Biomedical subjects

A Bener

Publications and source records attributed to A Bener.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

PubMed1995

Obstetric risk factors affecting incidence of low birth weight in live-born infants.

This study was conducted to determine the incidence of low birth weight (LBW) in the indigenous population of Al Ain and to identify some risk factors associated with it. The population studied included all consecutive deliveries, occurring in the 3 hospitals in Al Ain City, where almost all deliveries take place, during a 1-year period. When a LBW infant (< 2,500 g) was born, gestational age assessment was made and a questionnaire completed during an interview with the mother. For control, the first baby who weighed more than 2,500 g at birth, following the birth of a LBW was recruited. It was found that a total of 3,485 live births occurred of which 293 were classified as LBW, giving an LBW incidence of 8.4%. Of these, 73 (24.9%) were small for gestational age (< 10th percentile for gestational age). Overall, the mothers of LBW infants were found to be statistically significantly younger in age. The mothers of LBW infants also had a significantly higher number of previous LBW deliveries, twin deliveries and a larger number of premature rupture of membranes. The factors that were not significantly different in the 2 groups were diabetes during pregnancy, chronic hypertension, preeclampsia/eclampsia, occurrence of significant infection during pregnancy, 1st and 2nd trimester bleeding, and antepartum hemorrhage. This is the first comprehensive study on the incidence of LBW infants in the United Arab Emirates. The main obstetric factors responsible for this were found to be age, number of previous LBW babies, premature rupture of membranes and multiple births.

Birth Weight↗

PubMed1995

The growth pattern of Kuwaiti pre-school children. Compared to NCHS/CDC reference population.

The aim of this study was to present growth charts of pre-school children based on cross-sectional data of the population in Kuwait to determine their health status. This survey was carried out during September 1989 to June 1990. The growth patterns of weight and heights per age were designed separately for boys and girls. The growth pattern of height for age, and weight by age were constructed and smoothed by the spline regression polynomial technique. The girls were taller than the boys after the age of one year. The growth deficit in children from Kuwait compared with internationally recommended reference populations may be attributed to genetic and environmental factors. The growth pattern presented here will suffice as a standard in monitoring the growth of Kuwaiti children in particular and those in the Gulf region in general.

Age Factors↗

PubMed1995

Pet ownership in the UAE: its effect on allergy and respiratory symptoms.

The aim of this paper was to study the effect of pets and other domestic animals on bronchial asthma among United Arab Emirates (UAE) schoolchildren aged 6-14 years. A cross-sectional study of 850 schoolchildren living in both urban and rural areas (average age 9.36 +/- 2.11 years, 46.8% boys and 53.2% girls) was conducted using self-administered questionnaires between October 1992 and May 1993. Prevalence rate for asthma, rhinitis, wheeze, cough, and eczema in children from families with and without animals were investigated. A total of 40.7% of families studied were found to keep animals in their homes. Children from families with animals were found to have a significantly higher prevalence rate of respiratory symptoms than those without. The prevalence rate for asthma in children with animals was found to be twice that of children without (RR: 2.03; 95% CI: 1.40-2.95). The risk of having chronic cough (RR: 1.93; 95% CI: 1.21-3.10), breathlessness/chest tightness (RR: 2.53; 95% CI: 1.59-4.02), chronic wheeze (RR: 2.10; 95% CI: 1.20-3.67), allergic rhinitis (RR: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.17-2.00) was significantly higher in children with animals than in children without. Similarly, the risk of having eczema (RR: 2.55; 95%, CI: 1.74-3.75) was significantly higher among children with animals than among those without. Overall, there was a highly statistically significant difference in the prevalence of asthma, wheeze, nocturnal cough, eczema, and rhinitis between children in families with animals and those without (p < 0.0001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗

PubMed1995

Pets, allergy and respiratory symptoms in children living in a desert country.

