Proteinuria and its associated factors in patients attending family medicine clinics in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Urinalysis is a simple, valuable, and low-cost tool for the detection of proteinuria, a significant risk factor for renal and cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of proteinuria and its associated risk factors in patients attending Family Medicine Clinics in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, as no study of that nature had previously been conducted. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this register-based cross-sectional study, data including urinary protein and other urinalysis components ordered between January 2018 and January 2020 were collected from electronic medical records. In addition, data regarding nationality, gender, age, blood pressure, body mass index, serum human chorionic gonadotropin, fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), 25-hydroxy Vitamin D level, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), uric acid, creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and lipid profile was also obtained. Proteinuria was classified as negative if no or trace protein was present, and positive if protein was ≥1+, and was considered overt proteinuria. RESULTS: In total, results of 2942 urinalysis tests were included. The mean age of the patients was 42.4 ± 14.5 years; majority of the patients were females (62.3%) and were Saudis (68.8%). The rate of proteinuria was 4.2%. Saudi nationality, female gender, age ≥ 40 years, high systolic blood pressure, high diastolic blood pressure, fasting glucose ≥126, HbA1c ≥6.5%, BUN >20 mg/dl, creatinine >1.3 mg/dl, low eGFR <60, and high low-density lipoproteins cholesterol were significantly associated with proteinuria based on bivariate analysis. Using a logistic regression model, a statistically significant association was observed between proteinuria and advancing age, the presence of urinary casts, elevated serum creatinine level, and Saudi nationality. CONCLUSION: The only variables that were independently associated with proteinuria using the logistic regression were the presence of casts in the urine, Saudi nationality, high creatinine level, and older age. These variables should be borne in mind by treating physicians.

Consumption of vitamin and mineral supplements and its correlates among medical students in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Although vitamin and mineral supplements are popular in many countries, few studies have documented their use among college students. Moreover, there is not much national data on the use of supplements by Saudi medical students. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of the use of vitamin and mineral supplements by female medical students at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU) in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, and to identify characteristics associated with the use of supplements in this population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For this cross-sectional study, all female medical students at IAU in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, were approached during September to November 2016. Results were presented as frequency distribution. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were performed to determine factors associated with supplement use; P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Completed questionnaires were returned by 474 students (response rate of 77%). The prevalence of the use of vitamin and mineral supplements was 44.6%; Vitamin D was the most commonly used supplement. Association of supplement use with a higher family income and the habit of regular exercise was statistically significant. However, this use of supplements was not significantly associated with smoking or marital status. CONCLUSION: The use of supplements, particularly Vitamin D, by female medical students was 44.6%. The highest percentage of users belonged to families with higher incomes and had the habit of exercising regularly.

Family medicine training in Saudi Arabia: Are there any variations among different regions?

AIMS: The aim was to compare Eastern, Makkah, and Asir regions in term of residents' perception of the achievement of training objectives, and to assess various rotations based on residents' perception. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This cross-sectional study was done among family medicine residents in the Eastern, Makkah, and Asir regions. METHODOLOGY: A questionnaire was developed by the investigator and validated by two experts. All residents, except R1 residents, were included. All data were collected by the investigator by direct contact with the residents. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Cronbach's alpha, analysis of variance, t-test, and univariate regression model as appropriate, were used. RESULTS: Reliability of the questionnaire was found to be 75.4%. One hundred and seven (response rate: 83.6%) residents completed the questionnaire. There were 51 (47.7%), 27 (25.2%), and 29 (27.1%) residents in the program in the Eastern region, Makkah, and Asir, respectively. The mean age was 29.1 ± 2.5 years; half of the residents were male, most of (83.2%) were married, and more than half (54.2%) of had worked in primary health care before joining the program. Overall, 45% of the residents perceived that they had achieved the training objectives. The highest rotations as perceived by the residents were psychiatry and otolaryngology while the lowest were orthopedics and ophthalmology. There were significant differences among the study regions with regard to the rotations in family medicine, internal medicine, orthopedics, general surgery, and emergency medicine. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, a good percentage of the residents perceived that they had achieved the training objectives. The rotations differed in the studied regions. Psychiatry and otolaryngology had the highest percentage of family medicine residents who perceived that they had achieved the training objectives while lowest was in internal medicine and obstetrics and gynecology. The highest rotations as perceived by the family medicine residents were psychiatry and otolaryngology while lowest were orthopedics and ophthalmology. Sharing of experience and further studies are needed to improve the program rotations.

