Patients In Riyadh Research Articles

A Cross-Sectional Assessment of Health Related Quality Of Life among Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

A Cross-Sectional Assessment of Health Related Quality Of Life among Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Association between Knowledge, Attitude and Health Related Quality of Life among Diabetic Patients in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

emails were returned as undeliverable. Response rate was 61.7% (137/222), with an acceptance rate of 46.7% (64/137) which means an efficiency rate of 28.8% (64/ 222). Response rate was significantly higher (57.7% vs. 42.3%) and acceptance rate was non-significantly higher (51.9 vs. 39.7%) among non-US peers. Time needed to deliver the review amongst the 49 reviewers with complete assignments was 23.5 (SD1⁄413.1) days. Conclusions: The peer-reviewers’ selection process was shown to be a complex task in the Editorial Process. However, we consider that the method for peer-reviewers’ selection in the journal Pharmacy Practice is the best possible strategy to identify the real peers with similar research interests.

Oral Health Status among Psychiatric Patients in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The purpose of this study is to describe the oral health status among psychiatric patients as compared to psychologically normal controls. A convenience sample of 100 patients who regularly attended a psychiatric clinic in King Saud University, King Khalid Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was selected as the study group. The control group consisted of 84 age- and gender-matched volunteers. All controls were screened using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) and five persons were excluded based on this. All the participants were interviewed and a comprehensive review questionnaire designed for this survey was completed, then they were examined. The examination involved an extra-oral examination as well as examination of teeth and soft tissues using the decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) index, the Silness and Löe plaque index and the bleeding index. The study group had more tenderness in the masticatory muscles, especially the temporalis muscle. Temporomandbular joint findings showed no significant differences between groups. Decayed, missing, filled teeth index, plaque and bleeding indices were higher among the study group. The incidence of scalloped tongue was significantly higher among psychiatric patients. Oral health status is worse among psychiatric patients, who are more likely to develop some oral conditions, such as temporomandibular disorder and dental caries. It is necessary for both dental and mental healthcare providers to be aware of patients' needs and preventive measures to be instituted for them.

Dentist-patient communication as perceived by patients in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The aim of this study was to assess patient-dentist communication and to evaluate the factors affecting it among Saudi patients and its effect on satisfaction. A self-administered questionnaire was designed for this survey with 5-scale Likert-type statements. Patients' main concern was the courtesy followed by information interaction, moral support, explaining the procedure and understanding of the patient's feelings. These were the factors that contributed positively to good communication and satisfaction. It could be concluded that Saudi dentist possess a satisfactory ability to communicate with their patients.

Increasing prevalence of high-level gentamicin resistant enterococci: An emerging clinical problem

Enterococci have recently been recognized as a causative organism of intractable infections. This study investigated the species prevalence, antimicrobial resistance and characterization of high-level gentamicin resistant (HLGR) enterococci. A total of 163 enterococci were isolated from various clinical samples collected from hospitalized patients in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Enterococcus faecalis was the most frequent species (58.9%), followed by Enterococcus faecium (26.9%), Enterococcus avium(6.1%), Enterococcus gallinarum (2.5%), Enterococcus durans (1.8%), Enterococcus hirae (1.2%), Enterococcus casseliflavus (1.2%) and Enterococcus cecorum (0.6%). High-level of resistances to gentamicin and streptomycin were detected by the disc diffusion method, in 20.2% of isolates. The prevalence of resistances among β-lactam antibiotics and glycopeptides were very low. All Enterococcus isolates were identified phenotypically by conventional methods and genotypically by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting aminoglycoside modifying enzyme (AMEs) genes including aac(6`)-Ie-aph(2``)-Ia, aph(2``)-Ib, aph(2``)-Ic, aph(2``)-Id, aph(3`)-IIIa and ant(4`)-Ia. The genetic diversity of E. faecalis presenting HLGR was assessed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) of chromosomal deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) after SmaI digestion. Most of the high level aminoglycoside resistant isolates contained genes coding for the bifunctional AMEs AAC(6`)-APH(2``), ANT(6`) and APH(3`) but not the ANT(4`). The results demonstrated that the spread of the aac(6`)-Ie-aph(2``)-Ia gene was responsible for HLGR among enterococci isolated in Riyadh hospital. Key words: Enterococci, resistance, Enterococcus faecalis, high-level gentamicin resistant (HLGR).

