Awareness, views, perceptions, and beliefs of Pharmacy Interns regarding digital health: a cross-sectional study from Saudi Arabia (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
SAUD Alsahali
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Mean ◽  
And Training ◽  
Very High ◽  
Health Applications

BACKGROUND : Digital health technologies and applications are rapidly advancing and have gained attention in recent years. It is expected to have more roles and functions to transform the healthcare system in this era of digital consumers and services. However, limited research is available regarding delivering digital health education and training in pharmacy education and the pharmacy students’ perspectives on digital health. OBJECTIVE To assess pharmacy interns’ awareness of digital health applications in Saudi Arabia and their views regarding the coverage of digital health in the education of pharmacists. We will also assess the interns’ perceptions and beliefs about the concepts, benefits, and implementation of digital health in the practice settings METHODS A cross-sectional study using an online survey was conducted among pharmacy interns at Unaizah College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia. An invitation with the link to the online survey was sent to all interns registered at the College during the period of January to March 2021 RESULTS A total of 68 out of 77 interns registered in the internship year participated in the study, giving a response rate of 88.31%. The mean total score for pharmacy interns’ awareness of digital health applications in Saudi Arabia was 5.66 ± 1.74 (the maximum attainable score = 7). The awareness with different applications ranged from 97% for the Tawakkalna app to 64.7% for the Ministry of Health 937 call center. The mean total score for attitude and beliefs toward concepts and benefits of telehealth and telemedicine applications was 58.25 ± 10.44 (Maximum attainable score = 75). In this regard, 83.8% of the interns believed that telehealth could enhance the quality of care, 72% believed that it could enable pharmacists to accomplish tasks more quickly, and 70.6% believed that it could help effectively provide patient counseling, and 69.1% believed it could improve patients’ adherence to therapy. In this study, 40.6% believed that the current coverage of telehealth and telemedicine in the curriculum was average, while only 17.6% believed it was high/very high coverage. Moreover, only 38.2% attended additional educational activities related to digital health. Consequently, the majority (63.2%) were of the opinion that there is a high/very high need to educate and train pharmacists in the field of digital health CONCLUSIONS Overall, the interns showed good awareness of the common digital health applications in Saudi Arabia. In addition, majority of the interns had positive perceptions and beliefs towards the concepts, benefits, and implementation of digital health. However, the findings showed there is still further scope for improvement in some areas. Moreover, most interns indicated that there is a need for more education and training in the field of digital health and pharmacy informatics. Consequently, early exposure to content related to digital health and pharmacy informatics is an important step to help in the wide use and application of these technologies in the graduates’ future careers and practice CLINICALTRIAL Ethical approval was obtained from Health Research Ethics Committee at Qassim University, Saudi Arabia (reference number 20-06-12).

Evaluating the Association Between Artificial Sweetener Intake and Indicators of Stress and Anxiety

2021 ◽  
pp. 0272684X2110221
Author(s):  
Benjamin Miller ◽  
Paul Branscum
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Food Frequency Questionnaire ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Anxiety Reduction ◽  
Artificial Sweetener ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Food Frequency ◽  
Very High

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between non-nutritive sweetener (NNS) consumption and stress and anxiety, among a sample of college students. Two-hundred and twenty-seven students from a large mid-western university participated in this cross-sectional study. Students completed an online survey that evaluated NNS using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Stress and anxiety were evaluated using previously validated instruments. Most students reported very low/low/average concern for stress (63.9%), and had low/moderate anxiety (82.3%). Participants experiencing high and very high levels of stress had significantly higher NNS consumption compared to those with a very low and low risk, and concern for stress ( p < .046; d = 0.28). There was no difference however for NNS intake and anxiety. Reduction of artificial sweetener intake may be associated with stress levels among college students. However, more research is needed to examine any causal relationship between artificial sweetener intake and stress.

scholarly journals Dissociation, Cognitive Reflection and Health Literacy Have a Modest Effect on Belief in Conspiracy Theories about COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 5065
Author(s):  
Vojtech Pisl ◽  
Jan Volavka ◽  
Edita Chvojkova ◽  
Katerina Cechova ◽  
Gabriela Kavalirova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Conspiracy Theories ◽  
Cognitive Reflection ◽  
Variance Explained ◽  
Modest Effect

Understanding the predictors of belief in COVID-related conspiracy theories and willingness to get vaccinated against COVID-19 may aid the resolution of current and future pandemics. We investigate how psychological and cognitive characteristics influence general conspiracy mentality and COVID-related conspiracy theories. A cross-sectional study was conducted based on data from an online survey of a sample of Czech university students (n = 866) collected in January 2021, using multivariate linear regression and mediation analysis. Sixteen percent of respondents believed that COVID-19 is a hoax, and 17% believed that COVID-19 was intentionally created by humans. Seven percent of the variance of the hoax theory and 10% of the variance of the creation theory was explained by (in descending order of relevance) low cognitive reflection, low digital health literacy, high experience with dissociation and, to some extent, high bullshit receptivity. Belief in COVID-related conspiracy theories depended less on psychological and cognitive variables compared to conspiracy mentality (16% of the variance explained). The effect of digital health literacy on belief in COVID-related theories was moderated by cognitive reflection. Belief in conspiracy theories related to COVID-19 was influenced by experience with dissociation, cognitive reflection, digital health literacy and bullshit receptivity.

