Attending Primary Health Care Research Articles

Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Primary Health Care, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Background: Metabolic Syndrome (MS) is identified as a cluster of risk factors that significantly increase the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. It is characterized by obesity, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. Multiple definitions and criteria of MS exist. The most widely used set of criteria are the US National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) ATP III and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), both of which are used in this study. Due to different defining criteria and population demographics, the prevalence of MS varies widely across countries, regions, and continents.Objective: This study investigates the prevalence and risk factors of metabolic syndrome among primary healthcare attendees in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over 12 months at the Prince Sultan Military Medical City (PSMMC) Wazzarat Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, involving 262 participants. The study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of MS among primary healthcare attendees using ATP III and IDF criteria. Participants were assessed for sociodemographic features, comorbidities, vital signs, and laboratory data related to MS. Statistical analysis utilized R v 4.3 for descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, Chi-square tests for categorical variables, and the Mann-Whitney test for continuous variables.Results: Among the study participants, 20.2% met the criteria for MS according to ATP III, and 19.9% according to IDF criteria, with a strong concordance between the two (Kappa statistic = 0.92, P < 0.001). The median age of individuals with MS was significantly higher (45 years) than those without (35 years, P < 0.001). Significant predictors included age, with BMI and fasting blood glucose showing a strong positive correlation (r > 0.5, P < 0.001). Notably, 60.7% of the cohort were medically free from conditions contributing to MS.Conclusion: The prevalence of MS among primary healthcare attendees in Riyadh, as defined by ATP III and IDF criteria, underscores the importance of age and lifestyle factors as predictors. The findings advocate for targeted preventive strategies focusing on lifestyle modifications to mitigate the risk of MS. Further research is suggested to explore the long-term impact of these interventions.

Awareness of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes Among Women Attending Primary Healthcare Centers in Qassim, Saudi Arabia.

Background Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), diagnosed during pregnancy, can harm both mothers and neonates. GDM awareness among women varies among various countries. Understanding the level of awareness is vital for designing effective health interventions. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate GDM awareness among married females at primary healthcare centers (PHCCs) in Qassim, Saudi Arabia, focusing on knowledge regarding adverse maternal and fetal outcomes of GDM. Methods An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among married females at PHCCs in Qassim, from June 2023 to October 2023. A two-stage cluster sampling method was used. Four PHCCs were selected in the first stage, and study participants were selected from these centers in the second stage. A self-administered questionnaire was used. Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS, version 23;IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY) was used for statistical analysis. Results Of the 270 participants, the majority (72.2%) demonstrated 'poor' knowledge about GDM adverse outcomes for both mothers and neonates, 17.8% demonstrated a 'fair' level, and only 10% displayed a 'good' knowledge. Participants' educational level, personal history of diabetes, and age were associated with knowledge levels. Awareness of specific outcomes related to GDM, both maternal and neonatal, varied among participants. Information on GDM was mainly obtained from mass media and personal networks, while healthcare providers were reported as the least common source. Conclusion Based on the results of our study, weconclude that educational interventions, especially involving healthcare providers, are essential to improve awareness about GDM adverse outcomes. Strategies involving educational sessions by healthcare providers and health education materials at PHCCs can improve awareness leading to effective management of GDM and improved maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Verification of 2021 IDF-DAR risk assessment tool for fasting Ramadan in patients with diabetes attending primary health care in The Kingdom of Bahrain: The DAR-BAH study