Nutritional Status, Dietary Practices and Biochemical Parameters of Hemodialysis Patients in Riyadh

Background: Malnutrition is an evident  problem  in 40-50% of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Aim: The  aim  of  the  present  study  was  to  assess  the  nutritional  status  and  dietary  practices of  maintenance  hemodialysis  patients at Prince  Salman  Center  for  Kidney  Diseases  in  Riyadh (PSCKD).  Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in (PSCKD) for 120 hemodialysis  patients  who  agreed  to  participate  in  the  study.  Malnutrition  score  was used  to  quantify the  degree  of  malnutrition.  Two  parameters  from  anthropometric  and  clinical  manifestation data  were used.  Dietary  practice  score  was  measured . Results:  the  data  showed  that  79.2%  of  cases  had normal  nutritional  status,  while  only  6.7% had  moderate  malnutritional  status.  Only 18.3%  of  them  had  good  dietary  practices  while  65%  had  fair level. In  patients  with  normal  nutritional  status, the  body  mass  index (BMI) (29.57±10.34 vs. 17.19±1.80), mean weight (70.38±15.98 vs. 48.04±9.66), dry weight (68.537±15.55 vs.46.188±7.93), mean albumin (35.50±3.63 vs. 35.07±4.06) and  low  density cholesterol (1.94±1.10vs1.25±0.52)  were  significantly  higher  than  in  moderately  malnourished  patients. In patients with normal  nutritional  status, the mean body height (154.67±9.47vs. 162.63±9.87), mean urea level  (64.16±18.65 vs. 67.14±22.90)  and  mean creatinine level (750.94±271vs.926.63±358.79) were significantly  lower  than  in  moderately  malnourished  patients. Patient'  age, marital  status  were  significant  predictors  for  nutritional  status. Patients aged > 50 years had 8 times the chance to develop malnutrition  compared  to  those  < 50 years. Single  patients  had  11  times  the chance of getting malnutrition  compared  to  married. These  differences  were  statistically significant. (OR=8.213, 11.158, P=0.014, 0.011) respectively. Conclusion: Patient and nutrition education must be employed to hemodialysis  for  recommended  dietary  needs  and  for  follow  up of  biochemical parameters. Key words: Dietary practice, Hemodialysis, Nutritional  status.Â

Dental patients’ awareness and knowledge in using dental implants as an option in replacing missing teeth: A survey in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The purpose of this survey was to assess the level, sources, and need for information about dental implants among a selected sample of dental patients in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Patients' knowledge and awareness in using dental implants as an option in replacing missing teeth were evaluated through a standardized self- explanatory questionnaire distributed in two places in Riyadh: Military Hospital and College of Dentistry, King Saud University (Darraiyah campus). The questionnaires were handed to the patients during their regular dental visits. A total of 379 subjects were included in this survey. The results of this study indicate that 66.4% of the subjects knew about dental implants. The subjects' friends and their relatives were the main source of information about dental implants for 31.5% of the subjects, and dentists were the secondary source for 28.3% of the sample. About 82.4% of the subjects need more information about dental implants and 85.2% of them chose the dentist to be the desired source for such information, followed by the internet in 28.5% of the cases. Almost 74.4% of those surveyed did not know if their regular dentists use dental implants. High cost was the major factor in preventing patients from choosing implants in 86.5% of the cases while the long treatment time and fear of surgery was the factor in 71% and 68.6% of the subjects, respectively. The results of this survey showed an acceptable level of awareness about dental implants among a selected sample of dental patients in Riyadh. It also showed the need for providing more general and accurate information to the patients about this treatment modality.

