Air quality and seasonal variations in consultations for respiratory, allergic, dermatological and gastrointestinal diseases in Bahrain, 2007.

Environmental health data in Bahrain are scarce. This study in 4 governorates of Bahrain aimed to establish baseline data on the seasonal prevalence of certain disease groups that are sensitive to climate (respiratory, allergic, dermatological and non-specific gastrointestinal diseases) over a 1-year period and to record local climate and air pollutant data for the same year. A 5% sample of medical records for those who attended primary health-care centres during 2007 was taken. Visit rates for all 4 diseases had peaks, in spring and in autumn, with the lowest rates in the summer season when the average temperatures were highest and average humidity was lower. Respiratory-related visits were highest when the air concentrations of SO2 were highest. An ongoing surveillance system for climate-sensitive diseases should be initiated to monitor and relate health and environmental trends.

Air quality and seasonal variations in consultations for respiratory, allergic, dermatological and gastrointestinal diseases in Bahrain, 2007

إن البيانات حول الصحة البيئية شحيحة في البحرين. وقد أجرى الباحثان هذه الدراسة في 4 محافظات في البحرين بهدف توطيد بيانات خط الأساس حول معدل الانتشار الفصلي لبعض مجموعات الأمراض ذات الحساسية الفصلية [أمراض تنفسية، وأليرجية، وجلدية، وأمراض هضمية غير نوعية]، وذلك على مدى سنة كاملة، مع تسجيل البيانات حول المناخ المحلي وملوثات الهواء في السنة ذاتها. وقد أخذت عينة مقدارها 5% من السجلات الطبية لمن حصر إلى مراكز الرعاية الصحية الأولية خال عام 2007 . وقد اتضح أن الزيارات للأمراض الأربعة تبلغ ذروتها في فصلي الربيع وفي الخريف وتصل إلى حضيضها في فصل الصيف عندما تبلغ درجات الحرارة ذروتها وتكون الرطوبة أقل. وقد كانت الزيارات ذات الصلة بالأمراض التنفسية في ذروتها عندما بلغ تركيز ثنائي أكسيد الكبريتSO[2]، ذروته، مما يدل على وجوب إنشاء نظام ترصد مستمر للأمراض الحساسة للمناخ لرصد الاتجاهات البيئية والصحية ذات الصلة بها

ABSTRACT Environmental health data in Bahrain are scarce. This study in 4 governorates of Bahrain aimed to establish baseline data on the seasonal prevalence of certain disease groups that are sensitive to climate (respiratory, allergic, dermatological and non-specific gastrointestinal diseases) over a 1-year period and to record local climate and air pollutant data for the same year. A 5% sample of medical records for those who attended primary health-care centres during 2007 was taken. Visit rates for all 4 diseases had peaks, in spring and in autumn, with the lowest rates in the summer season when the average temperatures were highest and average humidity was lower. Respiratory-related visits were highest when the air concentrations of SO2 were highest. An ongoing surveillance system for climate-sensitive diseases should be initiated to monitor and relate health and environmental trends.

RÉSUMÉ Les données sur la salubrité de l'environnement sont rares à Bahreïn. La présente étude menée dans quatre gouvernorats de Bahreïn visait à recueillir des données initiales sur la prévalence saisonnière de certains groupes de maladies qui sont sensibles au climat (maladies respiratoires, allergiques, dermatologiques et troubles gastrointestinaux non spécifiques) sur une période d'un an et à enregistrer les données sur le climat local et les polluants atmosphériques pour la même année. Un échantillon de 5 % des dossiers médicaux des patients ayant consulté dans des centres de soins de santé primaires en 2007 a été sélectionné. Les fréquences de consultation pour les quatre groupes de maladies avaient des pics, au printemps et en automne, et des creux pendant la saison d'été, lorsque les températures moyennes étaint les plus élevées et que le taux d'humidité était le plus faible. Les consultations pour un motif respiratoire étaient plus nombreuses lorsque la concentration atmosphérique en dioxyde de soufre était la plus élevée. Un système de surveillance permanent pour les maladies sensibles au climat devrait être instauré pour surveiller et corréler les tendances sanitaires et environnementales.

Fatalities from road traffic accidents among the young in Bahrain.

In Bahrain and other Gulf countries, road traffic accidents (RTA) are recognized as a growing public health problem. This study described the trend of fatalities from RTA in Bahrain among those aged < 25 years from 2003-2010. The proportional mortality ratios of RTA deaths (up to 30 days from the accident) among the young were compared with those of all ages. The average proportion of young males killed by RTA in Bahrain during the 8-year period was 82.7%, with 2006 marking the lowest proportion among Bahraini nationals (72.2%) and the total population (79.2%). RTA fatalities constituted 51.3% among the Bahrainis, 20.2% of non-Bahrainis and 39.0% of all fatalities in both sexes combined. The young in Bahrain were 3.5 times more likely to die from RTA than the general population. This paper calls on policy-makers to consolidate efforts to control this public health problem.

