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At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

Trichomoniasis in birds of prey (order Falconiformes) in Bahrain.

Of 5360 falcons examined at the Sulman Falcon Hospital in Bahrain between 1987 and 1993, 1675 (31.2 per cent) had lesions of trichomoniasis. These lesions were commonly found in the oral and nasal cavities, the infraorbital sinuses, the crop and oesophagus and, more rarely, in the coelomic cavity, attached to the wall of the abdominal air sacs, and in the trachea, partially obstructing its lumen. Several therapeutic methods and the results obtained are described.

Air Sacs↗
PubMed2006

Neonatal sepsis 1991-2001: prevalent bacterial agents and antimicrobial susceptibilities in Bahrain.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the organisms causing neonatal sepsis and their modifications over an extended period, to assess their changing sensitivities to antibiotics and to verify whether the policy for screening pregnant women for group B streptococci (GBS) carriage is desirable in our settings. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Medical records of all infants with positive blood culture from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Salmaniya Medical Complex between 1991 and 2001 and Bahrain Defense Force Hospital between 1999 and 2001 were reviewed. RESULTS: Of the 7,978 neonates in both hospitals 335 (4.19%) had culture-proven bacteremia. Gram-positive bacteria were isolated at constant rate over the 11-year period. The main agents isolated were coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) in 138 cases (41%), Staphylococcus aureus in 28 newborns (8%) and GBS in 26 patients (7.8%, 0.2/1,000 live births). All of them were sensitive to penicillin G, erythromycin and clindamycin. Gram-negative bacteria were declining but Escherichia coli was isolated in 35 cases (10%). Of special concern is the increasing percentage (5.7%) of Candida isolation. No clear trend toward increasing resistance was observed, although a major difference among the two institutions was evident. Klebsiella and Enterobacter spp. showed resistance to many of the antibiotics tested, thereby posing difficult therapeutic choices. CONCLUSION: Good quality specimens are essential to evaluate the role of CoNS. The increasing threat of fungal infection must be carefully tackled. Specifically tailored policies for GBS prevention must be defined according to the local epidemiology.

Bahrain↗
PubMed2000

Breastfeeding and weaning practices in Bahrain: the role of mothers' education.

This rapid assessment survey was undertaken to find out the current practices of infant feeding in Bahrain and the impact of educational level of the mothers on these practices. A total sample of 200 Bahraini mothers of children less than 2 years were interviewed in the health centers. The age of mothers ranged from 18 to 47 years. About one third of mothers (39.8%) initiated breastfeeding at the first hour of delivery, and there was no significant association between education of mothers and initiating of breastfeeding. Most infants were placed in the same bed as their mothers (71%), however the proportion was lower among infants with high education (61.8%) compared to low (73.7%) and middle (72.5%) education mothers. The introduction of foods during the first 3 days of the infant's life as well as the practising of breastfeeding on schedule increased with the increased of educational level of mothers. Highly educated mothers tended to introduce rice, wheat, infant formula and fruit at an earlier age of the infant's life than other education groups. The study demonstrates an improvement in infant feeding practices during the last decade. However, the practice of sound infant feeding was less among highly educated mothers when compared to low and middle education mothers. This is mainly due to socio-economic factors rather than lack of awareness.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Changes in food consumption patterns in Bahrain.

Changes in food consumption in Bahrain can be identified particularly in the second half of seventies with the wake of oil boom. The consumption of traditional foods such as fish and dates have declined, while that of processed foods, fat, eggs, meat, poultry and milk products have risen. The daily per capita intake of animal protein and fat have increased at the expense of carbohydrates. Some factors responsible for this change are increasing income and literacy, food price fluctuations, food subsidy policy, the influence of immigrant food habits, influence of mass media and the changing structure of households. The change in dietary intake has associated with change in health and nutritional problems in the country.

Bahrain↗
PubMed1994

Dietary habits of athletes in Bahrain.

