RESUMO
Background: antibiotic misuse is a common problem around the world with special regard to developing countries. It could result in increased rate of infections and admission to hospitals, high treatment costs as well as increased mortality rates
Aim of the work: this study aimed to assess the general knowledge of community population in Saudi Arabia [KSA] regarding the adverse effects of antibiotics overuse
Patients and methods: this was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted among 1700 Saudi adults from the period of February to June 2017. Respondents were interviewed and filled out a questionnaire that consisted of 3 parts the: first parts considered their demographics, the other parts regard the use of antibiotics and knowledge about their adverse effects
Results: the pattern of antibiotic use showed that 76.8% have recently used antibiotics. The major source of antibiotic use was pharmacist [46.5%] followed by physician [23.9%]. About 71.7% used antibiotics for cold and cough and 61.8% used antibiotics for viral diseases. The level of knowledge toward excessive use of antibiotics was in adequate among 61% of respondents and was good among 39% of them. A significant correlation was detected between young age and good knowledge
Conclusion: there was a lack in the public knowledge regarding the adverse effects of antibiotic overuse among Saudi subjects. Educational programs may be performed to fill up the awareness gaps and enhance the knowledge thus decreasing the costs paid by health authorities to manage the adverse effects of antibiotics overuse
RESUMO
Background: overweight and obesity are well known risk factors for high morbidity and mortality rates and are associated with chronic diseases including hypertension and diabetes
Objectives: evaluating the prevalence of hypertension [HTN] and diabetes mellitus type II [DMT2] in overweight and obese adult Saudi population
Methods: a cross sectional community based study was undertaken among 549 of overweight and obese Saudi subjects in Riyadh region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [KSA].All enrolled volunteers were subjected to the following clinical history taking, calculating BMI, diagnosis of HTN and measurement blood pressure
Results: the age of the subjects was 20-35 years old in 23.9%, 48.2% were 36-50 years old and 27.9% were older than 50 years old. About 55%of respondents were females and 45% were males. 60.8% of subjects were overweight and 39.2% were obese. The HTN and DM prevalence were found to be significantly higher among obese subjects than overweight group
Conclusion: the results indicated that obese subjects were at increased risk of hypertension and diabetes. Also, obese females were more susceptible to DM and HTN than men