3.3.4 Does your university as a body provide students access to sexual and reproductive health-care services including information and education services?
Al Maarefa University provides a range of services and initiatives related to sexual and reproductive health care, with a particular focus on promoting overall health and well-being. The university integrates such education and services into its broader health outreach and awareness programs. For example, the university’s nursing department has been actively involved in providing educational workshops, including initiatives focused on disease prevention and promoting healthy lifestyles
Moreover, Al Maarefa University offers specialized healthcare education to students, training future healthcare professionals such as nurses and doctors, which indirectly contributes to raising awareness about sexual and reproductive health through the academic curriculum and practical outreach
While direct information on sexual and reproductive health services is not explicitly mentioned in all sources, the university’s commitment to promoting health education, mental health awareness, and general well-being suggests that these areas are also covered under its health and social responsibility programs. The university’s broad focus on health through initiatives like the Hayat Program, aimed at community service and awareness, further underlines its holistic approach to student and community health
Sexual and Reproductive Health Care Services
The sexual health of the students for the University of Almaarefa is fundamental for the well-being of the human being. In this sense, the university offers its Sexual and Reproductive Health Care Service that is taught in all the health sciences faculties of the UM, where the objective of these courses is to raise awareness about sexual and reproductive health care to educate mothers about their reproductive system. The service is located at the Health Unit Care Services.
Almaarefa University Student Counselling
This unit has professionals in the field of sexual orientation who are available on weekdays during normal hours to serve students who feel the need to receive sexual orientation, this unit assures students of the confidentiality of the cases reported and is committed to to help solve the doubts of the students about this topic.
UM Access to contraceptives and family planning
Almaarefa University, with the purpose of caring for the sexual health of students and the local community, developed a strategy for access to free contraceptives and family planning in which couples are guided on their sexual health.
Almaarefa University Maternal Health Care
The university offers a health service for student mothers of the university in which periodic reviews of the pregnancy process, general health and possible complications are carried out in a certain case, this service for student mothers who are part of the university is free of charged.
Campaign on Gynecological Cancer
With the purpose of caring for women’s sexual health, Almaarefa Medical University students participated in organizing an awareness campaign on gynecological cancer in collaboration with the Saudi Arabian standing committee on reproductive health, including HIV /AIDS (SCORA) and the Standing Committee on Public Health (SCOPH) in association with Globe-athon.
Charged Access
UM Tests to detect STDs
For the local community, the university has a testing service to detect STDs with the purpose of quickly detecting the disease and being able to seek possible treatment. The cost of this service for low-income people not affiliated with the university is low.
Medical students … Research excellence at an international conference
Medical students: Shajoon Al-Azzam, Jana Samir, Sarah Al-Amer, and Amjad Al-Enezi, under the supervision of Dr. Suzan Mohammed, were able to achieve third place in their participation in the research submitted to the Third Saudi International Conference on Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, which was held from (26-27 November 2021) under the auspices of the Saudi Society for Women’s Health, entitled: “The extent to which females residing in Riyadh are aware of the papillomavirus vaccine”, with the aim of measuring the degree of awareness of women over the age of 18 years about the virus, and its relationship to neck cancer The uterus, its transmission methods, and the extent to which they know about the availability of a safe vaccine that protects against cervical cancer, especially since the vaccine is affordable in Saudi Arabia.
The study – which competed with studies presented by doctors and medical students from several universities – was characterized by its diagnosis of the cognitive reality (awareness) of the papillomavirus, and the availability of a vaccine against it among the female community in the city of Riyadh, where the percentage of knowledge of the existence of the virus only (30%), and (15%) for those who know the availability of a vaccine against it, from a sample consisting of (1003) individuals from multiple age, community and educational groups; They know about the virus, and (58%) know that there is a vaccine for the virus.
The study concluded that the level of awareness about papillomavirus and the vaccine against it is low among females in the city of Riyadh, which calls for the need to prepare and design awareness campaigns to educate on how to prevent, in addition to spreading knowledge of the availability of the anti-vaccine and its ability to prevent cervical cancer.
Dr. Saad Asiri, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, commented in this regard, saying: The faculty invests the scientific and research excellence of its students to prepare accurate scientific studies as part of the university’s social responsibility to reveal the level of collective awareness of diseases, and how to prevent them, so that the decision-maker has a clear vision to address cognitive and behavioral deficiencies among members of society, stressing that the student committee at the Faculty of Medicine is keen to include in its strategic composition practical plans to prepare the future doctor scientifically that enables him to master sober research skills to ensure the sustainability of Scientific and practical excellence.He concluded his statement by congratulating the winning students, and thanking the supervising doctor, praying to God Almighty for continued success and excellence for the students and employees of Al-Maarefa University.