This study describes the dietary habits of athletes involved in four common sports in Bahrain (football, handball, volleyball and basketball). A sample of 304 athletes was obtained from 14 first class clubs. It was found that 28% of athletes skipped breakfast, and only 39% consumed breakfast daily. Foods eaten before competition were similar to those consumed by other family members, indicating that athletes did not eat any specific diet before events. There were some differences in meal patterns among athletes of various sports. In general, athletes allowed enough time between a meal and competition (2.8-3.1 hours). About half of them consumed water only at restbreak, while the rest consumed fruit drinks, tea and oranges in addition to water. Some (3%) did not consume any fluid. A small proportion of the athletes (4%) used vitamins and protein supplements. Mass media (53.6%) and coaches (20.1%) were the primary sources of nutrition information for athletes. It is suggested that information on nutrition and physical performance should be introduced in all educational programmes for both athletes and coaches.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Dietary habits of school-children in Bahrain.

A multistage stratified sampling procedure was used to select 1673 Bahraini school children (871 boys and 802 girls) to study their food habits. The results revealed that breakfast was more often skipped than lunch and supper by both sexes. Significant differences in the food consumption between boys and girls were noticed at morning snack; beef burgers, liver and egg sandwiches were more consumed by boys, while girls preferred carbonated beverages, cheese, uncarbonated canned drinks and broad beans. The foods consumed at lunch were very similar to those of the adult population in Bahrain. However, the percentage of fresh fruits consumed at lunch was almost double by girls (31.9%) than boys (17.1%). Corn-puffs, carbonated beverages, chocolates, uncarbonated canned drinks and fruits were the main foods consumed at afternoon snack. Boys were more likely to consume tea, meat, eggs, cheese and rice at supper, while girls preferred cheese, corn-puffs and carbonated beverages. Age has also a significant influence on dietary habits. The consumption of bread at breakfast decreased with age while the consumption of carbonated beverages at morning snack increased remarkably with age. In general the meal and snack patterns of school children vary considerably with age and sex.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Smoking habits of primary health care physicians in Bahrain.

A survey of the smoking habits of all primary health care physicians in Bahrain was carried out to determine their smoking habits and attitudes towards smoking. Sixty-four male doctors and fifty-eight female doctors returned a voluntary self-completed questionnaire resulting in an 80.8% response rate. Male physicians were older than their female counterparts and had a higher proportion of ever-smokers (45.3%), smokers (26.6%), ex-smokers (18.8%) and daily smokers (18.8%). Cigarette smoking was the predominant type of smoking. The ratio of daily smoking prevalence (doctors/general population) among Bahraini citizens was 0.83 for males, 0.45 for females and 0.65 for both sexes combined. Of the smokers, 80% have considered quitting and 83.3% of them had made a serious attempt to quit. All the never-smokers perceived themselves as non-smokers in the coming five years compared to 83.3% of the ever-smokers. Among the perceived reasons for not smoking, primary health care physicians gave the highest importance to protecting their own health and setting a good example to children. Never-smokers gave more importance than ever-smokers to all the reasons for not smoking except for the occurrence of certain symptoms.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Psychometric properties of the beck depression inventory-II with university students in Bahrain.

The Arabic version of the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II; Beck, Steer, & Brown, 1996) was administered to 200 students enrolled at the University of Bahrain. Using exploratory and confirmatory factor analytic techniques, I obtained reasonable validity and reliability data for the BDI-II. Three oblique factors provided the most parsimonious and meaningful solution for students' responses. Findings of this study generally provide strong support for the psychometric soundness of the BDI-II as a measure of depression in college student populations even in Arabic culture, which differs dramatically from Western culture in both values and taboos.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Prescribing patterns and therapeutic implications for diabetic hypertension in Bahrain.

