Public Attitude toward Drug Technical Package Inserts in Saudi Arabia

Objective: To examine public opinion in Saudi Arabia regarding the technical drug package insert (PI) as a source of information and to assess the need for potential changes to the existing format in favor of a more patient-oriented package insert (PPI). Design: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from March through May 1998 by means of a self-administered questionnaire. Setting: Eighty-four community pharmacies in Riyadh. Participants: Two thousand twenty-nine customers entering community pharmacies in Riyadh were enrolled in this survey. Results: Results of the survey showed that 88% of the respondents read the PI. The motives for reading the PI included the desire to know more about the medication (48.7%), to adhere to the prescription (21.7%), and to decide whether to take the medication (13.1%). From the list of information contained therein, respondents listed indications (47.1%) and adverse drug effects (46.6%) as the principal sections of interest. Respondents overwhelmingly endorsed the PI as a complementary source of drug information to the verbal instructions of the physician and the pharmacist. However, readers did criticize its detail, legibility, and poor graphic illustration. Respondents indicated their desire to see a concise PPI introduced, one that highlights only the most common adverse effects of a drug. It should be written in simple Arabic and include, whenever possible, illustrations to enhance comprehension. Conclusions: The PI does not have the power to overrule the physician's or pharmacist's instructions. Since some patients may cease taking their medicines if they feel threatened by the adverse effects mentioned in the PI, precautionary statements should be prominently placed in the PI to explain the purpose of mentioning such information and what proper action should be taken by the patient.

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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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Community Pharmacists’ Perceptions towards the Misuse and Abuse of Pregabalin: A Cross-Sectional Study from Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare9101281 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (10) ◽

pp. 1281

Author(s):

Sultan M. Alshahrani ◽

Khalid Orayj ◽

Ali M. Alqahtani ◽

Mubarak A. Algahtany

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Community Pharmacists ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Male Dominance ◽

Community Pharmacies ◽

First Line ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

First Line Therapy ◽

Structured Questionnaire

Pregabalin is a first-line therapy for neuropathic pain and for chronic pain. It has abuse potential. This study was conducted to assess community pharmacists’ perceptions towards pregabalin abuse and misuse in the Aseer region, Saudi Arabia, and identify predictors and associated factors. A cross-sectional survey using a structured questionnaire following a self-administrative study was conducted across community pharmacies in the Aseer region (Abha, Khamis Mushait, Mahayel, Sarat Abeeda, Ahad-Rufaida, and Bishah). A total of 206 respondents from community pharmacists participated in the study. Over the last six months, 136 respondents (66.0%) suspected pregabalin abuse in community pharmacies; male dominance in pregabalin abusers was also recorded (n = 165, 80.1%). Additionally, 40 (19.4%) respondents stated that a prescription was not issued for pregabalin demands. Over half (61.7%) of community pharmacists recorded an increased change in pregabalin abuse compared to the previous year. This is the first study to explore pharmacists’ perceptions in the community of the Aseer region towards customers’ misuse and abuse of pregabalin. Further monitoring and regulations on the prescribing and procurement of pregabalin are needed to avoid abuse.

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Willingness and concerns of transfusion-dependent hematological patients toward the option of home transfusion therapy

Palliative Medicine ◽

10.1177/02692163211000634 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 026921632110006

Author(s):

Liza Barki-Harrington ◽

Orna Baron-Epel ◽

Adir Shaulov ◽

Luiza Akria ◽

Yossef Barshay ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Adverse Effects ◽

Healthcare Professionals ◽

Successful Implementation ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Transfusion Therapy ◽

