scholarly journals Public awareness of Coronavirus (COVID-2019) in Qassim Region Saudi Arabia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mabrouk AL-Rasheedi ◽  
Yasir Alhazmi ◽  
ALreshidi Mateq Ali ◽  
Maha ALrajhi ◽  
Nayef Samah Alharbi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
General Public ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
Disease Spread ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Reliable Source ◽  
Source Of Information

Abstract Background The rapid and extensive spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has become a major cause of concern for both general public and healthcare profession. Aim of this study is to analyze and evaluate the awareness of both the general public and healthcare providers in Qassim region in Saudi Arabia. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted randomly in different shopping malls in the Qassim region from 10th of February to 10th of March, 2020. The structured questionnaire was used to gather information from participants.Result130 participants have answered the designed questionnaire, out of which 67participants were males(58.5% ) and 54 were females(41.5% ).Overall, 129 (99%) out of the 130 participants are aware of COVID-19, and 116 (90%) have recognize it as a respiratory disease and all of them (100 %) have recognized it as a contagious disease. Participants of the age group 20-40 showed higher awareness level than other age groups (P = 0.005). Significant positive correlation between high risk groups recognition, reliable source of information, infection symptoms, disease spread prevention and COVID_19 available treatments. While the reliable source of information awareness was positively correlated with all other questions, except for the long-term complications.ConclusionGeneral public and health care professionals from Qassim Region showed adequate awareness of COVID-19. However, there is a strong need to implement periodic educational interventions and training programs on infection control practices.

scholarly journals Public Awareness of Coronavirus (COVID-2019) in Qassim Region Saudi Arabia.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mabrouk AL-Rasheedi ◽  
Yasir Alhazmi ◽  
ALreshidi Mateq Ali ◽  
Maha ALrajhi ◽  
Nayef Samah Alharbi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
General Public ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
Disease Spread ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Reliable Source ◽  
Source Of Information

Abstract Background The rapid and extensive spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has become a major cause of concern for both general public and healthcare profession. Aim of this study is to analyze and evaluate the awareness of both the general public and healthcare providers in Qassim region in Saudi Arabia. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted randomly in different shopping malls in the Qassim region from 10th of February to 10th of March, 2020. The structured questionnaire was used to gather information from participants.Result 130 participants have answered the designed questionnaire, out of which 67participants were males(58.5% ) and 54 were females(41.5% ).Overall, 129 (99%) out of the 130 participants are aware of COVID-19, and 116 (90%) have recognize it as a respiratory disease and all of them (100 %) have recognized it as a contagious disease. Participants of the age group 20-40 showed higher awareness level than other age groups (P = 0.005). Significant positive correlation between high risk groups recognition, reliable source of information, infection symptoms, disease spread prevention and COVID_19 available treatments. While the reliable source of information awareness was positively correlated with all other questions, except for the long-term complications..Conclusion General public and health care professionals from Qassim Region showed adequate awareness of COVID-19. However, there is a strong need to implement periodic educational interventions and training programs on infection control practices .

scholarly journals A cross-sectional study on awareness, attitude and perception of COVID 19 among the people of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (41) ◽  
pp. 4297-4306
Author(s):  
Jerlin Priya Lovelin Auguskani ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
World Health ◽  
Disease Spread ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Corona Virus ◽  
The People ◽  
The World

Background/Objectives: Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been accepted as a pandemic by the World Health Organization in the month of March 2020. Globally many efforts have been made to inhibit the spread of the disease through various strategies to create public awareness and changing personal behaviors. According to WHO report as on 2nd of October 2020, the mortality was 34,079,542 and morbidity rate of 1,015,963. In Saudi Arabia, there are 335,578 positive cases of coronavirus, 4,823 deaths and 320,348 recovered from illness. Keeping this in view, the present study was conducted to understand the level of awareness, attitude and perception regarding prevention and control of COVID 19 among people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods: Quantitative research approach was adopted with Cross sectional descriptive research design. Data was collected through the online semi structured questionnaire. The questionnaire has four sections including demographic variable, awareness, attitude and perception. The analysis is based on 301 respondents from 13 regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data. Findings: COVID 19 outbreak threaten the life and wellbeing of people around the world. The study finding shows that the people of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have adequate awareness in various component of corona virus with positive attitude and good practices with regard to disease spread. Also, majority of young people mentioned that they attained awareness from social media, whereas the other age group mentioned as MOH as the major source of information. Hence, constant public educational campaign with various sources have added advantage with present outcome. Novelty: While COVID 19 outbreak threaten the life and wellbeing of people around the world, it’s vital to constantly create awareness in cause, spread, treatment and prevention to control its impact further. Keywords: COVID 19; awareness; attitude; practice; Coronavirus