Risk factors and co-morbidity of skin disorders among female schoolchildren in Eastern Saudi Arabia.

The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors of skin disorders among female schoolchildren in primary and intermediate schools in Al-khobar city, Eastern Saudi Arabia. This is a cross-sectional study conducted in Al-Khobar city during the period of January to March 2003. It involved 2239 female schoolchildren randomly selected from 30 regular public and private primary and preparatory schools. A multi-stage stratified random sampling technique with proportional allocation was used. Data was collected using a pre-designed structured questionnaire and clinical examination. Dandruff was negatively associated with private schools and positively associated with age, body mass index and overcrowding. The association of atopic dermatitis with family history of atopy and bronchial asthma was documented in this study. Those who were at high risk of getting acne were schoolchildren who had more baths per week and lived in villas with a high number of rooms (in other words the high socioeconomic class). Pediculosis had a negative association with a high level of father education and high socioeconomic status and a positive association with living in a flat and the number of siblings. It was concluded that sex, socioeconomic status, family history, parents' education, home type, and overcrowding were found to be risk factors for some skin disorders. Accordingly, it is recommended that a preventive health education program for schoolchildren with different levels of skin diseases be started considering the predictive variables that increase the prevalence of these diseases.

Risk factors and co-morbidity of skin disorders among female schoolchildren in eastern Saudi Arabia

El propósito de este estudio fue determinar los factores de riesgo de las enfermedades dermatológicas en escolares femeninas de escuelas primarias e intermedias en la ciudad de Al-Khobar, Arabia Saudita Oriente. Se realizó un estudio transversal en la ciudad Al-Khobar durante el período de enero a marzo de 2003. se estudiaron 2239 niñas en edad escolar, seleccionadas al azar de 30 escuelas primarias y preparatorias regulares, públicas y privadas. Se utilizó una técnica de muestreo al azar, estratificada de múltiple fase, con distribución proporcional. La data se colectó mediante el uso de un cuestionario estructurado pre-diseñado y evaluación clínica. La caspa estuvo asociada negativamente con las escuelas privadas y positivamente con la edad, el índice de masa corporal y el nacimiento. Este estudio documentó la asociación de dermatitis atópica con historia familiar de atopia y asma bronquial. Las escolares que tuvieron más alto riesgo de padecer acné‚ son aquellas que tuvieron más baños por semana y que vivían en villas con un alto número de habitaciones (en otras palabras, de la clase socioeconómica alta). La pediculosis tuvo una asociación negativa con un alto nivel de educación y alto estrato socieconómico del padre y una asociación positiva con el habitar en un apartamento y el número de hermanos. Se concluye que el género, el estrato socieconómico, la historia familiar, la educación de los padres, el tipo de vivienda y el hacinamiento fueron factores de riesgo para algunos desórdenes dermatológicos. En consecuencia, se recomienda que se comience un programa de educación sanitaria preventivo para escolares con diferentes grados de enfermedades dermatológicas , considerando las variables presdecibles que incrementan la prevalencia de estas enfermedades.