For her part, Prof. Dr. Ibtisam Al-Mady, Advisor to His Excellency the President of the University, stated that research excellence in any university is a natural extension of the excellence of educational inputs, and therefore Al-Maarefa University is keen in its strategic plans to improve the inputs to achieve the excellence of outputs, as scientific research is a cumulative skill that the student acquires through theoretical scientific formation, and practical training to reach the desired research quality.
Breastfeeding… psychological and physical protection
Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign
Within the #جامعة_المعرفة comprehensive breast cancer awareness campaign, the College of Pharmacy educates the community about the risk factors that cause the disease, and ways to avoid them.
#رايتك_وردية 🌸
#الشهر_العالمي_للتوعية_بسرطان_الثدي🎗️
October | World Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October | World Breast Cancer Awareness Month 🎗
Do not hesitate to check up now, safe and secure 💕
The health of each of you matters to us, and salutes to every woman who fought breast cancer 💕
#سرطان_الثدي
#October
Because your health matters
Because your health matters to us, #جامعة_المعرفة invites you to attend our breast cancer awareness event, today, Thursday, October 13 (from 5 to 9 pm), at Hayat Mall, Gate 1
Breast Cancer Awareness event
Because your health is our priority
We are pleased to invite you to attend our Breast Cancer Awareness event
Today at Hayat Mall Gate 1
The Role of Safety Youth in Implementing Preventive Programs
For the second day, #برنامج_الأمان_الأسري_الوطني , in cooperation with
@Almaarefa
#ورشة_عمل presents “The Role of Safety Youth in Implementing Preventive Programs” for university students, which are implemented by Prof. Noura Al-Ahmari and A. Arwa Al Harthy.
Awareness session on Pre-marriage Examination
Awareness session on pre-marriage examination
Presented by Dr. Iyad El Domyati from #مدينة_الملك_فهد_الطبية
for employees
@AlMaarefa
In terms of social responsibility
Genetic Diseases and the Importance of Early Examination for Marriage
Genetic diseases and the importance of early examination for marriage received by Dr. Maysaloon Al-Budaiwi (a physician at Al-Yamamah Hospital)
Breastfeeding and medication… Awareness pause!
#الأسبوع_العالمي_للرضاعة_الطبيعية
#جامعة_المعرفة
#يرضعن_أولادهن
#Almaarefa
Launching the Healthy Marriage Campaign
The Social Responsibility Unit at Al-Maarefa University hosted the launch of an awareness campaign “Healthy Marriage” organized by Riyadh Health and King Fahd Medical City, which was held on Thursday, February 21, 2019. The launch began with a welcome speech from Dr. Nasser Al-Jarallah, Dean of the College of Applied Sciences, in which he welcomed the attendees from the brothers and sisters, and noted the importance of awareness and health education campaigns. For his part, Dr. Iyad Damiati, Consultant Family Medicine at King Fahd Medical City, said that healthy marriage represents a state of compatibility and harmony between spouses in terms of health, psychological, physical, social and legitimacy with the aim of forming a healthy family and having healthy children to form a healthy societal brick.
Dr. Maysoon Al-Budaiwi also stated that it is recommended for those about to get married to conduct a medical examination at least three months before the date of marriage so that the couple can plan their lives better, as the validity of the health marriage certificate lasts for six months and infectious diseases can only be re-examined when needed to re-examine again.
At the end of the inauguration, Dr. Nasser Al-Jarallah honored the lecturers and those in charge of this health program, and also thanked the attendees of Al-Maarefa University for hosting, as this hosting came out of the university’s constant keenness on the continuity and support of community and knowledge participations in the service of the country and the citizen.
Breast Cancer Awareness
AIDS prevention effectiveness
The Student Affairs Department, represented by the Student Activities Department, in cooperation with the Saudi AIDS Society, a health education campaign to raise awareness of AIDS.
This one-day campaign aims to raise health awareness among college employees about this disease, introduce World AIDS Day, and educate about the disease, its causes, methods of transmission and prevention.
The campaign included a special corner for the Saudi AIDS Society, where leaflets and brochures were distributed and inquiries were answered.
This event witnessed a remarkable turnout by college students who thanked the organizers for shedding light on this disease.
Sexual and Reproductive Health Care Courses
People are diverse and so too are their sexual and Reproductive health needs. They may require information and access to gynecology services, pregnancy testing and counselling services. UM respects young person’s privacy, confidentiality and obtain informed consent for any event related to sexual and reproductive health care services. Services a tailored to the specific needs of young women and girls under strict confidentiality.
