Epidemiology and prevalence of somatic symptom disorder at the primary care level in Muscat, Oman: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: Somatic symptom disorder (SSD) is a diagnostic classification to describe the occurrence of physical symptoms without organic cause. This study aimed to identify prevalence rates and associated characteristics of SSD among adults in primary care settings. METHODS: This cross-sectional study took place between July 2020 and March 2021 and included a random selection of 3383 Omani adults attending 12 primary healthcare centres in Muscat Governorate. Screening was conducted using an Arabic version of the Somatic Symptom Scale-8 (SSS-8). RESULTS: A total of 2000 adults participated in the study (response rate: 67.3%), of which most were female (71.7%) and under 50 years old (86.2%). Based on their SSS-8 scores, 602 participants (17.8%) had SSD, resulting in an overall prevalence estimate of 30.1% (95% confidence interval: 28.13-32.15). Significant associations were observed between SSD and age (p = 0.002), gender (p < 0.001), marital status (p = 0.030) and chronic comorbidities (p = 0.001). In addition, adjusted odds ratio estimates revealed SSD to be significantly associated with gender (p < 0.001), education level (p < 0.001) and chronic comorbidities (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The estimated prevalence of SSD in primary care settings is high compared to reports from elsewhere in the Gulf region. There is an urgent need to enhance the diagnosis of SSD at the primary care level in order to reduce healthcare service overutilisation and patient dissatisfaction. Moreover, healthcare practitioners should be aware of the effect of age, gender, educational status and chronic comorbidities on somatic symptoms.

Evaluating Trauma Care Capabilities using the Essential Trauma Care Guidelines of the World Health Organization: Cross-sectional study of primary health centres in Muscat, Oman.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate trauma care capabilities at the primary care level in Muscat, Oman, using World Health Organization guidelines. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between January and March 2015 at eight primary health centres in Seeb. An English-language questionnaire was distributed to the medical officer or nurse in-charge at each centre to determine the number of staff, total population being served, number of emergency trauma cases and availability of ambulances. Subsequently, 10 doctors from each health centre were randomly selected to assess the availability of physical resources as well as their trauma skills and knowledge. Results: There were limited physical and human resources for the management of trauma and a complete absence of trauma administrative functions, such as local trauma registries or quality improvement activities. Conclusion: This study highlighted the need to introduce national guidelines and improve the delivery of trauma services in Oman.

Types of Primary Healthcare Emergencies in Muscat, Oman: A retrospective cross-sectional study of five primary care centres.

OBJECTIVES: Emergencies can occur at any time and be life-threatening or cause permanent damage. Accordingly, the management of emergency cases is an integral part of primary healthcare (PHC). This study aimed to estimate the proportion and types of emergency cases presented to PHC centres in Muscat, Oman. METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted from March to August 2016 at five PHC centres in the Muscat Governorate. A total of 800 emergency cases (i.e. those labelled in the health information system as an accident and emergency) of Omani patients aged ≥5 years presented during this period. Every second case, based on arrival to the registration desk, was selected for analysis. Electronic medical records were reviewed to collect data regarding demographic features, presenting complaints, time and season of presentation, management provided and method of transportation if referred to tertiary care. RESULTS: The proportion of emergency cases was <2.5% (range: 1-2.5%). The most common type of emergency was musculoskeletal issues/trauma (34.3%) followed by gastroenterological (15.1%) and genitourinary (10.0%) emergencies. Most patients were either 21-39 or 5-12 years old (35.0% and 21.6%, respectively). The majority (59.6%) were treated directly at the health centre, while the remaining patients (40.4%) were referred to tertiary care. At referral, only 12.1% were transported by ambulance and the rest via private transport. CONCLUSION: Musculoskeletal issues/trauma was the most common type of emergency seen at the selected PHC centres in Muscat. Further research is needed to determine whether PHC centres have the capability and resources necessary to appropriately manage emergency cases.

Prevalence of Cytological Abnormalities in Papanicolaou Smears and Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer Among Women in Muscat, Oman.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of cytological abnormalities in Papanicolaou (Pap) smears and related risk factors among Omani women. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to September 2019 at the gynaecology and family medicine clinics of Khoula Hospital and Sultan Qaboos University Hospital in Muscat. All asymptomatic Omani women aged between 21 and 65 years were included. Data regarding the participants' sociodemographic characteristics and known risk factors were collected using a self-reported sheet. Pap smears were performed and the results were reported by a cytotechnologist and histopathologist. RESULTS: A total of 442 women participated in the study (response rate: 100%). The mean age was 39.0 ± 9.7 years old. The prevalence of cervical cytological abnormalities was 3.7%. There was a significant association between human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and cervical cell abnormalities ( P = 0.017); however, there was no link with hormonal contraception use, pregnancy before the age of 17 years or parity (P >0.050 each). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of cervical cell abnormalities in Oman was similar to that observed in Arab countries and relatively low in comparison to findings from Western countries. A screening program should be implemented at the primary care level. The findings of this study also highlighted the need for a future vaccination program against HPV infections.

The Psychological Impact of Referral for Mammography Screening for Breast Cancer Among Women in Muscat Governorate: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: Breast cancer constitutes the majority of diagnosed cancers in Oman's females, accounting for 19.2%, which prompted the introduction of a breast cancer screening programme into the Omani healthcare system. There are rising international concerns about the effectiveness of mammography as a screening tool and its psychological impact. The current study aimed to determine the social, emotional and physical dysfunction caused by the waiting time from the day of scheduling the appointment until the day of screening and explore associated risk factors. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted between March and December 2017 at Khoula Hospital, Muscat, Oman, using a two-part self-administered questionnaire. Part one of the questionnaire collected clinical and demographic data. Part two consisted of the Psychological Consequences Questionnaire (PCQ) and focused on psychological consequences, measuring the effect of mammographic screening on emotional, physical and social functions. RESULTS: A total of 300 women aged ≥40 years old participated in this study (response rate: 100%). Results revealed that there was a minimal negative psychological impact from screening using mammograms. All PCQ domains were significantly impacted for participants who reported a family history of cancer (P = 0.007). The social score was significantly higher among women between 40-50 years old (P = 0.008). Scores of emotional and social functions were significantly affected by participants' employment status; employed women were more affected than those who were not (P = 0.043 and 0.012, respectively). However, women's levels of literacy did not affect any of the domains. CONCLUSION: The psychosocial impact of the waiting period between scheduling and undergoing mammography screening was minimal in the current sample. Future research should evaluate the psychosocial impact on patients at different recall times.