Women In Jeddah Research Articles

Medicinal plants used in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A gender perspective

Ethnopharmacological relevanceVery few studies examining quantitatively gender differences in the knowledge and use of medicinal plants exist for the Arab world. Differences in ethnobotanical knowledge of medicinal plants between men and women in Jeddah are explored here for the first time. Aim of the studyOur study aims to document urban medicinal plant knowledge in Jeddah, and to answer the following questions: (1) What medicinal plants are used by Saudis in Jeddah? (2) To what extent do men and women use medicinal plants? (3) Are plants used by men significantly different to those used by women? And, (4) do men and women learn about medicinal plants in different ways? Given the gendered nature of space and relations in the Arab world, we hypothesise that men and women learn about plants in different ways and that this will contribute to explain any possible differences. Materials and methodsEthnobotanical fieldwork took place in Jeddah from August 2018 to September 2019. Individual free-listing, semi-structured interviews and an online survey questionnaire were carried out to document local medicinal plant. In total, 50 men and 50 women were interviewed face-to-face and 344 people responded to the questionnaire, of which 154 were men and 190 were women. ResultsA total of 94 medicinal plant vernacular names were documented representing 85 different plant species belonging to 37 families. Men cited 63 plants (33 plant families) and women 83 (36 plant families). Sixty-one plants were cited by both men and women, two only by men and 22 only by women. Men and women learn in similar ways, but generally use medicinal plants to treat different ailments. Women rely on medicinal plant use to a larger extent. ConclusionMedicinal plant use is dependent on gendered social roles and experience, as well as preference for biomedicine or medicinal plant use. Men and women use similar plants, but women have greater knowledge that increases with age. Given the food-medicine continuum, women's double role of family food and care providers may explain their expertise in medicinal plant use.

Attitudes of Women in Jeddah Towards Cosmetic Surgery and Its Relationship to Body Dissatisfaction

Attitudes of Women in Jeddah Towards Cosmetic Surgery and Its Relationship to Body Dissatisfaction

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Postpartum Depression during the COVID-19 Pandemic among Women in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Postpartum depression is the most common psychological health problem among females; it begins after the birth of the child and can occur at any time during the first year of delivery. The COVID-19 pandemic is a novel virus that is highly infectious and has several negative psychological impacts on individuals globally. Aim: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been reported to increase the incidence rate of depression. We investigated the prevalence rate and associated factors of postpartum depression (PPD) among women in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, during the COVID-19 period, thereby attempting to determine whether and how COVID-19 affected PPD. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted on women at one week to six months postpartum using an online questionnaire. SPSS program was used for analyzing data. Results: This study included 150 participated women; 49.3% were in the age range of 25 - 34 years old. There were 30.7% reported being primigravida. Regarding the level of depression, there were 60.7% reported the presence of depression; the depression was affected by some demographics of females such as the education level (P = 0.021) and other factors related to the COVID-19 pandemic such as visiting the doctor during quarantine (P = 0.049), diagnosis with depression by the doctor (P = 0.006), the impact of the pandemic on depression (P = 0.035), experiencing symptoms of depression during pregnancy (P = 0.005), family history (P = 0.043), and difficulties during childbirth during the pandemic period (P = 0.03). Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of PPD among women during the COVID-19 period, and it was higher than the prevalence of PPD before the COVID-19 period.