scholarly journals Knowledge and Practices during the COVID-19 Outbreak in the Middle East: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 4699
Author(s):  
Abdallah Y. Naser ◽  
Eman Zmaily Dahmash ◽  
Zahra Khalil Alsairafi ◽  
Hassan Alwafi ◽  
Hamad Alyami ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Scale Scores

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practices of the general public in the Middle Eastern countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study using an online survey was conducted between the 19th of March and the 6th of April 2020 in three Middle Eastern countries (Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait) to explore the knowledge and practices of the Middle Eastern population regarding COVID-19. A previously developed questionnaire was adapted and used for this study. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify predictors of COVID-19 knowledge. Results: A total of 1208 participants (members of the public) participated from the three countries (Jordan = 389, Saudi Arabia = 433, and Kuwait = 386). The majority of participants (n = 810, 67.2%) were females aged 30 to 49 years (n = 501, 41.5%). Participants had moderate overall COVID-19 knowledge, with a mean (SD) score of 7.93 (±1.72) out of 12 (66.1%). Participants had better knowledge about disease prevention and control (83.0%), whereas the lowest sub-scale scores were for questions about disease transmission routes (43.3%). High education level was an important predictor of greater COVID-19 knowledge scores (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Further public education is needed to address the relatively low level of education regarding the transmission of COVID-19 in the Middle Eastern countries. Policymakers are recommended to develop informative COVID-19 related campaigns that specifically target young people (university students), unemployed individuals, and those with lower levels of education.

scholarly journals Psychological Distress during COVID-19 Curfews and Social Distancing in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Badrah S Alghamdi ◽  
Yasser AlAtawi ◽  
Fahad S. AlShehri ◽  
Haythum O. Tayeb ◽  
Hanin Abo Abo Taleb ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Normal Range ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Stress Score

Abstract Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread to over 150 countries worldwide. Since the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Saudi Arabia, cases have continued to escalate exponentially. The COVID-19 outbreak has had a negative effect on mental health and well-being. The study aim was to investigate the effects of the strict national regulations associated with the COVID-19 pandemic on the population’s mental health. Methods This was a cross-sectional study of a convenience sample of Saudi residents. Participants completed an online questionnaire after 1 month of a nationwide 24-hour curfew. We measured psychological distress using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). We ran binary logistic regression analyses to detect variables that significantly predicted DASS-21 scores. Results The sample comprised 2252 Saudi residents. The DASS-21 score means and standard deviations for depression and anxiety for the whole sample (10.73 ± 10.29 and 6.98 ± 8.30, respectively) were in the range of mild depression and anxiety. In contrast, the mean DASS-21 stress score was within the normal range (11.97 ± 10.80). The mean stress score for healthcare workers was within normal range (13.70 ± 10.68), but was significantly higher than the mean score for the public (11.56 ± 10.89; P = .0006). Several variables (e.g. age, gender and history of contact with confirmed COVID-19 cases) were significantly associated with higher DASS-21 scores. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic has created a psychological burden. Therefore, there is an urgent need to implement emergency psychological interventions to reduce the negative psychosocial effects of the pandemic on public mental health.

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

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 &amp; 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.

scholarly journals Depression and anxiety during 2019 coronavirus disease pandemic in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamad S Alyami ◽  
Abdallah Y Naser ◽  
Eman Zmaily Dahmash ◽  
Mohammed H Alyami ◽  
Osama T Al Meanazel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Entire Study ◽  
Wide Range

Background: COVID 19 outbreak in 2020 was associated with a high rate of depression and anxiety among individuals in the affected countries. The aim of this study is to explore the influence of the COVID 19 epidemic on the psychological distress of residents of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross sectional study using an online survey was conducted in Saudi Arabia between 27th of March and 27th of April 2020. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ 9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD 7) were used to assess depression and anxiety. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of depression and anxiety. Results: The prevalence of depression and anxiety among the entire study participants was 9.4% and 7.3%, respectively. Non-Saudi residents, aged 50 years and above, divorced, retired, university students, and those with income (2000 to 10,000 RS) were at higher risk of developing depression. Saudi individuals, married, unemployed, and those with high income (> 10,000 RS) were at higher risk of developing anxiety. Conclusions: There is a wide range of the Saudi residents who are at higher risk of mental illness during COVID 19 pandemic. Policymakers and mental healthcare providers are advised to provide continuous monitoring of the psychological consequences during this pandemic, and provide mental support.