Prevalence and pattern of skin disorders among female schoolchildren in Eastern Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and pattern of skin disorders among female schoolchildren in primary and intermediate schools in Al-Khobar city, Eastern Saudi Arabia. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in Al-Khobar city, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the period from January-March 2003. It involved 2239 female schoolchildren randomly selected from 30 regular public and private primary and preparatory schools. We used a multi-stage stratified random sampling technique with proportional allocation. We collected data using a pre-designed structured questionnaire and clinical examination. RESULTS: The prevalence of skin diseases among female schoolchildren in Al-Khobar city was 98.6%. The most common skin disease and conditions group was the pigmentary disorders (91.6%), followed by a group of dermatitis/eczema and related conditions (26.7%), and disorders of skin appendages (25.3%). The common skin diseases and conditions in this study were melanocytic nevi (MN) (68%), post-inflammatory pigmentation (56.6%), scars (26.8%), acne (22.5%), dandruff (18.1%), pediculosis capitis (5.2%) and eczema (3.1%). Postinflammatory hyper/hypo pigmentation was more common among primary schoolchildren, whereas MN, dandruff, keratosis pilaris, acne and folliculitis were significantly more common among preparatory schoolchildren. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of skin disorders among female schoolchildren in Al-Khobar city was very high. Therefore, we recommended the introduction of a preventive health education program for schoolchildren at different levels and their families and teachers on skin diseases.

Dermatoses in obese female schoolchildren in the Al-khobar area, eastern saudi arabia.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the most frequent skin disorders in obese female schoolchildren in primary and intermediate schools in the Al-Khobar area, Eastern Saudi Arabia. METHODOLOGY: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the Al-Khobar area. It involved 2239 female schoolchildren randomly selected from 30 regular public and private primary and preparatory schools. A multi-stage stratified random sampling technique with proportional allocation was used. Data was collected using clinical examination and anthropometric measurements. RESULT: THE SKIN DISEASES THAT WERE MOST COMMON IN OBESE SCHOOLCHILDREN WERE: dandruff, acne, xerosis, acanthosis nigricans, folliculitis, alopecia, stria distensae (stretch marks) and callosity. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: obesity is associated with specific skin disorders. Health education programs on skin diseases and obesity should be provided to all schoolchildren, their families and teachers.

Treatment-related misconceptions among diabetic patients in Western Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the types and pattern of treatment-related misconceptions among Primary Health Care Centers (PHCCs) registered diabetic patients in Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A sample of 1039 PHCCs registered diabetic patients were interviewed using a structured questionnaire, concerning diabetic treatment-related misconceptions. This cross-sectional study was carried out in Makkah city, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from May 2000 to September 2000. A scoring system was used to document the frequency of misconceptions. The relationship of misconceptions to socio-demographic and diabetes-related variables were assessed using chi-squared tests. RESULTS: Four hundred and five (39%) patients had a high treatment misconception score. The score was significantly higher among females than males (P< 0.00001), and also among patients older than 35 years (P< 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between Saudis and non-Saudis, or in association with different education levels. Also, the score was significantly higher among patients with a shorter disease duration (P<0.04), and among patients who did not enjoy continuity of care (P<0.00001). Patients' misconceptions were mostly related to reasons for stopping medications. Moreover, patients thought that cure from diabetes was expected following a short course of treatment (16.5%) and that one could eat what he or she liked as long as medications were taken (23%). CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed the rate of treatment-related misconceptions to be high. It stresses the need for constant motivation and one on one level education at frequent intervals to encourage better knowledge regarding the disease and subsequent compliance to treatment.

Schoolboys with bronchial asthma in Al-Khobar City, Saudi Arabia: are they at increased risk of school absenteeism?

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to determine the mean period of school absenteeism (MPSA) among asthmatic Saudi schoolboys of Al-Khobar City and to determine the factors associated with the absenteeism. The methodology included the distribution of a self-administered questionnaire, which was completed by the parents of 1482 schoolboys who satisfied the selection criteria of the study. The prevalence rate of questionnaire-diagnosed asthma (QDA) was 9.5% (141/1482). The MPSA among questionnaire-diagnosed asthmatic boys (QDAs) was 13.6 +/- 3.4 days compared to 3.7 +/- 2.2 days among non questionnaire-diagnosed asthmatic boys (non QDAs). Among QDAs, the MPSA was associated significantly and positively with those who were younger, and with decreasing levels of socioeconomic class, histories of pets at home, presence of a currently smoking family member (father or both parents), visit to a hospital emergency room, and admission to hospital. It was significantly and negatively associated with concomitant use of prophylactic medication(s), including those used appropriately. The QDAs from middle and lower socioeconomic classes showed less use of prophylactic medication(s) but more histories of visits to an emergency room and of admissions to hospital. The multiple linear regression equation for the total period of school absenteeism (TPSA) during the 1995 academic year was generated. Asthmatic school children have a higher MPSA compared to their non asthmatic classmates. The risk of suffering the impacts of this disease is shown to be particularly increased among QDAs belonging to less socioeconomically advantaged families.

