Public attitude towards biomedical research at outpatient clinics of King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The aim of this study was to determine the attitude of Saudi Arabians to research involving storage and use of human tissues from which genetic information may be derived and to assess their willingness to donate tissue samples to biobanks. In a cross-sectional interview study of 1051 outpatients at a hospital in Riyadh city, 68.8% had a positive attitude towards biomedical research and 78.4% were willing to allow use of excess surgical tissues for research purposes. Participants were less willing to allow the use of tissue or organs from a deceased relative. Logistic regression analysis found that predictors for a positive attitude to biomedical research and to use of tissue in research were: female sex, higher level of education, previous experience of blood testing and previous participation in health-related research. The attitudes towards biomedical research among the participants were satisfactory and comparable to findings from other countries.

Public attitude towards biomedical research at outpatient clinics of King Abdulaziz medical city, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The aim of this study was to determine the attitude of Saudi Arabians to research involving storage and use of human tissues from which genetic information may be derived and to assess their willingness to donate tissue samples to biobanks. In a cross-sectional interview study of 1051 outpatients at a hospital in Riyadh city, 68.8% had a positive attitude towards biomedical research and 78.4% were willing to allow use of excess surgical tissues for research purposes. Participants were less willing to allow the use of tissue or organs from a deceased relative. Logistic regression analysis found that predictors for a positive attitude to biomedical research and to use of tissue in research were: female sex, higher level of education, previous experience of blood testing and previous participation in health-related research. The attitudes towards biomedical research among the participants were satisfactory and comparable to findings from other countries

Predictors of gestational diabetes mellitus in a high-parity community in Saudi Arabia.

A study in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia investigated the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and its predictors in a high-parity group of pregnant women (n = 633, 50.1% grand multiparas). The prevalence of GDM was 12.5% and 3.8% by World Health Organization and American Diabetes Association criteria respectively. Multiparous women were 8.29 times more likely to have GDM than nulliparous women. However, after adjustment for maternal age and history of abortion, nulliparous women were 2.95 times more likely to develop GDM than parous women. The probability of GDM for a parous woman increased from 2% to 21% when age increased from 20 to 40 years. The high rate of GDM among grand multiparas may be due to the confounding effect of maternal age.

Predictors of gestational diabetes mellitus in a highparity community in Saudi Arabia

A study in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia investigated the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus [GDM] and its predictors in a high-parity group of pregnant women [n = 633, 50.1% grand multiparas]. The prevalence of GDM was 12.5% and 3.8% by World Health Organization and American Diabetes Association criteria respectively. Multiparous women were 8.29 times more likely to have GDM than nulliparous women. However, after adjustment for maternal age and history of abortion, nulliparous women were 2.95 times more likely to develop GDM than parous women. The probability of GDM for a parous woman increased from 2% to 21% when age increased from 20 to 40 years. The high rate of GDM among grand multiparas may be due to the confounding effect of maternal age

An audit of diabetes care at 3 centres in Alexandria.

Selected indicators for structure, process and outcome of care were used to audit diabetes care in 3 centres in Alexandria. Structure was poor: main problems included absence of appointment and recall system, deficiencies in laboratory resources and lack of educational material. Process of care was poor for 69.2% of patients: deficiencies included absence of essential information in records and missing some essential clinical examinations. Degree of control was poor for 49.2% of patients and only 30.6% had no complications. Compliance to appointment was good for about 80% of patients. Better outcome (fewer complications and higher compliance) was significantly associated with poor process of care. This cannot, however, be considered a valid predictor of outcome as good care might be initiated by the presence of complications.

Central obesity among adults in Egypt: prevalence and associated morbidity.

Through a home-based survey, all people aged 18 years and over (n = 1800) in the catchment areas of 12 primary health care centres in 4 Egyptian governorates were subjected to standardized waist and hip measurements. Central obesity was determined based on the waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) indicators. The age-adjusted prevalence of central obesity among adults was 24.1% and 28.7% based on the WC and WHR indicators respectively. After adjustment for sex and other confounding factors, WC was significantly associated with the risk of diabetes and hypertension, while WHR was not significantly associated with either diabetes or hypertension. No significant association was seen between body mass index and diabetes or hypertension.

An audit of diabetes care at 3 centres in Alexandria

Selected indicators for structure, process and outcome of care were used to audit diabetes care in 3 centres in Alexandria. Structure was poor: main problems included absence of appointment and recall system, deficiencies in laboratory resources and lack of educational material. Process of care was poor for 69.2% of patients: deficiencies included absence of essential information in records and missing some essential clinical examinations. Degree of control was poor for 49.2% of patients and only 30.6% had no complications. Compliance to appointment was good for about 80% of patients. Better outcome [fewer complications and higher compliance] was significantly associated with poor process of care. This cannot, however, be considered a valid predictor of outcome as good care might be initiated by the presence of complications

Health-related lifestyles and risk behaviours among students living in Alexandria University Hostels.

