Body mass index and obstetric outcomes in Saudi Arabia: a prospective cohort study

We examined the effect of body mass index in early pregnancy on pregnancy outcome since no study in Saudi Arabia has addressed this question. This prospective cohort study involved women registered for antenatal care during the first month of pregnancy at primary health care centers in Al Hassa, Saudi Arabia. Data was collected from records and by direct interview. The study included 787 women. Compared to normal weight women [n=307], overweight [n=187] and obese [n=226] women were at increased risk for pregnancy-induced hypertension [RR=4.9 [95% CI 1.6-11.1] and 6.1 [95% CI 2.1-17.8], respectively], gestational diabetes [RR=4.4 [95% CI 1.2-16.3] and 8.6 [95% CI 2.6-28.8]], preeclamptic toxemia [RR=3.8 [95% CI 1.1-14.6] and 5.9 [95% CI 1.7-20.4]], urinary tract infections [RR=1.4 [95% CI 0.5-3.9] and 3.7 [95% CI 1.7-6.2]], and cesarean delivery [RR=2.0 [95% CI 1.3-3.0] in obese women]. Neonates born to obese women had an increased risk for postdate pregnancy [RR=3.7 [95% CI 1.2-11.6]], macrosomia [RR=6.8 [95% CI 1.5-30.7]], low 1-minute Apgar score [RR=1.9 [95% CI 1.1-3.6]], and admission to neonatal care units [RR=2.1 [95% CI 1.2-2.7]]. On the other hand, low birth weight was less frequent among obese women [RR=0.5 [95% CI 0.3-0.9]] while the risk was high among underweight women [RR=2.3 [95% CI 1.4-3.8]]. Even with adequate prenatal care, overweight and obesity can adversely affect pregnancy outcomes

Perceived stress among male medical students in Egypt and Saudi Arabia: effect of sociodemographic factors

In Arab countries, epidemiological data about psychological morbidity among medical undergraduate students are scarce. This study sought to determine whether there was a difference in perceived stress levels of male medical students at Mansoura University, Egypt, compared with male medical students at King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia. The sample consisted of 304 male medical students in Egypt and 284 male medical students in Saudi Arabia. The self-reported questionnaire covered four categories, including 15 items, on sources of stress [stressors]. The perceived stress scale and hospital anxiety and depression scale were used to measure stress, anxiety and depression. There was no significant difference between the two groups in number of stressors. However, Egyptian students were more likely to cite relationship, academic and environmental problems than Saudis. The prevalence of high stress was nearly equal in both groups. However, anxiety and depression were significantly higher among Egyptian than Saudi students. A logistic regression analysis of independent predictors of severe stress among both groups combined revealed that a satisfactory family income and university-graduated father were independent protective factors. The independent risk predictors were anxiety and number of stressors. Stress, anxiety and depression are frequent among medical students. Counseling and preventive mental health services should be an integral part of the routine clinical facilities caring for medical students