Awareness of Contraceptives and Their Use Among Saudi Women Attending Primary Care Centers in King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Background The objective of this cross-sectional study is to identify the prevalence of contraceptive use and the knowledge and attitudes of Saudi women towards it. Methods We distributed a survey to Saudi women aged 19-49 attending primary care centers under King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh to identify their views on using contraceptives and what they know about them. We calculated the sample size using the Roasoft sample calculator. Results This study enrolled 432 Saudi women. The number of women who were contraceptive users was 249 (57.6%). Among those who were using contraceptives, the most common reason was the idea of taking care of themselves and avoiding consecutive pregnancies (105, 42.2%). Of the non-users, the most common reason was concerns regarding side effects (41%). The most commonly used contraceptive methods were contraceptive pills (55.6%) and intrauterine devices (IUDs) (17.6%). The most commonly used non-pharmacological contraception methods were withdrawal (17.6%) and rhythm (8.6%). Conclusion In this study, factors associated with contraceptive use among Saudi women were explored. Demographic data, type, attitude, and associations provided insight into factors taken into consideration while developing future contraceptives in addition to improving clinical practice.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome in Adults in a Decade: The Largest, Single-Center, Cross-Sectional Study From the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is the most common cause of acute, usually post-infectious, peripheral neuropathy resulting in a symmetrical, ascending paralysis. We evaluated the clinical and neurophysiological features, treatment, and outcomes of patients with GBS in our center. METHODS: A retrospective chart review on patients with GBS admitted to King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from January 2011 to December 2020. Data were analyzed using JMP statistical software version 15 pro. RESULTS: A total of 86 patients who met the criteria were included, 55 (64%) were males, with a mean age of 49.5+/-17.5 years. Antecedent infection was reported in 53 (61.6%), 51 (62.2%) presented within one week of symptoms onset. Ascending weakness was seen in 55 (70.5%), while 70 (81.4%) had areflexia. Acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) was the commonest electrophysiological type of GBS in 41 (51.9%) patients. Albuminocytologic dissociation was seen in 48 (57%) who had lumbar puncture. Nearly half, 41 (47.7%) were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Seventy (81.3%) were treated with intravenous immunoglobulin. There was no significant difference in the clinical presentation, management, ICU requirement, and discharge disposition between males and females. Females were more likely to have a higher disability at discharge (p=0.01). Patients younger than 60 years were more likely to require ICU admission (p=<0.01). CONCLUSION: Our patients with GBS were slightly older than previously reported from the region. AMAN was the commonest type of GBS. Younger patients were more likely to need ICU admission, whereas females were more likely to have a more severe disability.