IntroductionInfertility places a huge psychological burden on infertile couples, especially for women. Greater knowledge of the factors affecting fertility may help to decrease the incidence of infertility by allowing couples to avoid certain risk factors. The aim of our study was (1) to assess the knowledge and attitudes of infertile and fertile Saudi participants on infertility, possible risk factors, and social consequences; and (2) to determine the practices of infertile Saudi couples to promote their fertility before having them attend an in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinic.Methods and materialsWe conducted a cross-sectional study on 277 fertile participants from outpatient clinics and 104 infertile patients from the IVF clinic at King Abdulaziz Medical City between June 24, 2012 and July 4, 2012, using a previously validated interview questionnaire. Descriptive and analytical statistics were applied with a significance threshold of P ≤ 0.05.ResultsA generally poor level of knowledge (59%) and a neutral attitude (76%) toward infertility were reported by participants. Mistaken beliefs commonly held by the study participants regarding the causes of infertility were Djinns and supernatural causes (58.8%), black magic (67.5%), intrauterine devices (71.3%), and contraceptive pills (42.9%). The healer/Sheikh was reported as the primary and secondary preference for infertility treatment by 6.7% and 44.2% of IVF patients, respectively. Compared with fertile patients, IVF patients were significantly less likely to favor divorce (38.5% versus 57.6%; P = 0.001) or marriage to a second wife (62.5% versus 86.2%; P < 0.001), if the woman could not have a baby. The patients with infertility had more favorable attitudes toward fertility drugs (87.5% versus 68.4%; P = 0.003) and having a test tube baby (92.4% versus 70.3%; P < 0.001). Child adoption was accepted as an option for treatment by the majority of IVF patients (60.6%) and fertile outpatients (71.5%). Alternative treatments previously practiced by the IVF patients to improve fertility include practicing Ruqia (61%), using alternative medicine (42%), engaging in physical exercise (39%), eating certain foods (22%), and quitting smoking (12%).ConclusionThese findings have implications for health care providers regarding the reluctance that couples experiencing fertility problems may have, at least initially, to accept some interventions required for the couple to conceive.

Objectives:To estimate the rate of the Pilonidal disease (PND) recurrence and to evaluate the associated predictors of the recurrence.Methods:This is a retrospective study, conducted at King Fahd Hospital of the University in Alkhobar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia over a period of 10 years from January 2003 until December 2013.Results:A study of 366 with PND, 19 of those were identified as secondary cases and excluded. Most involved 347 patients were Saudi (82.1%), single (87%), and men (93.1%). The mean age of the sample was 23 ± 8 years, and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 29.7 ± 6 Kg/m2. Overall recurrence rate after the surgical management was found in 25 patients (7.2%). By logistic regression to the recurrence group, young age group, prolong sitting and BMI may increase the likelihood of the disease recurrence.Conclusion:Pilonidal disease still has challenges in its management. Treatment should depend on the extent and severity of the disease. The recurrence rate in this study is approximately 7.2%. The most predominate factors associated with recurrence were prolong sitting job, young age group, and high BMI.

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