ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Postnatal Depression (PND) is a major health problem. It has a serious impact on the mother, her child and family. Studies have shown wide diversity of its prevalence across different cultures. Its epidemiology and its associated risk factors in Oman remain unknown. The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of PND in the Al-Dakhliya governorate and to identify the risk factors contributing to the development of PND. METHODS: A total of 282 Omani women who gave birth in September 2010 were part of a prospective study conducted in Al-Dakhliya governorate. An Arabic version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to assess the PND symptoms. Negative binomial regression model was used to identify the independent predictors of outcome (EPDS scores at two and eight weeks post-delivery) due to the non-normal distribution of the EPDS scores. RESULTS: The study results showed that at two weeks, 13.5% of mothers and 10.6% at eight weeks had EPDS scores of 13. Bahla district was found to have the highest number of depression scores among the other six districts in the governorate. It was found that mothers less than 25 years of age were more likely to report high EPDS scores. The independent predictor was work difficulties both at two and eight weeks postpartum (p=0.001 and p=0.019, respectively). At two weeks postpartum, significant association was also found between depression scores and conflict with a family member (p=0.017), and sickness of a family member (p=0.010). There was no significant association between EPDS scores and socio-demographic, obstetric or other clinical factors. CONCLUSION: This study is among the few studies looking at PND in the Middle East and shows on average 12% of Omani women are at a high risk of developing PND (EPDS scores of ≥13). Although the study findings were based on an unvalidated version of EPDS for Omani women, they can be used as a basis for further research.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to understand why people seek medical advice abroad given the trouble and expense this entails. The types of medical problems for which treatment abroad was sought, preferred destinations and satisfaction with the treatment were explored. A secondary aim was to give feedback to stakeholders in the health care system on how to handle this issue and meet the needs of the community. METHODS: 45 patients who had recently travelled abroad for treatment were asked to complete a questionnaire or were interviewed by telephone. RESULTS: 40 questionnaires were received. 68% of the respondents were male. Orthopaedic diseases were the most common conditions leading patients to seek treatment abroad. Thailand was the most popular destination followed by India (50% and 30% respectively). 85% of respondents went abroad for treatment only, 10% for treatment and tourism and 2.5% were healthy, but travelled abroad for a checkup. Interestingly, 15% of the participants went abroad without first seeking medical care locally. Out of those initially treated in Oman, 38.2% had no specific diagnosis and 38.2% had received treatment, but it was not effective. 73% of respondents obtained information on treatment abroad from a friend. The Internet and medical tourism offices were the least used sources of information. 15% of the patients experienced complications after their treatment abroad. CONCLUSION: Various facts about medical treatment abroad need to be disseminated to the public. This will necessitate greater effort in public health promotion and education.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: A community based survey for Trachomatous Trichiasis (TT) was conducted in the high (TT >5% in 1997) and meso endemic areas (TT 1% to 5% in 1997) of Oman during 2008-09. METHODS: Investigators examined Omanis 40 age years and older from randomly selected villages. Eyes were examined for TT and vision. The medical history of surgery and advice given for TT surgery were recorded. The TT cases that were unadvised by health staff were defined as un-approached cases. Cluster adjusted prevalence of TT and risk of TT by gender were estimated. RESULT: We examined 4,951 of 5,268 persons in high-endemic areas and 965 of 993 (97.2%) persons in meso-endemic areas. The cluster adjusted prevalence of TT in the high and meso endemic areas were 7.54% (95% Confidence Interval [CI] 6.78-8.30) and 1.69% (95% CI 0.88-2.50) respectively. There were 5 TT patients in high endemic areas and none in meso-endemic areas who were not approached or managed in the past. The prevalence of TT across all ages was less than 1 per 1,000 of the population in all wilayats of Oman. Females had a significantly higher risk of cluster adjusted TT compared to males (Odds Ratio = 1.87 [95% CI 1.85-1.89]). The prevalence of blindness was 0.5% among TT cases in high endemic areas. CONCLUSION: Oman seems to have reached the Ultimate Intervention Goals (UIGs) of the "S" (Surgery) component in 2008 in high and meso-endemic areas. The efforts of existing eye services could be better evaluated if un-approached TT cases are used to calculate the TT prevalence. Oman needs to focus more on females with TT to reach the UIGs.
