Knowledge and attitude of the population toward cancer prostate Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The aim of the following study is to assess the knowledge and attitude of men, in our region, regarding cancer prostate and its screening practices. The field work was conducted in Riyadh City, during the period February through July 2011. It was a population - based cross-sectional study comprising 400 men over 40 years. In addition to socio-demographic data, history of the present and past medical illness, history of prostatic diseases and examination, family history of cancer prostate; participants were inquired about their knowledge and attitude toward prostate cancer [PC] and screening behavior using through two different Likert scales. Only 10% of the respondents had practiced a regular PC examination checkup. Their knowledge about PC was poor and their attitude toward examination and screening was fair, where the mean of total correct knowledge score was 10.25 +/- 2.5 [51.25%], while the mean of total attitude score was 18.3 +/- 4.08 [65.3%]. The respondents identified the physicians as the main sources of this information [62.4%], though they were not the main motives for a regular checkup. Knowledge represented the only significant predictor for participants' attitude. Beliefs and attitudes have a great impact, at every stage of the cancer continuum, this attitudes depends mainly on level of knowledge and quantity of information provided to patients and their families. Such attitudes should rely on a solid background of proper information and motivation from physicians to enhance and empower attitudes toward PC screening behavior

Assessment of lower urinary tract symptoms in Saudi men using the international prostate symptoms score

Benign prostatic hyperplasia-related lower urinary tract symptoms [LUTS] are common among older men, the incidence and prevalence are increasing rapidly, and they are associated with diminished health-related quality-of-life [QOL]. The aim was to describe the prevalence of LUTS in Saudi population and its relation to some other parameters. Saudi men over the age of 40 were invited to participate in the study; in Riyadh city from August 2012 through March 2013. All participants were assessed for the serum level of prostate-specific antigen [PSA] and digital rectal examination. Participants were given a linguistically validated Arabic version of the International Prostate Symptom Score [IPSS]. Demographic and other medical comorbidities were assessed. Based on the IPSS, a subdivision of men into three symptoms classes has been proposed, resulting in groups with mild [1265, 58.3%], moderate [505, 27.3%], and severe symptoms [81, 4.4%] and the prevalence of moderate to severe was 31.7%. There was a weak, but significant correlation between the total IPSS and age, total prostate volume, and PSA. Severity of symptoms is increasing with increased age. Multiple regression analysis reported that prostate volume and all individual items of IPSS except straining were significant predictors of QOL and patient satisfaction, where frequency and incomplete emptying had the heaviest impact on patient's QOL. LUTS were common among men in Saudi population over 40, the prevalence increases with age and most of them were unpleased because of their urinary symptoms, poor QOL was mainly determined by individual symptoms; mainly frequency and incomplete emptying

Association of physicians' knowledge and behavior with prostate cancer counseling and screening in Saudi Arabia

To investigate the knowledge, attitudes and practices of primary care physicians towards prostate cancer counseling and screening. This cross sectional study was conducted in May 2009 to October 2009 through a survey questionnaire, which was distributed to all licensed primary care physicians in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The study took place in the Princess Al-Johara Al-Ibrahim Center for Cancer Research, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia. Data was obtained from 204 primary care physicians using self-reports of prostate cancer screening practices, knowledge, attitudes towards prostate cancer screening, and continuous medical education preferences. Respondents' characteristics were also collected. Approximately 54.7% of the respondents were practicing counseling and referring prostate cancer patients. The mean correct knowledge score was 54.3%, their attitude was not strong; the only statement that approximately 70% of physicians agreed upon was about the value of screening, however, the reliability and evidence to support digital rectal examination and prostatic specific antigen were in question. Our primary care physicians had self-confidence in suspecting and referring high-risk patients for screening, but not for management and treatment. Knowledge and attitude were found to be the most significant predictors that determine physicians' self practice. Physicians' practice towards a screening procedures or early detection of diseases should rely on a good background of information, which in turn enhances their self-efficacy and develops a good and positive attitude towards their practice skills

Nosocomial blood stream infection in the neonatal ICU in Abha general Hospital, KSA: incidence and determinants

To determine the incidence and micro-organisms responsible for neonatal nosocomial infection and to identify the most relevant risk factors for sepsis. All neonates admitted to the Intensive care unit [ICU] during the period of one year study, between April 2002 and March 2003, were included in the study. They were followed up until discharge or death. Only infections developing after 48 hours from admission to the unit were recorded. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify which factors were independently associated with blood stream infections. The incidence of nosocomial bloodstream infections [NBSI] was 9.1%. The major organisms were Enterobacter [39.3%] coagulase-ve staphylococci [CONS] [32.1%], while Klebseilla and E. coli constituted 17.9% and 10.7% respectively. The associated mortality from infection represented 25.8% of all deaths. The following factors were associated with sepsis: prematurity, prolonged stay in the unit, presence of intravascular catheter, and mechanical ventilation. The recognition of risk factors for nosocomial infections and responsible organisms is an important tool for identification and development of intervention to minimize the risks in NICU

Predictors of neonatal mortality in the intensive care unit in Abha, Saudi Arabia

Based on 11 months of prospective surveillance in the neonatal intensive care unit [NICU] of Abha General Hospital, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, The association of neonatal morbidity and mortality with different risk factors were studied for prediction of different factors of mortality. All neonates admitted to the ICU during the period of study; April 2002 through to February 2003 were included. They were followed until discharge or death. Of the 277 infants admitted, 62 died [22.4%]. The 3 common illnesses were prematurity with respiratory problems [31%], respiratory distress syndrome [27%] and perinatal asphyxia [7.6%]. Sixty one% of deaths occurred within the first 3 days, while only 3.2% died after the first month. Fifty-five% of admission were premature; the percent of mortality among them was 35%. Those who were delivered before 30 week constituted 13% with a very high case fatality rate, 86%. Multivariate analysis revealed that gestational age, severity of illness, Apgar score <7 at 5 minutes [asphyxia] and mechanical ventilation were the most important predictors of mortality. Mortality in the NICU is high, these results suggest more effort is needed to identify and reduce risk factors associated with neonatal mortality with special emphasis on prematurity, and to evaluate medical care provided in NICU