Waleed Al Jabir, B. A. Al-alfard, Abdullatef Ali Muhaya, Abdullah Al Farhan
{"title":"Non-Urgent Pediatric Presentations to the Emergency Department, Khamis Mushayt Maternity and Children Hospital, Saudi Arabia","authors":"Waleed Al Jabir, B. A. Al-alfard, Abdullatef Ali Muhaya, Abdullah Al Farhan","doi":"10.5742/mewfm.2023.95256183","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5742/mewfm.2023.95256183","url":null,"abstract":"Aim of Study: To explore parents’ perspectives regarding why parents (caregivers) prefer to escort their less urgent, or non-urgent sick children to the emergency departments (EDs) instead of using other more appropriate healthcare services. Methods: This study followed a quantitative cross-sectional design at Khamis Mushayt Maternity and Children’s Hospital (KMMCH). A study questionnaire was designed by the researchers to interview parents of 400 children who inappropriately attended the ED to identify the reasons for their inappropriate attendance at the ED. Data collection was performed during the period of January 2023 to explore the proportions of different attendances that were deemed inappropriate according to the hospital’s followed triage system. The interviews were conducted with parents/caregivers of non-urgent and less urgent children during their waiting times. Results: The age of 18.3% of parents was <30 years, while 28.5% were 30-39 years old. More than half of the parents’ visits were non-urgent, while 43.25% were less-urgent, 55.3% of patients visited the ED before due to similar complaints, while 46% visited a primary health care center before their ED visits. The main reasons for visiting the ED instead of the primary healthcare centers (PHCCs) were to save time (49.3%) and to get an earlier appointment (48%). Patients’ triage levels differed significantly according to parents’ age groups (p<0.001), nationality (p=0.022), educational level (p=0.022), ED visits for similar complaints (p<0.001), and previously visiting the PHCC for the current health problem (p=0.002). Triage levels also differed significantly according to some reasons for choosing to go to the ED instead of the PHCC, especially to get an earlier appointment (p=0.044), preferring the healthcare services provided by the ED (p=0.005), having a nearby ED (p=0.001), or being at the hospital at that time (p=0.002). Conclusions: There is a clear relationship between inappropriate ED visits and certain associated factors, indicating that prevention would be best targeted to certain categories, such as Saudi, younger, and educated parents. The main reasons for inappropriate ED visits are to save time and to avoid getting a late appointment. Recommendations: This study emphasized the importance of implementing proper health education and redirection of patients with inappropriate ED visits. Conducting a detailed analysis of the shortages in the utilization of primary healthcare resources is a pressing necessity. Further nationwide research on patients’ perspective for non-urgent ED presentations is largely needed. Key Words: Emergency Department, Triage, Children, Non-urgent level, Less urgent level.","PeriodicalId":23895,"journal":{"name":"World Family Medicine Journal /Middle East Journal of Family Medicine","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"82542434","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Death of a child in family medicine clinic – a case report","authors":"Bilal Hasan Chaudhry, Imran Ahmad","doi":"10.5742/mewfm.2023.95256091","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5742/mewfm.2023.95256091","url":null,"abstract":"This case study discusses the emotional impact of the death of a 12-month-old child who was brought in by parents to a routine vaccination clinic. It was an expected death however parents did not disclose that to the staff and the child passed away soon after arriving at the health centre. This was a shock to everyone involved and who witnessed the event and it left everyone distressed. Key words: death, child, family medicine clinic","PeriodicalId":23895,"journal":{"name":"World Family Medicine Journal /Middle East Journal of Family Medicine","volume":"34 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"81707436","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months after birth: A cross-sectional study in health care centers in Khartoum, Sudan","authors":"Walid Tawfig, L. Aldakhil","doi":"10.5742/mewfm.2023.95256105","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5742/mewfm.2023.95256105","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Encouraging exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) practices for the first 6 months of life is the most effective intervention for lowering childhood morbidity and death. However, compliance with breastfeeding recommendations is lacking in many developing countries. Thus, this study aimed to analyze mothers’ breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, and practices, as well as factors that impact EBF at 6 months. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted on 128 mothers who came for children’s vaccination at primary health care centers using a structured questionnaire in form of dichotomous, multiple choice, and open and scaling questions. Results: Of all mothers, 80.5% previously received information about breastfeeding. Of them, 38 (29.7%) initiated breastfeeding within 1 hour of delivery. Of the participants, <50% knew (46.1% and 44.5%, respectively) about breastfeeding, and 92.2% of mothers (118) had a negative view of EBF. The length of EBF for 1–2 months, 3–4 months, and 5–6 months were 3.9%, 82.8%, and 13.3%, respectively. Other foods are introduced before 6 months of age because of insufficient breast milk (15.6%) and the mother has work (11.7%). Conclusion: EBF for up to 6 months was not recommended despite the high percentage of mothers who initiated breastfeeding right after birth or within a few hours. Sustained health and community-based nutritional education are recommended for pregnant and lactating mothers to promote optimal breastfeeding for the initiation and continuation of breastfeeding practices. More counseling and support are needed for working mothers. Key words: exclusive breastfeeding, first six months, Khartoum, Sudan","PeriodicalId":23895,"journal":{"name":"World Family Medicine Journal /Middle East Journal of Family Medicine","volume":"22 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"87215130","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Subclinical Hypothyroidism: significance in conception and pregnancy – a narrative review","authors":"Syed Shahinul Haque, S. M. Raza","doi":"10.5742/mewfm.2023.95256081","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5742/mewfm.2023.95256081","url":null,"abstract":"Subclinical Hypothyroidism in pregnancy and during conception has long been an area of controversy with little consensus on whether or not it should be treated. It is also an area in which the evidence base is gradually developing. This narrative review aims to summarise the research to date in this field and provide pragmatic recommendations for the Primary Care Physician when confronted with this scenario. Key words: Subclinical Hypothyroidism, Conception, Pregnancy, Levothyroxine, Hypothyroidism.","PeriodicalId":23895,"journal":{"name":"World Family Medicine Journal /Middle East Journal of Family Medicine","volume":"20 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"87896148","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Bayan Mohammed Alqarfi, Adel Saleh Abdullah Al Obaid, Nawal Sarhan Abdullah Al-Asmari, Mohammad Abdallah Garnan, Mohammed Suhail Khan
{"title":"Motivational Factors for Cessation of Cigarette Smoking among Current Smokers in Aseer Region: A Cross-Sectional Study","authors":"Bayan Mohammed Alqarfi, Adel Saleh Abdullah Al Obaid, Nawal Sarhan Abdullah Al-Asmari, Mohammad Abdallah Garnan, Mohammed Suhail Khan","doi":"10.5742/mewfm.2023.95256209","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5742/mewfm.2023.95256209","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Smoking is considered one of the leading public health problems with a direct heavy toll on lives, and indirectly, via passive inhalation of tobacco smoke. Smoking is a severe public health problem and can lead to substantial health and economic consequences. Aim of Study: To identify factors motivating smokers to quit smoking among adult Saudi smokers in the Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This study followed a cross-sectional research design. It included 428 Saudi adults, who are currently cigarette smokers, registered at the Smoking Cessation Clinics in Aseer Region, and who wish to quit smoking. The selection of participants was done by systematic random sampling. The data was collected by using the “Tobacco Programme Management System” questionnaire, along with some other motivational factors for getting the maximum responses from the participants. Results: The majority of quitters were males (95.6%). Almost two-thirds of quitters (60.3%) started smoking by the age of 15-20 years. Most quitters (75%) were cigarette smokers for more than 15 years. The main motives for quitting cigarette smoking were to improve health status (39.5%), followed by having a better quality of life (27.3%), and to save the costs of smoking cigarettes (19.9%). Motives for quitting differed significantly according to their place of residence, age groups, and educational level. Conclusion: The majority of current Saudi cigarette-smoking quitters are young males, well-educated with no or low monthly income. Most smokers start cigarette smoking during their adolescence. Recommendations: Parents should play an important role to motivate quitting smoking and keeping their young kids away from smoking. School-based tobacco prevention and cessation programs should be enforced. Keywords: Cigarette Smoking, Smoking Cessation, Motives, Fagerström Scores.","PeriodicalId":23895,"journal":{"name":"World Family Medicine Journal /Middle East Journal of Family Medicine","volume":"41 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135448581","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Interfering Barriers to Postpartum Depression Screening among women in Saudi Arabia: A Phenomenological Study","authors":"H. Almutairi, S. Alyousef, Diana S. Lalithabai","doi":"10.5742/mewfm.2023.95256018","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5742/mewfm.2023.95256018","url":null,"abstract":"Background: During the postpartum period women are at critical risk for postpartum depression. However, with the continuous development of maternal health services this maternal mental health issue remains underdiagnosed. Aim: This study aimed to explore the barriers interfering with postpartum depression screening among postpartum women in the context of Saudi Arabia. Method: An interpretive phenomenological qualitative approach was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia. A convenience sample of 10 nurses who work in postpartum units were interviewed face-to-face. Semi-structured interviews were employed, recorded and transcribed. Findings: Two main themes and sub-themes were derived from the data analysis of the interviews: personal barriers and fragmented care. Conclusion: The findings may aid in improving maternity health services in Saudi Arabia by establishing a postpartum depression screening programme and enhancing awareness among postpartum women so they can maintain their mental health. Keywords: Postpartum, depression, barriers, women, nurse","PeriodicalId":23895,"journal":{"name":"World Family Medicine Journal /Middle East Journal of Family Medicine","volume":"40 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"81485343","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
S. Y. Farooq, Nazish Zulfiqar, Meryem Zulfiqar, S. Gilani, Z. Fatima, A. Hanif, Amer Akhter
{"title":"Use of Uterine and Ovarian Arteries Doppler Parameters for the Prediction of Infertility in Females","authors":"S. Y. Farooq, Nazish Zulfiqar, Meryem Zulfiqar, S. Gilani, Z. Fatima, A. Hanif, Amer Akhter","doi":"10.5742/mewfm.2023.95256113","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5742/mewfm.2023.95256113","url":null,"abstract":"Background: In the context of fertility, Doppler sonography is used to evaluate the blood flow to the uterus and ovaries. The blood flow to these organs plays a crucial role in the process of ovulation, fertilization, and implantation of the fertilized egg. Changes in the Doppler sonographic indices of the uterine and ovarian arteries can provide information about the blood flow to these organs and can help identify potential problems that may be affecting fertility. Objective: To evaluate the Doppler indices of uterine and ovarian arteries in fertile and infertile women and help clinicians develop more effective diagnostic and treatment strategies for infertility. Methodology: A cross-sectional Analytical study was conducted for a duration of 9 months at a Medics Dr. Amers, Lahore, Pakistan. The study included 150 fertile and 150 infertile females aged 18-45 and excluded all females using oral contraceptive and contraceptive devices. SPSS software version 25 was used to analyze the data. Results: Age of participants ranged between 19 to 43 years with a mean + SD age of 28 + 6.5 years. The mean + SD RI and PI of left ovarian artery was 0.48 + 0.03 and 1.1 + 0.13 in the fertile, 0.9 + 0.03 and 4.2 + 1.2 in the infertile group. The mean + SD RI and PI of right ovarian artery was 0.60 + 0.03 and 1.6 + 0.06 in the fertile, 0.8 + 0.01 and 3.0 + 0.4 in theinfertile group (Table 1) Overall, results shows that the four variables are significantly different between fertile and infertile groups, with higher values in the infertile group. Independent sample test showed statistical significance between RI and PI of right ovarian artery of both groups (P < 0.05). However, in left ovarian artery the values of PI in both groups showed a significance (P< 0.05) were as values RI are found to be insignificant (P > 0.05). Independent sample test showed statistical significance between RI and PI of right and left uterine artery of both groups (P < 0.05). The mean + SD endometrial thickness in fertile group was 11.0 + 2.6 mm it was 9 + 1.6 mm in infertile group (Table 3). Indicating a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Uterine and Ovarian artery hemodynamics plays an important role in fertility. Findings from this study revealed that a high RI and PI and