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PubMedDate not supplied

Patient satisfaction with quality of care in a hospital system in Qatar.

This article presents the results of a patient satisfaction survey carried out in an acute care hospital complex in Doha, Qatar, in the Middle East. The objectives were to determine the level of patient satisfaction as follows: in general, in 18 different patient areas and services, for Qatar citizens and noncitizens, among patients with different sociodemographic characteristics, and in technical and interpersonal areas of care. The quantitative, descriptive survey design involved two 73-item questionnaires, one in English and one in Arabic. It was given to medical, surgical, and obstetric and gynecologic patients. Satisfaction was rated on a 5-point scale, and univariate statistics and chi-square analysis were used to determine frequencies and statistical differences. The response rate was 77%; 84% rated the overall quality of care excellent or very good. Respondents gave nursing services the highest ratings and slightly favored technical over interpersonal care. The results show that patients are willing to participate in the survey process and that the questionnaire is a valuable tool for measuring satisfaction and for obtaining feedback and continuous evaluation of services.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Epidemiology of idiopathic cardiomyopathy in Qatar during 1996-2003.

OBJECTIVES: To report the rates of cardiomyopathies in the population below 50 years of age in Qatar. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of clinical data on patients with cardiomyopathy who were hospitalized in Hamad General Hospital, Doha. Data were collected from medical records during the 1996-2002 period and prospectively from the patients who were hospitalized during the year 2003. All cardiomyopathy patients below 50 years of age who were citizens or permanent residents in Qatar were included in this study. RESULTS: During the study period, a total of 132 cases were recorded with idiopathic cardiomyopathies. Among these, 67.4% were males and 32.6% females; Qatari 31.8%, non-Qatari 68.2%. The consanguinity rate was high among Qatari patients. In the first 7-year study period, 1996-2002, the incidence rate of all types of cardiomyopathies was 2.5/100,000 population per year (95% CI: 1.4-3.5). It increased to 5.2/100,000 population during the year 2003 (95% CI: 3.6-6.7). Dilated cardiomyopathy was most prevalent (75.8%) in all age groups, and the incidence increased remarkably with age. Lower prevalence of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (13.6%) and left ventricle noncompaction cardiomyopathy (6.1%) was found. In children below 15 years of age, the incidence rate for all types of cardiomyopathies was 2.7/100,000 population. The overall mortality rate was 5.3%. CONCLUSION: Most cases of cardiomyopathy were identified at an early age: below 15 years and above 35 years of age. Introducing preventive and early diagnosis programs may have an impact on reducing the mortality and morbidity from idiopathic cardiomyopathy.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1977

Survey of major blinding conditions in Qatar.

Qatar is one of the rapidly developing Gulf States. Its life style is rapidly changing from a seminomadic to a more settled urban one. This is the first study of the causes of economic blindness (6/60) in Qatar. It embraces 3,072 patients (70% males and 30% females). The most common causes in those under 40 years of age were trachoma, infectious diseases, retinal diseases, trauma and congenital malformations. After 40 years, cataract and glucoma occupy the second and third commonest causes after trachoma. Thus, a proper antitrachoma campaign will cut down the incidence of blidness by 50%. Control of individual behavior and antenatal caution in prescribing medicines can reduce the risk of trauma and congenital malformations. Cataract is not preventable, but early detection of glaucoma delays the damage of ocular tissues. This is the same with systemic disease.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Childhood tuberculosis in the State of Qatar: the effect of a limited expatriate screening programme on the incidence of tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine incidence rates and the effectiveness of the expatriate screening programme on paediatric tuberculosis (TB) in the State of Qatar. METHOD: A state-wide, population-based, retrospective analysis of all cases of tuberculosis among children 0-14 years of age reported to the TB Unit of the Division of Public Health during 1983-1996. RESULTS: One hundred and forty-four children with tuberculous disease were identified, with a steadily declining incidence rate (rate of notification) from 11/100000 children (0-14 years) population in 1983 to 7/100000 in 1996. This decrease in the childhood TB case notification rate correlated with foreign-born children, older children and the implementation of expatriate screening in 1986. Diagnosis in 56% of children was made abroad or within 3 months of arrival from vacation and 30% within one year of arrival. Comparison of the three age groups (<5, 5-9 and 10-14 years) showed no significant difference with regard to nationality, sex, type of TB, radiological findings and screening. However older children were more likely to be symptomatic (P < 0.0001) and to have positive tuberculin skin test (TST) reactivity (P = 0.012), culture (P < 0.0001), and gastric aspirates (P = 0.018). CONCLUSION: Although there was a 36% decrease in paediatric TB incidence after the implementation of expatriate screening in 1986, Qatar has a high rate of paediatric tuberculosis. The policy of BCG vaccination at birth should be continued, and screening children at school entry and on return from vacation would be useful for further case identification.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2002