The aim of this paper was to study the effect of pets and other domestic animals effect on allergic respiratory symptoms among United Arab Emirates primary school children. A cross-sectional survey of 2200 school children living in both urban and rural areas was conducted using self-administered questionnaires between November 1993 and June 1994. The age range of the children studied was 6-12 years, with a mean of 9.23 and standard deviation of 2.14 years; 51% were girls and 49% were boys. Pet ownership was defined by the presence of birds, cats, camels, dogs, goats, poultry and rabbits in the home. One thousand and thirty-six (1036/2090 = 49.6%) of the 2090 families studied had at least one animal at home. However, respiratory symptoms, pet allergy, chronic cough, chronic wheeze, breathlessness or chest tightness, doctor-diagnosed asthma, rhinitis and eczema was reported by 633 families (30.3%) from 2090 studied families. The highest prevalence of reported respiratory allergy and symptoms was found in children who had pets in the past and currently. The lowest prevalence of reported respiratory allergy and symptoms was found in children who never had pets in their lives. Past pets ownership was generally associated with a higher prevalence of pets allergy and respiratory symptoms. No less than 218 (10.4%) reported removing pets in the past because of an allergy or other health problems in the child or in other family members. The risk of having pet allergy in children with animals was found to be twice than that of children without (RR: 2.13; 95% CI: 1.53-2.97; p < 0.0001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Allergens↗

PubMed1994

Prevalence of asthma among Emirates school children.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of asthma among United Arab Emirates school children aged 6-14 years. A cross-sectional study of 850 school children living in both urban and rural areas (average age 9.36 +/- 2.11 years, 46.8% boys and 53.2% girls) was conducted using self-administered questionnaires between October 1992 and May 1993. The population sample had a high prevalence rate of diagnosed asthma (13.6%), breathlessness or tightness in chest (9.7%), allergic rhinitis (22.9%), and nocturnal cough (8.9%). Allergic rhinitis was the most frequently seen respiratory illness when compared to other respiratory symptoms. The frequency of asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema among parents reflected the same pattern as that seen in the children. Prevalence rate of asthma was not significantly higher in fathers (5.9%) than in mothers (5.3%). The differences between the sexes were not significant in any of the age group studied for any of the allergic conditions, except for diagnosed asthma in which the prevalence rate in males was significantly higher than that in females. On the whole, the prevalence rate of all the conditions increased with age. But the frequency of allergic rhinitis symptoms was significantly higher in mothers (16%) than in fathers (10.8%). These results are consistent with those obtained in neighbouring gulf countries and are higher than those of some developed countries, but the differences are not statistically significant.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1994

Smoking among health professionals.

A cross-sectional prospective study was conducted between the period December 1991 and November 1992, to identify the extent of smoking among practising doctors and other health professionals in general hospitals and health clinics in Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates. The study population consisted of 300 health professionals (doctors, specialists both clinical and non-clinical, pharmacists and dentists). They were handed self-administered questionnaires adapted from the World Health Organization standard questionnaire on smoking among health professionals. Among the responding 268 (89%) health professionals 197 (73.5%) were men, and 71 (26.5%) women. Among the men health professionals 86 (43.7%) were current smokers, 24 (12.2%) were ex-smokers and 87 (44.2%) were non-smokers, while among the women health professionals 4 (5.6%) were smokers, 1 (1.4%) was an ex-smoker and 66 (93%) were non-smokers. Doctors were uniformly aware of the detrimental effects of smoking, particularly its association with lung cancer, coronary artery disease, chronic bronchitis, and laryngeal cancer, and this was the major reason for their abstaining or wanting to quit the habit. The relationship of smoking with bladder cancer, soft tissue lesion (mouth and lip) and neonatal death was not well appreciated. Counselling patients about the hazards of smoking was practised significantly less often by doctors who smoked. The majority (83.6%) expressed the need for specific training for counselling patients to stop smoking. The options favoured by the health professionals for preventing smoking included a ban on tobacco advertising, specific health warnings on cigarette packets and restriction on smoking in public places, particularly in hospitals and clinics.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

Association of allergic symptoms in children with those in their parents.