Prevalence of human papillomavirus in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND: Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are small, non-enveloped, double-stranded DNA viruses that consist of more than 200 genotypes. Low-risk genotypes are associated with warts or benign lesions, whereas high-risk genotypes are usually associated with malignancies and cancers including cervical cancer. However, the real prevalence and incidence of HPV in Saudi Arabia may be understated due to a lack of comprehensive data reporting.OBJECTIVES: Determine the positivity rate of HPV in men and women in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.DESIGN: Cross-sectional.SETTING: Tertiary care center in Jeddah.SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Self-collected vaginal swab samples were obtained from females attending the gynecological clinic in the period between October 2017 and April 2018 at a tertiary care center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. PCR-positive HPV samples were sequenced to determine genotype. Additionally, serum samples were collected from healthy male and female blood donors and screened for HPV IgG antibodies by ELISA.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Molecular and serological positivity for HPV.SAMPLE SIZE: 119 self-collected vaginal swabs from females at a gynecology clinic and 966 serum samples from healthy blood donors.RESULTS: Of the 119 tested vaginal swabs, 7 samples (5.9%) were positive for HPV DNA. Several genotypes were identified. Most of the positive samples were from Saudi females in the age range of 31-50 years seeking care for infertility. Of the 966 serum samples, only 16 samples (1.7%) were positive for HPV IgG antibodies.CONCLUSION: While the prevalence of HPV in men and women in our sample from the western region of Saudi Arabia was low, our data clearly show that it is not uncommon among high-risk groups and people are still exposed to the risk of HPV infection. Most importantly, these data provide valuable information that could aid in enhancing national awareness about HPV and in introducing an HPV vaccination program.LIMITATIONS: Single hospital and a convenience sampleCONFLICT OF INTEREST: None.

Patterns and knowledge of contraceptive methods use among women living in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Objectives: Birth control or contraception has become a fundamental part of women's healthcare. Multiple studies have been conducted to determine women's knowledge of contraception. This study aimed to know the patterns of contraception use and to assess the knowledge of contraceptive methods among women living in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional previously validated survey was carried out between June and December 2016 among female Saudi citizens aged 18 years or older and living in Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia. In total, 979 female participants responded to the questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of contraceptive use among Saudi women living in Jeddah was 67.7%. Preventing pregnancy was the most frequent reason for using contraception (69.7%). Oral contraceptives were the most commonly used contraceptive type used (31.8%) followed by intrauterine devices (21%). Almost 16.4% used the withdrawal method, and the male condom method was used by 13.6%. Mood swings and depression were the most common side-effects encountered (34.6%). Furthermore, primary educated individuals reported significantly less contraceptive use compared to individuals who had a high level of education by 47% (odds ratio = 0.53, 95% confidence interval = 0.3–0.95). Age, years of marriage, and number of children were not shown to have any significant effects on contraception use among the participants. Conclusions: The study showed knowledge gaps in the use of different contraception methods. The most common contraceptive methods among Saudi women in Jeddah are pills and intrauterine device. Education played a big role to use the different type of contraception. Effective strategies should be implemented to raise awareness of the appropriate use of contraceptives and dispel misconceptions.

Vitamin D Intake among Premenopausal Women Living in Jeddah: Food Sources and Relationship to Demographic Factors and Bone Health.

Background Saudi women depend on food sources to maintain their serum 25(OH) D concentrations because covering by traditional clothing and time spent indoors limit their sun exposure. Little is known about vitamin D intake and its main food sources in Saudi Arabia. In addition, the association between vitamin D and calcium intake and bone mineral density (BMD) in young women is not well researched. Objectives To assess the adequacy of vitamin D intake among Saudi women as compared to the estimated average requirements (EARs), to identify dietary vitamin D sources, to examine potential determinants of vitamin D intake, and to assess bone health and the association of calcium and vitamin D intake with BMD. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in 257 premenopausal women aged 20–50 years in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Dietary vitamin D and calcium were assessed by the Semiquantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire. BMD was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in a subset of women (n=102) at the lumbar spine and femur neck. Results Sixty-five percent of women were below the EAR for vitamin D, and 61% fell below the EAR for calcium. Dairy products, supplements, and fish contributed most to vitamin D intake. Increased age was an independent determinant of sufficient vitamin D intake (p < 0.001). The prevalence of osteopenia was 33% in the lumbar spine and 30% in the femur neck. There was a significant positive association between calcium intake and BMD at the lumbar spine (p=0.043) after controlling for body mass index and energy intake. Vitamin D intake was not significantly different between women with low and normal bone mass. Conclusion Premenopausal women in Jeddah have insufficient vitamin D and calcium intakes. Public health strategies to improve nutrition in young women are needed, and expanding fortification programs to include all dairy products would be useful.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Women in Jeddah Towards the Use of Oral Contraceptive Pills