Epidemiology of neonatal meningitis in Qatar.

OBJECTIVE: Neonatal meningitis is responsible for thousands of neonatal deaths annually all over the world. Our study was conducted to determine the epidemiology, management and best preventive measures for neonatal meningitis in Qatar. METHODS: A retrospective study reviewed the records of bacterial meningitis patients under the age of one month. The study was carried out at Hamad Medical Hospital, the only hospital that provides health care at Qatar and the study period was between January 1998 to December 2000. RESULTS: Thirteen patients were included. Sixty percent of patients had early onset meningitis. Causative organisms were group B Streptococcus pneumoniae, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas species, Neisseria meningitidis, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Flavibacterium meningococcus septicum. A bacterial resistance to the usual combination of ampicillin and gentamicin were noticed (as initial treatment before culture sensitivity results), which affected negatively on some patients. Complications of cerebral palsy, mental retardation and epilepsy occurred in 3 patients (23%). None of the patients died during the study period. CONCLUSION: Emphasis is placed on the importance of correct early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy. It is suggested that the identification and appropriate treatment of any maternal bacterial infection is an important measure in preventing neonatal sepsis and meningitis.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

PubMed2001

Joining the nursing profession in Qatar: motives and perceptions.

We aimed to identify why female students in Qatar decide to become nurses and how the students perceived the community attitude towards nursing. A self-administered anonymous questionnaire was distributed to all (57) female students of the four academic classes of the Nursing Unit, University of Qatar for the academic year 1999-2000. The two commonest reasons for joining the nursing profession were an interest in medical services and the humanitarian nature of nursing. There were 33 (57.89%) students who considered there was a negative community attitude towards nursing mainly due to the presence of male patients and colleagues and the working hours. A mass media campaign and govemmental support were two strategies suggested to change this.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Pattern of headache in school children in the State of Qatar.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence rate and impact of headache in school children on school attendance with particular attention to migraine. METHODS: A cross sectional survey was conducted among the school children ranging from 6-17 years old over a period from March 2001 to April 2003. The study was carried out in 10 primary, preparatory and secondary schools. Subjects were selected by multistage stratified sampling procedure. This involved 851 children studying in the first to tenth year of school in the State of Qatar. RESULTS: The present study showed that the prevalence rate of recurrent headache was 85% and migraine 11.9%. Comparing gender frequency of headache, it was noted that it was higher in female students (86.5%) than males (81%). In respect of age, it was observed that the oldest children had more frequent episodes of headache, the highest rate was in the age group of 11-15 years old (49%). The most common triggers were fatigue (35.8%) and lack of sleep (17.6%). The most common symptoms that occurred before headache were change in mood for female students (39.1%) and blurred vision for males (34.6%). The impact of headache on children was frequent absence from school (80%), which affected their school performance. CONCLUSION: The current study indicated the high prevalence of headache among school children in Qatar, and its effect on school attendance and performance.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Indications, diagnostic yields and complications of transbronchial biopsy over 5 years in the State of Qatar.