Home Based ◽

Negative Effect ◽

Self Administered Questionnaire

Background: One of the main obstacles of providing home-based palliative care to transfusion-dependent hematology patients is the lack of home transfusions services. While healthcare professionals are concerned with safety and cost of home transfusions, the attitude of the patients toward home transfusions are mostly unknown. Aim: To obtain quantitative data regarding the willingness and concerns of transfusion-dependent patients with hematological diseases toward the option of home transfusions. Design: A cross sectional survey including a self-administered questionnaire in one of the three main spoken languages in Israel was administered to patients in 17 hospital hematology outpatient clinics between May 2019 and March 2020. Results: About 52% of 385 patients that participated in the survey preferred home transfusions to hospital transfusions. Gender, age, education, or type of disease were not associated with preference for home transfusions, nor were hospital location or its size. The likelihood to prefer home transfusions was significantly higher among the Hebrew-speakers and those who had not experienced adverse effects previously. The most significant factor associated with preference of home transfusions was a perceived negative effect of hospital-based transfusion on quality of life. The main reason to reject home transfusions was fear of possible adverse effects and concerns over losing contact with the medical staff at the treating hospital. Conclusion: These data suggest that a significant portion of transfusion-dependent patients in Israel view home transfusions as a preferred treatment option and that its successful implementation requires maintaining ongoing contact with the treating hospital.

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The effects of topical steroid fears and concerns on patients with eczema: first TOPICOP© scale-based study in Saudi Arabia

International Journal of Research in Dermatology ◽

10.18203/issn.2455-4529.intjresdermatol20210472 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (2) ◽

pp. 155

Author(s):

Abdulmajeed A. Alharbi ◽

Ghadah I. Alhetheli ◽

Reema Alqahtani ◽

Mujahid Alshehri

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Age Groups ◽

Topical Steroid ◽

Outpatient Clinics ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

Patient Counseling ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Care Givers ◽

Source Of Information

Background: Topical corticosteroids (TCS) are the main treatment for eczema, which are often required for months (or years) to control the disease. Despite the well-known side effects of TCS, their efficacy and safety are well established when used appropriately. This study was conducted to assess the fears, concerns, and various practices of patients with eczema toward TCS in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia.Methods: A cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted that targeted patients with eczema among all age groups and genders attending the dermatology outpatient clinics. There were no exclusions based on the type, severity, or duration of the disease.Results: A total of 105 patients with eczema were recruited for this study. It was revealed that 46.8% of participants stopped their treatment as soon as possible, which indicates immediate discontinuation of steroids after their eczema flares had subsided and improved. An interesting finding was that 38.3% of participants did not start their TCS treatment until the disease deteriorated rather than when flare-ups occurred.Conclusions: Exaggerated fears about TCS exist among patients with eczema and their care givers. This can result in non-adherence or wasting of many prescribed TCS preparations TCS. It is very important to understand and emphasize on the nature and extent of the prevalence of TCS fears to ensure that prompt, correct advice can be offered. Since dermatologists remain the most trusted source of information, there should be an emphasis on individual patient counseling and increased engagement in social media with pre-planned content.

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Perception of Saudi Mothers of Their Children with Down Syndromein Al-Khobar City, Saudi Arabia

Global Journal of Health Science ◽

10.5539/gjhs.v9n5p166 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 9 (5) ◽

pp. 166

Author(s):

Aqil S Al haiz ◽

Ataur Rahman Khan ◽

Ahmed Abdulmohsen Albin Saleh ◽

Shaher Zafer Al Shehri ◽

Amr A. Sabra

Keyword(s):

Special Education ◽

Saudi Arabia ◽

Private Sector ◽

Causal Attribution ◽

Positive Perception ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Family ◽

Self Administered Questionnaire

PURPOSE: To evaluate the perception (awareness, feeling, belief and intention of attribute, characteristics and behaviors) of Saudi mothers of their children with DS and to identify the possible factors that affect their perception.MATERIALS & METHODS: A cross sectional survey was conducted in Al-Khobar city, Saudi Arabia (SA),in 2015 involving all Saudi mothers of children with DS in special education schools in the private sector (n=100). Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Al-Khobar city, Saudi Arabia (SA),in 2014involving all Saudi mothers of children with DS in special education schools in the private sector (n=100). Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire.A Spss 21 was used for statistical analysis.RESULTS: The response rate was 73%. The study found that 53.4% had a positive perception of their children with DS while 46.6 % perceived their children negatively. It is concluded that this positive perception of Saudi mothers of their children with DS related to: the burden (effect) imposed by the children with DS on the family and society, causal attribution of DS, education of children with DS, social integration and discrimination as well as health, treatment and care of the children with DS. The negative perception related to acceptance and joy with DS children, the quality of life of DS children, over-protection and dependence of these children as well as an embarrassment and disappointment of having children with DS.Accordingly, it is recommended that educational programs be designed form others with children with DS, and for the community to improve mothers' disposition toward their children.

