Setting the scene for an ARI control programme: Is it worthwhile in Saudi Arabia?

Abstract

Baseline data on acute respiratory infections (ARI) were collected by a survey questionnaire distributed to physicians of 10% of the health centres randomly selected from each of the five provinces of Saudi Arabia. The physicians estimated that ARI was the cause of sickness in 50% of ill children < 5 years in 1995. None of the physicians had had any training in ARI and they were not aware of any national protocol or programme. Physicians' responses indicated an overuse of antibiotics and diagnostic procedures. A national protocol for diagnosis and treatment of ARI has been prepared and distributed and leaders of primary health care and 55 national trainers have been trained.