OBJECTIVE: To determine drug prescription patterns and the extent of conformity with World Health Organization/international Society of Hypertension (WHO/ISH) guidelines in diabetic hypertension. DESIGN: Retrospective prescription-based survey. SETTING: Seven primary-care health centers, comprising approximately one-third of primary-care health centers in Bahrain. PATIENTS: Patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The prescribing pattern of antihypertensive and antidiabetic drugs. RESULTS: Among a study sample of 1,463 patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension, antidiabetic agents were prescribed as monotherapy in the following descending order: glyburide, gliclazide, insulin, and metformin. As combinations, sulfonylureas plus metformin was most popular, followed by metformin plus insulin, and sulfonylureas plus insulin. Sulfonylurea and metformin with insulin was rarely used. There was no significant difference in prescribing of glyburide and metformin between the elderly and young middle-aged diabetic patients; many patients older than 65 years were treated with a beta-blocker along with a long-acting sulfonylurea. Both as monotherapy and in overall use, beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and calcium-channel blockers were most often prescribed. Among 35.5% patients treated with antihypertensive combinations, various two- and three-drug combinations of beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, calcium-channel blockers, and diuretics were often used. The proportion of patients taking atenolol 100 mg/d was higher with combination regimens. Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg or equivalent thiazide diuretics were extensively used. CONCLUSIONS: The prescribing pattern of antihypertensives in diabetic hypertension differs in many instances from WHO/ISH guidelines, especially regarding the choice of antihypertensive drugs and their combinations. The appropriateness of antidiabetic drug choice is questionable in relation to the antihypertensive used.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗
PubMed2003

Treatment of hypertension in Bahrain.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the adequacy of blood pressure (BP) control and therapeutic appropriateness of antihypertensive drug(s) prescribed, taking into consideration laboratory parameters and the presence of comorbidities, in hypertensive patients. METHODS: Therapeutic audit of medical records of hypertensive patients from 9 primary care health centers in Bahrain using World Health Organization/International Society of Hypertension guidelines criteria. RESULTS: The recommended target BP <140/<90 mmHg was achieved in 37 (16.5%) patients with a mean BP of 126 +/- 6 / 80 +/- 5 mmHg. Groups with inadequate BP control were 15 (6.7%) with normal systolic BP (SBP) and high diastolic BP (DBP), 59 (26.3%) with high SBP and normal DBP, and 113 (50.4%) with high SBP and high DBP. Pulse pressure of the controlled group was 46.3 +/- 5.9, whereas pulse pressures of the inadequately controlled groups with BP cutoffs <140/> or =90, > or =140/<90, and > or =140/> or =90 mmHg were 37.4 +/- 6.1, 72.7 +/- 13.5, and 59.7 +/- 13.6 mmHg, respectively. Of the 281 treated hypertensive patients, 56.6% were on monotherapy; BP of patients on combination therapy versus monotherapy did not differ. The choice of antihypertensives in relation to comorbidities and laboratory findings revealed that many hypertensive patients with dyslipidemia were on beta-blockers and diuretics, 39.3% of patients with ischemic heart disease were on beta-blockers, approximately 20% of patients with hyperuricemia were on diuretics, and 27.6% and 10.4% of patients with isolated systolic hypertension were on diuretics and calcium-channel blockers, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: BP control was achieved in 1 of 6 treated patients. In several instances, metabolic abnormalities and comorbidities were apparently not considered while prescribing antihypertensives. A rational drug therapy approach is needed in treating hypertension to achieve better control rates.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

Hemoglobinopathies, G6PD deficiency, and hereditary elliptocytosis in Bahrain.

The native population of Bahrain has a high prevalence of hemoglobinopathies and G6PD deficiency, probably as a result of past malarial endemism. We used the Biorad-Variant hemoglobin testing system for primary screening of hemoglobinopathies in 20,000 individuals. Hemoglobin abnormalities were detected in 7,206 (36.3%) cases.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Pathogenic micro-organisms and helminths in sewage products, Arabian Gulf, country of Bahrain.

