Abdullah Tawfih Abdullah Khoja

The health of Saudi older adults; results from the Saudi National Survey for Elderly Health (SNSEH) 2006–2015

Objectives To Describe the Saudi older adult (SOA) characteristics and Introduce the Saudi National Survey for Elderly Health (SNSEH). Methods The SNSEH, a population-based nationally-representative survey, was used. Subjects were included in 2006–2007, using random-cluster sampling utilizing probability proportional to size approach, and followed-up to determine their vital status until June 2015. In the analyses, survey weights were incorporated. Parametric, non-parametric and logistic regression were used. Cox-proportional hazard regression was used to determine gender effects on mortality. Results We included 2,946 SOA. The mean age was 70.1(SD = 0.3). Around, 70% were illiterate. Almost 50% had monthly income of 2500 (2007-Saudi-Riyals). The most reported diseases were hypertension, diabetes and joints pain. The most reported medications were over the counter, antidiabetics and antihypertensive. The nine-years age-adjusted death hazard was 42% higher in SOA males. Conclusion This is an introductory paper for a series of papers that describe SOA health. These efforts will help in guiding the development of a national healthcare model for SOA, evidence-based health policies and public intervention programs that address SOA health-related issues.

The prevalence of benzodiazepines utilization and its association with falls among Saudi older adults; results from the Saudi national survey for elderly Health (SNSEH)

Purpose First, to determine benzodiazepines prevalence (BDZs) among Saudi older adults (SOA); Second, to quantify the association between BDZs use and falls among SOA. Third, to determine falls effect on all-cause mortality among SOA. Methods This is a cross-sectional study that used the Saudi National Survey for Elderly Health; a nationally-representative, population-based survey. Participants were asked about BDZs use and falls history during the 12 months prior to the interview. Demographics, medications, comorbidities and housing conditions were used as covariates. Multiple imputation was used to impute missing data. Modified poisson multivariable regression was used to study the association between BDZs and falls. Cox- proportional hazard regression was used to determine falls effect on mortality over nine years period. Results Among 2946 SOA, BDZs prevalence was 4%. Around 13% reported falls. In the multivariable regression, relative risk (RR) of falls was 2 comparing BDZs users to non-users (95CI%: 1.02–3.99). Antidepressants (RR = 1.72; 95%CI: 1.10–2.74), laxatives (RR = 1.38; 95%CI: 1.11–1.7), low body mass index (RR = 1.94; 95%CI: 1.33–2.84), mild cognitive impairment (RR = 1.56; 95%CI: 1.21–2.03), high door steps (RR = 1.54; 95%CI: 1.23–1.93) and insufficient illumination (RR = 1.38; 95%CI: 1.11–1.71) increased falls risk. Lastly, the hazard ratio of falls on death was 1.48 (95%CI: 1.17, 1.89) over nine years. Conclusion Despite the recommendation against BDZs use among older adults, still there were subjects who were prescribed these drugs. falls are common among SOA. Preventive strategies such medication therapy management, nutrition improvement, elderly-friendly housing structures can reduce the prevalence of falls and consequent increase in mortality among SOA.