Intestinal Parasites Infection among Immunocompromised Patients in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites among immunocompromised patients in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Fecal samples were collected from 136 immunocompromised patients (52 females and 84 males), aged 2 to 69 years. Specimens were fixed with 10% formalin for 30 min (2-3 g fecal(-1)) and then concentrated by a formalin-ether sedimentation technique. Samples were examined as wet saline mounts and in iodine preparation for detection of protozoan oocysts, cysts, helminthic eggs and larvae. Permanent stained smears were performed for intestinal coccidian parasites by the modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique and the modified trichrome stain. Intestinal parasites were detected in 54 (39.7%) most of them (25.7%) were with diarrhea. More specifically the following parasites were detected Cryptosporidium parvum 11(8.1%), Giardia lamblia 9 (6.6%), Cyclospora cayetanensis 8 (5.9%), Blastocystis hominis 7 (5.2%), Entamoeba histolytica 7 (5.2%), Entamoeba coli 5 (3.7%), Strongyloides stercoralis 3 (2.2%), Ascaris lumbricoides 1 (0.7%), Hymenolepis nana 1 (0.7%), Dicrocoelium dendriticum 1 (0.7%) and Hook worm 1 (0.7%). The most common parasite associated with diarrhea in patients, was C. parvum (p < 0.001), followed by G. lamblia, C. cayetanensis and E. histolytica. However, differences between different age groups were statistically non-significant. Similarly, no significant difference in the infection rate were found between male and female patients.

The Frequency of IgE Antibodies Specific to Inhalant and Food Allergens in Adult Asthmatic Patients in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The Frequency of IgE Antibodies Specific to Inhalant and Food Allergens in Adult Asthmatic Patients in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Relapse among substance-abuse patients in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Substance abuse is a recently acknowledged problem in Saudi Arabia. Sociodemographic correlates of substance abuse and relapse rates of a sample of inpatients at Al-Amal Hospital in Riyadh in 1998 were studied. The mean age of patients was 29.5 years with a mean duration of abuse of 9.5 years. Age, unemployment, peer pressure and family and social stresses were factors that showed statistically significant associations with repeat admissions. The most significant predictors of a patient's relapse were unemployment and social stresses. More nation-wide studies are needed to document factors leading to the initiation and continuation of substance abuse and to help treatment and rehabilitative measures.

Drug-susceptibility pattern of mycobacterium tuberculosis among pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

To identify the pattern of drug-susceptibility of newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Riyadh, we conducted a study on all Mycobacterium tuberculosis positive-culture patients admitted to Sahari Chest Hospital from January 1994 to April 1995. Demographic data, antituberculous therapy and drug-susceptibility testing results of each patient were reviewed from patients' hospital records. The samples were cultured on Lowenstein-Jensen media and drug susceptibility was tested by Bactec 12B (Middlebrook 7H12) media against selected antituberculous drugs Drug susceptibility was performed on 362 (91%) of the sputum positive-cultures. The overall initial resistance rate (1 or more drugs) was 12.4%. Initial. resistance was more common with a single drug (9.4%), followed by two drugs (2.3%) and then three drugs (0.3%). Resistance to isoniazid was most common (10.4%), followed by streptomycin (2.7%), rifampicin (1.9%) and ethambutol (0.6%). Single isoniazid resistance was 60%, followed by two drugs: streptomycin and isoniazid (13.3%). Resistance to multiple drugs is not yet a significant problem in Riyadh. A continuous monitoring of drug resistance is important for planning and assessing the national TB control program. Timely and complete reporting is essential to identify the problem as and when it begins.

A Study of Clinical and Allergic Aspects of Rhinitis Patients in Riyadh

Eighty consecutive patients presenting with variable nasal symptoms were investigated. Fifty-three (66.25%) were identified as allergic and 27 (33.5%) as having nonallergic rhinitis. Medical history and clinical examination alone seemed to be inadequate in establishing a diagnosis, since the main complaints, i.e., nasal itching, sneezing and runny rose, occurred with the same frequency in both groups. However, alternating nasal blockage and sneezing were prominent in the allergic group (80.40%), while perennial symptoms were more evident in the nonallergic group (68%). There were no striking differences between the two groups in the occurrence of nasal septal deviation or in evidence of nasal polyps. In the allergic groups, sensitivities to indoor allergens, i.e., cockroaches, cat fur, house dust, as well as to pollens, were very prominent. Among the nonspecific provoking factors, dust, strong smells, smoke and stress seem to be important.

Is the European standard series suitable for patch testing in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia?

