Occupation risk of needlestick injuries among health care personnel in Saudi Arabia.

In a four-year study of penetrating injuries potentially contaminated with blood among health care personnel, the majority of cases occurred amongst nurses (65%). The wards were the commonest place for injury to occur (39%) which questions whether difficult practical procedures should be performed there. Injuries occurred most commonly during the afternoons (63%). Although needles were the most frequent implement (79%) causing injury, very few cases (7%) were related to the re-sheathing of cannulae. The commonest injured area (46%) was the palmar surface of the distal forefinger of the non-dominant hand. Western staff reported most incidents. There were no episodes of repeated needlestick injury. No staff developed any blood-borne infection (HIV, hepatitis B, treponemal infection) within a one year follow-up period after such a penetrating injury.

Who are the homeless?

To describe the demographic, social and medical morbidity and usage of health services of the population of single homeless individuals in Sheffield, a census was carried out over a 12-hour period at sites which homeless people frequent, as identified by those who work with the homeless. These sites included Salvation Army hostels, reception centres, probation day centres, voluntary organisation hostels, and cheap bed and breakfast accommodation. Data were collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire. A total of 340 single homeless individuals were studied, constituting 80-90% of the single homeless population of Sheffield, as estimated by field workers. The population was younger than those of earlier studies and contained a higher proportion of females (14%). One-fifth of the population had been homeless for less than six months, and 60% had been at their present lodging for less than six months. The population has a higher proportion of both ex-prisoners (49%) and ex-inmates of psychiatric hospitals (36%). Over a quarter admit to a history of alcoholism, and 9% to a history of drug abuse; 65% of the population are registered locally with a GP, and 53% of the population see their GP. Those who are more likely to use an Accident and Emergency Department are less socially integrated and more likely to be alcoholic. This study of the single homeless highlights a need for social change to reduce poverty, provide cheap available housing and provide support for disadvantaged groups.

Road traffic accidents in Saudi Arabia.

Road traffic accidents are a major health hazard in Saudi Arabia, particularly during Ramadan. The ensuing trauma has increased in direct proportion to the increase in the number of road vehicles. An audit of RTAs over a one-year period revealed that, out of 361 victims, 16% were under 10 years and 47% between 11 and 30 years. None of those involved in accidents was wearing a seat belt. Half of the children injured were pedestrians. There was a male to female ratio of 4:1 reflecting the driving laws in Saudi Arabia. Burst tyres due to intense heat were identified as a common cause (39%) of accidents. The introduction of seat belt legislation and stricter law enforcement should lead to a rapid reduction in morbidity and mortality on the roads in Saudi Arabia.