OBJECTIVES: To review the indications, diagnostic yields and complications of transbronchial biopsy (TBB) in a tertiary hospital in the State of Qatar. METHODS: A retrospective review of our records revealed 1006 adult flexible fibre optic bronchoscopies (FFB) at Hamad General Hospital, State of Qatar between January 1999 and December 2003. A total of 85 (8.4%) TBB were performed, but complete data were available for 71/85 (83.5%), which were reviewed for indications, diagnostic yields and complications. RESULTS: Adequate samples were obtained in 58/71 TBBs (81.7%), while 13/71 TBBs (18.3%) yielded bronchial mucosa. The main indications in 16/71 (22.5%) TBBs for radiographic localized pulmonary disease were to rule out tuberculosis (TB) in 13 cases, and malignancy in 3 cases. Tuberculosis was verified in 3 (23%) of the 13 cases with localized disease. Fifty-five out of 71 (77.5%) TBBs were performed for radiographic diffuse pulmonary disease: 16/55 (29%) for miliary shadows, while 39/55 (70.9%) were carried out for reticular/reticulonodular infiltrates. Histopathology showed granulomatous lesions consistent with TB in 10/16 (62.5%) cases of miliary shadow. In the other pattern of diffuse disease, the histopathological diagnosis were obtained in 25/39 (64%) cases. It showed non-specific pulmonary fibrosis in 13 cases, sarcoidosis in 4 cases, connective tissue disease associated interstitial fibrosis in 4 cases, bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP) in one case, eosinophilic pneumonia in one case, amiodarone toxicity in one case and lymphangitis carcinomatosis in one case. The main complications were minor bleeding <50 cc in 17 cases (23.9%), pneumothorax in 7 cases (9.8%)) and one case had sepsis. CONCLUSION: Our experience substantiates previous reports of the value and safety of transbronchial biopsy in the rapid diagnosis of smear-negative miliary TB. In diffuse lung diseases of a non-infectious nature, other than sarcoidosis, lymphangitis carcinomatosis and few other conditions, a pathological diagnosis are much less likely to be reliably made on small pieces of tissue such as those provided by TBB.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Granuloma inguinale. Report of the first case in Qatar.

The first known case of granuloma inguinale in the State of Qatar was observed in an Indian expatriate who contracted the disease in India. The patient had the ulcero-vegetative clinical variant of the disease, which was suspected from the history, lack of spontaneous healing for five months, and the typical clinical picture. The diagnosis was confirmed by the finding of intracellular Donovan bodies in a crushed-tissue smear stained with Wright's stain. The patient was treated by tetracycline hydrochloride (2 g daily for 20 days). The ulcer was healed completely within ten days. The diagnosis of more cases of granuloma inguinale in Qatar is anticipated because of the recent improvement of health care, medical records, and attraction of medical attention to the disease.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

Esophageal cancer in Qatar.

There were 41 cases of esophageal cancer over a 7 years period in the State of Qatar. Qataris accounted for 30 (73.17%) of these cases while representing about 38% of the entire population. Also there is a slight preponderance of female cases especially among Qataris. Nutritional factors, dietary preferences, environmental factors, social status and habits as well as genetic factors may constitute important etiologic factors in the genesis of esophageal cancer in Qatar.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed2006

The pattern of Down syndrome among children in Qatar: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence pattern of Down Syndrome (DS) in children <5 years of age in the State of Qatar. This is a retrospective descriptive study. The study was conducted in the Hamad General Hospital, Women's Hospital, and Rumailah Hospital (Hamad Medical Corporation). A total of 146 children were reported as having DS during the 6-year period from 1 January 2000 to December 31, 2005. METHODS: The diagnostic classification of definitive DS was made in accordance with criteria based on the International Classification of Disease 10th Revision (ICD-10). The data collected from the medical records included sociodemographic characteristics of the children, genetic and family history, pedigree analysis, and clinical genetic examination. RESULTS: A total of 146 children were diagnosed with DS during the last 6-year period and the prevalence rate is 19.5 per 10,000 live births. Of these, 40.4% were Qataris and 59.6% were non-Qataris. DS was slightly more common in boys (52.7%) than girls (47.3%). Infants <1 year old had the highest frequency of DS (40.4%), followed by children (1-2) years (26%). The most common abnormality was regular trisomy (98%). Also, one-half of the studied children had congenital heart problems (51.7%). There is a significant relationship between DS and maternal age as reported by other studies in other countries. CONCLUSION: The identification of specific types of chromosomal abnormalities in DS children is important as it enables clinicians to accurately counsel the parent regarding the recurrence risk and available options.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Prevalence of asthma among Qatari schoolchildren: International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood, Qatar.

