RESUMO
The incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM] is growing rapidly in the Saudi population. The purpose of this study was to assess the constructs of the health belief model [HBM] as they relate to T2DM lifestyle and prevention behaviours among adolescents. A cross-sectional study was conducted between May and October 2013 among 426 non-diabetic secondary school students from randomly selected schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. An Arabic version of an adapted English language questionnaire was used to assess knowledge and attitudes related to the severity and prevention of T2DM. A preventative behaviour assessment was also conducted to assess physical activity and dietary habits. The majority of the students [63.4%] had at least one diabetic family member. Obesity was more frequent in males compared to females [P = 0.013]. Awareness about the importance of maintaining a healthy body weight to prevent T2DM was lower in males than females [P = 0.037], although males engaged in routine exercise more often [P = 0.001]. Males were less likely than females to recognise the risks for T2DM, including obesity [P = 0.030], heredity [P = 0.013] and high fat intake [P = 0.001]. An alarmingly high number of Saudi students were unaware of T2DM severity and associated risk factors. Female students were more aware of the benefits of T2DM preventative lifestyle behaviours than males, although males engaged in routine exercise more often. Raising adolescents' awareness about the primary prevention strategies for T2DM should be a public health priority in Saudi Arabia. The HBM could inform further research on diabetes prevention among Saudi adolescents
RESUMO
To determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus [HEV] infection among pregnant women and to identify the risk factors of contracting the disease among this group in the city of Aden, Yemen. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 125 pregnant women attended different primary health care units in Aden City. Serum was obtained and tested for seropositivity of anti-HEV IgG using ELISA test. Nineteen pregnant women [15.2%] of the total 125 were identified with seropositive HEV IgG. Most of the sociodemographic characteristics such as age, education were found statistically not significant with the rate of past infection of HEV. The rate of HEV seropositivity was seen higher among women at age group >/= 40 years old. Seropositive HEV rate was found associated with the use of unsafe water or not use of waste disposal system with statistical significant difference [p< 0.001]. Substantial changes are needed to achieve the control of HEV infection in Yemen. Priority should be given to improving water quality, sanitation coverage, food hygiene and public health awareness of the risk of contracting infection. If early preventive measures were taken, the maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity due to HEV infection will decrease.