Services is taught in all UM schools of health sciences.
Some of the courses include:
• REPR314 REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
• FAM530 FAMILY MEDICINE
• GYN535 OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
The objective of these courses is to five awareness of sexual reproductive health care services available to the community. To educate mouthers about their reproductive system and family planning programs available in the community. To enhance the use of maternal and child health services.
Third Saudi International Conference on Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine
Congratulates the Committee of the Faculty of Medicine at Al-Maarefah University
The student, Shujoun Muhammad Al-Azzam
And her colleagues
Supervised by Dr. Suzanne Fadl
They won the third place by presenting the research abstract at the Third Saudi International Conference on Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine
On Saturday 27/11/2021
AIDS Incidence Rate Decreased in the Kingdom
There is a notable decrease in detected cases of AIDS among Saudis by 6.1% compared to the detected cases in 2011; and by 1.8% compared to 2010. A report issued by the Ministry of Health’s Media and Health Awareness Information Center indicated that from 1984 to 2012, the total number of detected cases of AIDS has reached 18,762; 5.348 cases of whom were Saudis while 13,414 were non-Saudis. In addition, in 2012, 1,233 new cases of AIDS were detected; 431 of whom were Saudis while 802 were non-Saudis.
This came in a report issued on the advent of World AIDS Day, which is held under the theme: “HIV treatment works! Treat More, Treat Better”. The World AIDS Day is celebrated each year on the 1st of December, with a view to encouraging people all over the world to promote awareness of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, as well as stimulating international cooperation to combat this hazardous disease.
The report discussed also HIV/AIDS transmission methods in 2012, highlighting that most prominent methods include the forbidden sexual intercourse by 96% (414 cases out of 431), the injection drug abuse by 2.5 % (11 cases), and then Mother-to-fetus infection by 1.5% (6 cases). Jeddah Province still compromises the highest number of new cases with AIDS recording 39% of Saudis, and 45% of non-Saudis.
The report demonstrated that HIV/AIDS is transmitted through blood or body fluids (semen, and vaginal discharge); noting that it is transmitted during sex from the infected person to the uninfected person, whether it is vaginal, anal or oral sexual intercourse. Also, it can be transmitted through blood, in case of not following the accurate laboratory screening methods, or through sharing infected injections; especially between drug addicts. The infection is transmitted also from the mother to her fetus if proper medication was not provided to her during pregnancy. In addition, the virus is transmitted from the mother to her baby during breastfeeding; therefore, an infected mother must not breastfeed her baby.
The report manifested that although HIV might exist in other body liquids such as saliva, sweat, tears, and urine, it is actually not transmitted through such liquids or through hugging, kissing, shaking hands, sneezing, coughing, bathtubs or swimming pools, nor by using toilets or towels, or eating with or sharing utensils with an infected person or through insects.
The report pointed out that up until now, there’s no cure for HIV/AIDS or a vaccine to prevent HIV infection, but a variety of drugs can be used in combination to control the virus and delay the course of the disease. Still, prevention is the only defensive way against AIDS. This can be achieved through strengthening religious morals, avoiding forbidden sexual relations, using a condom if either partner is infected, and avoiding using syringes, needles, sharp tools or razors.
In the same context, the Director of the Media and Health Awareness Information Center, Dr. Amal bin Muawiya Abul-Jadayel, stated that on Sunday 1/12/2013 (corresponding to 28/1/1435H), the Center will host the Infectious Diseases Consultants Dr. Ahmad Al-Hakoy from 10 a.m. till 12 p.m.; and Dr. Abdullah Al-Hogail from 1 p.m. till 3 p.m.
Moreover, on Monday 2/12/2013 (corresponding to 29/1/1435H), the Center will host the Supervisor-General of AIDS Combat Program at the Ministry of Health (MOH), Dr. Sanaa Flimban, from 1 p.m. till 3 p.m. on the toll free number 80024949444, specified by MOH to answer any inquiries about any health or drug problems, and to provide information for the patients and the healthy people equally.
Dr. Flimban pointed out that the medical team at the Center is fully prepared to answer any inquiries or concerns about AIDS or other diseases all week days, during working hours, stressing that there is an integral team to answer questions and health problems sent to the MOH official account on Twitter @SAUDIMOH. She stated that booklets and posters have been prepared about AIDS to be distributed to all health affairs directorates around the Kingdom to benefit from them while celebrating the World AIDS Day.