BackgroundThere is a high prevalence of diabetes mellitus among Muslim adult patients. Those Muslims are required to fast the holy month of Ramadan. However, the Islam religion exempted some people with medical issues. It was not clear if all the patients with diabetes were considered medically unfit to fast Ramadan. Therefore, IDF-DAR group created a new risk calculator to categorize the patients with diabetes to advise with or against fasting accordingly. ObjectiveThis study is validating the IDF-DAR tool in assessing the accuracy of IDF-DAR risk calculator tool on adult patients with diabetes visiting primary health care in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The study will facilitate the health care professionals’ decision to exempt the patients from fasting. MethodsIt is a prospective, randomized study for Ramadan 1444/2023 to assess the new IDF-DAR risk score tool that predicts the complications and the negative outcome of fasting during Ramadan. It included pre- and post-Ramadan questionnaires. 757 patients were selected randomly from the patients list of the central diabetes clinics in primary health care for pre-Ramadan risk assessment scoring. Post-Ramadan a phone a questionnaire was done to evaluate the ability of fasting and the occurrence of adverse events. ResultsOut of the 757 participants, 611 were included in the study. The mean age of the studied population was 59.8 years and 52.8 % of them were female. 630 (95.3 %) had type 2 diabetes. According to the new IDF-DAR risk calculator, 184 (27.8 %) were categorized as low risk (≤3 score), 252 (38.1 %) as moderate risk (3–6 score), and 225 (34 %) as high risk (>6 score). The percentage of patients completed their 30 days fasting successfully without reporting adverse events in the low, moderate, and high-risk groups were 92.4 %, 89.3 %, 74.7 % respectively. There was significant increased risk in breaking the fast between the low-risk group and high-risk group with a p-value of <0.001. Similarly, there was significant increased risk in breaking the fast between the moderate-risk group and high-risk group with p-value of <0.001. The main reason of breaking the fast was hypoglycemic attacks. The leading factors that play a significant role in increasing the risk of adverse events during fasting Ramadan were type 1 diabetes mellitus, the presence of previous hypoglycemia attacks, the presence of renal impairment, and negative previous Ramadan experience. ConclusionThe new IDF-DAR risk calculator is a good tool to predict both the ability to fast Ramadan and the probability of experiencing adverse events (mainly hypoglycemia) in people with diabetes mellitus in Kingdom of Bahrain.

Perception and Utilization of Traditional Birth Attendants by Pregnant Women Attending Primary Health Care Clinics in Bosso Local Government Area, Niger State, Nigeria

Background: Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) play a significant role in maternal healthcare in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas. This study assessed the perception and utilisation of TBAs among pregnant women attending primary health care clinics in Bosso Local Government Area, Niger State, Nigeria.&#x0D; Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 218 registered pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in selected primary health centres. A semi-structured intervieweradministered questionnaire was used to collect data, which were analysed using Epi Info software. Data was presented with frequency tables and charts and test for association between categorical variables was done using Chi square. P value was set at &lt;0.05.&#x0D; Results: The study found that 40.1% of respondents utilised TBA services, while 59.9% did not. The services accessed from TBAs included routine antenatal care (61.2%), normal delivery (54.2%), special bath (13.5%), concoction for mothers (56.8%), and family planning (41.7%). The reasons for utilising TBAs were cheaper services (84.5%), cultural acceptability (24.7%), proximity to home (91.8%), belief in more compassionate care (74.2%), and limited knowledge of alternative services (3.1%). Most TBA users (85.6%) expressed satisfaction with the services. The study also revealed associations between TBA utilisation and socio- demographic characteristics such as age, religion, tribe, educational status, and occupation.&#x0D; Conclusion: The study highlights the continued utilisation of TBAs for maternal healthcare services in the study area, driven by various factors, including affordability, cultural acceptability, and proximity. Efforts should be directed towards improving knowledge and awareness about alternative healthcare options and promoting safe practices among TBAs. The findings underscore the need for culturally sensitive and inclusive maternal healthcare interventions that address different population groups' unique needs and preferences.

Transfers between health facilities of people living with diabetes attending primary health care services in the Western Cape Province of South Africa: A retrospective cohort study.

Transfers between health facilities of people living with HIV attending primary health care (PHC) including hospital to PHC facility, PHC facility to hospital and PHC facility to PHC facility transfers occur frequently, affect health service planning, and are associated with disengagement from care and viraemia. Data on transfers among people living with diabetes attending PHC, particularly transfers between PHC facilities, are few. We assessed the transfer incidence rate of people living with diabetes attending PHC, and the association between transfers between PHC facilities and subsequent HbA1c values. We analysed data on HbA1c tests at public sector facilities in the Western Cape Province (2016-March 2020). Individuals with an HbA1c in 2016-2017 were followed-up for 27 months and included in the analysis if ≥18 years at first included HbA1c, ≥2 HbA1cs during follow-up and ≥1 HbA1c at a PHC facility. A visit interval was the duration between two consecutive HbA1cs. Successive HbA1cs at different facilities of any type indicated any transfer, and HbA1cs at different PHC facilities indicated a transfer between PHC facilities. Mixed effects logistic regression adjusted for sex, age, rural/urban facility attended at the start of the visit interval, disengagement (visit interval >14 months) and a hospital visit during follow-up assessed the association between transfers between PHC facilities and HbA1c >8%. Among 102,813 participants, 22.6% had ≥1 transfer of any type. Including repeat transfers, there were 29,994 transfers (14.4 transfers per 100 person-years, 95% confidence interval [CI] 14.3-14.6). A total of 6996 (30.1%) of those who transferred had a transfer between PHC facilities. Visit intervals with a transfer between PHC facilities were longer (349 days, interquartile range [IQR] 211-503) than those without any transfer (330 days, IQR 182-422). The adjusted relative odds of an HbA1c ≥8% after a transfer between PHC facilities versus no transfer were 1.20 (95% CI 1.05-1.37). The volume of transfers involving PHC facilities requires consideration when planning services. Individuals who transfer between PHC facilities require additional monitoring and support.

