Project description:Monkeypox is re-emerging and spreading over the world, posing a serious threat to human life, especially in non-endemic countries, including Saudi Arabia. Due to the paucity of research on knowledge about monkeypox in Saudi Arabia, this study aimed to evaluate the general population's knowledge of monkeypox in a sample of the country. A web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted from 25 May 2022 to 15 July 2022. Participants' knowledge about monkeypox on a 23-item scale and socio-demographic characteristics were gathered in the survey. Pearson's Chi-square test was used to compare knowledge level (categorized into high and low) and explanatory variables. Out of 480, only 48% of the respondents had high knowledge (mean score > 14). Participants' age, marital status, residential region, living in the urban area, education level, employment status, being a healthcare worker, income, and smoking status were significantly associated with the level of knowledge about monkeypox (p < 0.01). Overall, social media (75.0%) was the most frequently reported source from where participants obtained monkeypox-related information followed by TV and radio (45.6%), family or friend (15.6%), and healthcare provider (13.8%). We found that overall knowledge of monkeypox infection was slightly poor among the Saudi population. These findings highlight the urgent need for public education on monkeypox to promote awareness and engage the public ahead of the outbreak.
Project description:ObjectivesAround the world, accidents and injuries are the leading causes of death among children. Because mothers and family members commonly administer first aid at home and at preschools, it's critical to learn what parents and the public think about children's mishaps. Our objective was to assess parents' knowledge and attitude toward pediatric first aid in the Aseer region of Saudi Arabia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in the Aseer region of Saudi Arabia to assess the parents' level of knowledge and attitude about pediatric first aid and trauma with an electronic- and paper-based multiple-choice self-administered questionnaire covering different medical emergencies. The Arabic and English versions of the questionnaire were made from the information obtained from the first aid educational content of the Saudi Ministry of Health.ResultsWhen the participants were asked about their knowledge of pediatric first aid, arranged in descending order from most answers, 37% (n = 135) answered it was good, 30% (n = 111) answered that it was very good, 20% (n = 74) answered that it was not enough, and 13% (n = 47) answered that it was excellent. Results of the multiple linear regression analysis showed the knowledge score to be significantly higher among participants who had higher education levels (t = 2.039, p < 0.001), who had received first aid training before (t = 2.786, p = 0.0001), those who were already healthcare providers (t = 4.336, p < 0.001), those who were from rural districts (t = 2.5, p = 0.355), and younger personnel (t = 0.821, p = 0.345) The difference was not statistically significant.ConclusionAlthough this study shows that the level of first aid knowledge among personnel who care for children was low, it also shows that they are interested in obtaining proper training.
Project description:Universal stool banks rely on, but face difficulties recruiting, community volunteers to donate stool for faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to effectively treat recurrent Clostridioides difficile. This study sought to identify determinants of community members' willingness to donate stool to guide donor recruitment. 397 Australian residents (52% male, 47% 21-30 years, 63% university educated) completed a survey to gauge willingness to donate stool, bowel habits, information needs, attitudes, barriers, and motives for donation. Most reported regular bowel movements (BMs; 90%), morning BMs (63%), BMs ≤5 minutes duration (67%), and some discomfort doing BMs in public restrooms (69%). Less than half were willing to donate stool in-centre (45% willing) or at home (48%). Important information needs identified by >80% were convenience and travel requirements associated with donation. Main barriers were logistics, capabilities to donate, disgust (e.g., donation process), and discomfort (e.g., privacy). The main motivator was altruism, with compensation secondary. Linear regression models identified less discomfort doing BMs in public restrooms (β = -0.15), understanding benefits to patients (β = 0.15), placing less importance on understanding the donation process (β = -0.13), and positive attitudes (β = 0.56) as determinants of willingness to donate in-centre. Understanding benefits to self (β = 0.11) and patients (β = 0.24), placing less importance on understanding the donation purpose (β = -0.19), and positive attitudes (β = 0.50) determined willingness to donate at home. Stool banks should consider donor's bowel habits, comfort donating in-centre, and information needs early in recruitment; and implement flexible logistics for potential donors who face time constraints and limited access to stool banks.
