Current Knowledge, Satisfaction, and Use of E-health Mobile Application (Seha) among the General Population of Saudi Arabia: A National Survey (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdulelah Mastour Aldhahir ◽  
Jaber Saud Alqahtani ◽  
Malik A. Althobiani ◽  
Saeed M. Alghamdi ◽  
Abeer F. Alanazi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
General Population ◽  
Mobile Application ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Lack Of Knowledge

BACKGROUND Background: The Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH) decided to enhance telemedicine provision by introducing the Seha mobile app; however, the perception of the Seha app has not been extensively explored from the perspective of the general population OBJECTIVE This study aims to explore the current knowledge, satisfaction, and barriers to the use of the Seha app among the general population in Saudi Arabia. METHODS A cross-sectional online survey was distributed among the general population of Saudi Arabia. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the respondents’ characteristics. Categorical variables were reported as frequencies and percentages. A chi-square (χ2) test was conducted to assess the statistical difference between respondents’ demographic characteristics and their knowledge and use of the Seha app. RESULTS 2,921 (58%) of the respondents had heard of the app, although only 1,286 (25%) had used Seha. Higher users were noticed among those above 51 years of age and females, 67 (35%) and 804 (28%), respectively. Highest Seha users were from the western region, 388 (29%: P <0.05). Consulting a doctor was the most frequently used service, 576 (58%). Respondents strongly agreed, 402 (41%), or agreed, 470 (48%), that Seha was easy to use. Moreover, 538 (54%) strongly agreed and 343 (35%) agreed that they would recommend Seha to others. The most common barrier to using the Seha app was a lack of knowledge about the app and its benefits, 1,556 (35%). CONCLUSIONS Conclusion: Utilization of the Seha app in Saudi Arabia is very low due to a lack of knowledge about the app and its benefits. Demographic factors and awareness were predictors for higher utilization. Seha was easy to use, and the majority would recommend it to others. Future studies are needed to explore the factors associated with the low rate of use.

scholarly journals Hypertension self-management and antihypertensive prevalence amid patients in Saudi Arabia via knowledge, attitude, and practice assessment

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 123-133
Author(s):  
Sharaf E Sharaf
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Linear Correlations

Background: Diagnosed cases with hypertension (HT) are elevating worldwide and in Saudi Arabia (SA). HT self-management amid patients is important for controlling the disease and its complications. The aim of this study is to perform an HT KAP evaluation amid patients with HT in SA. Subjects and methods: This Cross-sectional study was performed between January and April 2021. An administered validated online survey was presented to the patients via the Survey Monkey website-link. Data collectors contacted possible patients in several sites comprising; hospitals, shopping malls, and leisure-centers. The associations amid categorical variables were assessed via the chi-square test application. The Pearson correlation coefficient (r) measured potential correlations between the patients’ KAP and outcome variables. Results: This study surveyed 410 patients with HT with mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 144.1 mmHg ± 15.4 and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) 90.2 mmHg ± 10.2, mean age 56 ± 11 years, range 18–80 years. Generally, 73% of patients showed good HT knowledge and 78% showed good HT attitude, whereas 77% revealed poor HT practice. Significant positive linear correlations were found amid attitude versus (with) knowledge (r= 0.40, P <0.001), practice with knowledge (r= 0.26, P <0.001), practice with attitude (r= 0.26, P <0.001), SBP with DBP (r= 0.57, P <0.001), whereas significant negative linear correlations were found amid SBP with knowledge (r= −0.13, P <0.05), SBP with attitude (r= −0.11, P <0.05), SBP with practice (r= −0.10, P <0.05), DBP with knowledge (r= −0.10, P <0.05), DBP with attitude (r= −0.14, P <0.05), and DBP with practice (r= −0.10, P <0.05). Surprisingly, 59% of patients didn’t administer any prescribed anti-hypertensives. Conclusion: The patients showed a very good attitude and knowledge regarding HT; however, these were not mirrored in their practice towards HT. Unproper administration of prescribed anti-hypertensive medicines without a proper healthy diet and exercise caused a direct contribution resulted in poor HT practice despite increased HT knowledge and awareness. Consequently, patients are advised to participate in the free HT health education programs provided by the ministry of health (MOH) to increase their knowledge of the importance of drug compliance and applications for improving HT self-management to better manage HT and its complications.

