Awareness of COVID-19 Before and After Quarantine Based on Crowdsourced Data From Rabigh City, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional and Comparative Study.
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Aldhahri M
PROVIDER: S-EPMC8058207 | biostudies-literature |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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Project description:Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a significant public health concern worldwide and many people continue to ignore their early warning symptoms. The present study assessed the level of knowledge about CKD the awareness of the risk factors and the awareness of the complications associated with CKD, among the general population of Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia. 440 residents of Jazan Province participated in an online cross-sectional survey during a seven-month period from November (2020) to July (2021). Data was collected using a validated 73-item self-report survey. More than half of the respondents were males (n = 286; 65%) with an age ranging from 18 to 59 years, and a mean age of 32.66 years (SD ± 10.83). A very low percentage of the sample (27.3%; 7.5%, 9.3%) demonstrated good knowledge, a high level of awareness of the risk factors, and a high level of awareness of the complications associated with CKD, respectively. Participants' knowledge was significantly associated with being a student or being employed (Government/private employee) (χ2 = 29.90; p < 0.001), having completed graduate studies (χ2 = 63.86; p < 0.001), residing in urban areas (χ2 = 138.62; p < 0.001), belonging to the age group (18-39 years), and having no co-morbidities (χ2 = 24.55; p < 0.001). Positive and significant correlations were also noted between the knowledge score and the awareness of risk factor score (r = 0.42; p < 0.01), as well as the awareness of complications score (r = 0.25; p < 0.01). These findings warrant an urgent need for extensive CKD educational initiatives concentrating on improving the general knowledge and awareness of the public towards CKD.
| S-EPMC9330694 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has forced governments around the world to impose strict hygiene and national lockdown measures, which in turn has changed the dietary and lifestyle habits of the world's population. Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate whether dietary and physical activity behaviors of Saudi Arabia's adult population changed during the COVID-19 quarantine.MethodsAn electronic questionnaire which assessed changes in body weight, dietary habits, and physical activity of Saudi Arabia's adult population (n = 2255) during the COVID-19 quarantine was distributed on social media between June and July 2020. To test the differences between changes in dietary and physical activity behaviors in relation to changes in body weight a Chi-square test was used.ResultsOver 40 and 45% of participants reported eating and snacking more, respectively, which led to weight gain in around 28%. Most participants reported that they consumed home-cooked (73%) and healthy meals (47%), while only 7% reported that they consumed foods from restaurants. Feelings of boredom and emptiness (44%) and the availability of time for preparing meals (40%) were the main reasons for changing dietary habits. Honey (43%) and vitamin C (50%) were the most consumed immune-boosting food and dietary supplement, respectively. COVID-19 also had a negative impact on physical activity, lowering the practice in 52% subjects, which was associated with significant weight gain (p < 0.001).ConclusionAssessing the changes to the population's dietary habits and physical activity during the lockdown will help predict the outcome of the population's future health and wellbeing after the pandemic.
| S-EPMC8323088 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Background: Labor pain is one of the most excruciatingly painful sensations a woman can have. A woman's attitude toward childbirth might be influenced by her lack of understanding of the birth process and the pain she experiences throughout labor and delivery. The control of pain is an important aspect of appropriate obstetrical care. Our study aims to measure the level of awareness, preconception, and fear of epidural analgesia (EDA) among childbearing women. Methods: An observational cross-sectional, hospital-based study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire. The study included all pregnant women who were attending an obstetrical clinic for routine antenatal follow-up at King Khalid university hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during the month of August 2022. They were asked about five main parts that tapped their awareness, preconception, and fear of EDA. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 26 using descriptive methods, including mean, frequency, and percentage, and also Pearson's correlation coefficient for regression analysis to find the correlation between socio-demographics and awareness and between awareness and fear. Results: Participants in our study included 202 childbearing women. Most women, about 113 (55.9%), participating in the study were aged between 25 and 34 years old. The majority of the participants of this study were Saudi, about 196 (97.0%). In terms of education, 120 (59.4%) of the participants graduated from university. One hundred and forty two (70.3%) of the participants had a monthly income of less than 10000. When it comes to parity, the majority of participants, about 102 (50.5%), have had more than two pregnancies. The average percentage of awareness among the participants showed 45.9%, with an insignificant very moderate correlation between parity and awareness (r = -0.088, P = 0.107); women's knowledge, income, and age were also insignificantly related to awareness. Also, the result showed a moderate level of fear with an average percentage of 44.6% among the participants, with a moderate correlation between awareness and fear with a value of (r = 0.184, P = 0.004). Conclusion: This study results demonstrate a good level of desirability toward using EDA for labor pain, yet there is a limited level of preconceptions and a low level of awareness and knowledge about EDA. In addition, the results showed that the average percentage of fear is 44.6%. Therefore, we suggest that more awareness, knowledge, and guidance about EDA should be provided to pregnant women through antenatal clinics. Furthermore, educational campaigns should be made to dispel misconceptions and fears about EDA.
