Prevalence and socioeconomic risk factors of obesity among urban female students in Al-Khobar city, Eastern Saudi Arabia, 2003.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and the socioeconomic risk factors associated with obesity among female school-aged children and adolescents in primary and intermediate schools in Al-Khobar city, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This is a cross-sectional study conducted in Al-Khobar city, which is located in the eastern part of Saudi Arabia, during the period of January to March 2003. It involved 2239 female schoolchildren randomly selected from 30 regular government and private primary and preparatory schools. The students' ages ranged from 6 to 17 years, with a mean of 10.49 +/- 2.64 years. A multistage stratified random sampling technique with proportional allocation was used. Data were collected using questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. Body mass index interpretation was based on using a table of standard definitions for overweight and obesity in children (Cole's). The spss version 10 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) was used for data entry and analysis. A chi-squared test was used in cross-tabulation analysis to test the significance of association between body mass index and socioeconomic variables. The prevalence of overweight and obesity were 20% and 11%, respectively. The prevalence of overweight was higher among schoolchildren with father in private work (P<0.01) and the prevalence of overweight and obesity was higher among schoolchildren with highly educated mothers (P=0.008). The prevalence of overweight and obesity among female school-aged children and adolescents in the Al-Khobar city was very high. Accordingly, it is recommended that health education programmes regarding obesity should be provided to all schoolchildren, their families and teachers.

Patterns of belief and use of traditional remedies by diabetic patients in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

A sample of 1039 diabetic patients in Saudi Arabia was interviewed using a structured questionnaire about belief in traditional herbal remedies. The relationship of belief scores to sociodemographic and diabetes-related variables was assessed using chi-square tests. The study showed that 15.6% of the sample believed that traditional medicines were safe and effective and 25.8% that they might be beneficial. One-third of patients were using traditional remedies. A statistically significant relationship was shown between belief in traditional medicines and variables such as female sex, positive family history of diabetes, duration of diabetes and compliance with diet. However, there was no relationship with other compliance variables or with glucose and weight control. Efforts should be made to enhance diabetic education among patients on the basis of evidence-based practice.

Patterns of belief and use of traditional remedies by diabetic patients in Mecca, Saudi Arabia

A sample of 1039 diabetic patients in Saudi Arabia was interviewed using a structured questionnaire about belief in traditional herbal remedies. The relationship of belief scores to sociodemographic and diabetes-related variables was assessed using chi-square tests. The study showed that 15.6% of the sample believed that traditional medicines were safe and effective and 25.8% that they might be beneficial. One-third of patients were using traditional remedies. A statistically significant relationship was shown between belief in traditional medicines and variables such as female sex, positive family history of diabetes, duration of diabetes and compliance with diet. However, there was no relationship with other compliance variables or with glucose and weight control. Efforts should be made to enhance diabetic education among patients on the basis of evidence-based practice

Risk factors associated with hospital emergency visits among asthmatic schoolboys in Saudi Arabia.

This cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence of a positive history of hospital emergency visits (HHEV) among asthmatic Saudi schoolboys. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires to parents. The prevalence rate for positive HHEV among questionnaire-diagnosed asthmatic boys (QDAs) was 65.0%. Factors associated with positive HHEV among QDAs were determined. Modifying the preventable factors associated with the total number of hospital emergency room visits is expected to decrease the severity and the disability of this disease.

Risk factors associated with hospital emergency visits among asthmatic schoolboys in Saudi Arabia

This cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence of a positive history of hospital emergency visits [HHEV] among asthmatic Saudi schoolboys. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires to parents. The prevalence rate for positive HHEV among questionnaire-diagnosed asthmatic boys [QDAs] was 65.0%. Factors associated with positive HHEV among QDAs were determined. Modifying the preventable factors associated with the total number of hospital emergency room visits is expected to decrease the severity and the disability of this disease