Project description:BackgroundThe severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an emerging infection causing a widely spread pandemic of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The current COVID-2019 pandemic is prompting fear of falling sick, dying, helplessness and stigma, urgent and timely understanding of mental health status is needed to help the community. Our investigation designed to survey the general population in Saudi Arabia to assess the degree of psychological impact during the pandemic.MethodsDuring the early stage of the outbreak, we conducted an online-based survey using a snowballing sample technique. The surveys collected data about several aspects of participant sociodemographic, knowledge, concerns, psychological impact, and mental health status. We assessed the psychological impact and mental health status using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21).ResultsOur survey recruited 1160 respondents of the general public of Saudi Arabia. Of them, 23.6% reported moderate or severe psychological impact of the outbreak, 28.3%,24%, and 22.3% reported moderate to severe depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms, respectively. Females reported IES-R (B: 5.46, 95% CI: 3.61 to 7.31) and DASS subscales B coefficient ranged from 1.65 to 2.63, along with high-school students, working in the medical field, and poor self-reported health status was significantly associated with a high level of IES-R and DASS scales (p < .05). Experiencing breathing difficulty and dizziness showed a stronger association with higher IES-R and DASS subscales than other somatic symptoms (e.g., headache and fever);(p < .001). Respondents who practiced specific preventative measures (e.g., hand washing, social distancing) demonstrated a protective effect against stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms. Social distancing appeared to be protective on stress and anxiety subscales (B: -1.49, 95% CI: -2.79 to -0.19),(B: -1.53, 95% CI: -2.50 to -0.57),respectively; and hand hygiene on depression subscale (B: -2.43, 95% CI: -4.44 to -0.42).ConclusionThroughout the early stage of the COVID-19 outbreak in Saudi Arabia, the results showed that nearly one-fourth of the sampled general population experienced moderate to severe psychological impact. Following specific precautionary measures appeared to have a protective effect on the individual's mental health. Our findings can be used to construct psychological interventions directed toward vulnerable populations and to implement public mental health strategies in the early stages of the outbreak.
Project description:BackgroundChronic kidney disease (CKD) is a prevalent global health issue affecting millions of patients worldwide, impacting quality of life, impeding physical and psychological well-being, causing financial stress, and increasing mortality rates. This study aimed to highlight the prevalence of CKD and its associated risk factors across Saudi Arabia.MethodThis is a cross-sectional study conducted from 2015 to 2022, using data from 42 branches of a major network of diagnostic laboratories in Saudi Arabia, covering the country's 13 administrative areas.ResultsThe mean age was 40.35 ± 14.5 years. The highest proportion of participants resided in the Makkah region at 35.77%, followed by the Riyadh region at 25.75%. The overall prevalence of CKD was 4.76%, with most having CKD in stage 3 (3.5%). The prevalence of CKD was higher among males compared to females (5.83% vs. 3.88%) and increased significantly with age, being 0.45% among participants aged 18-29 years and reaching 50.94% among participants aged 90 years or older. Predictors of CKD included increasing age, male sex, administrative area (Makkah 1.40 [95% CI:1.26-1.55], Jazan 1.34 [95% CI:1.18-1.52], Najran 0.47 [95% CI, 0.39-0.57], Alqasim 0.73 [95% CI, 0.64-0.82]), and a high hemoglobin A1C. CKD in Saudi Arabia is influenced by various demographic and geographic determinants contributing to its prevalence and associated burden on the population.ConclusionThese findings emphasize the need for targeted screening and prevention strategies, especially for at-risk populations. Continued surveillance, early detection, and effective management are crucial to reducing CKD's burden and improving kidney health outcomes in Saudi Arabia. Further research is essential to better understand the disease's regional and demographic drivers.
Project description:Background:Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most prevalent neurologic disorders, leading to progressive disability that can be slowed but not stopped by treatment. It is characterized by tremors, slow movements, stiffness in arms and legs, and balance impairment. Despite advancement in treatment, diagnosis, and care of PD patients, lack of adequate knowledge and associated beliefs among the community might have a key role in limiting access to proper treatment and care. Objectives:To identify the level of awareness of our population regarding PD in terms of causes, signs, symptoms, and treatment. Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted on Saudis, who have active Twitter accounts. Data were collected through a previously validated questionnaire, which tests recognition of PD symptoms and general knowledge regarding PD. The questionnaire was translated into Arabic. Part 1 of the questionnaire is the demographic data collection sheet, Part 2 of the questionnaire tests recognition of PD symptoms, and Part 3 of the questionnaire tests general knowledge regarding PD. Results:The questionnaire was administered to 3,050 members of the public, of which 2,609 questionnaires (86.20%) were included in the analysis. The tremor was the most widely recognized symptom (86.10%), and weight loss was the most recognized non-motor symptom (24%). Most respondents (56%) were able to identify imbalance as a symptom of PD, whereas only 4.10% of them were able to identify the reduced sense of smell as a symptom of PD. Motor symptoms were significantly better recognized (range 31.30%-86.10%) than non-motor symptoms (range 4.10%-24%). Conclusion:Educational campaigns may be appropriate to improve public awareness of PD and individual knowledge about PD symptoms and treatment.