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Adverse drug effects following oseltamivir mass treatment and prophylaxis in a school outbreak of 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) in June 2009, Sheffield, United Kingdom

Eurosurveillance ◽

10.2807/ese.15.19.19565-en ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 15 (19) ◽

Author(s):

M Strong ◽

J Burrows ◽

E Stedman ◽

P Redgrave

Keyword(s):

United Kingdom ◽

Adverse Effects ◽

Pandemic Influenza ◽

Influenza A ◽

Large Scale ◽

Drug Effects ◽

Mass Treatment ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Influenza A H1n1

During the containment phase of the 2009 influenza A(H1N1) pandemic, mass treatment and prophylaxis with oseltamivir was used to control an outbreak of pandemic influenza in a primary school in Sheffield, United Kingdom, where ten cases of pandemic influenza had been laboratory confirmed over a three day period in June 2009. A subsequent cross-sectional survey showed that 51 of 297 (17%) pupils and 10 of 58 (17%) reported an influenza-like illness. The most common symptoms were headache, cough, fever, tiredness, sore throat and nausea. Fifty-three staff and 273 pupils took oseltamivir for treatment or prophylaxis. Of this group, 41% (113/273) of pupils and 47% (25/53) of staff reported adverse effects. Overall, 14% (37/273) of pupils and 20% (11/53) of staff did not complete the course of oseltamivir, primarily due to adverse effects. Nausea, vomiting and rash were statistically significantly associated with failing to complete the course of oseltamivir. Given the potential for side effects from oseltamivir, particularly among those without influenza who receive the drug for prophylaxis, our findings have two important implications. Firstly, the benefits of mass treatment in an outbreak setting must clearly be greater than the benefits of targeted treatment. Secondly, any large scale regional or state level system for distribution of antiviral drugs for treatment should ideally include a robust quantification of an individual’s probability of infection with influenza virus in order to avoid unnecessary treatment.

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Oscillation between identities and Subjective psychological health objectives among an informed audience in therapeutic patient education

Education thérapeutique du patient - Therapeutic patient education ◽

10.1051/tpe/2018006 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 10202

Author(s):

Sandrine Roussel ◽

Alain Deccache ◽

Mariane Frenay

Keyword(s):

Patient Education ◽

Psychological Health ◽

Healthcare Professionals ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Therapeutic Patient Education ◽

French Speaking ◽

Health Objectives ◽

Self Administered Questionnaire

Introduction: The implementation of Therapeutic Patient Education (TPE) remains a challenge. An exploratory study highlighted two tendencies among practitioners of TPE, which could hamper this implementation: an oscillation between identities (as caregivers versus as educators) and an inclination towards subjective psychological health objectives. Objectives: To verify whether these tendencies can be observed among an informed audience in TPE. Next, to explore the variables associated with one or other of these tendencies. Method: A quantitative cross-sectional survey by a self-administered questionnaire was carried out among 90 French-speaking healthcare professionals. Statistical analyses (chi-square, logistic regression) were then conducted. Results: Sixty percent of respondents displayed identity oscillation, which was found to be linked to task oscillation, patient curability, scepticism towards medicine and practising in France. Fifty-six percent pursued subjective psychological health objectives, which was found to be associated with health behaviour objectives and a locus of power in the healthcare relationship distinct from those seen in the pre-existing health models (biomedical, global). This tendency seems to constitute an alternative model of TPE. Discussion & conclusion: Identity oscillation and subjective psychological health objectives can be both observed. This study stresses the need to deliberate on the form(s) of TPE that is/are desired.

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