This study investigated the association of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema in United Arab Emirates (UAE) schoolchildren with allergic conditions in their parents. A cross-sectional, population-based study among schoolchildren aged 6-14 years was conducted in Al-Ain City, UAE. The field survey was conducted from October 1992 to May 1993. A questionnaire was distributed to 850 UAE government school students from representative, randomly selected schools with a majority of UAE nationals. The student and both or either of the parents were present during the interview. A detailed clinical history of asthma and wheezing in the target children and a history of asthma and allergic rhinitis in their parents and siblings were obtained. It was found that 13.1% of asthmatic children had mothers with asthma (relative risk (RR) = 2.67; 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 1.65-4.35), and 15.2% had fathers who were asthmatic (RR = 2.85; 95% CI = 1.81-4.49). This contrasted with 4.4% of nonasthmatic children who had fathers with asthma, and 4.1% who had mothers with asthma. A similar pattern was seen with symptoms of allergic rhinitis when it was found that 34.3% of children who had asthma had mothers with allergic rhinitis (RR: 2.74; 95% CI: 1.90-3.94). The corresponding figure for fathers was 12.7% (RR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.5-1.7). The frequency of either parent of the asthmatic children having allergic rhinitis was 28.6%; for both parents, it was 14.5%. It was also found that asthmatic children had 12.5% of their fathers, 32.8% of their mothers, 26.4% of either of their parents, and 33.3% of both their parents suffering from allergic rhinitis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗

PubMed1994

Casualty risk reduction from safety seat belts in a desert country.

A prospective study was carried out between December 1991 and October 1992 to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of hospitalized drivers regarding seat belt usage in United Arab Emirates (UAE). During this period, a total of 800 vehicle drivers were seen and treated in the Accident and Emergency Departments of two general hospitals. A total of 706 (88%) drivers gave consent for the study. The study showed that the rate of constant seat belt usage among drivers was 10.5%, and the rate of frequent seat belt usage was 5.8%. There was a statistically significant difference between seat belting and age groups (p = 0.0051). However, there were no significant statistical differences between seat belt usage versus non usage by sex, nationality and marital status. There were statistically significant differences between user and non-users of seat belts concerning their educational level and occupation. The results showed a reduction in the number of injuries due to usage of seat belts. Those patients who were not wearing seat belts were at risk twice as often as drivers who were restrained by belts. There was a statistically significant difference between the number of persons injured wearing and not wearing seat belts, (p = 0.032). It was observed that the majority of patients stated that seat belts are the best protective measure against all injuries (62.1%) and severe injuries (29.1%) of road traffic accidents. Also, there was strong support for the mandatory use of safety seat belts (56%). We may conclude that these data are encouraging, and would suggest general acceptance of seat belt legislation in the United Arab Emirates.

Accidents, Traffic↗

PubMed1994

Asthma and wheezing as the cause of school absence.

A survey was conducted on children attending 30 primary schools (15 each for boys ad girls) in Al-Ain City of United Arab Emirates (UAE) to assess the impact of asthma on school absenteeism. There are 28,447 primary school children (50% boys and 50% girls) aged 6-14 years in the Al-Ain Educational District, all of whose school health records were investigated with respect to school absence caused by asthma during the academic year 1991-1992. Results showed that overall 1910 (6.7%) pupils were diagnosed as having asthma and wheezing during the preceding year by school doctors and nurses. Out of 14,217 boys, 1146 (8.1%) had asthma and wheezing, and 764 of 14,230 girls (5.4%) had the same condition. Overall 1,255 (4.9%) pupils were absent from school for at least 1 day during the year. Of 1146 boys with wheezing or asthma, 707 (62%) missed at least 1 day of school due to asthma, and of 764 girls who were asthmatic or wheezing, 548 (72%) missed school for at least 1 day in the year. There was a very highly statistically significant difference between sexes of children who were asthmatic or wheezing and missed school at least 1 day (p < 0.0001). Absenteeism most commonly occurred during spring for both boys (42%) and girls (45%). Absence from school due to asthma occurred least during autumn for both boys (26%) and girls (22%). This study confirms that asthma is a common chronic disease among primary school children in Al-Ain, UAE, and is a common cause of absenteeism from school.

Absenteeism↗

PubMed1993

Primary health care in the United Arab Emirates.

