Parental smoking and the risk of respiratory symptoms among school boys in Al-Khobar City, Saudi Arabia

The objective of this study was to measure the prevalence of parental smoking and its association with respiratory symptoms among 6-15 years old school boys in Al-Khobar city, Saudi Arabia. This is a cross-sectional study. The methodology included the distribution of a self-administered questionnaire, which was filled by the parents of 1482 school boys who satisfied the selection criteria of the study. The overall rate of smoking among parents of this sample was 18.2% [32% among fathers and 4% for mothers]. There was an increased risk between parental smoking and respiratory symptoms among asthmatic and non- asthmatic children. The magnitude of this risk was variable for different respiratory symptoms. Smoking rate among parents of asthmatic children was significantly higher than in those with normal children although the logistic regression model showed paternal smoking to be significantly associated with bronchial asthma in their children. Conclusions: There is an increased risk of respiratory symptoms among asthmatic and non- asthmatic children because of parental smoking. The smoking rate and trend among fathers and mothers were comparable to those reported earlier indicating an on-going problem. School children with smoking parent[s] may better be screened for bronchial asthma. Management of children presenting with respiratory symptoms should include inquiry about exposure to passive smoking. Tobacco smoking should be considered a public health problem with serious implications and its import should be banned

Knowledge and smoking pattern among adults attending primary health centers in Al-Khobar city, Saudi Arabia

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to identify the prevalence, knowledge and practice of smoking among adult [> 15 years] primary health care [PHC] centres attendants in Al-khobar City. A total of 445 attendants were selected randomly and interviewed using a questionnaire designed for this purpose. Overall prevalence rate of smoking was 21.8% [34.4% in males and 6.3% in females].Combination of more than one form of smoking, heavily and for long duration was the prevailing trend of smoking. Knowledge concerning aspects of smoking investigated was generally satisfactory with minor variations among groups of smokers, non-smokers and ex-smokers. Presence of chronic diseases among smokers and non-smokers was also investigated. Based on the results of this study, appropriate and practical recommendations were stressed

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