Objective (Background): The use of oral contraceptive pill is considered an acceptable practice worldwide. Socio-demographic patterns in Saudi Arabia are rapidly changing with time. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice among women in Jeddah towards the use of oral contraceptive pills.&#x0D; Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire as a tool for data collection.&#x0D; Results: The study was conducted in Jeddah city in the Western region of Saudi Arabia between 2014-2015, 913 women were approached and 40 refused to participate (4.378% refusal rate). Out of those 873 who agreed to participate, 713 responded correctly and were included (78.09% response rate). Participants were grouped into six categories based on their age. The majority of the women polled were Saudis (71.4%). There was a positive correlation between the attitude of women towards the use of oral contraceptive pill and age (P-value &lt; 0.001). Similar correlation was true also in the case of knowledge and the level of education towards the use of oral contraceptive pills. There was a significant correlation between marital status towards oral contraceptive pill use (P-value &lt;0.001).&#x0D; Conclusions: This study should be extended to other regions of the kingdom. The results emphasize the need for women in Jeddah city as well as the rest of Saudi Arabia to be better educated, aware and informed about the different contraceptive methods available in order for them to make the right decision regarding the method they like to choose for birth control.

Prevalence and determinants of antenatal depression among women attending primary health care centers in Western Saudi Arabia.

Objectives:To measure the prevalence of antenatal depression among pregnant women attending the primary health care (PHC) antenatal care clinics in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and to determine associated factors.Methods:Following a cross-sectional study design, 320 pregnant women attending the antenatal care clinics in the Ministry of Health PHC Centers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia between January 1st 2017 and February 15th 2017 were interviewed. A self-administered questionnaire used for data collection asked about socio-demographic variables and included the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.Results:The most common contributor was the harming herself (mean±SD, 2.7±0.60). Factors significantly associated with depression among participants were the number of daughters, previous diagnosis of depression, and financial problems.Conclusions:The prevalence of antepartum depression among pregnant women in Jeddah is 57.5%, and the greatest contributor is the thought of harming herself.

Fast food consumption and increased body mass index as risk factors for weight gain and obesity in Saudi Arabia

The aim of this study to demonstrate the relationship between fast food consumption and obesity/weight gain among Saudi women in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Structured questionnaire was developed and distributed among 253 participants in King Abdulaziz University aged between 18 and 25 years old. The frequency and characteristics of fast food consumption were examined. The present results indicated that more than 50% of participants consumed fast food at least once a week. A large proportion of the sample (56%) never read the nutritional information at the fast food restaurant. However, 79% of participants would choose healthier fast food items when offered. Fast food consumption was not associated with the living status (with family/hostel). A percentage of 59 of participants were obese/overweight but this was not in a relationship with frequent consumption of fast food. Initiate a strong program for health promotion on the nutritional intake should be applied among university students.

Awareness of epidural analgesia among pregnant women in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Background and objectiveLabor pain is one of the most severe forms of pain that women experience throughout their lifetime. Many pregnant women decide to have an epidural anesthesia to cope with labor pain. This study has focused on general awareness about epidural anesthesia among pregnant women in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional hospital-based study using a self-administered questionnaire, conducted in King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center and International Medical Centre. The study was carried out from July to September 2016 and included all pregnant women who were having a routine antenatal care. They were asked about four main topics that tapped their knowledge on epidural anesthesia. A total of 384 questionnaires were returned and analyzed. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 21 using chi-square and multivariate logistic regression.ResultsAccording to multivariate logistic regression, women aged between 21–35 years were more likely to opt for an epidural anesthesia (EPA) than those aged less than 20 years, but women aged >35 years were less likely to select EPA, compared with women < 20 years old. Women who were previously exposed to EPA were 2.14 times more likely to prefer EPA during their current pregnancy than those who were not previously exposed (O.R 95% C.I: 1.123–3.66, p=0.006). Those who believed that EPA was commonly used by other women in the Kingdom were also 1.41 times more likely to report their preference to EPA (O.R 95% C.I: 1.15–1.74, p=0.001).ConclusionThis study demonstrates a lack of knowledge about EPA in certain countries but is better than in some other countries. In an aim to fill this gap, it is recommended that information about EPA must be given to all women during the antenatal visit either by the obstetrician, anesthetist, or through flyers and brochures.

