Knowledge and attitudes towards cardiopulmonary resuscitation among university students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

To assess the knowledge and attitudes towards cardiopulmonary resuscitation [CPR] among the students of King Saud University. This study was a cross-sectional survey among King Saud University students, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which took place on December 17-20, 2006. The data was collected via self-administered questionnaires prepared in Arabic. The questionnaires were distributed to all 15 colleges of the University. Out of a study sample of 2250 students, 31% did not have prior CPR information. Of those with previous knowledge, 85% feel that it is inadequate. The most common sources of information were television and movies. The 12.7% of individuals encountered a situation that required the use of CPR. However, only 14% of them performed it. This was mostly due to lack of knowledge [48.2%]. Eighty eight percent of students would like to learn how to perform CPR. Out of all King Saud University students, 45% believe that CPR training should be a graduation requirement. It was found that the overall attitude towards CPR was positive. However, the knowledge on the topic was insufficient. Thus, more focus should be placed on the improvement of CPR skills. In addition, more studies are needed to assess knowledge and attitudes towards CPR in the community

Erectile dysfunction among diabetic patients in Saudi Arabia: a [19] hospital-based primary care study

The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of erectile dysfunction in men with diabetes mellitus attending a primary care clinic in King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A cross sectional study was carried out on men with diabetes mellitus followed in a primary care clinic of King Khalid University Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 13 November 2005 to 13 June 2006. A total of 186 diabetic patients were interviewed. Data collection forms were completed by a member of the medical staff, a family medicine consultant, during the consultation of diabetic patients in the primary care clinic. Erectile dysfunction was categorized as absent erectile dysfunction [normal function], partial erectile dysfunction, and complete erectile dysfunction. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package of Social Science [SPSS] version 11.5. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 186 men with diabetes mellitus were interviewed during the study period. The majority of diabetic patients [95%] had type 2 diabetes. Most of the patients [68.8%] were on oral hypoglycemic agents, 24.7% on insulin injection, and 6.5% on diet only. The present study showed that 11.2% of the diabetic patients were suffering from complete and severe erectile dysfunction, while 64% of the patients complained of partial erectile dysfunction which was affecting their marital relationship. The cardiovascular risk factors in the 186 diabetic patients were hypertension 34.9%, smoking 13.4%, obesity 40%, and dyslipidemia 16.6%. Complete [severe] and partial erectile dysfunction was quite common among adult diabetic patients in a hospital-based primary care setting in Saudi Arabia. It is important for primary care physicians to diagnose erectile dysfunction in diabetic patients, and to counsel them early, as most patients are hesitant to discuss their concern during a consultation. Further studies are recommended to evaluate the effect of other risk factors on erectile dysfunction in diabetic patients

Obesity among diabetes patients in a primary health care center

To estimate the percentage of diabetic patients who are obese in a primary health care center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A retrospective review of the medical records of 338 adult diabetic patients attending the mini clinic in a primary health center in Riyadh, over an 18 month period, from January 1998-June 1999. Only 20% of the patients were their ideal weight [BMI < 25 kg/m[2]], while 32% were overweight [BMI 25 - 29.9 kg/m[2]]. Thirty three percent were moderately obese [BMI 30 - 40kg/m[2]] and 1.5% were morbidly obese [BMI > 40 kg/m[2]]. Planning an organized program to decrease obesity among diabetic patients will be an important aspect of the multidisciplinary team caring for diabetic patients, and to prevent obesity related problems