Attitudes of medical interns towards the practice of primary health care.

BACKGROUND: Training in different specialties should prepare young physicians to assume responsibilities in primary care. Training for the acquisition of the proper attitude for health care, should be given in the course of the training in different specialties. OBJECTIVE: To assess the attitudes of medical interns who have undergone rotation in the Department of Family and Community Medicine of a large university hospital, towards the provision of primary care. METHODS: A cross-sectional study incorporating a structured questionnaire was carried out on a sample of 106 interns; and 20 consultants were selected as a reference group. RESULTS: All medical interns almost unanimously endorsed continuous, coordinated, accessible and comprehensive care. In contrast, consultants less often supported the provision of such care for their own patients. CONCLUSIONS: Unless consultants change their attitudes towards the attributes of primary care, the quality of patient care as well as physician training would suffer.

Dietary misconceptions among diabetic patients in makka city, saudi arabia.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of some dietary misconceptions among primary health care center-registered diabetic patients in Makka City, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A sample of 1039 primary health care center- registered diabetic patients was interviewed using a structured questionnaire on diabetic diet -related misconceptions. A scoring system was used to document the frequency of misconceptions. The relationship of the misconceptions to socio-demographic and diabetes-related variables was assessed using chi-squared tests. RESULTS: Most patients (68.7%) had a high diet misconception score. More than half of the sample had the misconception that carbohydrates were to be completely eliminated from the diet, and only dried bread and bitter foods were to be consumed. Data included the belief in the consumption of honey and dates; the omission of snacks; belief in the carcinogenicity of the sugar substitutes; and obesity as a sign of good health. The score was significantly higher among males (p<0.01), patients older than 35 years (p<0.02), and among patients whose level of education was low (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: It is important to note that the rate of diet-related misconceptions among diabetics in Makka city is high. The study pointed to the target fraction of diabetic patients among whom these misconceptions prevailed. There is a need for constant motivation and appropriate education at frequent intervals to encourage better knowledge of the disease so that there is compliance to treatment.

Pattern and risk factors associated with hospital emergency visits among schoolboys with bronchial asthma in Al-Khobar.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence of a history of hospital emergency visits (HHEV) among asthmatic Saudi schoolboys in the city of Al-Khobar and factors associated with such visits. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The methodology included the distribution of a self-administered questionnaire, which was completed by the parents of 1482 schoolboys who satisfied the selection criteria of the study. RESULTS: The prevalence rate of questionnaire-diagnosed asthma (QDA) was 9.5%. The prevalence rate of a positive HHEV among QDA boys (QDAs0 was 65%. Positive HHEV among QDAs was associated significantly with those who were younger (P <0.00001), with decreasing levels of socioeconomic class (P <0.00001), histories of pets at home (P <0.00001), presence of a currently smoking family member (P <0.00001), and/or a smoking father (P <0.00001), with mean period of school absenteeism (P <0.00001), and previous admission to hospital (P <0.05). It was also significantly associated with concomitant use of prophylactic medication(s) (P <0.00001). The multiple linear regression equation for the total number of hospital emergency visits during the current academic year was generated. CONCLUSION: Asthmatic school children have a relatively higher rate of HHEV compared to the normal population. Modifying the preventable factors associated with the total number of hospital emergency visits is expected to decrease the severity and the disability associated with this disease.

Assessment of physician's prescribing practices at Ministry of Health Hospitals in Jeddah City - Saudi Arabia.

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