The aim of this paper was to assess some of the important variable factors concerning health care in United Arab Emirates (UAE), with special emphasis on primary health care (PHC). Other aspects considered are the population per bed, population per physician, population per dentist, population per pharmacist and population per nurse, all of which influence health care delivery in the UAE. There is a gradual improvement in health status, which can be seen by the increase of life expectancy in both males and females, and decrease in leading cause of death from infectious diseases. The health strategy of 1986-1991 has achieved its goals and has been reviewed and the new 5 year strategy has been formalized to adopt some major aspects in the development of health care delivery. Overall results showed that every 1235 people will be served by one physician and other health service indicators are bed/doctor 3.9; bed/nurse 1.3; population/dentist 15,763; population/pharmacist 13,174; and population/nurse 438. Also, a very good coverage of PHC has been achieved throughout the country so that no more than 200 people live in an area > 30 km away from health service or without a PHC clinic. All PHC clinics provide curative, preventive and promotive services with a small percentage of rehabilitation services. The government has adopted the PHC approach as the long-term strategy for achieving the goal of health for all by the year 2000. This was supported by the ministerial decree no. 139/86 in 1986. Recommendations are also made for improving health services and performance as well as better meeting the specific medical care needs of the people through expansion of PHC services.

Health Policy↗

PubMed1993

Smoking habits among physicians in two Gulf countries.

The smoking habit of physicians in United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Kuwait were studied as first step towards surveying the habit among medical professionals. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Kuwait between January-June 1990. Out of the 300 physicians who were contacted 252 (84%) completed the questionnaires, 190 (75%) were males and 62 (25%) were females. Among male physicians, current smokers were 86 (45.3%), ex-smokers were 34 (17.9%) and non-smokers were 70 (36.8%), while among the female physicians 10 (16%) were smokers and 52 (84%) were non-smokers. Also, a cross-sectional study was conducted between December 1991-November 1992 to identify the extent of smoking among physicians in UAE. Of the 300 physicians, 275 (91.6%) responded, 214 (77.8%) were males and 61 (22.2%) were females. Among the males, current smokers were 94 (43.9%), ex-smokers were 32 (14.9%) and non-smokers were 88 (41.2%), while among the females 5 (8.2%) were smokers, 3 (4.9%) were ex-smokers and 53 (86.9%) were non-smokers. Most important factors responsible for non-smoking doctors for not taking up smoking were: 'Protection of health', 'Self-discipline' and 'To set a good example to others'. The majority of physicians in UAE (91.3%) and Kuwait (75.6%) strongly agreed that smoking is hazardous to health. The results revealed that less than 50% of physicians provide information to over 70% of smoking patients. The majority of physicians and health professionals were aware of association between smoking and various diseases.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

PubMed1992

Heredity of asthma in Saudi population.

In a cross-sectional study, the prevalence of asthma, hay fever and eczema was studied in 1150 schoolchildren attending school in Jeddah Western region of Saudi Arabia. The family histories of asthma, hay fever and eczema were examined in first degree relatives. The age range of children studied was 7-12 years, with a mean of 9.3 years (47% boys and 53% girls). A self-administered questionnaire was completed by the parents of the child to collect information concerning bronchial asthma, hay fever, and eczema in the target child and family history of respiratory allergy. A detailed family history and personal histories of asthma were available for 1035 Saudi children aged 7-12 years old. The rate of asthma and hay fever were significantly higher among siblings and offspring (cases) compared to their parents (p < 0.001). The results showed a high positive correlation between the relatives of affected children with respect to asthma and hay fever. These findings support the hypothesis that asthma and hay fever may be inherited in the Saudi population, but the mode of inheritance has yet to be determined.

Asthma↗

PubMed1992

A perspective on road fatalities in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The aim of this paper is to study an epidemiological aspect of fatalities from motor vehicle accidents in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. All fatal accidents that occur in Jeddah between 1 January and 31 December 1987 are analyzed. The death rates per hundred million vehicle kilometers of travel, per 100,000 registered motor vehicles, and per 100,000 resident population in 1987 were about 1.87, 19.7, and 26.5, respectively. An attempt is made to use international death rates to compare Jeddah with other countries. The figures reveal higher death rates per vehicle travel and per resident population but lower rate per registered vehicle than in some industrialized countries. An additional attempt was made to estimate the cost of road traffic fatalities in Jeddah, which is an extremely difficult task due to lack of reliable data. This study shows that the cost of 1987 road fatalities in Jeddah is estimated to be 648.7 million Saudi Riyals (US$172.5 million).