Fecal and sludge samples from the Arabian Gulf country of Bahrain contained poliomyelitis and coxackie viruses, coliform bacteria, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Shigella sonni, fecal streptococci, Balantidium coli, Ascaris lumbricoides and Hymenolepis nana eggs, and Strongyloides stercoralis. Sludge produced in the central sewage treatment plant is used for agricultural purposes and poses a threat to public health. Recommendations to reduce the potential health hazards are made.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Evaluation of malaria chemoprophylaxis in Bahrain.

The Kingdom of Bahrain is an archipelago located in the Arabian Gulf with a population of 650,000. A well-established network of 21 primary health care centers provide free health care for all residents, including citizens and expatriates. Patients requiring special investigation, consultation with specialists or admission are referred to the Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC), which provides secondary and tertiary care. Malaria is a medical condition referred to SMC for medical care. Advice on appropriate prophylactic antimalarial regimens is a service provided by and limited to a public health advisory body, including the Public Health Directorate in the Ministry of Health, and a mini-clinic known as a vaccination clinic located at one of the 21 primary health centers spread across the country. This clinic is staffed by a trained nurse; it provides services such as vaccination and malaria chemoprophylaxis advice. The recommended prophylactic drugs have to be purchased by the travelers from private pharmacies; they are considered to be over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

Antimalarials↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Prevalence estimates of physical disability in Bahrain--a household survey.

The number of disabled persons in Bahrain, and their demographic characteristics, are estimated through a national morbidity survey of about 11,251 persons from 2672 households. The results showed that 9.8 persons per 1000 population were found to be disabled, including blind, deaf, inconvenience of body or limb, and mentally handicapped. A higher prevalence ratio of disability was found in males and with advancing age.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Hazard analysis and critical control point evaluation of school food programs in Bahrain.

Hazard analyses were conducted in six food preparation sites and 16 school canteens in the State of Bahrain. Sandwiches made with cheese, meat, eggs, liver, and beef burgers were prepared in small shops or a bakery outside schools. Foods were cooked between 4 and 5 A.M. Time-temperature exposure during cooking was adequate to kill vegetative microbes and their spores, but potential for recontamination existed from the hands of food workers, utensils, and cloths and sponges used for wiping. All foods were left at room temperature before they were transported in vans to schools where they were also kept at room temperature between 17 degrees C and 41 degrees C. Air temperature inside the canteens during this investigation was between 18.5 and 28 degrees C with a relative humidity of 65 to 70%. Hazard analyses, which included observation of operations inside school canteens and sites of food preparation, measuring temperatures, and interviewing workers and consumers (teachers, students) were carried out. Hazards were primarily associated with preparation of foods long before they were consumed, physical touching of products, and holding foods at room temperature after preparation. Holding foods at room temperature would have allowed germination of bacterial spores and multiplication of microbes. Reheating of foods was not practiced. Health promoters must be aware of these hazards and need to educate food workers, administrators, and the public on the methods of prevention.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Patterns of utilization of antihypertensive drug combinations in Bahrain: do they conform with international guidelines?