Factors Associated with Vegetable Consumption among Pregnant Women Attending Primary Health Care Facilities in Patani Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria

Factors Associated with Vegetable Consumption among Pregnant Women Attending Primary Health Care Facilities in Patani Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria

Growth patterns of children under 5 years old in rural area northern of Abha, Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia.

Measuring and monitoring physical growth is a key element in assessing children's health. The physical and mental development of a growing child are indicators of good health and nutrition. This study aimed to explore the patterns of growth parameters among children under 5 years old attending primary health care centres (PHCCs) in rural northern Abha. Feeding habits during the first 2 years of life were also assessed. This study was conducted on 1-5 April 2022 in all (PHCCs) in Billasamr and Ballahmar, two neighbourhoods of northern Abha. The investigator designed a form for collecting each child's age (months), weight (kilograms), gender, birth order, number of family members, type of feeding (exclusive breastfeeding, exclusive bottle feeding, or mixed feeding), and duration of exclusive breastfeeding. Gender affected the body weight of Saudi infants, as boys weighed significantly more than age-matched girls. Birth order also affected body weight. During the first and third years of life, Saudi children's body weight was not significantly affected by feeding type. During the second and fifth years of life, formula-fed children weighed more than breastfed or combination-fed children. However, during the fourth year of life, body weight was highest in combination-fed children. Growth patterns over time, established from multiple data points, must be used in conjunction with other medical and family history to evaluate appropriate growth. Recording and tracking body size, especially recumbent length and weight, as part of well-baby care is critical for any assessment of child wellbeing and health status.

Prevalence of depression and anxiety among elderly primary care patients in Palestine.

Depression and anxiety are common mental health disorders among the elderly worldwide. In this study, we estimated the prevalence of depression and anxiety and related risk factor among elderly attending Primary Health care (PHC) centers in Palestine. A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to July 2021 with a sample size of 380 participants aged ≥60 attending PHC centers in West Bank, using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. We used the Geriatric Depression Scale-15 and the Geriatric anxiety Scale to screen for depression and anxiety, respectively. Logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of depression and anxiety. The prevalence of depression and anxiety was 41.1 and 39.2%, respectively. Elderly people living in rural areas (aOR = 2.63; 95% CI: 1.72-4.20), uneducated (aOR = 2.92; 95% CI: 1.41-6.13), and without monthly income (aOR = 3.42; 95% CI: 1.52-7.61) were more likely to have depression. On the other hand, anxiety was independently associated with living in rural areas (aOR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.23-3.04) and having non-communicable diseases (aOR = 2.01; 95% CI: 1.13-3.49). Depression and anxiety are common in Palestine, a developing country with a lack of elderly related services. This should be emphasized at the national and regional levels where geriatric health care services are scarce. Such information is required by policymakers and external funding agencies in order to develop future agendas.

Assessment of Breast Cancer Prevention Practices among Women Attending Primary Health Care in Abha City, Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia

Assessment of Breast Cancer Prevention Practices among Women Attending Primary Health Care in Abha City, Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Breast Self-Examination among Women Attending Primary Health Care Facility in Sharkia Governorate, Egypt

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Breast Self-Examination among Women Attending Primary Health Care Facility in Sharkia Governorate, Egypt

Assessment of Anthropometric Parameters and Selected Macronutrients Status in Children Attending Primary Health Care Centre Babban Dodo Zaria, Kaduna State

