Workplace hazards in forensic mortuaries in Saudi Arabia: A survey of forensic mortuary personnel

Forensic mortuaries have always presented a potential threat to workers who come into contact with dead bodies. This research aims to identify hazards faced by forensic mortuary personnel, including forensic pathologists and technicians working in forensic mortuaries in forensic medicine centres throughout Saudi Arabia, to recognise the prevalence of exposure to workplace hazards and to discover the degree of awareness and use of safety practices. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in a total of 20 forensic medicine centres, using an online questionnaire distributed among forensic mortuary personnel. A total of 113 participants responded to the questionnaire. Just over half (53%) of workplaces always provided personal protective equipment, and 75% of participants always used them. The most common hazards were needle-prick wounds and accidental slips or falls. Almost two thirds (64%) of participants witnessed or experienced a work-related accident in the forensic mortuary. The lack of previous studies concerning hazard exposure among forensic mortuary personnel in Saudi Arabia means that this study provides foundational evidence for future research concerning forensic autopsy-related work accidents in Saudi Arabia.

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The prevalence of burnout among interns in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and its relation to engaging in unethical behaviors

Middle East Current Psychiatry ◽

10.1186/s43045-021-00138-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 28 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Shatha Ali ◽

Khaldoun Marwa ◽

Malak AlRasheedi ◽

Asma AlSuheel ◽

Mariam Nabila ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Human Service ◽

Service Sector ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Future Research ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Work Related ◽

High Prevalence ◽

Unethical Behaviors

Abstract Background Burnout is a work-related physical and/or emotional exhaustion among individuals working in the human service sector. This descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to estimate the prevalence of burnout among interns training in different hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and its relation to engaging in unethical behaviors. Results The study found a high burnout level in 135 (50%) of the interns with minimal overall engagement in unethical behaviors (5.9%). However, patient-related burnout was the only factor found with a highly significant association to engagement in unethical behaviors (P-value < 0.001). Conclusions This study demonstrated a high prevalence of burnout among interns with a significant association between patient-related burnout and the engagement in unethical behaviors. That was a worrying sign that needs further evaluation in future research, including the other risk factors, to prevent/improve burnout and to limit the unprofessional behaviors.

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Assessment of Saudi Parents’ Beliefs and Behaviors towards Management of Child Fever in Saudi Arabia—A Cross-Sectional Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18105217 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (10) ◽

pp. 5217

Author(s):

Mohamed N. Al Arifi ◽

Abdulrahman Alwhaibi

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Side Effects ◽

Febrile Seizures ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Electronic Thermometer ◽

And Behavior

Objective: Fever alone can lead to rare serious complications in children, such as febrile seizures. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge, beliefs, and behavior of parents toward fever and its management. Methods: A cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire was applied over a period of 3 months, from January to March 2018, to parents who were living in Saudi Arabia. The inclusion criteria were a parent who is a resident of Saudi Arabia, with at least one child aged 6 years or less, while incomplete questionnaires, having a child aged more than 6 years, or parents who were not living in Saudi Arabia were excluded. Results: A total of 656 parents completed the questionnaire. More than two-thirds of the subjects were female, the majority of whom were aged between 25–33 years old. The best-reported place to measure the temperature of children was the armpit (46%), followed by the ear (28%) and the mouth (10.7%). More than half of the parents considered their children feverish at a temperature of 38 °C. The majority of parents (79.7%) reported that the most serious side effects of fever were seizure, brain damage (39.3%), coma (29.9%), dehydration (29.7%), and death (25%). The most common method used to measure a child’s temperature was an electronic thermometer (62.3%). The most common antipyretic was paracetamol (84.5%). Conclusions: Our study demonstrates the good knowledge of parents in identifying a feverish temperature using the recommended route and tools for measuring body temperature.