Project description:BackgroundDeveloping a vaccine against COVID-19 is considered a key strategy to end the pandemic. However, public acceptance is reliant on beliefs and perception toward the vaccine. Therefore, the study aimed to assess the beliefs and barriers associated with COVID-19 vaccination among the Saudi population.MethodsAn online self-administered questionnaire was distributed across the main regions of Saudi Arabia on May 2020. The questionnaire addressed the socio-demographic variables, beliefs toward COVID-19 vaccination, and potential barriers that may prevent participants from being vaccinated. The association between COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and sociodemographic variables were analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the predicting variables of vaccine acceptance.ResultsOut of 3101 participants, 44.7% were accepting of COVID-19 vaccination if available, whereas 55.3% admitted hesitancy. Younger, male, who received seasonal influenza vaccine were more likely to accept taking the vaccine. The study found that concerns about side effects were the key barrier for vaccine acceptance. Furthermore, the majority of refusers may accept the vaccine if additional studies confirmed safety and effectiveness.ConclusionResults can be utilized in planning vaccination campaigns while waiting for vaccine development.
Project description:BackgroundProviding basic life support (BLS) at the site of an accident is crucial to increase the survival rates of the injured people. It is especially relevant when health care is far away.ObjectiveThe aim of our study is to assess the BLS knowledge level of the Saudi Arabian population and identify influencing factors associated with level of knowledge about BLS.MethodsOur study is a cross-sectional descriptive study, which was conducted using a self-administered online questionnaire derived from the BLS practice test. The Saudi population was the target population. The questionnaire was divided into two parts: one contained demographic data and the second part contained questions to test the population's perception about how to perform BLS techniques properly. The data were collected between July and August 2017. Statistically significant differences were defined as those with a P value <.05, and a score of five or more was considered a passing score on the second part. We used SPSS version 21 for data analysis.ResultsOur study included 301 participants. Our participants' BLS online exam scores ranged from 0 to 10, with a mean of 4.1 (SD 1.7). Only 39.2% (118/301) of the participants passed the test. The percentage of bachelor's degree or higher holders constituted 60.1% (181/301) of the study population. In addition, higher income was significantly associated with higher scores on the test (P=.04).ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that the theoretical knowledge level of BLS among the general population in Jeddah was below average. There is a critical need to increase the public's exposure to BLS education through raising awareness campaigns and government-funded training programs that aim to curb the incidence of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest mortalities in the Saudi community.
Project description:Vaccines afford protection against infectious diseases. However, a sizeable part of the population refuse vaccinations and continue to dispute the evidence supporting vaccinations. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of COVID-19 vaccination uptake and its determinants among the Saudi population in the southern region of Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional survey studied COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in adults in Saudi Arabia, targeting the general population in the southwestern region. Data were collected through an online survey questionnaire tool. All data were analysed using SPSS version 23.0. The majority (57.29%) of the participants were willing to receive the new COVID-19 vaccine, whereas almost 64% believed it is necessary to take the COVID-19 vaccine to protect oneself and that the vaccine is safe, efficient and effective. The data showed that perceived risk of COVID-19 (p = 0.015), history of previous vaccination against seasonal influenza (p = 0.000), and trust in the healthcare system (p = 0.025) were significant predictors for COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. We conclude that participants' trust in the healthcare system, perceived risk of contracting COVID-19, and history of previous vaccination against seasonal influenza were significant predictors for COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Knowing the acceptance rates for the COVID-19 vaccination can aid state agencies, medical practitioners, and other entities in reducing the impact of vaccine avoidance.
Project description:Context. Studies about knowledge of emergency management of traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) which affect children by general dental practitioners (GDPs) and specialists in Saudi Arabia are lacking. Aim:The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the knowledge level of GDPs and specialists about TDI emergency management and its relation with demographic variables in Qassim region, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods. A random sample of 239 GDPs and specialists was given a two-part questionnaire; the first part included demographic questions and the second part included questions related to knowledge of emergency management of luxation (intrusion and extrusion), complicated crown fracture, and avulsion injuries. Data was statistically analyzed using chi-square and ordinal logistic regression tests. The significance was set at P < 0.05. Results:The mean knowledge score was 5.57 for GDPs and 6.69 for specialists (out of 12). A significant difference was observed between both groups in the management of avulsion injury. Three factors significantly improved the dentists' knowledge: gender (female), practice type (specialist), and previous experience of encountered TDIs (P < 0.05. Conclusions:GDPs and specialists in Qassim region had moderate knowledge of emergency management of TDIs. Specialists were significantly more knowledgeable than GDPs in the management of avulsion injury when compared to the rest of the injuries.