Malnutrition is an independent risk factor for patient morbidity and mortality as a result of socioeconomic challenges. The aim of the study is to assess the anthropometric indices and some selected macronutrients status in children attending clinic at Primary Health Care Centre Babban Dodo Zaria, Kaduna State. Sixty (60) participants were recruited for socio-demographic study using structured questionnaire. Anthropometric parameters (Body Mass Index, Mid Upper Arm Circumference and Hip), total protein, serum albumin and globulin were determined from the children attending the clinic. It was observed that, children of 8 months old and above showed significant decrease (p&lt;0.01) in serum total protein compared to the children of lesser ages. Similarly, children of 1 month 5 months and 8-55 months showed significant decrease (p&lt;0.01) in serum albumin. Significant decrease (p&lt;0.01) in serum globulin level was seen in Children of 2-3 months, 6 months and 8-55 months compared to the children of less than 2 months. The Body Mass Index (BMI) shows that 58.33% were underweight, 25.00% were normal and 16.67% were overweight. Significant increase (p&lt;0.01) in head circumference were seen in children of 8-55 months old compared to the children of below 8 months. Children of 20-25 months old and also showed significant decrease (p&lt;0.01) in Waist/Hip ratio compared with other group of children. Results indicate that, stunted growth, Protein energy malnutrition symptoms were seen in most of the children which in turn will affect their mental state.

Pattern of Vegetable Consumption among Pregnant Women Attending Primary Health Care Facilities in Patani Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria

Aim: Vegetables provide key nutrients essential to promoting and maintaining good health. This study aimed to determine the perception of the importance and pattern of vegetable consumption among pregnant women attending Primary Health Care facilities in Patani Local Government Area (L.G.A) of Delta State, Nigeria.&#x0D; Study Design: A population-based descriptive cross-sectional survey of 368 pregnant women aged 15-49 years was conducted in Patani L.G.A, Plateau State, Nigeria using a multi-stage cluster random sampling design.&#x0D; Methodology: Data were collected by face-to-face interview using a structured questionnaire. Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) data were used to estimate habitual frequency of intake of dark green leafy vegetable for previous 7 days.&#x0D; Results: Of the 368 pregnant women, age group 21-25 years and 26-30 years with prevalence of 95 (25.8%) and 90 (24.5%) respectively were the highest age groups. Two hundred and twenty-one (60.1%) agree that a maternal diet rich in vegetables and eaten during pregnancy reduces risk of gestational diabetes, hypertension, preterm birth and foetal growth restriction, and the perception of the respondents was high. Ugu leaf 257 (69.8%), Bitter leaf 173 (47.0%) and water leaf 151 (41.0%) were the most available vegetable in the respondent’s community. 19% of the respondents did not consume vegetable, 26.6% consumed vegetable seven times and 13.9% consumed vegetables three times in the last 7 days prior to the study. The mean frequency of vegetable consumption is 11.6%. 55% of respondents put vegetables into food towards the end of cooking the food. 33.4% of the respondents spent N 150- N 200 to purchase vegetable to cook.&#x0D; Conclusion: Vegetable consumption is highly nutritious especially during pregnancy. Its pattern of consumption varies depending on the perception of its importance, educational status, age group, types of vegetable available and the financial power of purchase.

Prevalence of seasonal affective disorder among primary health care attendees in eastern Riyadh-a cross-sectional study

Background: Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of mood disorder, is defined by seasonal depressive symptoms that appear at a particular time of a year. Its burden in Saudi Arabia is poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to estimate the prevalence of and factors associated with seasonal depression among attendees of primary health care centres (PHC) in Eastern Riyadh. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in the PHC of Eastern Riyadh. We systematically sampled participants attending the PHCs the required sample size was achieved. We measured seasonal depression and beliefs using the validated seasonal pattern assessment questionnaire (SPAQ) and seasonal beliefs questionnaire. We presented the mean and standard deviation (SD) of scores obtained and used Student’s t test ANOVA test to compare differences across explanatory variables. We demonstrated internal consistency using Cronbach’s alpha. Results: Among 232 participants, majority were aged 18-35 years (67.2%) and males (60.8%). The mean (SD) score on SPAQ was 1.00 (0.71) and that on the seasonal beliefs was 3.03 (0.69). With a cut-off of 11 on SPAQ, prevalence of SAD was found to be 33.5%. SPAQ score was significantly higher among younger ages, females, single/divorced, Saudis, those with secondary/lower level education and those who earn&lt;50,000 Saudi Riyals (p&lt;0.001). Seasonal beliefs score was significantly higher among younger ages (p=0.013) and Saudis (p=0.001). Both the scales used had high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha of 0.901 for SPAQ and 0.847 for seasonal beliefs questionnaire). Conclusions: SAD was a prevalent mental health issue among primary care attendees in Eastern Riyadh. Screening for such conditions at the primary level among high-risk groups should be considered by family physicians.