It is worth mentioning that the Kingdom is considered one of the low-HIV-prevalence countries with a rate of 2 cases per 10000. The MOH’s National Program to Combat AIDS follows up AIDS cases and makes every effort in the preparation of curative and awareness programs, with a view to controlling and combating the spread of the disease. This is to be carried out through a number of programs, including the AIDS Detection Program and Early Treatment at specialized centers, and the Sexually Transmitted Infection Control Program at primary healthcare centers and hospitals to protect infected people from AIDS. That’s to be added to the AIDS Health Awareness Program meant to follow up those in contact with patients to ensure infection has not been transmitted to them. There are also fixed and mobile clinics for AIDS-related consultancy and voluntary screening, in addition to expanding surveillance programs to detect emerging infections, and carrying out the epidemiological researches that have to do with AIDS transmission among vulnerable people, besides developing programs for the prevention of infection transmission from mother to fetus, and the prevention of transmission through contaminated needles.
Premarital Screening
Overview:
Marriage is the fundamental building block of society, and the cornerstone in building emotional, healthy and family relationships. The healthy marriage guarantees preventing the family members from the hereditary and infectious diseases; thus building a happy and stable family.
Healthy Marriage:
Healthy marriage is defined as state of agreement and harmony between the marriage partners with regard to the healthy, psychological, sexual, social, and legislative aspects, aiming at making a sound family and begetting healthy children.
Premarital Screening:
Premarital screening is defined as testing couples who are planning to get married soon for common genetic blood disorders (e.g. sickle cell anemia and thalassemia and sickle cell anemia) and infectious diseases (e.g. hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV/AIDS). The premarital screening aims to give medical consultation on the odds of transmitting the abovementioned diseases to the other partner/spouse or children and to provide partners/spouses with options that help them plan for healthy family.
Objectives of Premarital Screening Program:
· Limiting the spread of some genetic blood diseases (e.g. sickle-cell anemia and thalassemia) and infectious diseases (e.g. hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV/AIDS).
· Promoting awareness about the concept of the comprehensive healthy marriage.
· Reducing pressure over health institutions and blood banks.
· Avoiding the social and psychological problems for families whose children suffer.
· Reducing the family and community’s financial burdens of treating the injured persons.
Hence, those couple, who are planning to get married soon, are advised to conduct the premarital screening at least three months before the marriage date; so that the couple can plan their lives better, as the premarital compatibility certificates is valid for only six months. The screening for infectious diseases can also be reconducted when needed.
The Program Services:
The Premarital Screening Program provides all citizens with many services, including lab tests and medical consultation sessions at more than 131 healthcare centers across the Kingdom. The couples, who are planning to get married, are received together or separately without any prior appointments.
If one of the two couples is from outside the Kingdom, the following steps should be met:
1. Ensuring that all screening tests for such diseases covered by the program (thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV/AIDS) are performed.
2. Ensuring that all personal information of that couple is clear.
3. The medical center should be accredited, and all screening results should be attested by the Saudi Embassy.
Episiotomy (Perineotomy)
What is meant by an Episiotomy?
· The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support and keep the pelvic organs in place. These organs include the (bladder, uterus, and rectum).
· The contraction and relaxation of these muscles also helps in controlling urination and bowel movements.
· The perineum is the group of muscles between the anus and the vulva.
The pelvic floor and the perineum can be protected by:
· Healthy nutrition
· Drinking plenty of fluids
· General fitness exercises
· Pelvic floor exercises before, during and after the pregnancy.
What is an Episiotomy?
An episiotomy is a surgical incision of the birth canal performed during labor to enlarge the opening for the fetus’s head to pass through.
The medical justification for the operation:
• Accelerating childbirth due to weakness in the fetal heart rate.
• The doctor needing to use the obstetrical forceps or a vacuum device for vacuum-assisted delivery.
What are the risks of an episiotomy?
• Increased chances of postpartum hemorrhage.
• The wound may get bacterial infections.
• Chronic pain in the region.
• Increased likelihood of the perineum incision tearing and reaching the anus and the rectum, which could lead to a new set of complications.
• Increased chances of tearing during second pregnancy.
There is no scientific proof that there is a need to cut the perineum for the female during her first childbirth. In fact, it may cause many problems, and females can give birth without cutting the area.
During childbirth:
Your healthcare provider will assist you during labor and will patiently provide the necessary support to protect the perineum area by:
• Allowing you to take straight positions, and not to restrict you to the bed.
• Placing warm compresses on the area during the second stage of childbirth.
Supporting the area after the fetus passes through to reduce the chances of tearing, and avoid cutting without medical justification.