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

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

<p><strong>Background:</strong> 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.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> 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.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>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.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> 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.</p><p> </p>

scholarly journals General public Knowledge of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) at early stages of the pandemic: results of a random online survey in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Alqahtani ◽  
V Krishnaraju ◽  
Mona Alqarni ◽  
Mohammed Al-Sheikh Hassan
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
General Public ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
World Health ◽  
Public Knowledge ◽  
General Knowledge ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Early Stages ◽  
Knowledge Levels

Abstract AbstractBackground: A novel coronavirus was identified at the end of 2019 in Wuhan City, China. Later, the World Health Organization (WHO) named the disease caused by the virus coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and declared a pandemic in March 2020. Saudi and global health agencies have provided various COVID-19 knowledge tools and facts to the general public. Therefore, this study aims to assess COVID-19 knowledge among the general public in Saudi Arabia at the early stages of the pandemic, including knowledge of prevention practices, home quarantine measures, and compliance with governmental restrictions.Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in March 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia. The study included 1006 participants who responded to a random online COVID-19 public knowledge questionnaire that included five sections: demographic characteristics, general knowledge, prevention practices, home quarantine measures, and knowledge of governmental restrictions. Data were collected from a random sample recruited through the circulation of the questionnaire on social media platforms and were then analysed by descriptive statistical methods. Three levels of knowledge were established: excellent, intermediate, and poor. Differences in the percentages of participants with different knowledge levels by the demographic variables were analysed using the chi-square test.Results: Regarding overall general knowledge of COVID-19, 75%, 24%, and 1% of the participants had excellent, intermediate, and poor knowledge levels, respectively. Knowledge levels were significantly different by nationality and age (P=0.027 and 0.008, respectively). The majority of participants (98.4%) reported excellent knowledge of prevention practices, with no statistically significant differences among groups (P>0.005). Older age groups reported higher knowledge of home quarantine measures (86.6% and 86.4% of the 51-60 and older than 60 age groups, respectively, P=0.001). Approximately 50% of Saudis reported excellent knowledge of the restrictions imposed by the Saudi government to control the spread of COVID-19, while approximately 45% of non-Saudis had an excellent level of knowledge (P= 0.009).Conclusion and recommendations: High levels of knowledge about the virus, including prevention practices, are essential. The provision of COVID-19 facts and knowledge tools should be focused on younger generations to enhance compliance with the governmental restrictions required to stop the spread of COVID-19.

scholarly journals Cervical Cancer and Human Papillomavirus Awareness among Women in Saudi Arabia

Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (12) ◽  
pp. 1373
Author(s):  
Khalid Akkour ◽  
Lolowah Alghuson ◽  
Hicham Benabdelkamel ◽  
Hani Alhalal ◽  
Nada Alayed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Human Papillomavirus ◽  
Hpv Vaccine ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Cervical Screening ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Saudi Women ◽  
Source Of Information

