Adolescent endocrinology in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Med J. 2000 Jan;21(1):24-30.

Abstract

Objective: The importance of providing special health care services for adolescents has been recently stressed. In Saudi Arabia, adolescents have no special services. In this study, we describe our first 5 years experience of an adolescent endocrinology clinic in Security Forces Hospital. We believe it is the first clinic with this objective in the Kingdom.

Methods: An adolescent endocrinology clinic was run by a team composed of pediatric endocrinologist, diabetic nurse educator, clinic nurse and a dietician in collaboration with other supportive staff and consultants from other disciplines. The methodology of setting up, staffing and running the clinic is described.

Results: About 223 cases were registered over 5 years. The most common problems were short stature 53 (24%), diabetes mellitus 49 (22%), obesity 40 (18%), thyroid disorders 28 (13%), delayed puberty 20 (9%) and rickets (8%). The clinic was well accepted by parents and their families. We learned a lot on how to handle these problems locally.

Conclusion: Based on our experience, we recommend establishing special health care services for adolescents both at the primary care, as well as secondary and tertiary care levels.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Health Services / organization & administration*
  • Endocrine System Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Endocrine System Diseases / epidemiology
  • Endocrine System Diseases / etiology
  • Endocrine System Diseases / therapy*
  • Endocrinology / organization & administration*
  • Female
  • Health Services Research
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Needs Assessment
  • Outpatient Clinics, Hospital / organization & administration*
  • Patient Care Team / organization & administration
  • Primary Health Care / organization & administration
  • Referral and Consultation / organization & administration
  • Saudi Arabia / epidemiology