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Mental Health of COVID-19 Patients—A Cross-Sectional Survey in Saudi Arabia

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18094758 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (9) ◽

pp. 4758

Author(s):

Hasan Saeed Alamri ◽

Wesam F. Mousa ◽

Abdullah Algarni ◽

Shehata F. Megahid ◽

Ali Al Bshabshe ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Saudi Arabia ◽

Personal Data ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Work Related ◽

Patients Experience ◽

Self Administered Questionnaire

Background: This study aims to investigate the mental health of COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabia. Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out targeting confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia. Due to travel and time constraints as well as the accessibility of patients, cases were included from East Jeddah Hospital, King Abdulaziz Hospital, and the Oncology Center in Jeddah. The data were collected using a predesigned self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire addressed COVID-19 cases, personal data, medical history, smoking, traveling abroad, and work-related conditions. Additionally, data regarding contact level with COVID-19 cases were considered. The mental health statuses of the patients were assessed using a validated Arabic version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale. The study included 261 COVID-19 patients whose ages ranged from 18 to 65 years. Results: The survey findings revealed that 13% of COVID-19 patients had a borderline level of anxiety, 26.8% were considered anxiety cases, while 60.2% were normal. The findings also revealed that 29.9% had a borderline level of depression, 18.4% were considered depression cases, while 51.7% were normal. Conclusions: This study concluded that COVID-19 patients experience anxiety and depression, and as the COVID-19 epidemic continues to spread, the results of the study are particularly useful in developing a strategy to psychologically support COVID-19 patients.

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Behavior of Medical Students toward Over-the-Counter Drugs in Comparison to Students from Other Faculties, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International ◽

10.9734/jpri/2021/v33i35b31911 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 129-135

Author(s):

Amar Fathi Mohamed Khalifa ◽

Yasser Nabil AlKhudairy ◽

Adel Ahmed Algahtani ◽

Bandar Mohammed Abduljabbar ◽

Fahad Majed Aldawsari ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Medical Students ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

P Value ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Self Medication ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Over The Counter ◽

Otc Drugs ◽

Professional Guidance

Background: Over-the-counter-drugs (OTC) are drugs that can be obtained by patients without a prescription from a physician. In Saudi Arabia, it has been reported that more than half of university students practiced self-medication and used OTC drugs. Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study, among medical and non-medical students in Riyadh. The sample size was 421, by systemic random sampling. A pre-coded pre-tested online questionnaire was used. Data was analyzed using SPSS V 23. P-value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Results: There was no significant relationship between what the participants were majoring in and the usage of OTC drugs (p value= 0.373). Gender also had no relation with the use of OTC (p value= 0.168). Panadol appeared as the most commonly used OTC drug 62.9% for the relief of the most commonly mentioned factor which is headache 50.12%. Conclusion: Medical education didn’t have much of an effect on the use of OTC drugs. Moreover, professional guidance or advice was not considered most of the time for taking OTC, but the majority of respondents portrayed good behavior towards usage of OTC.

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Burnout among Portuguese healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-020-09980-z ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Ivone Duarte ◽

Andreia Teixeira ◽

Luísa Castro ◽

Sílvia Marina ◽

Carla Ribeiro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Healthcare Workers ◽

Satisfaction With Life ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Three Dimensions ◽

Professional Organizations ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Infected People ◽

Work Related ◽

High Workload

Abstract Background During COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers (HCWs) have had high workload and have been exposed to multiple psychosocial stressors. The aim of this study was to evaluate HCWs in terms of the relative contributions of socio-demographic and mental health variables on three burnout dimensions: personal, work-related, and client-related burnout. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed using an online questionnaire spread via social networks. A snowball technique supported by health care institutions and professional organizations was applied. Results A total of 2008 subjects completed the survey. Gender, parental status, marriage status, and salary reduction were found to be significant factors for personal burnout. Health problems and direct contact with infected people were significantly associated with more susceptibility to high personal and work-related burnout. Frontline working positions were associated with all three dimensions. Higher levels of stress and depression in HCWs were significantly associated with increased levels of all burnout dimensions. Higher levels of satisfaction with life and resilience were significantly associated with lower levels of all burnout dimensions. Conclusions All three burnout dimensions were associated with a specific set of covariates. Consideration of these three dimensions is important when designing future burnout prevention programs for HCWs.

