Perception and knowledge of breast feeding among females in Saudi Arabia

As stated by the WHO, exclusive breastfeeding is unequalled for healthy growth and development in young infants. In this study, we attempted to address the attitude of females in Saudi population toward awareness and knowledge of breastfeeding. An observational cross-sectional survey enrolled participants who were interviewed in shopping centers in the city of Riyadh. The survey addressed socio-demographic data and attitude of eligible females toward breastfeeding, exploring the benefits and reasons limiting breastfeeding practice among the population. A total of 332 females were enrolled. Most of the interviewed participants were Saudi, married, and had more than one child. Eighty six percent of interviewed participants believed that the best way to start feeding the newborn is solely breastfeeding. Forty one percent attended breast feeding health education. Availability of formula milks, limited availability, duration of maternity leave and lack of awareness were factors believed to limit breast-feeding. Females in Saudi Arabia are well aware that breast feeding is the best start for the newborn. Practical steps such as intensive education, support at postnatal period and longer maternity leave are required to improve rates of exclusive breast feeding in the country

Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Saudi newborns at a tertiary care center

To evaluate vitamin D levels in Saudi newborns utilizing umbilical cord samples, and to benchmark the results with international figures. This cross-sectional study was carried out at King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between November 2013 and March 2013. Vitamin D levels were assessed in the umbilical cord of healthy term neonates born above 2.5 kg from healthy pregnant mothers. Gestational age [GA], birth weight, gender, levels of sun exposure, and consumption of vitamin D rich food data were collected. Our primary outcome was the percentage of newborns with vitamin D deficiency [vitamin D level below 25 nmol/l]. Association of vitamin D deficiency with sun exposure and consumption of vitamin D rich food was tested using a Chi-squared test. Umbilical samples of 200 newborns were obtained. The average birth weight was 3.2 kg. Deficient vitamin D levels were detected in 59% of the sample. Almost 90% of included newborns had vitamin D levels below 50 nmol/l. We found no association of vitamin D deficiency status to level of sun exposure or to consumption of vitamin D rich food. Vitamin D deficiency is very common in Saudi newborns at hospital, and is consistent with regional data. Efforts to assess and treat vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy and provide adequate supplementation to newborns are necessary to rectify such a public health concern

Incidence of late onset neonatal sepsis in very low birth weight infants in a tertiary hospital: an ongoing challenge

Late onset neonatal septicaemia [LONS] is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in very low birth weight [VLBW] infants. The main objective of this study was to investigate the rate of LONS in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit [NICU] of King Khalid University Hospital [KKUH] in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia over a three year period and compare it to international standards. To determine the incidence of LONS, a retrospective study was undertaken and premature infants with a birth weight less than 1250 g were included, giving a total of 273 infants. Their bacterial profile and the antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates were investigated, and the changes in trends over the study period studied. 91.5% of included infants [217/237] had 1 or more blood cultures obtained beyond the second day of life. 41% [98/237] of included infants had at least one episode of proven sepsis. The majority [71.4%] of first episode sepsis was caused by Gram-positive organisms. Coagulase negative Staphylococcus accounted for around 80% of all Gram-positive infections. Gram-negative pathogens accounted for 24.5% of the late onset infections while fungal organisms were responsible for 4%. The rate of LONS was high and exceeded internationally reported rates in our tertiary care NICU. Gram-positive organisms continue to be major causative isolates. High priority should be placed on preventative steps to control nosocomial sepsis