Epidemiology of bronchial asthma among school boys in Al-Khobar city, Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence of bronchial asthma among Saudi School boys at Al-Khobar city. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study. The methodology included the distribution of a self administered questionnaire which was filled by the parents of 1482 school boys who satisfied the selection criteria of the study. RESULTS: The prevalence rate of Questionnaire Diagnosed Asthma and Physician Diagnosed Asthma were 9.5% and 8%. Questionnaire Diagnosed Asthma school boys and their parents suffered significantly higher rates of allergenic diseases and environmental factors (pets at home, passive smoking) than non Questionnaire Diagnosed Asthma. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of Questionnaire Diagnosed Asthma among schoolboys in Al-Khobar city was more than that which was described earlier. However, this rate was less than those reported from other parts of the Kingdom but higher than the ones reported from Arab, developing and European countries. There is evidence that a combination of genetic and environmental factors play a major role in the etiology of this disease. Based on the results of this study, appropriate and practical measures need to be taken to identify causes and initiate control programs.

School boys with bronchial asthma in Al-khobar city, saudi arabia: are they at increased risk of school absenteeism?

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this cross-sectional study was to determine the mean period of school absenteeism (MPSA) among Questionnaire Diagnosed Asthmatic (QDA) Saudi schoolboys of Al-Khobar city and the factors associated with it. METHODS: The methodology of this cross-sectional study included the distribution of a self-administered questionnaire, which was completed by the parents of 1482 schoolboys who satisfied the selection criteria of the study. RESULTS: The prevalence rate of QDA was 9.5% (141/1482). MPSA among Questionnaire Diagnosed Asthmatic Boys (QDAs) was 13.6 ± 3.4 days compared to 3.7 ± 2.2 days among non-QDA boys (non-QDAs). Among QDAs, it was associated significantly and positively with those who were younger, with a decreasing level of socioeconomic class, history of pets at home, presence of a current smoker in the family (father or both parents), visit to a hospital emergency room, and admission to hospital. It was significantly and negatively associated with concomitant use of prophylactic medication(s), including those used appropriately. QDAs from middle and lower socioeconomic classes used less prophylactic medication(s) but had had more visits to an emergency room and had admissions to hospital. The multiple linear regression equation for the total period of school absenteeism (TPSA) during the current academic year was generated. CONCLUSIONS: QDAs have higher MPSA compared to their non-asthmatic classmates. The impact of this disease increases particularly among QDAs belonging to lower socioeconomic families.

Direct impact of non-fatal occupational injuries.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to describe the pattern of certain direct impacts of non-fatal injuries among workers insured by the General Organization of Social Insurance, admitted to hospitals in Al-Khobar City, and to determine factors influencing these direct impacts. METHODS: This cohort study consisted of 65, 915 insured male workers in various industries, followed to determine those who were admitted to 2 private hospitals selected randomly in Al-Khobar City. A data-collection sheet was used to collect the necessary data from patients and their medical records on admission to the hospital. RESULTS: The majority of admissions (78%) were for periods of less than a week. Absence from work was longer than 3 weeks in 35.5% and shorter than 1 week in 25% of admissions. The majority of the cases (65%) visited clinics from 2 to 7 times. Direct medical cost per admission was less than SR2,000 in 64% of the cases in one of the hospitals (one United States dollar = 3.75 Saudi Riyals). Multiple linear regression analysis for period of absence from work, length of hospitalization, and number of clinic visits showed these direct impact variables to be inter-related. Injury outside the work place (road traffic accidents), and the hospital which the injured worker was referred to, were the other main risk factors determining the direct impact of the injury. Multiple linear regression for direct medical cost was positively associated and predicted by the younger age of the worker. CONCLUSIONS: The direct impact of occupational injuries in this study, though less than the same reported from Western countries, were responsible for significant medical charges, human suffering and loss of productivity. Efforts made by different industries to prevent occupational injuries should be encouraged and continued, and the General Organization of Social Insurance may monitor their success by conducting similar studies.