Background and Objectives: Cervical cancer (CC) is the eighth most common cancer among Saudi women of all ages. With limited national data, we aimed to evaluate the public awareness of cervical cancer, CC risk factors, HPV infection, and HPV vaccines in different regions of Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: This was a survey-based cross-sectional study that encompassed 564 Saudi women over a period of a month. A self-administrated questionnaire was distributed through different social media platforms. Results: The collected data included sociodemographic variables and questions assessing awareness of CC, and the attitudes toward CC screening and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. Most respondents were aware of CC (84.0%), although their primary source of information was the internet. However, only 45 females (8.0%) had a history of cervical screening. Furthermore, most females did not know that HPV was transmitted sexually (78.9%), or that it caused genital warts (81.7%) and CC (81.9%). Regarding the HPV vaccine, 100 females (17.7%) had heard about it, but only 11 (2.0%) took the vaccine, although more than half of the respondents (54.1%) were willing to take the vaccine after being informed about it. Conclusions: We noticed a remarkable lack of awareness among the respondents regarding HPV’s clinical implications; and the HPV vaccine, and its importance and availability. The main source of information for most of the Saudi women in this study was the internet, which may be an unreliable source, or provide misleading information that may delay screening or discourage vaccination. Thus, organized campaigns by the Ministry of Health or other health-advocating agencies, in addition to screening and vaccination programs, are strongly encouraged.

scholarly journals Public Awareness of Common Eye Diseases and the Role of Pharmacists in Raising This Awareness in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 692
Author(s):  
Farhan Alshammari ◽  
Sameer Shaikh ◽  
Arshad Hussain ◽  
Ahmed Alafnan ◽  
Ibrahim Almuzaini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
General Public ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Eye Diseases ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Eye Disorders ◽  
Eye Problems ◽  
The Common

Knowledge of common eye disorders and their prevention and treatment can play an essential role in reducing the visual impairment burden. A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted from 15 November 2020 to 15 January 2021 to estimate the knowledge and awareness about common eye problems and their possible risk factors among the general population of the Hail Region, Saudi Arabia. The study also investigated the participants’ sources of information about eye diseases. Participants from various areas of the Hail Region were randomly selected. There were four parts in the questionnaire based upon the general awareness about the common eye diseases, participants’ knowledge and awareness of risk factors associated with eye disorders, awareness of treatment and prevention of various eye disorders, and the participants’ sources of information about ocular diseases. The questionnaire was distributed to the participants by direct contact with them at eye clinics, hospitals, malls, and markets. The number of participants in the survey was 400 people, 53.8% males and 46.3% females. Cataracts were known to 31% of the participants, 43% knew about glaucoma, 66% knew about dry eyes, and 44% knew about diabetic retinopathy. Overall, 46% of the participants knew about eye problems, and the male participants had better knowledge about eye problems than the female ones. The primary sources of information about the common eye diseases were pharmacists (43.3%), family physicians (40.3%), the Internet (37.3%), the community (37.3%), television and radio (9.3%), and books/ brochures (9.5%). In the Hail Region, the general public carries a moderate awareness of preventable vision-threatening ocular disorders. However, the awareness of cataracts and glaucoma was low. The gaps in awareness can be overcome by public health promotion. In offering information about eye conditions to the general public, pharmacists may play a crucial role.

scholarly journals Knowledge, attitudes and behaviours towards vaccination: a survey of university students in Europe

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Callegaro ◽  
L Chinenye Ilogu ◽  
O Lugovska ◽  
S Mazzilli ◽  
A Prugnola ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
High Level ◽  
Coverage Rates ◽  
The University ◽  
Vaccination Knowledge

Abstract Background Immunisation programs are still facing substantial challenges in achieving target coverage rates. This has been attributed to the growing negative individual vaccination attitudes and behaviours. Most of the current studies assessing vaccination knowledge, attitude and beliefs targets adults. However, young people represent future parents and health care professionals. The objective of this study was to investigate vaccination knowledge attitudes and behaviours among university medical and non-medical students in Europe. Methods We performed a cross-sectional online survey between April and July 2018. The study participants were students attending different faculties at the University of Antwerp, Belgium and the University of Pisa, Italy. We described sample characteristics. The effect of risk factors was tested with univariate and multivariate logistic regressions. Results A total of 2079 participants completed the survey including 873 medical students and 1206 from other faculties. The average of vaccination knowledge, attitudes, and confidence was respectively 5.51 (SD: 1.41), 4.66 (SD: 0.14) and 5.28 (SD: 0.57) on the 6-points scale. Our respondents demonstrated a high level of awareness with respect to their vaccination history. In total, 67.7% (n = 1407) reported to have received at least one vaccine in the previous five years; only 6.0% (n = 35) did not receive any vaccine in the previous 10 years. According to logistic regression analysis Italian students had significantly higher knowledge, attitude and confidence scores than Belgium respondents. Students of medicine scored significantly higher compared to non-medical students. Conclusions In order to reduce the gaps in vaccinations knowledge between non-medical and medical students we should plan educational interventions. In this way the number of future sceptical parents could be decreased. Further studies are required to explain the differences between countries. Key messages Young adults are the parents and the health care professionals of the future, for this reason their vaccination knowledge attitudes and behaviours should be carefully monitored. European non-medical students have lower vaccinations knowledge, attitudes and confidence compared with medical student. In order to fill these gaps, we should plan educational interventions.