thin endometrium significantly affects fertility. Key words: Resistive index, Pulsatility index, Infertility, Uterine artery, Ovarian artery.","PeriodicalId":23895,"journal":{"name":"World Family Medicine Journal /Middle East Journal of Family Medicine","volume":"10 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"74530672","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Effectiveness of Problem-Based Learning in Improving Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills in Medical Students: A Systematic Review of Fifteen Years’ Experience (2005-2019)","authors":"Rayed Alreshidi, F. Alreshidi","doi":"10.5742/mewfm.2023.95256077","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5742/mewfm.2023.95256077","url":null,"abstract":"Background: An ongoing challenge for medical education in the twenty-first century is determining the best method to foster problem-solving and critical thinking in learners. These higher-order aptitudes help to prepare medical doctors for practice in a rapidly evolving health system. In medical education, Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is an instructional pedagogy in which pupils are challenged to seek answers to authentic patient scenarios in small groups. PBL techniques are proposed as one method to enhance pupils’ learning abilities including critical thinking and problem-solving. Aim: This systematic review was conducted to search for evidence from the past fifteen years of literature, demonstrating the capability of PBL to improve critical thinking and problem-solving skills for medical students. Review Question: Is there evidence to support the capability of PBL to improve problem solving and critical thinking skills in medical students? Methods: The search process was conducted through electronic databases on publications related to the impact of PBL, particularly, on two fundamental skills; critical thinking and problem-solving for medical students. The search process was restricted to publicationsbetween January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2019. Four electronic databases were searched, namely; Medline, PubMed, EMBASE and Scopus. The Best Evidence Medical Education (BEME) guidelines were utilised to guide the way this systematic review was conducted. Quality assessment was performed through rating the evaluation methods of the included studies. This rating was through employing a five-point Likert scale (1= strongly disagree to 5= strongly agree) for each study in relation to three items; the appropriateness of study design, the implementation of the study as well as the appropriateness of data analysis. The rating for each study was then mapped to a grade from grade 1 (low) to grade 5 (high), which aligns with the BEME strength of the study findings. Results: Searching the four aforementioned databases produced 657 publications, including 249 duplicates. Therefore, 408 publications were screened based on their titles against inclusion and exclusion criteria, leaving 86 articles to screen their abstracts. A further 9 articles were manually obtained such that a total of 95 articles were obtained for a review of their abstracts. Forty-one met the criteria for full text review. Following the full text review, twenty-nine articles were excluded. Therefore, twelve studies were included in this systematic review. The BEME strength of study findings were as follows; only two of the reviewed studies were graded as grade 5, four were graded as grade 4, and six were graded as grade 3. Of the twelve studies reviewed, only five studies provided evidence in support of the capability of PBL to improve critical thinking and problem-solving skills among medical students. Two of these five studies were graded as grade 5 and two were graded as grade 4, while o","PeriodicalId":23895,"journal":{"name":"World Family Medicine Journal /Middle East Journal of Family Medicine","volume":"43 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"76950565","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M. Murad, Murad A Yasawy, Doha Hantoush, Renad Marghalani, Z. Khamis, A. Bantan, Manahel Saud Khayat, S. M. EL-Qaisi
