arabic version of childhood health assessment questionaire modified for arabic children

To determine the feasibility, reliability and validity of the childhood health assessment questionnaire - modified for Arab children [CHAQ- MAC]. One hundred and eighteen modified questionnaires were completed by 75 juvenile rheumatoid arthritis [JRA] patients and their parents attending the Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia over an 18 month period [January 1996 to May 1997]. The modified questionnaire was self-administered by 82% of the parents. The median time to complete the questionnaire was 10 minutes. The main difficulty in comprehension was discomfort dimension [visual analogue scale [VAS] and morning stiffness]. Test retest reliability was good [r=0.79]. Validity of the CHAQ-MAC was confirmed by the strong correlation between disability index and VAS score [r=0.58]. Functional activities that caused the most difficulties were cross sitting, assuming the prayer position, and using the Arabic style toilet. The modified CHAQ is a suitable assessment tool for Arab children suffering from JRA

Mouth and genital ulcerations in the community

To estimate the prevalence of mouth and genital ulceration in the community and its relationship to rheumatic diseases. A house to house survey was carried out over a period of 18 months extending from September 1993 to February 1995, on 5,894 individuals utilizing detailed questionnaires on symptoms of musculoskeletal diseases and associated symptoms including history of mouth, genital ulcers, eye symptoms, and skin changes. After the initial phase, a 2nd phase was completed by trained nurses and paramedical staff, the purpose of which was to explore in detail, the history of those responding positively to any of the questions in phase one. The 3rd stage was conducted by general practitioners and rheumatologist to interview and examine those identified in phase 2 at King Fahad Hospital, Buraidah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We identified 7 [0.1%] cases of genital ulceration, 43 [0.7%] cases of mouth ulceration, 263 [4.5%] cases of reddish eye or blurred vision, and 124 [2.1%] cases of skin rashes. Only 2 cases had both mouth and genital ulceration in addition to eye disease, skin rash and musculoskeletal pain. There was significant correlation between mouth ulcers and skin rash, eye symptoms, genital ulcerations, male sex, single status, weight loss and backpain. The vast majority of mouth and genital ulcers are not associated with a known rheumatic disease

Mosculoskeletal pain in the community

To estimate the prevalence of musculoskeletal [MSK] pain in Al-Qaseem province in central Saudi Arabia. Over a period of 18 months extending from September 1993 through to the end of February 1995, a house-to-house survey was conducted in Al-Qaseem province and included 5,894 adults asking regarding musculoskeletal pain. We obtained a response from 5,823 [98.8%], 2,667 [45.8%] men, and 3,156 [54.2%] women. The mean age was 34.14 +/= 15.16 years. Musculoskeletal pain was reported by 1,477 [25.4%], 762 [13.1%] men and 715 [12.3%] women. Musculoskeletal pain was significantly correlated with age [r =0.454], married status [r=0.238], unemployment [r=0.122], lower educational attainment [r=0.347], frequent attendance at local doctor [r=0.703], consumption of medications for pain [r =0.551], and change in ability to work [r=0.492]. We found no association with sex or body mass index. Musculoskeletal pain, although common in the community, is less prevalent than reported from Western countries, but has similar socio-medical consequences