Fatalities from road traffic accidents among the young in Bahrain

In Bahrain and other Gulf countries, road traffic accidents [RTA] are recognized as a growing public health problem. This study described the trend of fatalities from RTA in Bahrain among those aged < 25 years from 2003-2010. The proportional mortality ratios of RTA deaths [up to 30 days from the accident] among the young were compared with those of all ages. The average proportion of young males killed by RTA in Bahrain during the 8-year period was 82.7%, with 2006 marking the lowest proportion among Bahraini nationals [72.2%] and the total population [79.2%]. RTA fatalities constituted 51.3% among the Bahrainis, 20.2% of non-Bahrainis and 39.0% of all fatalities in both sexes combined. The young in Bahrain were 3.5 times more likely to die from RTA than the general population. This paper calls on policy-makers to consolidate efforts to control this public health problem

Smoking among secondary-school boys in Bahrain: prevalence and risk factors.

To determine the prevalence of smoking among male secondary school students in Bahrain and to identify their risk factors for smoking, we surveyed a random sample of students by questionnaire. The prevalence of smoking was 26.6%, 25.5% and 25.4% among first-year, second-year and third-year students respectively. Cigarettes (21.0%), water-pipes (13.0%) and cigars (1.6%) were popular. Smokers and non-smokers had similar socioeconomic profiles, but differed in degree of disapproval of smoking shown by close contacts and whether close contacts were smokers. The prevalence of smoking among male secondary-school students in Bahrain did not decline despite intense anti-smoking efforts in the last decade, perhaps indicating the effectiveness of tobacco advertising and promotions that target youth.

Smoking among secondary-school boys in Bahrain: prevalence and risk factors

To determine the prevalence of smoking among male secondary school students in Bahrain and to identify their risk factors for smoking, we surveyed a random sample of students by questionnaire. The prevalence of smoking was 26.6%, 25.5% and 25.4% among first-year, second-year and third-year students respectively. Cigarettes [21.0%], water-pipes [13.0%] and cigars [1.6%] were popular. Smokers and non-smokers had similar socioeconomic profiles, but differed in degree of disapproval of smoking shown by close contacts and whether close contacts were smokers. The prevalence of smoking among male secondary-school students in Bahrain did not decline despite intense anti-smoking efforts in the last decade, perhaps indicating the effectiveness of tobacco advertising and promotions that target youth

Risk factors associated with overdose among Bahraini youth.

The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors of overdose among Bahraini youth (15-24 years). These factors included psychiatric disorders, family pathology, and psychosocial stress. All suicide attempters in the country during an 18-month period (N= 100) were identified prospectively. One hospital-matched control was selected for each case. Both cases and controls underwent a semistructured personal interview in the two state general hospitals. A matched pair analysis was done, as well as computation of McNemar's continuity corrected chi-square test, odds ratio, and the 95% confidence interval of the odds ratio. The overdose attempter was more likely than the control to be unemployed, a member of a non-intact family, having a mother whose education was high school or above, not having a friend, involved in a boy/girlfriend relationship, and a cigarette smoker. More students among attempters had failed an examination in the past year than matched controls. Father's education, social class, death of father, recent row with a friend, use of drugs and alcohol, relationship with teachers, recent mobility, financial difficulties, and legal problems were similar in both groups. Stresses generated from living in a non-intact family, interpersonal relationships mainly with the opposite sex, unemployment, and school performance came out as the main risk factors. The association of previously identified risk factors such as depression, aggressive behavior, and use of drug and alcohol was low among attempters. While the results of this study are consistent with the present view that suicidal behaviors are multifactorial in origin, the magnitude and effect of each factor are culturally determined.

Lifestyle patterns in smokers and non-smokers in the state of Bahrain.

The purpose of the study was to compare Bahraini adult male and female smokers with former smokers and non-smokers with respect to several aspects of lifestyle. A simplified general method for cluster-sample survey was used to select 516 subjects aged 30-79 years. Study subjects were interviewed using a structured pre-tested questionnaire. The prevalence of smoking was 32.1 and 20.7% among men and women, respectively. A statistically significant association (p < 0.001) was observed with respect to smoking status and educational level in both sexes. Smoking was associated with less exercise and more television watching. The findings suggest that smokers should be counseled about their unhealthy lifestyle habits in addition to quitting smoking.

Noncommunicable diseases among the Bahraini population: a review.