| S-EPMC10077783 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundVaccines have helped in eradicating many communicable diseases. They are considered major players in preserving children's health. However, concerns about vaccines' ingredients and safety became hot topics globally. With doubt, some parents became hesitant to vaccinate their children. A recent study documented high prevalence of vaccine hesitancy among Saudi parents.ObjectivesThis study aims to explore preparedness of current and future pediatricians to face vaccine hesitancy, a growing public health issue in Saudi Arabia.MethodsThis study adopted non-interventional cross-sectional online questionnaire specifically designed to encompass general vaccine hesitancy related questions including Covid-19's vaccines.ResultsThe study recruited 119 participants form three main tertiary centers in Riyadh. Trainees were the majority with pediatric consultants representing 22%. Females were more than half of total participants (53%). Although familiarity with the term "vaccine hesitancy" was common, it was affected by training level. Among participants, 66% heard about it from social media. Furthermore, only 32% received designated training. Knowledge was suboptimal among all levels except for those who received formal training. Despite 80% encountered vaccine hesitancy, only 55% consider it a common public health issue. Attitude toward vaccine hesitant parents was negative among male physicians (odds ratio of 2.3, P value 0.045). Additionally, majority consider it a form of child neglect (95%). In regard to COVID19's vaccine, 31% were reluctant to get vaccinated themselves.ConclusionPediatric workforce in Saudi Arabia commonly encounters vaccine hesitancy. The strong stand against vaccine hesitant parents might affect rapport with families. Sub-optimal knowledge, negative attitude and emerging COVID19 vaccine hesitancy might negatively impact future efforts. Tailored training and innovative educational platforms are essentials to address vaccine hesitancy in Saudi Arabia.
| S-EPMC8384767 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundThe global incidence of fungal infection has increased dramatically over the last two decades. Fungal diseases threaten both immunocompetent, and immunocompromised patients. The current fungal diagnostics status in Saudi Arabia needs to be evaluated, especially with the increase of the immunosuppressed population. This cross-sectional study investigated the gaps in mycological diagnosis on a national level.Materials and methodsThe call interview questionnaire responses were collected to evaluate the demand for fungal assays, diagnostic methods' quality, and mycological expertise of laboratory technologists in both public and private medical intuitions. The data were analyzed using (IBM SPSS ® software version 22.0).ResultsA total of 57 hospitals from all Saudi regions participated in the questionnaire; however, only 32% received or processed mycological samples. Most participants were from the Mecca region (25%), Riyadh region (19%), and Eastern region (14%). The top fungal isolates identified were Candida spp., Aspergillus spp., and dermatophyte. Fungal investigation is highly requested by intensive care, dermatology, and obstetrics and gynecology units. Most laboratories rely on fungal culture and microscopic examination, which mostly identify Candida to the genus level, and use 37°C incubators for culture (67%). Antifungal susceptibility testing (AST) and serological and molecular methods are rarely performed and mostly outsourced. Using accurate identification and AST are the primary factors to improve fungal diagnosis in respect to turnaround time and cost. The three major obstacles identified were availability of facility (47%), reagents and kits (32%), and good training (21%).ConclusionsThe results indicated that fungal diagnosis demand was relatively higher in high-population regions. This study highlighted the gaps in fungal diagnostics reference laboratories to encourage their improvement in Saudi hospitals.
| S-EPMC10332264 | biostudies-literature
Project description:IntroductionDiabetes mellitus (DM) is common metabolic disorder that is characterized by increased circulating blood glucose levels. Long-term, continuous hyperglycemia leads to vasculature-related disorders, including those affecting the eyes, such as retinopathy. The objective of this study was to assess the awareness of diabetic complications, specifically diabetic retinopathy, among diabetic patients attending the Jeddah Eye Hospital.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study targeting the outpatient clinics of Jeddah Eye Hospital for a period of 2 months. A total of 380 participants were randomly selected based on sample size calculations. A closed-ended questionnaire, generated after an extensive literature review, was distributed among the selected individuals. The questions focused on the participants' clinical status of DM, socio-demographic characteristics, awareness of eye complications secondary to DM, eye screening, and eye care-seeking behavior.ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 58.3 (standard deviation 10.9) years, and 52.4% of patients were female. The majority (89.7%) of participants had type II DM (T2DM). The level of awareness was satisfactory (92.4%); however, only 10.5% of participants knew the recommended frequency for eye check-ups. The level of awareness of related complications was directly influenced by education level, source of patient information, place of residence, and frequency of follow-up visits.ConclusionThe results of this study indicate that although the awareness of diabetes-related eye complications was satisfactory in the patient population, eye care-seeking behavior and frequency of eye check-ups were not optimal. Efforts are needed to promote eye care-seeking behavior in this patient group.
