Prevalence of sleep deprivation and relation with depressive symptoms among medical residents in King Fahd university hospital, Saudi Arabia

Sleep deprivation is common among medical residents of all specialties. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of sleep deprivation and depressive symptoms among medical residents in King Fahd University Hospital [KFUH] in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, the association between sleep deprivation, sleepiness and depressive symptoms was examined. This cross-sectional study took place between February and April 2012 and involved 171 KFUH medical residents of different specialties. Data were collected using a specifically designed questionnaire eliciting demographic information, working hours and number of hours of sleep. In addition, validated Arabic versions of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory-2 [BDI-2] were used. The prevalence of acute sleep deprivation and chronic sleep deprivation among residents in KFUH was 85.9% and 63.2%, respectively. The prevalence of overall sleepiness was 52%; 43.3% reported being excessively sleepy in certain situations while 8.8% reported being excessively sleepy regardless of the situation. Based on the BDI-2, the prevalence of mild, moderate and severe depressive symptoms was 43.3%, 15.2% and 4.7%, respectively. Significant associations were found between sleep deprivation and depressive symptoms; depressive symptoms and sleepiness, and depressive symptoms and being a female resident. The vast majority of medical residents had acute sleep deprivation, with more than half suffering from chronic sleep deprivation. The number of hours and quality of sleep among the residents were strongly associated with depressive symptoms. New regulations are recommended regarding the number of working hours and night duties for medical residents. Further studies should assess these new regulations on a regular basis

comparative study of perceived stress among female medical and non-medical university students in Dammam, Saudi Arabia

The objective of this study was to investigate any differences between female undergraduate medical and non-medical students for: 1] prevalence and causes of perceived academic stress, and 2] changes in physical, mental, psychological and emotional health as well as life-style since starting college studies. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Dammam University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia, in January 2008. All 319 pre-clinical female medical students were included in the study and 297 non-medical students from the College of Applied Studies and Community Services [CASCS] were selected by stratified random sampling. The study instrument was a questionnaire on the "Influence of Studying on Students' Health". More medical students [48.6%] reported being frequently stressed due to studies than CASCS students [38.7%, P <0.01]. Unsuitable teaching methods, an unsatisfactory study environment, and fear of failure in examinations were more frequently mentioned by medical than non-medical students [P <0.05]. While underlying social problems were significantly more common in medical students, economic problems were more prevalent among CASCS students [P <0.05, P <0.05]. More medical than non-medical students reported a worse status of physical and mental health, anxiety and depression and negative life-style changes since initiation of the college programme. Medical students were at higher risk of physical and mental health problems than non-medical students due to academic stress. Since a substantial proportion of CASCS students also experienced academic stress, we recommend that a student support committee be established for both colleges to provide counselling and guidance in healthy ways to cope with stress

Age at menarche of school girls in Dammam city

The objectives of the study were to determine the age of menarche among school girls in Dammam City and to study some of the factors that influence the age of menarche. The study subjects were girls in primary, intermediate and secondary schools. The total sample size amounted to 748 students. The weight and height for the study group were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using independent sample Student's t-test, analysis of variance and stepwise multiple regression analysis to determine the effect of independent variables on the menarcheal age. The study showed a mean menarcheal age of 12.42 +/- 1.16 years for the entire group. Non-Saudi girls [Arabs] menstruated at 12.18 +/- 1.15 years which was earlier by 0.37 of a year than Saudi girls, who had a mean of 12.55 +/- 1.14 years and the difference was significant [P <0.01]. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed a significant positive relation of birth order and a significant negative relation of weight on the mean age of menarche, but other independent variables have no effect