 17 plates (5%) had been contaminated or overgrown by bacteria. Out of the 105 positive fungal cultures, yeast represented 47 cases (44.76%) of which 23 samples (21.9%) belonged to the genus Candida. Dermatophytes were 18 isolates (17.14%) of which Trichophyton tonsurans was the dominant species 9 patients (8.57%). Aspergillus species were 13 cases (12.38%); Zygomycetes 9 (8.57%); Penicillium species, only 1 case (0.95%) and unidentified molds were 17 (16.19%). Gender showed significant differences (p=0.034) but no differences among ages groups (p = 0.187). Specimens derived from skin represented the highest percentage of fungal infections followed by the lower respiratory tract and subcutaneous tissue. Significance differences were recorded among hospital wards (p = 0.001) nonetheless male and female medical and surgical words revealed relatively higher rates of fungal infections. Conclusion: These fungi represent a considerable hazard to patient health. What is needed in the region is to increase detection rate, by improving sample quality and expanding laboratory capacity in order to enhance patient's health.