Prevalent Beliefs and Attitude toward Vitiligo among Public in Al Baha Province, Southern Saudi Arabia

ntroduction: Vitiligo is an apparent skin condition that has a psychological impact on the affected individuals and their families. Its prevalence is estimated to be about (0.5-2%) globally. Misunderstandings, and negative attitudes toward vitiligo patients are the most important factors affecting the quality of life of vitiligo patients. Objective:The objective of this study was to identify the common misconceptions and attitudes about the nature, causes and prognosis of vitiligoin Al-Baha region, Saudi Arabia. Methods:A cross sectional study collected data from the general population in the public malls in Al-Baha region, Saudi Arabia. We used a questionnaire which was developed by the authors, the questionnaire included questions regarding vitiligo cause, nature, prognosis and the attitude toward vitiligo Results:A total of (453) responses were analysed, of which (53%) were females, and (90.9%) were Saudis. Theparticipants’ ages ranged from (16 -64) with a mean of (28.3). The majority of our sample had a high level of education; university (65.1%), High school (26%) and less than high school (6%). Our population believed that gecko and its saliva were the commonest cause (38.1%). Most of the respondents (44.4%) thought that the condition is exaggerated by stress and anxiety. Regarding attitude; (31.5%) are unwilling to marry a vitiligo patient. Conclusion:The results of the present study show that the misconceptions and attitudes toward vitiligo are prevalent. Health awareness campaigns should be implanted to educate the people and improve the quality of life of the affected individuals

Identification, characterization and mapping of honey bee flora of Al-Baha region of Saudi Arabia

Aim: The study aimed to identify and document major honey bee flora, their blooming seasons (floral calendar), density and frequency, beekeeping potential areas, and place radius for the major bee flora of the Al-Baha region.Methodology: To identify the honey bee flora of al-Baha region, 420 quadrates were established in different seasons and ecological zones. Plants as honey bee forages were identified through observation of the foraging of honey bees on the flowers for nectar or/and pollen. The density and frequency of each plant was calculated, density and radius maps for major honey bee plants were made using the Arc-Map. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) was carried out for major honey bee plants using MVSP software. Results: The results showed that more than 550 species of flowering plants were recorded in the study areas, of which 204 plant species belonging to 58 families were identified as honey bee plants. However, only 9 species were found to be an important source of major honeys in the region. The largest number (13%) of honey bee plants was recorded for the family Asteraceae, followed by Lamiaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae and Mimosaceae each with 13 (6.4%), 11 (5.4%), 11 (5.4%) and 10 (4.9%) plants, respectively. Each of the remaining families had 1 to 8 species. Interpretation: The radius maps, as well as the blooming periods of honey bee flora will guide beekeepers to move their colonies during the peak flowering periods

Bionomics of phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in the province of Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia

The bionomics of phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) were studied for two successive years (January 1996-December 1997) at 12 collecting stations representing six sectors of the province of Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia. The predominant species was Phlebotomus bergeroti (41.7 percent), followed by lesser numbers of Phlebotomus sergenti (11 percent), Phlebotomus arabicus (10.6 percent), Sergentomyia tiberiadis (10.5 percent), Phlebotomus papatasi (10.2 percent), Sergentomyia antennata (9.6 percent), Phlebotomus alexandri (3 percent), Phlebotomus orientalis (2.3 percent) and Sergentomyia clydei (1.1 percent). The distribution of the collected species including species that are elsewhere known to act as vectors of human cutaneous leishmaniasis were distributed across different altitudes in Al-Baha. P. bergeroti, P. papatasi and P. arabicus were more abundant indoors; however, P. sergenti was more abundant outdoors. Sand fly populations exhibited three patterns of seasonal abundance in terms of their monthly activity. P. bergeroti, P. sergenti and P. arabicus were found to be naturally infected with Leishmania-like flagellates at an infection rate of 0.2 percent.