| S-EPMC6258583 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundTeledentistry is believed to improve dentalcare provided to patients and time management efficiency. In addition, teledentistry can be a useful tool for peer education, consultations and ensures proper channeling for referrals.ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore Saudi Arabian dental professionals' perceptions of teledentistry's benefits in improving dental practice and patient care.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional study involving an electronic survey of a sample of Saudi Arabian dental professionals. A validated 26-item, 5-point Likert-scale questionnaire was used to assess perceptions of dental professionals in four domains: usefulness of teledentistry for patients, the usefulness of teledentistry for dental practice; the potential of teledentistry to improve practice; and existing concerns about the use of teledentistry. Statistical analyses involved descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis using SPSS software. Significant differences were considered at a p-value of 0.05.ResultsWith an overall response rate of 28.6%, 286 dental professionals participated in the study. More than 70% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that teledentistry would improve dental practice through enhancing communication with peers, guidance and referral of new patients. A substantial proportion of respondents (60-70%) expressed uncertainty with technical reliability, privacy and diagnostic accuracy. The participants' qualification was statistically significant with usefulness of teledentistry for patients (p = 0.027), while work experience in years was statistically significant with both usefulness of teledentistry for dental practice and patients (p = 0.046 and <0.0001 respectively).ConclusionGenerally, the feedback gained by this study showed readiness of the dental professionals to be engaged in the teledentistry approach. Further investigation of the business model of teledentistry is needed to understand the readiness and challenges. Directed campaign to educate dentists and the public of the technology and it is potential is necessary.
| S-EPMC7561132 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Background:In the last decade, cord blood (CB) has proven to be a valuable source of hematopoietic stem cells for transplantation to treat many hematological disorders. Since then, many CB banks have been established worldwide. Our aim was to estimate the level of public awareness of CB banking in Saudi Arabia. Study Design and Methods:A self-administered questionnaire of 22 multiple choices was conveniently distributed, consisting of demographics, awareness measure, attitude toward banking preference, and donation for research data. Results:A total of 1146 participants have completed the questionnaire. The majority were young female 19-25 years old (26%), who are college graduates (57%) with middle class socioeconomic status (82%). The subjective assessment of the overall knowledge was inadequate (66%). For the objective assessment, 12 questions were asked about CB source, collection, storage, and usage. Only half of the subjects (52%) knew that CB is a source of stem cells. More than half did not know the main use of CB. About half did not know about the method of collection nor the condition of storing. Conclusion:This study shows a high lack of knowledge about CB banking. More than half of the subjects were unaware of CB banking and its uses. However, most subjects are accepting CB storage, which anticipates great impact and efficacy on educational programs. Moreover, the data demonstrated that health professionals were not the source of knowledge. We recommend having comprehensive educational campaigns with clear information about CB banking to facilitate positive perspectives towards donation and scientific research.
| S-EPMC5903187 | biostudies-literature
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.
| S-EPMC6293928 | biostudies-other
Project description:BackgroundProblem-Based Learning (PBL) is an innovative student-centered learning method that has been implemented in numerous medical colleges worldwide. However, the newly adopting PBL institutes may face challenges during its implementation. This study aims to evaluate PBL implementation in the medical college of Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University (IAU) from the facilitators' and students' perspectives.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study using a quantitative self-administered online questionnaire. The questionnaire evaluated PBL implementation using the three scales: small group learning, problem case scenario, and facilitator role. A total of 52 facilitators and 1289 students (from second to sixth years) were invited to participate in the study at the end of the 2019-2020 academic year.ResultsForty-six facilitators (88.46%) and 324 students (25.13%) responded to the questionnaire. There was an overall positive evaluation of PBL implementation. However, the facilitators' rating was significantly higher than the students' rating across the three scales. Regarding the small group learning, a significant difference was found between types of facilitation status (p = 0.017) and between trained and not trained facilitators (p = 0.029). In respect to the problem case scenario, there was a significant difference based on the types of facilitation status (p = 0.017) and facilitating tutorials related to the facilitator's specialty (p = 0.004). Regarding the facilitator role, a significant difference was found between the academic year they had facilitated (p = 0.032). Female students rated the three scales significantly higher than male students (p < 0.001). Students aged between 24 and 25 years old and sixth years students also rated the three scales significantly higher than other students (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe participants rated PBL implementation positively as measured by the three scales rating. However, specific concerns have been highlighted that are related to group dynamics, training before starting PBL, relevancy of the case scenarios, and the facilitator's role in nominating group members and providing feedback.
| S-EPMC9035263 | biostudies-literature