Due to the lack of a regional patch test series in our geographical area, the suitability of the European standard series was evaluated by patch testing dermatitis patients in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Of 240 consecutive patients with various forms of dermatitis, 136 (57%) showed 1 or more positive patch tests, women, 74 (54%), slightly outnumbering men, 62 (46%). Positive reactions were found to 21 of the 22 items in the test series. Sensitization was most common to nickel sulfate (51 = 37.5%), potassium dichromate (48 = 35%) and cobalt chloride (43 = 32%) The frequency of sensitization to nickel was higher in women (41 = 30%) while that to dichromate was higher in men (39 = 29%). Less reactions were found to fragrance mix (21 = 15%), formaldehyde (15 = 11%) and neomycin sulfate (15 = 11%). Sensitization to other allergens ranged between 10 and 1%. Less than 1% of patients (0.7%) reacted to benzocaine and none to primin. The frequency of occurrence of multiple sensitivities is also presented. We conclude that the European standard series is suitable for patch testing dermatitis patients in our region, with the exception of benzocaine and primin. The addition of 3 allergens that could be of local relevance is discussed.

Screening for Psychosocial Problems among Primary Care Patients in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

General-practice surveys and morbidity statistics indicate that minor mental disorders and psychosocial problems place a heavy burden on primary health care services. Up to one-third of all patients consulting their general practitioners are seeking help for the emotional distress associated with physical disease or for a life reflecting an underlying psychosocial problem rather than an organic complaint [1-3]. The role played by social workers in helping with these problems and the overlap between their clients and those of the primary care team have been documented [4]. However, there is little information on the prevalence of these problems and whether patients discuss them with anyone other than friends and relatives.

Anxiety and Depression Among Primary Care Patients in Riyadh

Primary care physicians deal with a large proportion of mentally ill patients. Emotional disturbances such as depression and anxiety may coexist with physical illnesses, leading to complicated clinical presentations, poor response to treatment, and frequently, unnecessary investigations, procedures, and referrals to special

Fibre-optic sigmoidoscopy compared with the Kato technique in diagnosis and evaluation of the intensity of Schistosoma mansoni infection

450 patients in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, complaining of chronic abdominal pain and, coming from different countries endemic for schistosomiasis, were examined endoscopically using fibre-optic colono- or sigmoidoscopes, and rectal biopsies were examined for Schistosoma mansoni ova. After a preliminary study showed that more than 6 biopsies did not increase the positivity rate, 6 biopsies were taken from the rectum and examined by the transparency technique. 280 were positive for S. mansoni, 9 of them having in addition S. haematobium. 4 patients had polyps in the sigmoid colon and rectum. When these positive cases were examined using duplicate 50 mg Kato smears, only 160 (57.1%) were positive. There was a highly positive correlation between the intensity of infection as graded by the 2 techniques. We recommend examination of 6 rectal biopsies using fibre-optic sigmoidoscopy when available in small communities with a patchy distribution of schistosomiasis like Saudi Arabia. The method could also be used to exclude schistosomiasis in persons who have moved from rural to urban or non-endemic areas and are unlikely to be re-exposed to infection.

Pathogenicity and Antigenic Components of Excysted Giardia Lamblia Isolated from Patients in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Giardia lamblia cysts were isolated from patients in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Cysts and trophozoites (from axenically excysted cysts) were given orally by gavage to mice to establish the pathogenicity of the Riyadh isolate. There was no effect of varying the dose of administered parasite on parasite excretion or morbidity. A typical pathologic pattern of giardiasis was demonstrated by histologic methods and electron microscopy. Antigenic components of the Riyadh isolate were compared with the Portland strain and with Entamoeba histolytica by gel diffusion immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting. There were few antigens in common between Riyadh isolate and the Portland strain, and little cross-reactivity of the Riyadh isolate with Entamoeba histolytica was observed.

Prevalence of Antibodies to Hepatitis C Virus in Hemodialysis Patients in Riyadh

Prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) was determined in 190 adults (mean age 40.4 years; range 15 to 75) with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who are on regular hemodialysis in the Nephrology Unit, Riyadh Central Hospital. The overall prevalence rate was 53.7% (48.7% and 61.0% in Saudi's and expatriates, respectively). These figures are considerably higher than figures of 34.8% reported from hemodialysis units in Riyadh, 20% in Spain, 5.5% in Germany, and 1% in the United Kingdom. The possible reasons for the high prevalence of this marker of HCV in our hemodialysis unit are considered and suggestions made for its control.