Annals of Saudi medicine
-
Annals of Saudi medicine · Jan 2009
Trends in infant nutrition in Saudi Arabia: compliance with WHO recommendations.
The WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months of life. Our objective was to evaluate trends in infant nutrition in Saudi Arabia and the degree of compliance with WHO recommendations. ⋯ The current practice of feeding of Saudi infants is very far from compliance with even the most conservative WHO recommendations of exclusive breastfeeding for 4 to 6 months. The high prevalence of breastfeeding initiation at birth indicates the willingness of Saudi mothers to breastfeed. However, early introduction of complementary feedings reduced the period of exclusive breastfeeding. Research in infant nutrition should be a public health priority to improve the rate of breastfeeding and to minimize other inappropriate practices.
-
Annals of Saudi medicine · Jan 2009
Predictors of sustained virological response to a 48-week course of pegylated interferon alfa-2a and ribavirin in patients infected with hepatitis C virus genotype 4.
Knowledge of the predictors of sustained viral response (SVR) to pegylated interferon (PEG-INF) alfa-2a and ribavirin (RBV) therapy in patients with hepatitis C genotype-4 (HCV-4) is crucial for selecting patients who would benefit most from therapy. We assessed the predictors of SVR to this combination therapy in Saudi patients with chronic HCV-4 infection. ⋯ Approximately half of HCV-4 patients who complete the course of combination therapy achieve an SVR, especially if they are young, treatment naA ve and have lower AST levels.
-
Annals of Saudi medicine · Jan 2009
Generic drug prescribing in central Saudi Arabia: perceptions and attitudes of physicians.
Physicians play a key role in generic drug prescribing, but their behavior is affected by many determinants. We examined physician practices and attitudes and other factors influencing the prescription of generic drugs. ⋯ Physicians face competing forces to prescribe either brand name or generic drugs. The majority support generic drug substitution. There are multiple factors that support prescription of generic drugs.