Prevalence of hypertension in south-western Saudi Arabia

Prevalence of hypertension was surveyed in south-western Saudi Arabia. Hypertension was ascertained by measuring blood pressure under standard conditions and by interview for positive history. The overall prevalence was 11.1%, and the age-adjusted prevalence was 10.6% in men and 11.4% in women. Prevalence increased significantly by age. Among previously known cases, 76% were receiving treatment, but only 20% were found controlled. It is concluded that hypertension affects a sizeable proportion of Saudi communities. Further efforts are needed to improve control of the disease

study of maternal and child health care services in private sector in urban Asir region

The differences in the maternal and child health care services offered by government and private sector in Abha and Khamis Mushayt cities in Asir Region of Saudi Arabia were compared. Self administered questionnaires and observation sheet were used for the study. It was found that the government clinics were more involved in the running of under 5 clinics and giving health education to patients. The private clinics took more care of women general health care but lacked the continuous domiciliary visit to pregnant women. The catchment area which served the government PHCCs made accessibility to service easier to government patients and this was thought to be the reason why government patients kept regular appointments. On the other hand, private patients who have the freedom to choose where they get service have been found to be irregular in keeping clinic appointment. It was suggested that there should be geographical spread in the location of private clinics to facilitate accessibility and that the health education and under 5 clinics should be well incorporated into the services offered by private clinics

Road traffic accidents in Asir region, Saudi Arabia: Pattern and prevention

This study aimed at identifying the pattern and magnitude of road traffic accidents in Asir Region-the southwestern region of Saudi Arabia. Data were obtained from Asir Region main traffic office. The records of road traffic accidents for 3 years, 1989-1991, were reviewed. The pattern of accidents in Asir in the last year [1991] was compared with those in the different regions of the kingdom in the same year. Data were presented and analysed using statistical tests such as X[2] and confidence intervals. In all, 2867 road traffic accidents were recorded in the study period involving 4000 vehicles. The individuals involved were 7759 persons of whom 61.7% were injured, 11.3% died and 26.5% sustained no injury. The accident severity rates in Asir Region were generally higher than those in other regions of the kingdom. and recommendation: This study revealed that road traffic accidents are an important problem in Asir Region. This was confirmed by the high accident fatality and injury rates. Several factors such as speeding and the age of drivers were considered as contributing variables for those high rates. Although the traffic records cover many points they missed some important items such as use of seat belts and the educational level of drivers. Based on the results some recommendations were made to minimize the occurrence and consequences of road traffic accidents

Continuing medical education in primary health care in Saudi Arabia: an epidemiologic study of physicians' needs in the Asir region

A cross sectional survey was carried out among doctors working in all the 238 Primary Health Care Centers in the Asir Region, Southwestern Saudi Arabia using self administered questionnaire. The response rate was 90.1%. The highly needed aspects of clinical practice include emergency skills [82.3%], diagnostic skills [74.4%] and management of common diseases [65.2%]. Aspects that rated low include physical examination techniques, prescription skills, history taking and referral. Areas in medicine that rated high on the doctors' list of needs include critical [60.7%], obstetrics and gynecology [52.7%] and family and community medicine [52.8%]. The most highly preferred means of fulfilling these needs include clinical rounds [73.2%], consultation with specialists [69.8%] and regular lectures [62.5%]. The objective of establishing baseline data which are essential for future continuing medical education [CME] planning in the Asir region was achieved in this study. Based on the doctors needs, it was recommended that regional CME units be established and related organizations and institutions that will jointly plan a program of CME be identified