{"title":"An assessment of parents’ knowledge, awareness and practice regarding paracetamol use in children","authors":"M. Murad, Murad A Yasawy, Doha Hantoush, Renad Marghalani, Z. Khamis, A. Bantan, Manahel Saud Khayat, S. M. EL-Qaisi","doi":"10.5742/mewfm.2023.95256100","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5742/mewfm.2023.95256100","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Paracetamol is an effective antipyretic and analgesic medication also known as acetaminophen and it is over-the-counter medication although it is widely prescribed to treat mild to moderate pain and fever but at same time it could have minor side effects like lowering blood pressure or increasing heart rate or allergic reaction (rash and swelling). Previous studies confirmed that there is a lack of information among the general population about how to take paracetamol and deal with the dosage which includes what is the maximum dose and how many times to take it daily (frequency). Most previous studies were done out of Saudi Arabia and to the best of our knowledge there are a lack of studies on the topic in Saudi Arabia. For that reason, our aim in this study was to assess parents’ knowledge, awareness and practice regarding paracetamol use in children and to evaluate whether doctors and pharmacists in hospitals or pharmacies educate the parents about this medication or not. Methodology: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study was done via a validated questionnaire on the general population in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia. This study was conducted in July-August 2021. The questionnaire has been used in previous studies and it is validated. The questionnaire is divided into four parts that comprises 32 questions; the first about socio-demographic data, the second part to assess parents’ awareness, the third part to assess parents’ knowledge and the fourth part assessing parents’ practises. Results: The study consisted of 502 participants, 52.4% females and 47.6% males. More than half of the participants (58.8%) do not use paracetamol without doctors’ consultation. Regarding Knowledge score among participants, the mean score was 2.089, out of 6. There is a significant relationship between Knowledge and Mother’s educational level (P= 0.016). On the other hand 48.6% used syrup as their most commonly used form of treatment. Conclusion: This study emphasises the need for increasing caregivers’ education on paracetamol use and its side effects. Overall the knowledge score was unsatisfactory. The study found a significant association between parents who had a university degree and their higher knowledge scores. Although most of the participants would consult their doctors before administering paracetamol, it showed no positive impact on their knowledge and practises towards antipyretics dose and side effects, which indicates a need for campaigns or educational programs on fever management. Keywords: Paracetamol, Acetaminophen, Parents, Children.","PeriodicalId":23895,"journal":{"name":"World Family Medicine Journal /Middle East Journal of Family Medicine","volume":"26 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"73516255","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ziyad Alsharif, Amjad M. Jawhari, Shatha K. Al-halab, Shumokh K. Alsharif, Samar Koursan, Manal Alotaibi, E. S. A. Khalik
{"title":"Changing trends in Rheumatic heart disease: A retrospective tertiary care hospital-based study in the western region of Saudi Arabia","authors":"Ziyad Alsharif, Amjad M. Jawhari, Shatha K. Al-halab, Shumokh K. Alsharif, Samar Koursan, Manal Alotaibi, E. S. A. Khalik","doi":"10.5742/mewfm.2023.95256015","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5742/mewfm.2023.95256015","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Rheumatic heart disease is a signicant public health concern. Thirty million people are currently thought to be affected by rheumatic heart disease globally. Despite the decreasing trend, there is still a signicant disease burden, especially in developing nations. Objective: To determine trends in rheumatic heart disease in the western region of Saudi Arabia, in one decade. (2010-2020) Methods: A retrospective study was done in a hospital in Taif region, Saudi Arabia, where 81 patients randomly selected from a population of over 688,693 were included. Data was collected from patients’ les, laboratory results data, and echocardiographic results. Results: The mean age of patients was 47 ± 18 years. The most commonlyreported chronic diseases or surgery were; hypertension 30 (16.4%) and cardiac diseases 24 (13.1%). Almost one-third of the participants presented with a cardiac complication of rheumatic fever in a form of shortness of breath 46 (26.9%). The most common echo nding was mitral valve regurgitation 28 (33.3%). Conclusion: Mitral regurgitation (33.3%) and mitral stenosis (33.3%) were echocardiographic ndings accounting for more than half of cases. The most commonly reported signs of rheumatic heart disease were murmur and atrial fibrillation which goes with international study findings. We recommend raising the level of public awareness about rheumatic heart disease in order to lower the incidence of the disease. Keywords: Heart, Rheumatic Heart Disease, Tertiary Care Centers, Saudi Arabia.","PeriodicalId":23895,"journal":{"name":"World Family Medicine Journal /Middle East Journal of Family Medicine","volume":"71 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"84143556","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}