Awareness about osteoporosis among university students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Osteoporosis is a global public health problem. It is estimated that about 9.0 million osteoporotic fractures occurred in the year 2000 and that many were due to osteoporosis. Awareness about osteoporosis and factors contributing to it is of great benefit and is a major public health challenge. The objective of this study is the level of awareness about osteoporosis among university students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Questionnaires were distributed among university students to assess their osteoporosis knowledge level. One hundred questionnaires were collected and the osteoporosis knowledge level was assessed. SPSS was used to analyze the data. Over three-quarters of participating students (77%) have a high level of knowledge about osteoporosis. There is a statistically significant positive correlation between the level of osteoporosis knowledge and the length of study at KAU and the marital status (p=<0.01). Furthermore, there is a statistically significant negative correlation between the level of osteoporosis knowledge and economic status. Raising knowledge about osteoporosis is an important and effective tool in preventing osteoporosis

A retrospective study of Malaria and its effect on Hematological indices in a hospital in Jizan, Saudi Arabia

Malaria is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality with a major public health importance. Nearly half of the world population is at risk of malaria. In Saudi Arabia, a series of malaria outbreaks occurred in Jizan area and vigorous action was taken by the Saudi Ministry of Health to control malaria in this area. This study aimed at investigating the incidence of malaria Jizan area in 2014 and the effect of malarial infection on several hematological indices. Data were retrospectively collected for the year 2014 from Samtah General Hospital for all malaria positive cases. A total of 44 patients results were obtained for those who were diagnosed as positive for malaria together with their hematological indices and demographic data. A total of 3674 cases were suspected of malaria and only 44 cases were positive. The highest peaks of malaria cases were seen during the months of March and December. A statistically significant reduction in the WBC and Platelet count was observed in malaria positive cases. This study suggests that the malaria control in Jizan area be continued. Providing highly qualified lab personnel and microscopist in the area is very beneficial in order to achieve the malaria eradication goal