scholarly journals Community Knowledge of and Attitudes towards COVID-19 Prevention Techniques in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (23) ◽  
pp. 12783
Author(s):  
Amal Khalil AbuAlhommos ◽  
Fatimah Essa Alhadab ◽  
May Mohammed Almajhad ◽  
Rahmah Almutawaa ◽  
Sara Taleb Alabdulkareem
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Community Knowledge ◽  
Level Of Knowledge ◽  
Prevention Techniques ◽  
Study Participants

The purpose of the study was to assess the community knowledge of and to obtain a broad overview of attitudes towards appropriate prevention techniques that are recommended by the Ministry of Health to prevent COVID-19 transmission in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study using an online survey was conducted in Saudi Arabia between 1 May and 30 November 2020 to assess the community knowledge of and attitudes towards appropriate COVID-19 prevention techniques in Saudi Arabia. The study tool was developed based on an extensive literature review. Results: A total of 577 individuals were involved in this study. The majority of the participants knew that COVID-19 is classified as a severe acute respiratory syndrome, is caused by viral infection, and that it is more common among the elderly and those who have a chronic illness. More than half of the participants were able to identify the symptoms of COVID-19 correctly, which are fever, dry cough, and loss of taste. Approximately half the study participants were knowledgeable about appropriate distancing, handwashing, and preventive measures (e.g., wearing a cloth mask, smoking cessation, avoiding dangerous cultural behaviors that increase the probability of disease transmission). More than half of the study participants were able to identify the appropriate actions that should be taken if common COVID-19 symptoms appear. Conclusion: A promising level of knowledge and positive attitudes towards COVID-19 was observed in Saudi Arabia. Continuous efforts should be maintained to sustain the level of awareness among the public. Further studies are warranted to explore the level of knowledge and attitudes after the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines.

scholarly journals Prevalence of infectious abortion and its complications in pregnant women hospitalized in Ardabil city hospital during 2011-2018

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 430
Author(s):  
Faranak Jalilvand ◽  
Shahla Farzipour ◽  
Jafar Mohammadshahi ◽  
Amir Kabood Mehri
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Clinical Information ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
City Hospital ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
The Mean ◽  
And Training

Background: Infectious abortion and its mortality is one of the most serious health threats to women. Infectious abortion with high prevalence rate is more accessible in many of developing countries. The aim of current study, was to investigate the prevalence of infectious abortion and its complications in pregnant women hospitalized in Ardabil city hospital during 2011-8.Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study which done on pregnant women with symptom of infectious abortion who admitted to Alavi hospital in Ardabil city during the years 2011-2018. Data collected by a checklist including demographic and clinical information and then analyzed by statistical methods in SPSS version 20. Results: The rate of infectious abortion in this study was 40 people per 50,000 live births. The mean age of the studied women was 32.58±5.35 years. The highest number of infectious abortion was related to the women in the gestational age group over 13 weeks (50%). Most of women with 80% had fever and 52.5% of women had an open cervix at the time of referral. Complications of infectious abortion included peritonitis, uterine rupture, septic shock, and DIC.Conclusions: Results showed that the rate of infectious abortion in this study was 22.5% that generally due to manipulation by methods such as curettage, drug use and its side-effects. By considering the average age of women about 32 years and problems related about pregnancy, so programing and training in this themes could prevent many of these problems in pregnant women in future.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Sports Injuries before and during COVID-19 Quarantine among Adults of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

2021 ◽  
pp. 165-175
Author(s):  
Moaath A. Alamir ◽  
Reem A. AlMohaini ◽  
Ahmed A . Alharbi ◽  
Mohammad K. Almazied ◽  
Ghada F. AlSwaji ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Sports Injuries ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Medical Providers ◽  
Muscle Strain ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Incident Rate

Aims: This study aims to compare the incident rate of sports injuries before and during the COVID-19 quarantine among active and nonactive adults and identify and compare patterns, types and sites of sports injuries. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: A self-administered online survey was conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between June 2020 to November 2020. Methodology: We conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional web-based survey on active and nonactive adults of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A total of 537 respondents from Riyadh completed the questionnaire. The study included adults active during quarantine who are also residents of Riyadh. Residents of other cities and respondents younger than age 18 or older than 64 were excluded. Results: A total of 537 participants fulfilled the criteria. More than half of the respondents were aged 18 to 24 years (54.7%). Of those who did not exercise before quarantine, 42.9% (n = 91) started during quarantine, while 26.5% (n = 86) of respondents who exercised before quarantine stopped during the quarantine. Running and walking were the most common sports practiced by 70.9% of respondents during quarantine and 63.1% before the quarantine. Muscle strain/tears were the most common injuries before quarantine (26.2%), while bruises were the most common injury during quarantine (28.6%). Soccer and basketball were the most affected by quarantine. Conclusion: The number of active individuals had increased during quarantine. Paradoxically, the prevalence of sports injuries decreased. Soccer and basketball were the most significantly affected by a lack of participation during the quarantine; both were a common cause of sports injuries. Medical providers should investigate and support preventive measurements on sports that cause most injuries.

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