Comprehension and Understanding of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Among Pregnant Women Attending Primary Health Care Facilities in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Background and objective Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy and can negatively affect both the mother and the fetus. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness of GDM among pregnant women in primary care centers. By enhancing their understanding of the risks and symptoms of GDM, we can potentially mitigate adverse outcomes. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in the National Guard's primary healthcare facilities in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The study employed a validated 12-item questionnaire to collect data from 489 participants. The questionnaire items covered the identification of risk factors, diagnostic approach, treatment options, and complications related to GDM, considering maternal and fetal health implications. Results The study participants had a mean age of 30.9 years. Among these participants, 53.6% demonstrated a thorough understanding of GDM, 35.2% had moderate knowledge scores, and 11.2% had low knowledge scores. Higher levels of awareness were strongly associated with higher levels of education, gravidity, and prior knowledge of GDM. Conclusion The study highlights the importance of early detection and management strategies for GDM during pregnancy to minimize its negative impacts. Thefindings suggest the need for individually tailored antenatal education programs by healthcare professionals that address the needs of different populations. This is particularly relevant for women with lower education levels and those who are pregnant for the first time or have no prior knowledge of GDM.

Community-Directed Educational Intervention for Lassa Fever Prevention Practices Among Nursing Mothers Attending Primary Health Care Centres in Akinyele, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Community-Directed Educational Intervention for Lassa Fever Prevention Practices Among Nursing Mothers Attending Primary Health Care Centres in Akinyele, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Psychometric Properties of the 7-Item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (Gad-7) in Nigerian Pregnant Women Attending Primary Health Care

AimsMaternal mental health is an integral component of services that should be rendered to pregnant women in addition to their physical health during their antenatal care. Mental health conditions are screened for during these visits. There is a high prevalence of anxiety disorders among this group of women. A common questionnaire used to screen for anxiety is the 7-item generalized anxiety disorder (GAD-7). However, this instrument has not been validated among pregnant women in Nigeria. We conducted research among pregnant women in Southwest Nigeria to demonstrate the psychometric properties of GAD-7 using the anxiety modules of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) as a gold standard.MethodsWe administered both GAD-7 and the anxiety module of MINI among 203 pregnant women who attended 4 randomly selected primary health centres in Southwest Nigeria. The data collected from these questionnaires were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).The reliability of GAD-7 was assessed with Cronbach's alpha to estimate its internal consistency. The validity of GAD-7 was examined with an assessment of its concurrent validity, sensitivity, and specificity analysis and a receiver operator characteristic curve.Using Pearson correlations, we evaluated the concurrent validity of GAD-7 and the anxiety modules of the M.I.N.I. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive, and negative predictive values of GAD-7 were determined with the MINI as a gold standard. The predictive accuracy was further determined from receiver operating curve analysis using the area under the curve as a standard measure.ResultsThe internal consistency value measured by Cronbach's alpha for GAD-7 was 0.709. GAD-7 correlated minimally with the anxiety modules of MINI with a coefficient score (r) of 0.393 at a p-value of 0.01. GAD-7 has a low sensitivity &amp; negative predictive value of 14.1% and 57.8% respectively and a high specificity &amp; positive predictive value of 97.3% and 81.2% respectively. The area under the curve using receiver operating curve analysis was above the chance line of 0.5 with a value of 0.0557 at p &lt; 0.05.ConclusionGAD-7 is a reliable and moderately valid instrument to screen anxiety among pregnant women in Southwest Nigeria.

Knowledgment of Birth Spacing Among Women Attending Primary Health Care Centers in Mukalla District, Yemen

Background: Short birth spacing linked with adversative health consequences for infant, child and maternal mortality also increases the chances of mother and their children survival.&#x0D; Objective: To assess the determinants and the knowledge of birth space amongst women of reproductive age in Mukalla district, Hadhramout Governorate, Yemen.&#x0D; Patients and Methods: A cross sectional study of 384 women of multiplicative ages (15-49 years) was conducted at primary health care centres in Mukalla district. The study was conducted from November. 2018 to Oct 2019.&#x0D; Results: The median birth spacing was 35 months. (50.8 %) of respondents have been committed undersized birth spacing underneath the indorsed interval of ideal delivery spacing. Multivariate logestic V regression revealed that age of mother between 15-24 years (OR 3.255, 95%CI 1.598-6.629, P=0.001), not enough family income (OR 1.867, 95%CI1.104-3.158, P =0.020 ), number of living children ≤ 3 children (OR 1.225, 95%CI .532–2.520, P=0.027) and breast feeding duration &lt; 6 months (OR7.435 , 95%CI 1.490 – 37.101,P=0.014) or 6-&lt;12 months (OR 7.320, 95%CI 1.406–38.116, P=0.018) were linked with augmented hazard of short birth spacing, whereas mother’s history of chronic disease (OR.026,95%CI .003-.227,P=.001) and modern family planning methods utilization (OR.208, 95%CI.112-.386, P=0.000) were linked with decreased risk of little birth space. (58.1%) of respondents had high level of knowledge about the birth spacing.&#x0D; Conclusion: Certain factors were significant predictors of short birth spacing in Mukalla's women. This should lead to encouragement of longer birth spacing between births.

