Candida colonization has a considerable prevalence among the preterms in our NICU. Besides vaginal delivery, low birth weight and low gestational age could be considered as risk factors for colonization. Early screening of the mothers with preterm labor for Candida and proper management help to avoid colonization with subsequent risk of invasive Candidiasis.

BackgroundEpilepsy is the most common serious neurological disorder and is one of the world’s most prevalent non-communicable diseases. There are no recently published data on the prevalence of epilepsy in school children in Northern Saudi Arabia.ObjectiveThis study was conducted to determine the prevalence of epilepsy and to show some of its risk factors in school children and adolescents (6–18 years) in Turaif city, Northern Saudi Arabia.MethodsThis, population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in Turaif city, over a 6-month period, from July 2016 to January 2017. It included pupils aged 6 to18 years in all primary, preparatory and secondary schools in Turaif city. Multi-stage sampling was employed. A designated structured questionnaire was completed for each patient and included the patient’s history, clinical examination, investigations and medications. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 16, using Chi-Squared test and descriptive statistics.ResultsOut of 1,230 children, 66 (5.5%) had epilepsy; 68.2% of them were males and 31.8% females (p=0.000). Consanguinity between parents plays a significant role where 59.1% of cases had parents who were cousins (p=0.000). Family history also had a significant effect as 68.2% of cases had epilepsy cases in their families (p=0.000).ConclusionEpilepsy prevalence among school children (6–18 years) in Turaif city is higher in males than females. Consanguinity and positive family history are important factors. Decision makers must take effective steps to limit the causes and risk factors of the problem.

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BACKGROUND & AIM: Insufficient knowledge and practice of breastfeeding may have serious disadvantages both on mother and child health. This study explores methods used in MCH based breastfeeding awareness program, level of benefit gained by newly delivered mothers after receiving the awareness, and the impact of mother’s sociodemographic on the level of perceived benefit gained by them. SUBJECTS & METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study applying random sampling technique was established. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed targeting newly delivered mother in maternal and child hospital in Al-Hassa, Saudi Arabia. It included two main parts: socio-demographic characteristics of the mothers, and questions related to the hospital breastfeeding awareness program. RESULTS: from the overall sample, hospital awareness was received by 47.5% of newly delivered mothers. The most common method to provide the knowledge was the Verbal demonstration representing 50% of the mothers. They were followed by brochures representing 39% and last, audios constituting only 3.6%. From these methods, the verbal demonstration showed to be the one with the highest level of satisfaction and benefit reaching up to 85%. CONCLUSION: Breastfeeding awareness has a significant impact among both newly and non-newly delivered mothers with Hospitals playing a major role in this health education. The choice of method to provide breastfeeding awareness can contribute to the compliance of mothers as well as the level of their benefit and satisfaction.