Parental levels of stress managing a child diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in Riyadh: a cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Caring for a child with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) pose a significant burden on parents especially when they struggle with their child's T1D management. The experience of not coping or struggling to cope increases the level of stress in parents, which may adversely affect their child's diabetic control (Al Dubayee et al, Horm Res Paediatr 88:2019). In this study, we assessed the level of stress parents experience in caring for a child diagnosed with T1D in four different domains. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in two specialized diabetic centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from February to May 2015 (Al Dubayee et al, Horm Res Paediatr 88:2019). We used an Arabic translation of the validated Pediatric Inventory for Parents (PIP) questionnaire. The frequency and perceived difficulty of stressful events were rated by interviewing parents caring for children with T1D using two 5-point Likert scales. RESULTS: The sample realized as 390 parents. The level of stress increased in separated and unemployed parents. The frequency (mean 64.9/210, SD 7.529) and difficulty (mean 65.3/210, SD 9.448) indices of the parental level of stress were compared with variables possibly associated with stress. Both of the frequency difficulty indices correlated with the marital status, the father's level of education and occupation as well as HbA1c level (P-value < 0.05). In addition, the frequency index correlated with the frequency of hypoglycemia and the difficulty index correlated with the number of children in the family (P-value < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Parents of children with T1D in Riyadh experience a significant level of stress that may affect the child's glycemic control (Al Dubayee et al, Horm Res Paediatr 88:2019). Assessing the level of stress and providing support for these families has the potential to improve the clinical outcome.

Assessment of Maternal Knowledge and Practices Regarding Acute Diarrheal Illnesses in Children in Saudi Arabia: A Tertiary Care Center Survey.

Background Diarrheal illness remains one of the most common causes of death among children specifically those who live in developing countries. Appropriate mothers' knowledge and practice regarding acute diarrhea illness in children can considerably reduce diarrhea-related morbidity and mortality. So, the aim of this study was to evaluate mothers' knowledge and practice regarding acute diarrheal illness in children. Method This cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia using a newly developed questionnaire that was distributed to King Abdullah Specialist Children. The calculated sample size was 375. Results A total of 375 mothers were included in this study and the majority of them (99%) were Saudis. More than half of the participants (61%) were university graduates. The majority (96.5%) chose previous experience as the main source of information about diarrhea while (40%) chose physician. Most of the mothers (69.6%) believed that teething is the leading cause of diarrheal illness in children. Regarding the treatment, fluid was recognized to be the major treatment for diarrhea as chosen by the mothers. Around (42.7%) of the respondents thought intravenous fluid is more effective than oral rehydration solution (ORS) in treating dehydration associated with diarrheal episodes. ORS was the main type of fluid (74.1%) which was selected by the mothers to be given during the diarrheal episode. Conclusion Mothers showed good knowledge and practice overall in regard to acute diarrheal illness in children. However, this study revealed some misconceptions among the caregivers which necessitates more educational sessions to be conducted in the community and during the hospital visit.

Prevalence of influenza vaccine hesitancy at a tertiary care hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Influenza vaccine hesitancy is a major problem worldwide, with significant public health consequences. We aimed to determine the prevalence of influenza vaccine hesitancy and the effect of vaccine awareness campaigns on vaccine acceptance among three groups (parents, adult patients, and healthcare workers [HCWs]) at King Abdulaziz Medical City, a tertiary care hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: The study was conducted during the 2015-2016 winter season. Participants anonymously completed a validated questionnaire on influenza vaccine hesitancy. RESULTS: Of the 300 study participants, 17% (n=51) expressed vaccine hesitancy. The most common reasons given for vaccine refusal were: "It doesn't have any positive effect or benefit" (n=11 [21%]), "I don't need it because I'm healthy" (n=9 [17%]), and "I think it causes serious side effects" (n=7 [13%]). The most common sources of information about the vaccine were awareness campaigns (98/267 [36%]) and medical staff (98/267 [36%]). One hundred and sixty-three [54%] respondents knew that the effect of the influenza vaccine lasts up to 1year. There was no significant relationship between education level and receiving influenza vaccination. The study showed that confidence towards the Saudi Ministry of Health and medical doctors among three groups of participants was very high; 97% of adults, 95% of parents, and 93% of HCWs expressed trusted information provided to them by the Ministry of Health, and 97% of adults, 99% of parents, and 90% of HCWs trusted their physicians' information. CONCLUSION: Influenza vaccine hesitancy was low at KAMC. The most common reason for vaccine refusal was believing that it had no positive effect and that it is unnecessary. The most common sources of information for influenza vaccine were awareness campaigns and medical staff. Participants had high levels of trust in both the Saudi Ministry of Health and doctors.