Knowledgment of Birth Spacing Among Women Attending Primary Health Care Centers in Mukalla District, Yemen

Background: Short birth spacing linked with adversative health consequences for infant, child and maternal mortality also increases the chances of mother and their children survival. Objective: To assess the determinants and the knowledge of birth space amongst women of reproductive age in Mukalla district, Hadhramout Governorate, Yemen. Patients and Methods: A cross sectional study of 384 women of multiplicative ages (15-49 years) was conducted at primary health care centres in Mukalla district. The study was conducted from November. 2018 to Oct 2019. Results: The median birth spacing was 35 months. (50.8 %) of respondents have been committed undersized birth spacing underneath the indorsed interval of ideal delivery spacing. Multivariate logestic V regression revealed that age of mother between 15-24 years (OR 3.255, 95%CI 1.598-6.629, P=0.001), not enough family income (OR 1.867, 95%CI1.104-3.158, P =0.020 ), number of living children ≤ 3 children (OR 1.225, 95%CI .532–2.520, P=0.027) and breast feeding duration &lt; 6 months (OR7.435 , 95%CI 1.490 – 37.101,P=0.014) or 6-&lt;12 months (OR 7.320, 95%CI 1.406–38.116, P=0.018) were linked with augmented hazard of short birth spacing, whereas mother’s history of chronic disease (OR.026,95%CI .003-.227,P=.001) and modern family planning methods utilization (OR.208, 95%CI.112-.386, P=0.000) were linked with decreased risk of little birth space. (58.1%) of respondents had high level of knowledge about the birth spacing. Conclusion: Certain factors were significant predictors of short birth spacing in Mukalla's women. This should lead to encouragement of longer birth spacing between births. Keywords: Birth spacing; knowledgment; primary health care centers; Yemen

Sero-Prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Antibodies Among Pregnant Women Attending Primary Health Care Center (PHCC) Jajere

Sero-Prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Antibodies Among Pregnant Women Attending Primary Health Care Center (PHCC) Jajere

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Family Planning Among Saudi Primary Health Care Attendees in Al-Ahsa, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Assessing community awareness and practice of the significance and methods of family planning is critical for improving the effectiveness and quality of services, policies, and planning, which has a positive impact on the health and quality of life of women, children, families, and communities. This study aims to determine Saudi population'sknowledge, attitude, and practice of family planning in Al-Ahsa, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.The study included randomly selected participants (male and female Saudi primary health care attendees).All adult Saudi individuals of both genders attending primary health care centers were eligible for inclusion in this study.Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 15 (Released 2006; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States).Descriptive statistics for the prevalence and quantitative variables was used. Results:The study included 672 participants; 78.6% of them were females and 21.4% were males. 23.8% of participants aged between 20 and 30 years old.73.8% of participants heard of family planning before. The source of information about family planning was reported as 36.9% from the Internet, 27.4% from relatives, 21.4% from the doctor, and 14.3% from books.21.4% think that long-term contraceptive use led to permanent infertility.81.0% of the participants said that they tend to use family planning methods. 78.6% of the participants have used a family planning method before, where 25.8%of the participants used natural contraception methods, 21.2%used surgical contraception, 27.3%used condoms, and 12.1%used hormonal tablets, while 13.6%used nothing. However, 65.2% currently use contraceptives. 31.8% use the natural method of family planning currently, 21.2% use surgical methods, and 6.1% use condoms. In comparison to many studies previously mentioned, the rate of family planning utilization was average, as was the level of knowledge and attitude towardfamily planning. However, there were some mistaken beliefs among participants regarding contraceptives. Age,gender, the duration of a marriage, education level, working status, and monthly income were all found to be significantly associated with knowledge of family planning.