Domestic Violence among Women in Jeddah

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of domestic violence and the common health problems reported by abused women. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted between December 15, 2011 and May 30, 2012 on female residents of Jeddah who presented to King Abdulaziz University Hospital, King Abdulaziz Oncology Medical Center, or King Fahd General Hospital. Results: A total of 203 women were recruited. The lifetime prevalence of domestic violence was 34.0%. Emotional abuse was the most common form of abuse (31.3%); physical and sexual abuses were reported in 21.6% and 4.8% of the participants, respectively. Only 1% of Saudi victims of domestic violence planned to seek help from social services. Conclusion: Although domestic violence is a common problem among women in Jeddah, only a negligible proportion of women plan to seek help. Policy makers should therefore improve social support services to encourage and cater for the needs of abused women.

Awareness and Knowledge about Food Spoilage and Principles of Food Preservation among Saudi Women in Jeddah

Food spoilage can be defined as any sensory change of the food which becomes harmful to consumers and unsuitable to eat. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to discover the degree of awareness and understanding about food spoilage and preservation among Saudi women in Jeddah. Questionnaires were developed and distributed among female students (n=110) in King Abdul-Aziz University. The data were used to conduct frequency analysis. The results demonstrated that 84.6% (1.8 ± 1.0) of respondents agreed that foods spoiled by the action of microorganisms in soil, air, and water. In addition, over 90% of respondents have shown agreement on the effect of temperature on the foods spoilage, food poisoning occurs when consuming foods contaminated with bacteria or viruses and food drying is a method of food preservation. In addition, above 50% of the respondents have knowledge about eggs preservation and the practices when seeing mold on both hard and soft fruits and vegetables. Additionally, respondents have agreed (~50%) that meat should be stored from 3-5 days in the fridge. Respondents of 81.3% have agreed that dry grain stored at cool temperatures can safely increase the shelf-life. Overall, there was a high ratio of awareness among the Saudi women about the food spoilage and preservation.

Zika : Global Concern

Zika : Global Concern

Epidural analgesia during childbirth – women’s viewpoint

Introduction: Women worldwide may experience excruciating pain during childbirth. Epidural analgesia (EA) has been used to relieve pain and has been endorsed as a safe and efficient procedure. Objectives: To evaluate the knowledge, attitude and behaviour of 690 women in Jeddah towards the use EA to cope with childbirth-associated pain. Materials and methods: A questionnaire was used as a tool for data collection. Data were analysed using the latest version of IBM SPSS Statistics version 22 (IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, USA). Results: Participants were knowledgeable about the use of EA and they thought it should be available in future deliveries and caesarean section (P≤ 0.01). Those who had prior pregnancies thought that pain was unnecessary and EA should be available. Safety concerns were the reason for not wanting to use EA. Educational status, income, age and carriers of health insurance influenced the decision concerning the use EA. The main source of information, in addition, to their doctors, was family and friends. Conclusions: Based on the results, there should be more campaigns to educate women about the safety and acceptability of modern techniques to managing pain during labour. This should be done under the auspices of the Ministry of Health and also through television, newspapers, internet and social media. In addition, antenatal classes, conducted by obstetricians and anaesthetists, should be available to educate expecting mothers on how to cope with labour pain. Acknowledgements: Dr Hanan Al-Shamrani and Professor Steve Harakeh for supervising this project.