We assessed health-related lifestyles and their determinants among 600 Alexandria University students living in university hostels. Data were collected by questionnaires, and anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were taken. Most students were not satisfied with their situation in terms of accommodation, health and support. About 86% ate unhealthy diets, 33.8% were physically inactive, 25.3% were overweight or at risk of becoming overweight, 17.5% of male students were current smokers and 32.2% had poor sleep behaviours. About 28% of the students adopted 3 or more risk behaviours. About 23% reported low perceived health status and 80.3% felt they had low to moderate social support. There were significant sex differences regarding some behaviours.

Health-related lifestyles and risk behaviours among students living in Alexandria University hostels

We assessed health - related lifestyles and their determinants among 600 Alexandria students living in university hostels. Data were collected by questionnaires, and anthropometric University and blood pressure measurements were taken. Most students were not satisfied with their situation in terms of accommodation, health and support. About 86% ate unhealthy diets, 33.8% were physically inactive, 25.3% were overweight or at risk of becoming overweight, 17.5% of male students were smokers and 32.2% had poor sleep behaviours. About 28% of the students adopted 3 or more current risk behaviours. About 23% reported low perceived health status and 80.3% felt they had low to moderate social support. There were significant sex differences regarding some behaviours

Endemic goitre in schoolchildren in high and low altitude areas of Asir region, Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: A deficiency of iodine is characteristic of mountainous regions of the world, and the frequency of goitre in such areas has been recognized for centuries. The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of goitre among schoolchildren in high and low altitude areas of Asir Region. METHODS: The study was carried out upon 940 male students randomly selected from 12 schools at 2 high altitude areas (Tamnia and Al-Soda) 3150 meters above sea level and one low altitude area (Marabah) 500 meters above sea level. All students were subjected to clinical examination of the thyroid and classification of goitre grading was based on the criteria endorsed by the World Health Organization/United Nations Children's Fund/International Council for the Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders. RESULTS: An overall prevalence of goitre of 24% was estimated in the areas studied (24% in elementary, 24% in intermediate and 23% in secondary education). This prevalence was significantly higher (p < 0.0001) in high altitude (27%, 95% confidence interval: 24%-30%) than in low altitude areas (13%, 95% confidence interval: 8%-18%). Children of high altitudes were 2.5 times more likely to develop goitre as compared to their counterparts in low altitudes (odds ratio = 2.5, 95% confidence interval 1.6-3.8). However, comparison between the 2 high altitude areas revealed that children of Tamnia area were nearly 2 times more likely to develop goitre than their counterparts in Al-Soda (odds ratio = 1.9, 95% confidence interval: 1.3-2.6). CONCLUSION: Endemic goitre is more prevalent in mountainous, high altitude areas of Asir Region. However, the distribution of goitre in these areas is patchy and differs from area to area. Well water might have been a contributing factor for the high prevalence in Tamnia.

Pattern of erectile dysfunction in Jeddah city.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the demographic features of erectile dysfunction patients attending different specialized clinics in Jeddah city, and to identify possible risk factors associated with erectile dysfunction problem. METHODS: All newly erectile dysfunction patients (n=388) who attended 6 andrology and urology clinics within a period of 3 months were subjected to a modified structural interview questionnaire to collect demographic data and risk factors for erectile dysfunction. RESULTS: The study revealed the following results among erectile dysfunction patients; Saudi patients constituted (81%). The age ranged from 20-86 years with mean age of 43.23+12.56 years, 73% were married with one wife, 23.5% married with two wives, and 8% were single. About one-half (43%) were less than secondary education level. Retired patients constituted (13%) of all patients. Lack of exercise was the most frequent risk factor among 82% of patients, followed by smoking (56%), use of regular medication (44%), diabetes (30%), hypertension (15%), history of pelvic surgery (14%) alcoholism (13%), and drug addict (8%). CONCLUSION: Erectile dysfunction is a problem of not only old age but also of middle and young age. This might be attributed to the high frequency of some risk factors such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, smoking, alcohol consumption, and drug addiction. This finding may reflect the necessity for construction of prevention strategies.

Central obesity in elderly individuals in south-western Saudi Arabia: prevalence and associated morbidity.

Central obesity in all individuals aged 65 years and over (n = 810) in the catchment areas of three primary health care centres in Abha was determined from the waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). The age-adjusted prevalence of central obesity was 32.4% and 43.5% based on the WC and WHR indicators respectively. WC was significantly associated with the risk of diabetes and hypertension, while WHR was significantly associated with the risk of diabetes only. These findings suggest that reducing the prevalence of central obesity in old age would decrease the risk of diabetes and hypertension. WC is a powerful independent predictor mainly of hypertension risk, while WHC is a good predictor of the risk of diabetes.

