Mohammed A. Al-Sekait

Accidental poisoning of children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

There were 7142 cases of accidental poisoning in children admitted to all Riyadh Governmental Hospitals during the five years period (1983-87). Household products were the most common poisoning agent, accounting for 59% of all cases. This was followed by drugs (39%), and plants (2%). Children aged one to two years were the most affected. The fatality rate was 0.1%. This study indicates that improved living conditions, proper storage of the drugs and chemicals as well as health education of parents will help in reducing the incidence of poisoning.THERE WERE 7142 cases of accidental poisoning in children admitted to all Riyadh Governmental Hospitals during the five years period (1983-87). Household products were the most common poisoning agent, accounting for 59% of all cases. This was followed by drugs (39%), and plants (2%). Children aged one to two years were the most affected. The fatality rate was 0.1% . This study indicates that improved living conditions, proper storage of the drugs and chemicals as well as health education of parents will help in reducing the incidence of poisoning.

Maternal Influences on Birth Weight

The birth weight of 2,848 singleton babies delivered Al-Medina District hospitals was studied. The mean birth weight of Al-Medina babies was 3.26 Kg. (SD 0.44), the males with mean birth weight of 3.32 Kg. (SD 0.45), and were significantly heavier than females with a mean birth weight of 3.20 Kg. (SD 0.42). The incidence of low birth weight was 7.0 per cent. The birth weight was found to increase consistently with maternal age, parity, and height. Birth weight was significantly higher for babies of non-consanguineous parents.

Rheumatic heart disease in schoolchildren from Al-Medina Al-Munawarrah district, Saudi Arabia.

The prevalence of rheumatic heart disease was assessed among schoolchildren aged 6 to 15 years. A sample size of 9,418 (10% of target population) underwent cardiac evaluation. The prevalence of rhe...

Attitudes of professionals in providing maternity care in a primary health care system in Saudi Arabia

This study was done on a sample of the primary care centers in the Al-Baha region, Saudi Arabia to assess the opinions of the medical and paramedical staff regarding the capability and acceptability of providing antenatal and intrapartum care in the primary health care setting. The study showed that 96% of all the respondents supported the provision of antenatal care services in primary health care with 60% of them giving the reason that it is more convenient for pregnant women.90% of the respondents wanted the antenatal care to be delivered through special clinics and the majority of them wanted to give a greater role to the midwives in antenatal care. Questioned about the intranatal care provision in the centers, 98% of all the respondents agreed to the utilization of primary health care in such service. A similar percentage of them claimed to have the ability to do deliveries in the centers with existing facilities.To avoid duplication of care and to best use of available resources, low risk pregnancies should be seen antenatally and delivered in the primary health care centres provided the quality of such care is kept under control.

The Traditional Midwife in Saudian Villages

TO IDENTIFY the role of the midwife in rural Saudi Arabia, a house to house survey was conducted in 10 randomly selected communities in Riyadh district. The study showed that the midwifes role in a village is particularly significant in protecting the health of the poor and less educated mother. If effective coverage of ante-natal, delivery and post-natal services is to be achieved then it is suggested that a greater emphasis should be placed upon training the midwives.To identify the role of the midwife in rural Saudi Arabia, a house to house survey was conducted in 10 randomly selected communities in Riyadh district. The study showed that the midwifes role in a village is particularly significant in protecting the health of the poor and less educated mother. If effective coverage of ante-natal, delivery and post-natal services is to be achieved then it is suggested that a greater emphasis should be placed upon training the midwives.