scholarly journals Obesity self-management: knowledge, attitude, practice, and pharmaceutical use among healthy obese individuals in Saudi Arabia

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 110-121
Author(s):  
Sharaf E Sharaf
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Attitude And Practice ◽  
Linear Correlations ◽  
Poor Practice

Introduction: Obesity is a chronic disease that is increasing in Saudi Arabia (SA) and globally. Obesity self-management among individuals is essential for managing obesity and its complications. This study aimed to conduct an obesity knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) assessment and prevalence of used pharmaceutical anti-obesity medications among individuals with obesity in SA. Subjects and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between January and April 2021. The participants completed a validated online administered questionnaire using the Survey Monkey website. Potential participants were approached in governmental hospitals, leisure centers, and shopping malls. The chi-square test was used to assess associations between categorical variables. In addition, correlations between the participants' KAP and outcome variables were measured using the Pearson correlation coefficient (r). Results: In all, 410 obese individuals (mean age 40±14 years, range 18–80 years) were surveyed. Overall, 68% of participants reported good obesity knowledge, and 63% reported a good attitude, while 72% reported poor practice. In addition, there were significant positive linear correlations between knowledge and attitude (r=0.44, P<0.001), knowledge and practice (r=0.14, P<0.01), attitude and practice (r=0.11, P<0.05), body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC) (r=0.25, P<0.01), while there were significant negative linear correlations between knowledge and BMI (r=−0.20, P<0.001), attitude and BMI (r=−0.19, P<0.001), practice and BMI (r=−0.67, P<0.001), knowledge and WC (r=−0.10, P<0.05), attitude and WC (r=−0.10, P<0.05), and practice and WC (r=−0.45, P<0.001). Interestingly, 67% of participants did not use any approved pharmaceutical anti-obesity medications due to a lack of anti-obesity treatment knowledge and safety. Conclusion: The participants reported good knowledge and attitudes toward obesity, although these were not reflected in their practice levels. The lack of pharmaceutical knowledge, safety, and use of anti-obesity medications contributed directly to poor practice levels. Health authorities should establish clinical and pharmaceutical health education programs incorporating the latest pharmaceutical anti-obesity medications, including their applications and safety, for enhancing self-management and awareness among obese individuals.

scholarly journals Role of community-based measures in adherence to self-protective behaviors during first wave of COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-79
Author(s):  
Asma Ayyed AL-Shammary ◽  
Sehar un-Nisa Hassan ◽  
Aqeela Zahra ◽  
Fahad Bin Zafir Algahtani ◽  
Shadi Suleiman
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Personal Responsibility ◽  
Protective Behaviors ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Second Wave

Background: The expected second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic has started in various regions of the world. Public health experts warned that it could be as lethal as the first wave if people did not comply with self-protective measures. Currently, there is a gap in the literature on the relationship between peoples’ assessment of the effectiveness of community-based measures regarding adherence to self-protective behaviors for COVID-19 prevention and control. This study aimed to assess the role of the perceived effectiveness of community-based measures in adherence to self-protective behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The cross-sectional online survey conducted from March 24 to June 22, 2020. The study sample Included 400 participants (49% male and 51% female) from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The outcome measure was compliance to four self-protective behaviors i.e., "social distancing;" "wearing facemask;" "washing hands more frequently;" and "disinfecting surfaces in homes." We computed Chi-square statistics and odds ratios (ORs) using 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: The findings demonstrated that participants aged 25–34 years old were 25% less likely to comply with hand hygiene (OR = 0.75; 95% CI: 0.33–0.95) and social distancing (OR = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.34–0.98). Misconceptions related to COVID-19 significantly decreased compliance with self-protective behaviors by up to 27%. Participants who rated government decisions as useful were approximately 1.7 times more likely to comply with self-protective behaviors. Conclusion: Community-based measures should focus on engaging segments of the population That are currently less compliant. Health education policies should also focus on enhancing the perceived sense of control and personal responsibility and reduce anxiety levels. A continuous commitment to the implementation of preventive interventions and the clarification of misconceptions are required to combat the expected second wave.