Psychosocial assessment of geriatric subjects in Abha City, Saudi Arabia.

Psychosocial assessment of geriatric subjects was carried out through a home-based survey of people aged 65 years and over (n = 810) in the catchment areas of 3 primary health care centres. All the participants had a structured interview and were given a short version of the geriatric depression scale. Depression was found in 17.5% of the subjects, more commonly in women (27.7% versus 12.7%). The combined effect of impaired perceived health status (52.4%) and functional capacity (26.6%), loneliness (4.5%), single status (24.3%), and lack of education (80.5%) explained 23.7% of the variance in depression score by multiple regression analysis. Depression is a problem among the geriatric population in the region, especially women. Periodic home psychosocial screening of geriatrics is recommended.

Effect of erectile dysfunction on quality of life.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the most common diseases of male sexual dysfunction. A cross-sectional study of 388 ED patients who attended six andrology and urology clinics in Jeddah for the first time was performed during a period of 3 months. ED was rated as mild (21% of patients), moderate (60%) or severe (19%), and was strongly associated with age. After adjusting for age, only lack of exercise, alcohol consumption and drug addiction were significantly associated with severity; hypertension, cardiac diseases and smoking were not. About two-thirds of the patients had poor quality of life; severe ED was the only significant predictor of this. Severe ED was not an indicator for co-morbidities.

Central obesity in elderly individuals in south-western Saudi Arabia: prevalence and associated morbidity

Central obesity in all individuals aged 65 years and over [n = 810] in the catchment areas of three primary health care centres in Abha was determined from the waist circumference [WC] and waist-to-hip ratio [WHR]. The age-adjusted prevalence of central obesity was 32.4% and 43.5% based on the WC and WHR indicators respectively. WC was significantly associated with the risk of diabetes and hypertension, while WHR was significantly associated with the risk of diabetes only. These findings suggest that reducing the prevalence of central obesity in old age would decrease the risk of diabetes and hypertension. WC is a powerful independent predictor mainly of hypertension risk, while WHC is a good predictor of the risk of diabetes

Effect of erectile dysfunction on quality of life

Erectile dysfunction [ED] is one of the most common diseases of male sexual dysfunction. A cross-sectional study of 388 ED patients who attended six andrology and urology clinics in Jeddah for the first time was performed during a period of 3 months. ED was rated as mild [21% of patients], moderate [60%] or severe [19%], and was strongly associated with age. After adjusting for age, only lack of exercise, alcohol consumption and drug addiction were significantly associated with severity; hypertension, cardiac diseases and smoking were not. About two-thirds of the patients had poor quality of life; severe ED was the only significant predictor of this. Severe ED was not an indicator for co-morbidities

Psychosocial assessment of geriatric subjects in Abha City, Saudi Arabia

Psychosocial assessment of geriatric subjects was carried out through a home-based survey of people aged 65 years and over [n = 810] in the catchment areas of 3 primary health care centres. All the participants had a structured interview and were given a short version of the geriatric depression scale. Depression was found in 17.5% of the subjects, more commonly in women [27.7% versus 12.7%]. The combined effect of impaired perceived health status [52.4%] and functional capacity [26.6%], loneliness [4.5%], single status [24.3%], and lack of education [80.5%] explained 23.7% of the variance in depression score by multiple regression analysis. Depression is a problem among the geriatric population in the region, especially women. Periodic home psychosocial screening of geriatrics is recommended

The pattern of hearing impairment among schoolboys in an Institute for deaf subjects.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to study the pattern of deafness among boys of Al-Amal Institutes for the Deaf in Abha, the capital city of Asir Region, Southwestern Saudi Arabia. METHODS: All students (n=155) were subjected to full otoscopic and audiometric examinations, and the type and degree of deafness were graded according to the recommendation of the British Society of Audiology. Computerized tomography scan was carried out to exclude congenital inner ear deformity, and specific Igm antibodies assay for TORCHS was carried out when the history of intrauterine infection was positive or suggestive. RESULTS: More than 97% of students had sensori-neural hearing loss of various grades (55% profound, 28% severe and 14.5% moderate), while congenital conductive deafness constituted 3% of all cases. Residual hearing was reported for 43% of cases. There was delayed identification of deafness with an inverse relation between the age of identification of deafness and its severity (F = 227.66, P < 0.001). Prematurity (30%), intrauterine infection (17%) and heredity (15.5%) were the most frequently encountered causes of deafness. Postnatal causes accounted for only 20%, mostly due to meningitis 12%, other childhood fevers 5% and trauma 2.5%. Deafness of unknown cause constituted 12% of all cases. CONCLUSION: The preventable causes of deafness in the region has not yet been overcome, a finding that will necessitate more efforts to upgrade the prenatal and perinatal health care. Late identification of hearing impairment will make the improvement in the audiology screening for infants the priority need.