RESUMEN
UNLABELLED: Hypertension (HTN) is most likely the most common disease on Earth. It represents the single greatest preventable cause of death in humans and one of the most important modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors of HTN and pre-hypertension among preparatory and secondary school teachers in Jeddah, KSA, during the educational year 2006 /2007. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted and a multistage stratified random sampling technique was used. HTN (using JNC VII criteria) was defined as Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) >/= 140 mmHg and / or Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) >/= 90 or concurrent use of antihypertensive agents. RESULTS: The prevalence of HTN & pre-hypertension were 25.2 % & 43.0 %, respectively, among the sample of 1476 teachers. Only 30.4 % of hypertensive teachers were aware of their condition. Linear regression indicated that for every 4 Kg increase of weight, there is increase of one mm Hg of SBP and 0.87 mm Hg of DBP. Logistic Regression illustrated that age >/= 40 years (aOR= 4.31, CI: 2.77, 6.73), Body Mass Index (BMI) >/= 25 (aOR= 3.03, CI: 1.77-5.19), males, and diabetes were significantly associated with HTN. Predictors of pre-hypertension were male gender (aOR = 3.22, CI: 2.49- 4.16), age >/= 40, and BMI >/= 25. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of pre-hypertension and HTN was high among teachers in Jeddah & BMI was the strongest modifiable risk factor. Lifestyle modification and implementation of screening programs for obesity, diabetes, pre-hypertension and HTN are recommended.
RESUMEN
Child abuse constitutes all forms of physical and /or emotional ill treatment, sexual abuse, neglect or negligent treatment or commercial or other exploitation, resulting in actual or potential harm to the child's health, survival, development or dignity in the context of a relationship of responsibility, trust or power. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence, types, main predictors and outcome of child abuse, retrospectively reported by female university students in Jeddah. A cross sectional study was conducted and the Standardized Arabic Version of Child Abuse Screening Tool for Young Adult (18-24 years old) was used. Ethical standards of confidentiality and freedom to participate were followed. Multistage stratified random sample was used with selection of 1,897 females. About two-thirds (68.3 %) of students reported exposure to some form of child abuse. Physical and emotional forms were recalled by 45.1 % & 50.6 % of students, respectively, while, 2.9 % reported exposure to forced contact sexual assault. Parents and siblings were the commonest perpetrators of both physical & emotional abuse, while other relatives and extra-familial persons were the main offenders of sexual violence. The predictors of exposure to three forms of abuse together were: existence of parent who hit the other (aOR= 2.54; 95 % CI: 1.88-3.42), non-university graduated mother (aOR =1.83; p