General Perception Regarding The Generic and Branded Medicines among the Visitors of the Turaif General Hospital

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. 3516-3518
Author(s):  
Nawaf Alotaibi
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
General Hospital ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Generic Drugs ◽  
Generic Medicine ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Generic Medicines ◽  
Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Awareness Programs

Background: The utilization of generic drugs in Saudi Arabia is under development. Many studies concerning generic drugs and their utilization by the consumers and promotion by health care professionals have been conducted in Saudi Arabia. Most of these studies revealed general unawareness of generic medicines among the Saudi people. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the general perception regarding the generic medicines and branded medicines among the visitors of the Turaif general hospital. Methods: This cross‑sectional study was carried out from December 29, 2019, to January 23, 2020, at Turaif General Hospital, Turaif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia using a questionnaire. The questionnaire was shared with the visitors (N = 527) of the hospital after their agreement, and the data were collected. The obtained data were statistically analyzed by Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 16. Results: The results of this study revealed that more than 50% of the participants were unaware about generic medicines and branded medicines; preferred imported generic medicines over local generics; agreed that the imported generic medicines are of high quality, more effective, and expensive as well. However, almost 50% of the participants were not sure about the quality, efficacy, safety, price, and side effects of the branded medicine. Conclusion: It has been concluded that there is a need to provide awareness programs about branded medicine, imported generic medicine, and locally manufactured generic medicines. Keywords: Branded drugs, Generic drugs, Awareness, Turaif, Saudi Arabia.

scholarly journals Cross-sectional study on the role of public awareness in preventing the spread of COVID-19 outbreak in India

2020 ◽  
pp. postgradmedj-2020-138349
Author(s):  
Manish Kaushik ◽  
Divya Agarwal ◽  
Anil K Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Public Awareness ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Preventive Measure ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Indian Society ◽  
Personal Hygiene ◽  
Economic Activities ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Hygiene Measures

Background WHO has recommended personal hygiene (respiratory hygiene, using face masks, washing hands with warm water and soap, use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, avoid touching mouth, eyes & nose, cleanliness), social distancing and careful handling of purchased products as an effective preventive measure for COVID-19 disease. The growing pandemic of COVID-19 disease requires social distancing and personal hygiene measures to protect public health. But this message is not clear and well understood among people. The aim of this study is to determine the awareness, knowledge and attitude about COVID-19 and relate the behaviour of Indian society, especially when the country is restarting all its economic activities, after the complete lockdown. Method The present paper is based on an extensive survey among 21 406 adult participants of various sections of Indian society with different age groups between 18 and 80 years to introspect the level of public awareness with respect to cause, spread, prevention and treatment of disease caused by spread of COVID-19 viral outbreak, which will be automatically reflected in the societal behavioural response of rigorous precautionary measures. Conclusions There is a need to extend the knowledge base among individuals to enhance their active participation in the prevention mechanisms with respect to the spread of the pandemic. There is a need to elaborate the Indian socio-cultural aspects, so that society starts appreciating and voluntarily following social distancing. This should improve the adaptability of people with livelihood resilience to let them protect themselves not only from the present pandemic but also from all other unforeseen infections, and to provide care to patients.

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