The aim of the present study is to determine the prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases among schoolchildren aged 6-14 years in the State of Qatar, based on a questionnaire designed by the International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Childhood (ISAAC). A cross-sectional study of 3,283 school children living in both urban and rural areas (average age, 9.03 +/- 1.99 years; 52.3% boys and 47.7% girls) was conducted between February 2003-February 2004. The population sample had a high prevalence of diagnosed asthma (19.8%), allergic rhinitis (30.5%), eczema (22.5%), and chest infection (11.9%). The frequency of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema among parents reflected the same pattern as seen in their children. Overall, males had more asthma, allergic rhinitis, and chest infections than females. In general, the prevalence rate of asthma and allergic rhinitis decreased with age. The prevalence rate of asthma was significantly higher in mothers (11.8%) than in fathers (9.0%), but the frequency of allergic rhinitis symptoms was comparable (mothers, 18.5%; fathers, 17.5%). The prevalence rate of asthma (19.8%) in Qatari schoolchildren is very close to that in the neighboring Gulf country, Oman (20.7%), and higher than in some developing countries. Genetic factors related to the high rates of consanguinity may play an important role in the high prevalence rates noted in the Qatari population, but changes in lifestyle and environmental factors cannot be discounted as possible causes of the high prevalence noted in this study.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1989

Fatty acid composition of eleven algae from coastal zones of Qatar.

The fatty acid composition of eleven species of algae belonging to Rhodophyceae, collected from the coastal zones of Qatar, are reported. The major fatty acids identified were palmitic (16:0), myristic (14:0), oleic (18:1), eicosadienoic (20:2), linoleic (18:2), stearic (18:0) and hexadecaenoic acid (16:1). The fatty acids were characterized by the relatively high abundance of polyunsaturated acids, while the C18 unsaturated acids were appreciably more abundant than the C20 unsaturated acids.

Eukaryota↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The emergence of antimicrobial resistant Salmonella typhi in Qatar: epidemiology and therapeutic implications.

Multiresistant Salmonella seems to be a growing problem in Qatar and its treatment remains problematic. Of 100 Salmonella bacteraemias that occurred between 1 October 1989 and 30 September 1990, 30 were caused by S. typhi resistant to one or more of the conventional antibiotics usually recommended for the treatment of typhoid fever (ampicillin, chloramphenicol, and trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole). Of those, 25 (83%) were acquired by patients during visits to the Indian subcontinent. Two patients with isolates sensitive to ampicillin were successfully treated with amoxicillin, 6 paediatric patients were cured with cefotaxime, and 20 adult patients responded favourable to ciprofloxacin. A 9 year old boy failed initial therapy with cefuroxime but responded well to ciprofloxacin. One adult patient was treated successfully with a combination of ciprofloxacin and cefotaxime. We conclude that cefotaxime and ciprofloxacin can serve as first line therapy for typhoid fever in areas where multi-resistant Salmonella is prevalent.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Changes of microbial populations in a ship's ballast water and sediments on a voyage from Japan to Qatar.

Colony-forming eutrophic marine microorganisms in ballast water were counted in samples taken on board in 2002 and 2003. In the ballast water in Japan, viable cell numbers were highly variable but not by more than 10(5.1) colony-forming units (CFU)ml(-1) regardless of season. Even when ballast water was discharged offshore, values varied but not by more than 10(5.0) CFUml(-1). The effectiveness of the ballast water exchange was unconfirmed, except for the February 2003 voyage. No microbial colonies were counted in the reloaded ballast water in the high seas on that voyage, which contributed to the reduction of the total number of viable cells sampled in the discharged ballast water at the Ras Laffan port in Qatar. In sediment samples, the values of 10(5.2) - 10(6.0) CFUml(-1) were estimated for all seasons in which voyages took place. The maximum of the marine Vibrio species, 110 CFUml(-1), was observed in the ballast water sample taken in July 2003. The estimated total viable cell numbers in sediments were higher than those counted in the ballast water throughout the experiments, indicating the importance of sediment management as well as ballast water management on vessels traveling from Japan.

