Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in a sample of Omani schoolboys.
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Adolescent↗
Biomedical subjects
Marwan M Al-Sharbati
Publications and source records attributed to Marwan M Al-Sharbati.
Profile of child and adolescent psychiatry in Oman.
OBJECTIVE: To find the common behavioral problems in youth, their co-morbidity, treatment, and other variables in Oman. METHODS: All patients who attended the child psychiatric clinic in Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH), Muscat, (the only child psychiatry clinic in Sultanate of Oman) for a 3-month period were investigated for behavioral problems, particularly hyperactivity (by Conners' Questionnaire). The diagnosis was based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition. RESULTS: Of the total 212 cases, Omani nationals constituted 89% and the rest were expatriates. Sixty five percent were boys, 57% were of school age, 26% were adolescents, 9% were preschoolers and 5% were toddlers. Consanguinity among their parents was high at 52%. The majority (60%) of the patients exhibited hyperactivity. Aggression was found in 49%, while stealing and lying were found in 25% and 22%. Approximately one-third suffered from headache and abdominal pain. The majority (62%) were of below-normal intelligence. Anxiety affected 14%, depression 4%, and conduct disorders 8%. One-third of the patients were taking psychostimulants and another one-third were taking tricyclics. The results were compared with those from other developing countries. CONCLUSION: Behavioral problems among children and adolescents are high in Oman, same as other developing countries, though the type of disorders is different here. This calls for the attention of the health policy makers for diagnosing and treating such disorders in Oman as well as in the other developing countries.
Adolescent↗
Deliberate self-poisoning in Oman.
OBJECTIVE: To describe the demographics, precipitating factors, substances and methods used for deliberate self-harm in Oman. METHODS: Data were extracted from the Accident and Emergency (A & E) records of patients treated at the A & E units in Muscat from 1993 to 1998. Data were obtained form the history, and clinical findings resulting form deliberate self-harm. RESULTS: During the 5-year study period, 123 persons presented to various hospitals in the Muscat area with injuries that resulted form deliberate self-harm. Most of these cases were women, students and unemployed. There was a high incidence of family, marital and psychiatric or social problems. The methods of self-harm were most often analgesics (such as paracetamol) and non-pharmaceutical chemicals. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of self-injurious behaviour is low in Oman, compared with other countries, including other Islamic countries. The data illustrate a rising rate and a tendency to ingest toxic doses of analgesics or non-pharmaceutical chemicals.
Acculturation↗
Sleep problems among pupils in Benghazi, Libya.
OBJECTIVE: To find the prevalence of sleep problems among pupils, its possible causes and associated behaviors. METHODS: This study was carried out during 3-24 February 1996. We randomly selected a sample of (277) 5th graders (181 boys and 96 girls), from 3 public primary schools in 3 different socio-economic areas in Benghazi, Libya. We interviewed the pupils and the teachers by a pretested questionnaire concerning sleep, school achievement and other behaviors. Those pupils who sleep after 10:00 pm, or those having bad sleep characters, or both, twice or more a week in the last month, were considered suffering from sleep problems. According to their performance in the first semester in both Arabic and Mathematics, pupils were classified in to 3 groups (>70% in both the good group, 50-70% in both subjects or in one provided that the other was above 70% the average group, <50% in one or both subjects the poorly achieving group). RESULTS: This study shows high prevalence of sleep problems among pupils (28.9%), especially in a high-density area, with non-significant gender difference. Associated behaviors are bad school achievement, sleepiness and mood fluctuation. CONCLUSION: Parental ignorance, unawareness and bad child rearing and follow-up are evident, and considered to be the main cause of these problems, that needs intensive education towards better sleep hygiene.
Child↗