OBJECTIVES: To explore the prescribing pattern and rationale of antihypertensive combination drug therapy at the level of primary health care centers; and to analyze the extent of physicians' adherence to dosage range of antihypertensives in combination regimens as recommended by Guidelines Subcommittee of WHO/ISH 1999. SUBJECTS, MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prescribing survey of antihypertensive combination regimens among patients with uncomplicated essential hypertension was conducted in 7 out of a total of 18 health centers in Bahrain. The relevant data for our study was collected using cards designed for chronically ill patients. RESULTS: A total of 2414 hypertensive patients (62.9%), of a 3838 study population, were on monotherapy, whereas 1414 (37.1%) were on antihypertensive combination therapy. Among those who were treated with drug combinations, 85.1% (n = 1212) received two-drug, 14.2% (n = 202) received three-drug and four- and five-drug regimens were used by 0.6% and 0.07%, respectively. Prescription analysis revealed that 17 different two- and three-antihypertensive drug combinations were prescribed for each category. The four major two-drug regimens were ranked in the following order: a beta-blocker with a diuretic (40.4%) used more frequently in females than in males (p < 0.0001), a beta-blocker with a calcium channel blocker (19.7%), a beta-blocker with an ACE inhibitor (12.8%) and a diuretic with an ACE inhibitor (7.3%) - used more frequently in males than in females (p = 0.001, 0.01, and 0.028, respectively). The most frequently prescribed three-drug regimens were diuretic and a beta-blocker plus either an ACE inhibitor (30.7%) or a calcium channel blocker (22.3%), beta-blocker plus an ACE inhibitor and a calcium channel blocker (16.3%), and a diuretic plus an ACE inhibitor and a calcium channel blocker (11.4%). There was no gender-related difference among triple-drug regimens. There was a trend towards using high doses of the beta-blocker atenolol, ACE inhibitors and methyldopa. CONCLUSION: The prescribing patterns of some practising physicians were analyzed in terms of conformity with guidelines of combination of drugs and dosages. The use of antihypertensive combination therapy and the doses of individual drugs in combination regimens seem to be partly non-compliant with guidelines issued by WHO recommendations; this is illustrated by excessive prescription of some irrational combinations, as well as limited prescription of some rational combinations. In addition, a tendency to use high doses of certain classes of antihypertensive combinations was observed.

Antihypertensive Agents↗
PubMed2005

An evaluation of prescribing errors in primary care in Bahrain.

OBJECTIVES: Prescribing errors are preventable and are considered an important target for improving healthcare. The aim of this study was to identify prescribing errors and their determinants in a primary care setting. METHODS: Prescriptions with errors were collected on a daily basis by the pharmacy staff during the first two weeks of September 2003 in 18 out of 20 primary care health centers in Bahrain. Prescribing errors were classified as omission (minor and major), commission and integration errors. RESULTS: Out of 77,511 prescriptions dispensed, 5,959 (7.7%) were identified to contain errors. The frequency of prescribed medication items in 5,959 prescriptions was 16,091. Of these medications, 13,630 (84.7%) were with errors and only 13.2% were written using generic names. Minor errors of omission such as absence of physician's stamp (34.4%), date (9.8%), and information about patients' address (3.8%), age (3.5%) and sex (0.5%) were not specified. Major errors of omission accounted for 93.6% and were as follows: strength/dose (31.0%), length of therapy/ quantity (29.5%), dosage form (19.7%), and frequency of dosing (13.4%). In 6.3% errors of commission (incorrect information) the most common was strength/dose (3.3%), followed by frequency of dosing (2.6%), dosage form (0.3%), and length of therapy/quantity (0.1%). Major errors of omission associated with topical preparations were significantly higher than those with systemic preparations. However, prescriptions with systemic preparations had a higher rate of commission errors. Significant differences in errors were found in prescriptions ordered by family physicians and general practitioners. In 9.2% of prescriptions with errors, potential drug-drug interactions were expected. CONCLUSIONS: This nationwide survey revealed that in primary care, a considerable proportion of prescriptions contained errors. Strategies to minimize medication errors by improving the prescribing skills, adherence to essential drugs list, and use of National Formulary are needed.

Bahrain↗
PubMed1998

Applying continuous quality improvement and human performance technology to primary health care in Bahrain.

This article discusses management and organizational development lessons learned as the result of an innovative primary health care project (Sitra Project), sponsored by the Ministry of Health, Bahrain. The improvement models commonly referred to as continuous quality improvement (CQI) and human performance technology (HPT) were applied to effect significant improvement in a number of control variables while maintaining or reducing operational costs. The most important lessons are that improvement can be made through CQI and HPT; that participation, empowerment, and accountability are the foundation of success; organizational decisions must be based on relevant data; strategic commitment of top management must underpin improvement must underpin improvement efforts; turfism and threats to power and status can derail change efforts; and the future will always remain uncertain.

Bahrain↗