Sociodemographic predictors of confirmed COVID-19 mortality and hospitalization among patients in Saudi Arabia: Analyzing a national COVID-19 database.

Background: Even with the widespread availability of vaccines for the COVID-19 disease, there is no sign of decline in the rate of spread of the disease. Based on findings of different studies across the globe, the disease is characterized by poor outcomes in specific sociodemographic categories such as age, gender and presence of symptoms.

Methods: In this study, we carried out a multivariable logistic regression analysis on a national database (HESN+) of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Saudi Arabia to determine predictors of hospitalization and mortality for these patients.

Characteristics and outcome of COVID-19 cases in Saudi Arabia: Review of six-months of data (March-August 2020).

Background: This study presents the demographic, epidemiological, and clinical characteristics of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Saudi Arabia (KSA). It identifies the important predictors of the disease prognosis.

Methods: The study reviewed and analysed a sample of 307,010 confirmed symptomatic COVID-19 cases, between March and August 2020, available in the health electronic surveillance system (HESN) of the Ministry of Health of KSA.

At-risk marriages after compulsory premarital testing and counseling for β-thalassemia and sickle cell disease in Saudi Arabia, 2005-2006.

Results from a screening program for sickle cell disease and β-thalassemia suggest about 90% of couples in Saudi Arabia at risk of having affected children still decide to marry. This study determined the rate of at-risk marriages and identified several factors that may prevent at risk couples from marrying. The marriage status of 934 at-risk couples was determined from original screening program records in the Ministry of Health.

Premarital screening programmes for haemoglobinopathies, HIV and hepatitis viruses: review and factors affecting their success.

This literature review is a comprehensive summary of premarital (prenuptial) screening programmes for the most prevalent hereditary haemoglobinopathies, namely thalassaemia and sickle cell disease, and the important infections HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and hepatitis viruses B and C (HBV and HCV). It describes the background to premarital screening programmes and their value in countries where these diseases are endemic. The use of premarital screening worldwide is critically evaluated, including recent experiences in Saudi Arabia, followed by discussion of the outcomes of such programmes.

Premarital screening for thalassemia and sickle cell disease in Saudi Arabia.

Purpose: To estimate the prevalence of sickle cell disorders and beta thalassemia, with their regional distribution, in the adult population screened as part of the Saudi Premarital Screening Program.

Methods: A cross-sectional, population-based study was conducted as part of the National Premarital Screening Program. It covered all the individuals who applied for a marriage license during the years 1425 and 1426 Hijra (February 2004 to January 2005).