Résumé
Professional multi-partners females have relatively high numbers of sexual partners. The prevalence of HIV among multi-partners is high. Illegal multi-partners females probably have the same high risk. To describe baseline indicators of condom use during sexual intercourse among a religiously prohibited, and socially non accepted population which is represented by illegal multipartners females. From Oct 2010 to Dec 2010, we collected data on condom use and sexual habits of 102 illegal multi-partners females, in two cities [Khartoum and Kasala]. Because it is religiously prohibited, and is a social stigma in an Islamic community, access to multi-partners females for research purpose is very difficult in Sudan. Nevertheless, women were recruited as they were seeking care in STIs at dermatology and STIs public clinics in Khartoum and Kassala The median age of female multi-partners was 36 years [range 21-56]. The reported median number of clients was 80 per month [range 4-200 clients]. Vaginal intercourse was most common [98%] and anal intercourse was infrequent [10%]. Of 102 participants, 97 [95%] reported no use of condom with their clients, whereas five women [4.9%] reported irregular use of condom. Of 102 participants only four [3.92%] are ported being tested for HIV infection. Of 102 participants 61/102 [60%] did not have condoms during sexual intercourse, whereas 20 [19.61%] reported resistance of the partners, 15% although they knew the benefit if using condoms, but partners pay more if not use and 5% were indifferent if use or not. Our results confirm that illegal multi-partners females may be at increased risk for HIV infection and so their clients will also be at high risk of contracting HIV. Beside being religiously and legally prohibited and socially unacceptable, this unsafe practice can create a serious health problem
Résumé
The epidemiological characteristics of stroke at different geographical locations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [KSA] have not been fully investigated. Reports from some areas indicate that stroke is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in the population. The present study was carried out to determine the clinical profile of stroke, its subtypes and associated risk factors in Gizan Province, KSA. Data on consecutive patients with stroke admitted to King Fahd Central Hospital, Gizan, KSA over a 2-year period from January 1997 to December 1998, were retrospectively analyzed. Diagnosis was confirmed by computerized tomography of the brain. Etiologic and risk factors were identified by relevant clinical, laboratory and imaging investigations. Two hundred and forty-one patients [146 males and 95 females; mean age 64.5] were hospitalized during the study period. The subtypes of stroke comprised cerebral infarction [65.6%]; intracerebral hemorrhage [30.7%] and sub-arachnoid hemorrhage [3.7%]. Coma and convulsions were more frequent among patients with hemorrhagic strokes compared to the subgroup with cerebral infarction. Major risk factors included hypertension [45.6%], heart diseases with or without atrial fibrillation [31.1%] and diabetes mellitus [22.8%]. In 19 [7.9%] patients, no risk factor was found. In-hospital mortality occurred in 20.3% [49 of 241 patients], with no significant difference in the rates in the different subtypes. The crude incidence [estimated as 15.9 per 100, 000] in Gizan, KSA, a largely rural area is lower than the reported rates in urban areas of KSA. However, intracerebral hemorrhage had a higher relative frequency, suggesting a geographic variation in the subtypes at different areas. The establishment of rehabilitation centers in the province will reduce the heavy burden on health services and relatives. The incidence and prevalence of stroke must be reduced by appropriate strategy with the objectives of preventing or modifying risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus and smoking. A national stroke registry should be strengthened to provide further information on the epidemiology of stroke in KSA