Base Sequence↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Renal transplantation: seventeen years of follow-up in Qatar.

Among 432 patients receiving renal transplants (RT) between 1986 and 2002, 238 were Qatari nationals and 194, expatriates of mixed nationalities. Since 1986 when we started a local transplant program, 70 cases were performed at our center and 362 abroad. Diabetic nephropathy was the most common cause of end-stage renal disease among Qatar and chronic glomerulonephritis among expatriate patients. New-onset diabetes was reported after the transplant operation in 7.3% of the cases. Recipient age ranged from 14 to 75 years with the mean of 48.5 years among diabetics and 34.5 years among nondiabetics. Acute rejection occurred in 19.2% with chronic allograft nephropathy in 16.2% of cases. Two-year survival rates at our center versus the abroad units were 98% and 97% for patients and 85.7% and 82.5% for grafts respectively. The mortality was mainly related to myocardial infarction, which occurred significantly more often among diabetics. Other causes of mortality, such as sepsis, hepatic failure, and cytomegalovirus infection, did not differ significantly between diabetic and nondiabetic patients. The donor source at our center was living related (78.6%), cadaver (18.5%), and living unrelated (2.9%) as compared to 29.3%, 6.6%, and 64.1% of those performed abroad, respectively. The 5-year survivals among living-unrelated allografts performed abroad was 45.2% compared to 64.3% in living-related and cadaveric donors. Despite the disappointing results, the existing shortage of local kidney donors persuades our patients to go abroad for living- unrelated transplants. Educational programs and incentives are recommended to increase the supply of cadaver organs.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Parasite populations in the brown rat Rattus norvegicus from Doha, Qatar between years: the effect of host age, sex and density.

A total of 179 urban rats were sampled in the city of Doha in Qatar across the winter seasons (February-April) of 2002 and 2003. Only two parasites were identified, with overall prevalences of 35.8% and 41.3% for the cestode Hymenolepis diminuta and the flea Xenopsylla astia respectively. The prevalence of H. diminuta was markedly influenced by both year of study and host age, being higher in 2003 and amongst older rats. The abundance of infection of H. diminuta was influenced by the year of study, host age and sex. Worm burdens in adult rats were almost twice as heavy in males compared with females and adults of both sexes harboured heavier infections than juveniles. The prevalence of X. astia was influenced by both year and host age, being higher in juvenile rats in 2002 and in adults in 2003. The abundance of X. astia was significantly higher in 2003 and both male and female rats showed similar abundances, but in 2003 females were more heavily infested. Reasons for this are discussed in relation to the differing foraging strategies shown by male and female rats. The prevalence and abundance profiles for both H. diminuta and X. astia were higher overall in 2003 due to a significant increase in the rat population density, although this did not reflect in any increase in parasite species richness. Rats that were infected with H. diminuta were almost twice as likely to be infected with X. astia than those without the cestode, but when controlled for the effects of year, host age and sex, no quantitative interactions were detected between the two parasite species.

Age Factors↗

PubMed2002

Occurrence of aflatoxin in commodities imported into Qatar, 1997-2000.

The occurrence of aflatoxin in commodities imported into Qatar was investigated from 1999 to 2000. During the 4 years, 351 samples of susceptible commodities were analysed. Aflatoxin was detected in 71 (20%) samples in the range 0.1-20 microg kg(-1) and in 50 (14%) samples above the permitted level of 20 microg kg(-1). The highest incidence and levels of aflatoxin contamination were recorded in pistachio without shell followed by pistachio with shell. Aflatoxin levels >20 microg kg(-1) in the pistachio samples varied from 8.7 to 33%. The highest level of total aflatoxin found in pistachio without shell was 289 microg kg(-1). A few samples of corn and corn products (three of 54 analysed), peanut and peanut products (nine of 42 analysed) and other nuts like almond, walnut and cashew (one of 40 analysed) were found contaminated with low levels (0.1-20 microg kg(-1)) of aflatoxins. Only one sample of custard powder and one sample of roasted peanut were found with aflatoxin >20 microg kg(-1)

Aflatoxins↗