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Knowledge, barriers and uptake of influenza vaccine among non-health college students at Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Journal of Public Health Research ◽

10.4081/jphr.2020.1856 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

Author(s):

Malak M. Alhawsawi ◽

Amjad A. Alghamdi ◽

Balqees M. Alzayed ◽

Hessa M. Binmugren ◽

Raghad A. Alshehri ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Influenza Vaccine ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Vaccine Uptake ◽

Global Public Health ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Knowledge Barriers ◽

Viral Influenza

Background: Viral influenza, one of the global public health problems is specifically important in Saudi Arabia due to high susceptibility of transmission in hajj and umrah seasons (Islamic pilgrimage to the Mecca), as it has the ability to spread widely to a large proportion, in addition the disease has a higher rate of complications that might lead to death. Vaccination is an important strategy in prevention of viral influenza. Design and methods: The study aimed to describe the association between uptake of influenza vaccine with knowledge as well as identify the barriers that prevent vaccination among Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University (PNU) non-health colleges students. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was undertaken, including 385 students from non-health colleges using a convenience sampling technique. Data was collected using an Arabic self-administered online questionnaire Analysis done by JMP program. IRB approval as well as informed consent were taken. Results: The uptake of the influenza vaccine was 15.3% in the current year and 56.8% in the previous years. No significant association was found between knowledge, and uptake of the vaccine. For the unvaccinated students, the most common encounter barriers stated by study population were concerns regarding the vaccine effectiveness, reduction of immunity the uncertainty of complete protection in a percentage of 12.0% for all. Conclusions: Although the level of vaccine uptake is low for this year, it is not associated with knowledge. There were some barriers that need to be tackled by health education programs.

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Quality of Life, Needs and Fears of Mothers of Children with Disabilities in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 Lockdown

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph182111442 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (21) ◽

pp. 11442

Author(s):

Nisreen Al Awaji ◽

Monira Aldhahi ◽

Shahnaz Akil ◽

Salwa Awad ◽

Eman Mortada

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Saudi Arabia ◽

Children With Disabilities ◽

Well Being ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Raising Children ◽

The Social

Substantial changes in life dynamics resulting from the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) could have an impact on the quality of life (QoL) of mothers of children with and without disabilities. This study compared the quality of life (QoL) of mothers of children with disabilities (MCD) to the QoL of mothers of children without disabilities (CON) in Saudi Arabia during COVID-19 lockdown. It explored mothers’ concerns and the type of support they need during the quarantine. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted during the lockdown. An online questionnaire was distributed to mothers raising children with and without disabilities in Saudi Arabia. A total of 340 mothers participated in the study by completing the survey: 93 MCD and 247 CON. The QoL of MCD and CON was assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Furthermore, detailed information was provided by the mothers regarding their needs and concerns during the lockdown. The results of the study revealed that the overall QoL was significantly higher in the CON group, compared to the MCD group, during the COVID-19 lockdown. The social well-being and environmental well-being reported by MCD were significantly lower on the total scale of the WHOQOL-BREF than those reported by the CON group. The comparison between the two groups revealed significant differences in the support required by mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a higher percentage of MCD needed emotional and psychological support, especially from family members. The major concerns reported by MCD were the deterioration of their children’s medical conditions and the lack of medical supplies during the lockdown.

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Teledentistry—Knowledge, Practice, and Attitudes of Dental Practitioners in Saudi Arabia: A Nationwide Web-Based Survey

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare9121682 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (12) ◽

pp. 1682

Author(s):

Mohammad Zakaria Nassani ◽

Sadeq Ali Al-Maweri ◽

Abdullah AlSheddi ◽

Ali Alomran ◽

Mohammed Nasser Aldawsari ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Poor Knowledge ◽