Accident Prevention↗

PubMed1992

Road traffic injuries in Al-Ain City, United Arab Emirates.

Road traffic injuries are the second major cause of death in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A retrospective study for a 1 year period of all road traffic accidents and injuries was conducted in Jimi Hospital for the period 1 January to 31 December, 1990. A total of 1197 injuries were encountered at the Hospital Emergency Department. The majority of victims were males and under the age of 35 years. During the Ramadan (fasting month), the number of persons who were injured by traffic accidents was slightly higher than during other months. Excessive speed was closely related to traffic accidents and injuries. Most of the accidents and injuries occurred from 8.00 am to 2.00 pm. Head injury was the most frequently noted type of injury (40.5%), followed by limbs injury (22.1%) and chest, abdomen and pelvic injuries (14.7%). These findings suggest that there is a need to take a comprehensive approach on both excessive speed and driving habits.

Accidents, Traffic↗

PubMed1991

Parental smoking and the risk of childhood asthma.

In order to explore the correlation between parents' smoking habits and bronchial asthma in children, we undertook a cross-sectional study of 3300 (54% males, 46% females) school children aged 7-12 years old. A survey of smoking habits and attitudes conducted in Saudi Arabia showed a positive correlation between parental smoking and asthma. This study showed a significant link between parental smoking and chest wheeze or whistling, cough, and family history of rhinitis. Evidence is accumulating that there is a relationship between parental smoking and respiratory symptoms in Saudi children. The present study results are clear evidence of a definite association between smoking in the home and bronchial asthma in young children, which not only may present immediate problems, but may also be a cause of illness in the future.

Adult↗

PubMed1990

Prevalence of tuberculosis infection in ABHA and BAHA.

An epidemiological survey on tuberculosis was conducted in the Abha and Baha areas of Saudi Arabia, to determine the prevalence of tuberculosis infection in 985 subjects. Individuals were interviewed and given a Mantoux test. Twenty six percent (26%) of all subjects who received no BCG vaccination had a positive Mantoux reaction (greater than or equal to 10 mm induration); the percentage was lower in age group 5-14 (4%) and higher in age group 45-64 (52%). The prevalence in age group 5-14 puts Abha and Baha cities between low prevalence (2%) and middle prevalence (14%) countries, according to the classification of the International Union Against Tuberculosis. Positive Mantoux reactions were significantly more common in males than in females (p less than 0.05), urban residents compared to rural ones (p less than 0.001), and non-Saudis compared to Saudis (p less than 0.001). However, education and occupation had no significant effects. Similarly, no significant effects were produced by presence of cough, sputum production, fever, chest problems and family history of tuberculosis on this prevalence.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1990

Application of a LaserJet printer to plot the Farnsworth-Munsell 100-hue color test.

This paper presents a quick method of computing Farnsworth-Munsell (FM-100) scores and displaying these values on the polar coordinate scale usually associated with this test. The displayed results also present the clinician with a graph of the extended normalized score against cap number and a D-15 panel plot. The output is printed at high resolution on a Hewlett-Packard (HP) LaserJet or a similar printer compatible with or able to emulate the HP. The program is written and compiled in Microsoft-C 5.0. The code can be easily modified either to be customized, or to be moved across compilers.

Color Perception Tests↗

PubMed1988

A study of road traffic accidents in Saudi Arabia.

In Saudi Arabia, with its rapid expansion of road construction and increase in the number of vehicles, road traffic accidents are becoming a serious public health problem. The object of this paper is to discuss the magnitude of this problem and to compare the situation with that of other rich, developing countries which have also had rapid expansion of road construction and increase in the number of vehicles. It appears that Saudi Arabia has lower accident rates but higher casualty and fatality rates than Kuwait.

Accidents, Traffic↗