Background:This study aimed to determine the profile of morbidity among elderly registered at home health care service in the Armed Forces Hospital of Southern Region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.Materials and Methods:A retrospective study was conducted (over a period of 6 months during year 2011) and data was collected by reviewing of medical records of all elderly patients of elderly.Results:The total number of elderly ≥ 60 years were 880. The most prevalent morbidity is hypertension (59.1%) followed by diabetes mellitus (57.3%), stroke (34.9%), dementia (28.5%), osteoarthritis (24.2%) and Alzheimer (21.4%). Females are at higher risks of having many types elderly diseases compared to males. The highest risk was for obesity (OR = 9.1; 95% CI = 3.51- 12.8), followed by osteoporosis (OR = 8.7; 95% CI = 15.10 – 9.13) and fracture neck femur (OR = 3.9; 95 CI = 2.11 – 6.91). In addition, females were also at higher risks of having Osteoarthritis and thyroid disorder. On the other hand, males are more susceptible to hypertension (OR = 1.4; 95 % CI = 1.07 – 1.85), stroke (OR = 1.3; 95 % CI = 1.08 – 1.89) and renal diseases (OR = 2.4; 95% CI = 1.25 – 4.54).Conclusion:It is concluded that there is a great need for preventive, curative and rehabilitative program in order to introduce high quality of health care services to elderly.

BackgroundMenopause is a challenging period for all women. The severity of menopausal symptoms hurts their quality of life and daily activity. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the severity of menopausal symptoms are associated with social support and lifestyle factors among Saudi women to help policymakers develop the appropriate intervention health program. MethodsA cross-sectional study of 361 middle-aged Saudi women was conducted through interviews using a valid and reliable questionnaire. The menopause rating scale (MRS) was used to determine the severity of menopausal symptoms and the multidimensional scale of perceived social support (MSPSS) was used to assess perceived social support among females. Linear regression was conducted to assess the association between MRS scores and MSPSS scores after adjustment of covariates. ResultsThe mean total menopause rating scale was 13.7 ± 8.3. Physical and mental exhaustion (80.3%), joint and muscular discomfort (79.2%), and irritability (75.9%) were the most prevalent menopausal symptoms for all women. The mean MSPSS was calculated as 4.3 ±1.8. Perceived social support and lifestyle factors were significant predictors of menopausal symptoms. ConclusionsPostmenopausal Saudi women complain of a variety of physical and psychological symptoms. The current study shows that social support, quitting smoking, losing weight, and increasing physical exercise can help to alleviate or reduce many of the unpleasant symptoms of menopause. This evidence will help policymakers design health intervention for this age group.

Introduction: There is emerging literature on the decline in adherence to preventive measures against the COVID-19 pandemic, a phenomenon of pandemic fatigue (PF). However, academics and policymakers have debated its existence and consequences. We conducted this study to explore this phenomenon, its existence, determinants, and relation to adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures, and the mediating role of resilience, fear of COVID-19, and electronic health literacy about COVID-19 in this relationship.Methods: This cross-sectional online study was conducted from April to June 2021 using a convenience sample of 650 Saudi adults from all regions of Saudi Arabia using a reliable questionnaire. A structural equation model (SEM) was used for mediation analysis.Results: The results revealed a moderate level of PF among Saudi adults. Younger patients experienced more PF. Fear of COVID-19 had a non-significant (p=0.127) effect on PF. SEM analysis revealed that both resilience and electronic health literacy significantly (p=0.000) mediated the relationship between PF and adherence to preventive measures, and acted as protective factors. In conclusion, there is evidence that PF exists and negatively affects adherence to preventive measures. Conclusion:Policymakers should apply evidence-based programs to increase public resilience, particularly targeting young adults, as the results of the current study shed light on its protective mediating role against PF. Increasing electronic health literacy is an effective strategy for preventing PF through an increase in the perceived effectiveness of preventive measures.

Background Fever is a common cause of doctor visits among children. Fever and its effects are a source of anxiety for parents. There is a discrepancy between parents’ understanding and actual practice, which is influenced by a range of variables. This study aimed to assess the factors that influence parents’ practices and home behaviors when their children had a fever. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted among 384 randomly selected Saudi parents attending primary healthcare centers of Taif city from February to April 2022. Data were collected using a pretested, self-designed questionnaire (α= 0.760) developed by the researcher through interviews. The questionnaire included questions on socio-demographic characteristics, five items to assess parents’ knowledge, and 12 items to assess parents’ evidence-based practices regarding childhood fever, level of worry and concerns, and difficulties encountered during management. Results About 43% of parents did not know the harmful degree of fever and 77% had a misbelief that fever is a harmful phenomenon. Non-evidence-based practices included the use of over-the-counter medications (in 76.6% of our sample) and unnecessary visits to health services (in more than 50%). Only 12% reported good practices. Half of the parents obtain their information about fever from doctors and 31.3% from the internet. The majority of parents reported high worry levels. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the most important significant predictors of parents’ practices are level of worry, source of information, knowledge, and mothers’ education level. Conclusions This study identified the gaps where parents’ practices regarding fever need education. Parents reported high levels of worry about the febrile child, which, in turn, led to poor practices such as unnecessary health visits and overuse of antipyretics. The study emphasized the importance of the role of doctors as the main source of parents’ information regarding fever. Hence, good informative communication between doctors and parents will decrease their worry and promote the practices of parents.

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