Professional satisfaction of family physicians working in primary healthcare centers: A comparison of two Saudi regions.

INTRODUCTION: As a new healthcare market force and first point of contact, family physicians (FPs) play a key role in healthcare delivery system. It is vital to understand issues that affect performance and satisfaction with their practices and working environment. The objectives of this study are to assess the level of professional satisfaction and to compare and identify the factors potentially associated with professional satisfaction/dissatisfaction among FPs of two regions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comparative cross-sectional study on FPs working in primary healthcare centers under Ministry of Health was conducted in two regions (Jeddah and Eastern region) to assess job satisfaction and dissatisfaction among them. Validated close-ended questionnaire was emailed. Overall satisfaction along with the associated factors was identified. Chi-square and multivariate regression analyses were performed to test the association between job satisfaction and predictors. RESULTS: A total of 237 FPs completed the survey and an overall 62% of them were satisfied. Male doctors were less in number yet more satisfied (71%). FPs of eastern region were slightly more satisfied (63.4%) when compared with 59.2% of Jeddah. Factors significantly associated with professional dissatisfaction included FPs having the opinion that they were not respected by community members [odds ratio (OR) 2.7, confidence interval (CI): 1.24-5.97, P = 0.012] and FPs' own perception of being inferior to other specialties (OR 13.59, CI: 4.98-37.07, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: More than half of the FPs were professionally satisfied; however, the majority had perception of being inferior to other specialties. Improving self-esteem, working environment, and addressing other identified factors for dissatisfaction can help FPs overcome their stresses, leading to better healthcare delivery.

Evaluation of the availability of cold chain tools and an assessment of health workers practice in dammam.

AIM: To evaluate the availability of cold chain tools and assess the practice of health workers in immunization rooms in health clinics in the Dammam area. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional approach was used for the study. A stratified random sampling technique was used to obtain a sample of 10 governmental primary health care centers from the total of 20 centers that serve the Dammam area, and five out of 17 private health clinics. The Maternity and Child Health Hospital was included. A field survey was done at all sample sites. Data collection, analysis, and interpretation were done from July to September 2007, using a check list designed for this study according to cold chain criteria set by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and World Health Organization (WHO). RESULT: According to the MOH and WHO criteria, around 91% of governmental health facilities (GHF) and 80% of private health care (Private HC) rooms were suitable. Less than 20% of the private HC maintained proper vaccine temperatures during storage, compared with all (100%) of GHF clinics (p≤ 0.05). The difference in the appropriate handling and usage of vaccines during immunization sessions was also highly significant between GHF (90-100%) and private HC (20%) (p≤ 0.05). The knowledge of refrigeration maintenance by GHF and private HC health workers including keeping the refrigerator from dust, emergency retrieval and storage procedures in case of equipment failure or power outages, keeping the range of recommended temperature between 2°C- 8°C was 100% for GHF and for the Private HC's ranged from 20%-40% (p≤0.05). Vaccine vials on the refrigerator shelves was appropriate in all (100%) of the GHF and in only 40% for the Private HC (P≤0.05). CONCLUSION: This study showed that private health clinics did not comply with standards defined by the MOH or WHO for cold chain tools and needed constant supervision and training as health care professionals. All personnel handling vaccines should understand the purpose and function of various cold chain tools in their setting for immunizations.

Prevalence of obesity among type 2 diabetic patients in Al-khobar primary health care centers.

OBJECTIVES: This study estimates the prevalence of obesity among Type 2 diabetic patients who are followed in mini clinics (hypertension, diabetes) in Primary Health Care Centers (PHCC) in Al-Khobar. METHODS: Retrospective study reviewing all diabetic patient files registered in PHC centers in the Al- Khobar area from May 2000 to October 2001. RESULTS: Of the 382 diabetic patients followed in PHC, 88.7% were type 2 diabetics, and according to WHO classification of obesity 0.7% were underweight. Only 21.8% of type 2 diabetic patients were in their ideal range of body weight. While 31.2% were overweight (BMI in the range of 25.0-29.9 kg/m(2)), 39.9% of the type 2 diabetic patients were found to be obese (BMI= 30 - 39.9 kg / m(2)), and 6.3% had morbid obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg / m(2)). CONCLUSION: High prevalence of overweight and obesity in type 2 diabetics is associated with other serious complications. This study emphasizes the importance of training health care providers for the proper follow-up of patients.