Knowledge and attitudes of Oman medical specialty board residents towards evidence-based medicine

This study aims to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of Oman Medical Specialty Board [OMSB] residents towards Evidence-Based Medicine [EBM]. This cross sectional study was conducted on all OMSB residents through a self-administered online questionnaire between October 2012 and March 2013. An electronic survey was designed to identify and determine residents' knowledge and attitudes toward the use of EBM. The survey was completed by 93 [21%] OMSB residents, 76 [82%] of whom took part in continuing education courses and 50 [54%] belonged to professional practice-oriented organizations. On average, the residents were reportedly involved in patient care for approximately 70% [Standard Deviation [SD] 17%] of their time, while 14% [SD 12%] participated in research activities. The results showed that 53 respondents [57%] were competent users of medical search engines compared to 23 residents [25%] who rated their skills as neutral. Sixteen percent of the respondents strongly agreed and 46% only agreed that the facility supports the use of current research in practice. Fourteen percent strongly agreed and fifty-three percent only agreed that the foundation of EBM is part of OMSB academic preparation. On the other hand, 17% of the respondents thought that insufficient time is always a barrier against EBM, while another 27% perceived insufficient time as a usual barrier. The lack of information resources was reported to always be a barrier in 11% of the respondents while 32% thought that it usually acts as a barrier. Time constraints and skills in EBM were found to be the two major obstacles. This study was, however, limited by the low response rate of the survey; thus larger studies with a previously validated questionnaire should be conducted in the future

Prevalence and risk factors of diabetic nephropathy in Omani type 2 diabetics in Al-Dakhiliyah region

To assess the prevalence and risk factors of diabetic nephropathy among Omani type 2 diabetics in Al-Dakhiliyah region of the Sultanate of Oman. A cross-sectional and a case control study designs were used to assess the prevalence and risk factors respectively. For the prevalence study a sample of 699 diabetic subjects were selected randomly from two polyclinics in Al-Dakhiliyah region; Sumail and Nizwa polyclinics. For the case control study, a sample consisting of 215 cases and 358 controls were randomly selected from those who were included in the cross-sectional study. A well designed questionnaire has been used to collect data regarding the disease and risk factors. Data was analyzed using SPSS19 statistical program. Total prevalence of diabetic nephropathy was calculated as 42.5% [95% C.I: 38.83% - 46.15%]. The difference in the prevalence in the two polyclinic catchment area was not significant. The prevalence was significantly higher among males [51.6%] compared to females [36.5%]. Crude analysis of the risk factors showed significant association between diabetic nephropathy and the following factors; male gender, decreased literacy, long duration of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, retinopathy, neuropathy, family history of diabetic nephropathy, poor glycemic control [high HbA1c], and hypertriglyceridemia. Multivariate analysis showed the following factors to be independent risk factors; male gender, decreased literacy, long duration of diabetes, family history of diabetic nephropathy and poor glycaemic control [high HbA1c]. The prevalence of diabetic nephropathy in this study was 42.5% and the significant risk factors associated with it included male gender, decreased literacy, long duration of diabetes, family history of diabetic nephropathy and poor glycemic control [high HbA1c]