Pattern of smoking among parents of schoolboys.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to study the pattern, prevalence, knowledge and practice of smoking among parents of 6-15 years old schoolboys in Al-Khobar City, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study. The methodology included the distribution of a self-administered questionnaire, which was filled out by 2964 parents of 1482 schoolboys who satisfied the selection criteria of the study. RESULTS: The overall rate of smoking among parents of this sample was 18% (32% among fathers and 4% for mothers). A combination of heavy smoking and smoking for a long duration was the prevailing pattern of smoking. The overall sample knowledge about smoking was generally satisfactory, but smoking parents were found to have significantly higher rates of knowledge about smoking than non-smokers did. There was a significantly increased risk of smoking related diseases and symptoms among smoking parents. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of this study, parental smoking should be considered a major health problem in Al-Khobar City with dangerous impacts. Despite evidence of satisfactory knowledge about smoking among smokers, anti-smoking efforts should continue. However, it appears that the only sure way is to ban the import of this poison. This study may be considered as a baseline for further and larger studies in Saudi Arabia in the future.

Non-fatal occupational injuries admitted to hospitals among general organization for social insurance workers in Al-khobar city, saudi arabia: experience of one year.

OBJECTIVES: (1) To determine the incidence rate of non-fatal occupational injuries requiring admission into private hospitals in Al-Khobar city during a 12-month period among workers insured by the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI). (2) To describe the pattern, characteristics and outcome of these injuries. (3) To estimate their subsequent direct medical costs. METHODS: This is a cohort study design. The cohort consisted of workers at workplaces where insurance cover ensured admission into two private hospitals selected randomly in Al-Khobar city. A data-collecting sheet was used to collect the necessary data from both the patient and his medical file on admission into hospital. RESULTS: The injury incidence rate was 7.1 per 1,000 full-time workers. All injured workers were males. Grouped by nationality, 1.5% were Saudis, 74.8% from the Indian subcontinent and 13.2% Filipinos. Main injury sites included hands and fingers (32.1%) multiple parts (20.7%), lower limbs (20.5%), eyes, head and neck (11.5%) and back (9.5%). Falls were the main cause of injury (33.4%), followed by tools-related injuries (23.9%), falling objects (14.5%) and car accidents (12.0%). The majority of admissions (77.8%) were for periods less than 1 week with only 7.1% for more than 3 weeks. Absence from work was more than 3 weeks and less than 1 week in 35.5% and 24.9% of the admissions, respectively. The majority of the cases (65.0%) visited clinics 2-7 times. Direct medical cost per admission was less than SR 2,000 in 63.9% of the cases in one hospital (1 USD = SR 3.75). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence rate was lower than, but comparable to those rates estimated in more detailed surveys from other countries. Occupational injuries requiring admission into hospitals contributed to 18.3% of the total cases of injuries among insured people during year 1995 and were responsible for significant medical charges, human suffering and loss of productivity. Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that GOSI should study the reasons behind the current situation and find appropriate solutions.

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH PATIENT's CARE DURING CONSULTATION IN MINISTRY OF HEALTH FACILITIES, JEDDAH CITY, SAUDI ARABIA.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the factors affecting health care and patient's satisfaction during the consultation. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire form on a random sample of outpatient clinic attendants. SETTING: The Outpatient Department clinics at King Fahad and King Abdulaziz Hospital in addition to eleven Primary Health Care Centers (PHCCs) in Jeddah. SUBJECTS: A sample of 340 subjects attending clinics of two hospitals and eleven PHCCs. METHODS: Direct interviewing of subjects using a structured questionnaire was carried out. Information collected was basic demographic data regarding satisfaction with aspects of outpatient health care. RESULTS: The rate of patients' satisfaction in all facilities was 76.5% with no significant variation between hospitals and Primary Health Care Centers. The study showed aspects of poor patient care, such as short consultation time and incomplete physical examination of patients. Other factors correlated with mean consultation time and completeness of physical examination were stressed. CONCLUSION: There was a low rate of patients' satisfaction in all Ministry of Health (MOH) facilities studied. Aspects related to patient care need to be improved. Practical recommendations on this were stressed.