Dental Practitioners ◽

The Future ◽

Knowledge Practice ◽

Knowledge And Practice ◽

And Training

The present survey assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practice of teledentistry (TD) among dental practitioners in Saudi Arabia. This questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted with dental interns and practicing dentists in Saudi Arabia. An online questionnaire was sent to all potential respondents. Questions related to knowledge, practice, attitudes, and training regarding TD were presented. A total of 603 (227 dental interns, 376 practicing dentists) completed the questionnaire. Generally, the participants revealed poor knowledge and practice of TD, with only 38% having heard about TD and only one-quarter of the sample (23.2%) reporting practicing TD at their current workplace. However, most of the participants expressed positive attitudes and a willingness to practice TD in the future. Specialists and those in practice for >5 years showed significantly better knowledge and practice of TD than general dentists and those with lesser clinical experience (p < 0.01). While only one-fifth of the participants (20.2%) reported having attended a workshop/lecture about TD, the majority (69.7%) felt that they needed training on TD. The results revealed poor knowledge, practice, and training with regard to TD among practicing dentists in Saudi Arabia. However, the positive attitude expressed by most of the participants towards practicing TD in the future is an encouraging sign for dental educators and planners of oral health care. Continuous education through periodic workshops and training courses on TD is crucial to improve dentists’ knowledge, practice, and attitudes towards TD. Integration of TD topics into undergraduate/postgraduate curricula is highly recommended. Special attention should be directed to training general dental practitioners and junior dentists.

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Knowledge and attitude toward coronavirus disease 19 pandemic among Saudi Arabia population: A cross-sectional study

SAGE Open Medicine ◽

10.1177/20503121211052421 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

pp. 205031212110524

Author(s):

Talal Shaikhain ◽

Faisal Al-Husayni ◽

Ghufran Bukhari ◽

Bushra Alhawsa ◽

Nora Shalabi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Disease Transmission ◽

Information Needs ◽

Normal Population ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Face Mask ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional

Background: Coronavirus disease 19 is a pandemic affecting millions worldwide. Since February 2020, new cases are reported in Saudi Arabia, and regulations have been imposed to control the spread of the disease and raise awareness. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of the Kingdom’s residents toward coronavirus disease 19 during the early stages of the pandemic. Method: A cross-sectional study of 2071 participants who were recruited from various cities in Saudi Arabia. An online questionnaire was shared through social media, which contained questions about demographic data, general knowledge of coronavirus disease 19, and participants’ attitudes. Results: The mean age of the study population was 34 ± 12.4 years. Most of the participants agreed that coronavirus disease 19 is a pandemic and is more serious than seasonal influenza. More than 90% believed that handwashing and social distancing are effective in preventing disease transmission. No significant results were observed when comparing the knowledge of high-risk participants and the normal population. More than half of the cohort were strictly compliant with curfew regulations, handwashing, and face mask. Around 80% of the population is following coronavirus disease 19 news and information through official authorities’ press releases. Conclusion: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia residents showed decent knowledge of coronavirus disease 19. Nevertheless, some information needs emphasizing and proper education. Frequent communication between healthcare authorities and the public is highly recommended.

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Knowledge and Awareness of Saudi Public Regarding the Outbreak and Prevention of COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia; a Questionnaire-Based Study

Global Journal of Health Science ◽

10.5539/gjhs.v12n13p67 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (13) ◽

pp. 67

Author(s):

Reem Al Madani ◽

Shahzeb H. Ansari

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Health Systems ◽

General Public ◽

Online Survey ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Demographic Information ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Male And Female

INTRODUCTION: The dispersion of severe COVID-19 has already occupied on pandemic extents, disturbing over 100 nations in a matter of months. A worldwide response to formulate health systems global is imperious. MATERIALS & METHODS: This is a cross sectional study conducted among the Saudi general public using an online survey. Saudis (male and female) of all ages willing to participate in this study were requested to fill up the survey. An online questionnaire was designed using Google Forms with questions related to personal and demographic information followed by COVID-10 related questions. RESULTS: A total of N=1026 subjects participated in this study and responded by completing the online survey. They were divided into groups including gender, age, education and profession type. As far as gender was concerned, 243 (23.7%) males and 783 (76.3%) females took part. CONCLUSION: Overall knowledge of Saudis regarding COVID-19 is above average.

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