From the Editor
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Abdulrazak Abyad, MD, MPH, MBA, AGSF, AFCHSE (Chief Editor)

Correspondence:
Abyad Medical Center & Middle East Longevity Institute
Azmi Street, Abdo Center, 2nd Floor
PO BOX 618, Tripoli LEBANON
Tel & Fax: 961 6 443684/5/6
Email: aabyad@cyberia.net.lb
Web: www.amc-lb.com

This is the seventh issue this year, with a number of papers from the region.
We are moving forward and as we have a huge international readership and authors from around the world we are moving toward the World Family Medicine Journal, starting next month .

In this issue a cross sectional study from Qatar looked at assessment of patient satisfaction as a way to determine the quality of primary care. The aim of this study was to study the quality of consultation regarding its duration and outcomes in terms of enablement (satisfaction). A total of 189 patients =18 years attended Alwakra and West Bay PHC centers and were selected randomly. The main duration of consultation in this study was (5-10) minutes. About 37% of physician consultations were of duration <5 minutes. The authors concluded that the current data indicates that building established doctor - patient relations is associated with further improvement in the outcome of consultations in terms of enablement effect.

A paper from Amman looked at the Factors that can be attributable to radiation dose reduction in the pediatric age group undergoing brain computed tomography.
The authors stressed that the main aim of all radiological investigations especially in children, is maximum diagnostic benefit and less radiation dose and to achieve that it is worth considering adjustment of pediatric protocols using low radiation dose settings and most recently, modified scanning techniques to avoid excessive, unnecessary and harmful radiation that investigated children might receive.

A paper from Saudi Arabia looked at the use of prenatal ultrasound in the Al-Hassa area. The study was carried out in 2008 on 2,039 Saudi mothers to describe the routine provision of prenatal ultrasound (PNU) scanning and its variation according to some predictors. Data was collected from mothers within two weeks after delivery, during birth registration. Strict implementation of quality assurance guidelines in all sectors providing prenatal care will decrease the routine use of the third or above PNU.

A cross sectional study from Palestine was performed, at 3 elementary schools in the Bethlehem area to investigate the relationship of load weight ratio, of the school bag , with the lung vital capacity, potential back pain, and postural problems. Tape measurements, weight scale, Spirometer, and a questionnaire were used. The authors found statistically significant correlation was found between extra load weight ratio and less vital capacity, less range of motion in flexion, extension, and left and right lateral bending. PA positive relationship without statistical significance was found between back pain and extra load weight ratio.

A retrospective study from Jordan looked at the frequency of diagnosis of Behcet's Disease in the King Hussein Medical Center. A total of 107 patients were diagnosed with Behcet's disease who fulfilled the International study group criteria for the diagnosis of Behçet's disease. The authors concluded that Behcet's disease is not uncommon in Jordan so we must be more aware of its existence. Male predominance was prominent in patients. Genital ulcer and ocular lesions were the most frequent manifestations. Positivity of pathergy test was not a frequent finding as in other studies done in different world countries.

Sarayrah MA et Habaibeh E looked at whether Pre-Operative Blood Testing in the Pediatric Age Group, is necessary? The authors reviewed retrospectively the medical records of 430 children who presented for elective minor surgical procedures in the division of pediatric surgery. Pre-operative investigations (complete blood count, urea and electrolytes) were analyzed in the form of frequency of abnormalities, and the effect of the abnormal results on the procedure. The relationship between the complications and the abnormal results was also examined. The authors concluded that these results indicate that pre-operative blood testing in the pediatric age group undergoing elective minor surgical procedures has very limited value in patient management. It may be unpleasant for the patient and the parents. A detailed history and clinical examination are of greater value than routine laboratory test in determining a child's fitness for surgery.

A descriptive study from Iran looked at the Psycho-Social Factors on People's Tendency to Sexual Change in the City of Tehran. The authors' aimed to identify the differences between the roles of men and women (the expected role) and what they actually do (the adopted role). The findings of the study indicate that there is a significant relationship between transsexuality and the variables such as life expectancy, the absence of parents, family support, job status, income, charges from society, respecting tradition, family satisfaction, education, respecting religious belief, lack of any kind of legal rule, and the functions of governmental institutions. The authors concluded that transsexuals suffer from gender identity disorders, and some psycho-social factors influence their private lives and also social environment. Further research about transsexuality would be beneficial for their adjustment in the society.