The review investigates changes in the morbidity and mortality due to noncommunicable diseases in the Bahraini population and looks at the conditions which may have contributed to them in the 1980s and 1990s. Data were extracted from the Ministry of Health annual health reports and the 1981 and 1991 censuses and other relevant published papers. Government strategies for the control of noncommunicable diseases and the promotion of healthy lifestyles are outlined.

Bahraini women's health: a background paper.

This study assessed the trends in the health status of Bahraini women from the early 1980s to the mid 1990s through review of census data and health data. Sociodemographic characteristics, reproductive health, mortality, morbidity and lifestyle patterns were studied. The implications of the data and measures needed to be taken to further improve the health and health care services of women are discussed.

Noncommunicable diseases among the Bahraini population: a review

The review investigates changes in the morbidity and mortality due to noncommunicable diseases in the Bahraini population and looks at the conditions which may have contributed to them in the 1980s and 1990s. Data were extracted from the Ministry of Health annual health reports and the 1981 and 1991 censuses and other relevant published papers. Government strategies for the control of noncommunicable diseases and the promotion of healthy lifestyles are outlined

Bahraini women's health: a background paper

This study assessed the trends in the health status of Bahraini women from the early 1980s to the mid 1990s through review of census data and health data. Sociodemographic characteristics, reproductive health, mortality, morbidity and lifestyle patterns were studied. The implications of the data and measures needed to be taken to further improve the health and health care services of women are discussed

Smoking habits of primary health care physicians in Bahrain.

A survey of the smoking habits of all primary health care physicians in Bahrain was carried out to determine their smoking habits and attitudes towards smoking. Sixty-four male doctors and fifty-eight female doctors returned a voluntary self-completed questionnaire resulting in an 80.8% response rate. Male physicians were older than their female counterparts and had a higher proportion of ever-smokers (45.3%), smokers (26.6%), ex-smokers (18.8%) and daily smokers (18.8%). Cigarette smoking was the predominant type of smoking. The ratio of daily smoking prevalence (doctors/general population) among Bahraini citizens was 0.83 for males, 0.45 for females and 0.65 for both sexes combined. Of the smokers, 80% have considered quitting and 83.3% of them had made a serious attempt to quit. All the never-smokers perceived themselves as non-smokers in the coming five years compared to 83.3% of the ever-smokers. Among the perceived reasons for not smoking, primary health care physicians gave the highest importance to protecting their own health and setting a good example to children. Never-smokers gave more importance than ever-smokers to all the reasons for not smoking except for the occurrence of certain symptoms.

Overdose among youth in Bahrain: psycho-social characteristics, contact with helping agencies and problems.

A one year cohort of 67 overdose attempts among youth (15-24 years) was examined as part of a case control study. The prevalence rate of 105 per 100,000 population is lower than reported rates in the West but higher than those for the region. The majority of attempters were females and nationals who used paracetamol, and their suicide intent was low. Thirteen percent visited a helping agency in the previous week and 18% in the previous month. The most common difficulties preceding the overdoses were problems with parents, school or work, social isolation and problems with boyfriends, or girlfriends respectively. Adjustment disorder was the most common diagnosis followed by depression. A seasonal variation was noted with 46% of the cases occurring in the summer months. The implications of these findings with respect to future policy making and prevention were discussed.

Tobacco consumption and chemical analysis of cigarettes in Bahrain.

A 10.0% random sample of smokers in Bahrain was identified from a previous national morbidity survey which was completed in February 1983. Tobacco consumption and the average yields of tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide (CO) of seven brands of cigarettes were examined. The 1982 adult tobacco consumption (2.3 kg) in Bahrain was generally lower than in developed countries. Similarly, cigarette per person consumption (734) was less than 69 other countries out of 130 that had data available. Tar, nicotine, and CO analysis of the five leading brands and two others which were previously popular in Bahrain showed that the average yields were mostly comparable with the same brands in the UK.

A study of clustering of cases of leukemia, Hodgkin's disease and other lymphomas in Bahrain.

One hundred and twenty five cases of leukemia, Hodgkin's disease, and other lymphomas were compared with 125 matches controls for space, and time and space clustering in the State of Bahrain. These cases and controls were identified from hospital, pathology and death registries over a period of ten years. Thirty-one percent of the cases living in cities had "effective contact' with at least another case compared to 8.7 percent of the city controls, at a distance of "effective contact' equal to or less than 100 meters. no differences were observed as to the number of "effective contacts' between the cases and controls residing in the villages. When the combined data from the villages and urban areas were analyzed using two different methods, no significant clustering could be reported. Although space clustering in the urban areas is attributed to a hypothesized transmissible or exposure factor, the possibility that such clustering is due to some common characteristics of the persons with these conditions has to be considered.