RESUMO
Introduction The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations are early initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first six months of infants' lives. Despite the WHO and UNICEF recommendations and expanding evidence of the significance of exclusive breastfeeding, about two-thirds of infants worldwide have not received exclusive breastfeeding for the six recommended months. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of working mothers exclusively breastfeeding in the first six months of infants' lives and investigate their predictors in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted for four months in 2022. The study included working mothers who have a child in the age range of 6-24 months living in Riyadh. Data was collected through an online questionnaire and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29 (IBM SPSS Statistics, Armonk, NY) program. Results A sample of 118 participants were included in the study. Their prevalence for EBF practice for the recommended period is 28% (n=33). Around 58.5% (n=69) of the participants did not receive breastfeeding counseling during antenatal visits. Almost half the infants were given prelacteal feeding. Male infants are two times more likely to be exclusively breastfed for the recommended period than female infants. Work-related pressures were a key factor in the discontinuation of breastfeeding (53.4%, n=63). Conclusion This study highlights the lack of breastfeeding counseling and breastfeeding work regulation, alongside concerns about colostrum avoidance and prelacteal feeding. While EBF rates show progress, delayed initiation and work-related pressures remain challenges. Gender disparity in exclusive breastfeeding urges targeted interventions for more equitable outcomes.
RESUMO
Introduction: Testicular torsion (TT) is a rare but urgent condition; it leads to severe pain and swelling that must be diagnosed and treated immediately, where there is an expectant period of 6-8 h. It is an important prognostic factor in the arrival time to the emergency department. Raising awareness about TT is essential to ensure early diagnosis and timely treatment, which can prevent irreversible damage and loss of fertility. Aim: Our study aimed to measure the awareness, knowledge, and attitude toward testicular torsion (TT) among the general population in Saudi Arabia. Subject and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted among the general population living in Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed among the population using an online survey. The questionnaire includes socio-demographic characteristics (i.e., age, gender, region, etc.), a questionnaire to assess the knowledge of testicular torsion, and questionnaires to assess the prevalence, management, and attitude toward testicular torsion. Results: Of the 473 participants, 56% were males, and 61% were aged between 18 to 30 years old. Unfortunately, One quarter of our population has a good knowledge level about testicular torsion. The overall mean knowledge about Testicular Torsion score was below average (3 out of 8 points). Factors associated with increased knowledge include younger age, male gender, living in the Central Region, working in the medical field, having heard of testicular torsion, and having a personal or family history of testicular torsion. Conclusion: In conclusion, there was a lack of testicular torsion knowledge among the general population. Further studies and social campaigns should be done to encourage the general population's understanding and increase their knowledge level.