Factors associated with domestic violence: a cross-sectional survey among women in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

ObjectiveThis study aims to identify the factors associated with domestic violence (DV) among women in Jeddah.DesignCross-sectional survey.SettingOutpatient departments of three tertiary hospitals in Jeddah.ParticipantsConvenience sample of women, aged 15–70 years,...

Rubella Immunity among Pregnant Women in Jeddah, Western Region of Saudi Arabia.

To determine the presence of rubella immunity among pregnant women attending their first prenatal visit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, a retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional, hospital-based study (prevalence study) was undertaken. A total of 10276 women attending prenatal clinics between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2011 were included. Rubella screening tests (immunoglobulins: IgG and IgM), rubella antibody titer levels, patient age, gravidity, parity, and the number of previous abortions were analyzed. No patients tested IgM positive, and 9410 (91.6%) were immune (IgG positive); the remaining 866 (8.4%) were susceptible. There were no significant differences in gravidity, parity, or the number of previous abortions between immune and nonimmune groups. In contrast, the immunity rate decreased with increasing age, with a significant difference between the youngest age group (15–19 years) and the oldest age group (40–49 years) (P = 0.0005; odds ratio, 2.86; 95% confidence interval, 1.7–4.7). Rubella immunity among pregnant women was high (91.6%) but decreased significantly with increasing age. A possible explanation for this is the change in the rubella vaccination policy in Saudi Arabia in 2002, from 1 dose to 2 doses. In addition, antibody levels begin to decline after vaccination and natural infection.

English Law in Saudi Arabia

Abstract This article argues that it is important for Saudi law graduates to be familiar with certain aspects of English law (alongside Shariʿah and Saudi laws). Accordingly, it firstly discusses the importance of English law in international business practice and then briefly presents its current use in Saudi Arabia, and the Middle East in general. This study is mainly based on teaching and studying English law at Dar al-Hekma, a private college for women in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It examines how Dar al-Hekma students in particular can benefit in their future practice from studying English law.

Nutritional Knowledge and Desire to Change of Food Preferences among Saudi Women in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Effective nutritional education programs are based on a proper understanding of many factors, including a population's nutritional knowledge, behavior, food preferences, and a desire to change these preferences. Our study examined these variables through a convenience sample (N = 151) of adult Saudi women living in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Results indicated a gap between perceived and actual knowledge (p < .05) and the desire to increase intake of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products and reduce fat consumption. Taste was the main barrier for not to change. Future nutritional education programs should target women with low-education background, and the best time may be in primary school curricula.

Presentation and pregnancy outcome of HIV-positive women in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

This article discusses a retrospective cohort study characterizing the demographics clinical manifestations and pregnancy outcomes of HIV-positive pregnant women at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jdeeah Saudi Arabia. Copyright © 2011 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in Pregnant Women in Jeddah, Western Region of Saudi Arabia: Call for Assessment

To determine the prevalence and the causative organisms of asymptomatic bacteriuria among pregnant women attending their first prenatal visit at King Abdulaziz University Hospital and in a private clinic at Dr. Erfan and Bagedo Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A retrospective analysis was performed of the routine prenatal screening (urine culture tests) of 9,698 women attending their first prenatal clinic visit between 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2007. They were reviewed, analyzed, and correlated with data on patients’ age, nationality, gravidity, and number of previous abortions. Of 9,698 women, only 166 (1.7%) showed significant bacterial growth, and 1,918 patients (19.8%) were reported as heavy mixed growth. The most common bacterium isolated was Escherichia coli on 88 patients (53%). In this study, low prevalence of bacteriuria among pregnant women was compared to the only two available published studies conducted in the 80's in Saudi Arabia. In view of the lack of information regarding asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy, and the findings of this study, the importance of a conducting a nation-wide survey to guide the revision of practice on a national scale in Saudi Arabia has increased.