scholarly journals Attitudes and Preparedness of Non-Front-Line Physicians in Saudi Arabia Toward the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-22
Author(s):  
Haifaa Malaekah ◽  
Muna Aljahany ◽  
Wajdan Alassaf ◽  
Malak Alotaibi ◽  
Mashael Alsaffar
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Airway Management ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Willingness To Participate ◽  
Management Skills ◽  
Front Line ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Knowledge Levels

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the attitudes (willingness) and preparedness of non-front-line physicians across different specialties in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) toward the management of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study conducted between April 15, 2020 and May 5, 2020 included 6,209 physicians working in KSA. An electronic questionnaire was designed and validated for the assessment of three categorical outcome variables, namely, attitudes, confidence, and knowledge levels. Pearson’s chi-square test was used for comparing the distribution of the proportions of these three categorical variables. Results: The majority of participants (63.2%) were willing and prepared to treat COVID-19 patients. A significantly large proportion of participants specializing in anesthesiology (78.2%) had higher knowledge levels, followed by those from plastic surgery (71.1%), pediatrics (69.7%), and obstetrics and gynecology (69.1%) (p<0.0001). Lower confidence levels were found for airway management skills (38.1%); particularly among dermatologists and radiologists. Conclusion: Higher knowledge levels about personal protective equipment (PPE) use and confidence in airway management skills were proportionally related to the level of willingness to participate in COVID-19 patient management. There is an urgent need to train doctors from certain specialties on PPE use and airway management to enable their front-line support of severely ill COVID-19 patients.

Ethnicity, age, and education influence perceptions of vegetable healthiness and macronutrient content

2021 ◽  
pp. 026010602110511
Author(s):  
McKenna Aram ◽  
Rachel Smallman ◽  
Sherecce A. Fields ◽  
Arianna Larez ◽  
Namino Glantz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Continuous Variables ◽  
College Degree ◽  
Nutritional Content ◽  
White Potato ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Macronutrient Content ◽  
Diabetes Status

Objective: To assess perceptions of nutritional content and health value of popular vegetables. Design: Cross-sectional online survey. Participants: A total of 760 adults participated in the study. Main Outcome Measures: Likert scale ratings of healthy, calories, carbohydrates, protein, and fiber, for (i) avocado, (ii) romaine lettuce, (iii) white potato, (iv) white onion, and (v) red tomato. Analysis: ANOVAs for continuous variables and Chi-square for categorical variables. Outcomes for nutritional content were compared using separate one-way ANOVAs with ethnicity (Hispanic/Latino vs. non-Hispanic); education (college degree/no college degree); age (18–34, 35–50, 51–70, 70 + ); and diabetes status (with or without diabetes) as the grouping variables. Results: Significant ethnicity effects were found for avocado, lettuce, potato, onion, and tomato. Education level effects were found for avocado, lettuce, potato, and tomato. Age level effects were found for avocado, lettuce, potato, and tomato. Conclusions and Implications: Participant perceptions of the macronutrient content of common vegetables and fruits largely coincided with the US Department of Agriculture values. However, stratifying by ethnicity, age, and education revealed significant differences in both macronutrient perceptions and perceived healthiness. There were no consistent, significant results for interactions of ethnicity by education, nor ethnicity by age. These results suggest that dietary interventions may need to be adjusted based on participant sociodemographic characteristics linked to the perceptions of nutritional value and healthiness.

scholarly journals Awareness regarding the strategies to bring down the pandemic among general population: a questionnaire based study

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 1077
Author(s):  
Varsha Christy Rani Balaji ◽  
Nithya R.
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Tamil Nadu ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Data Entry ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Medical Institute ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hand Sanitizer ◽  
The Impact

Background: The behavior of the general public will likely have an important effect on how the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic spreads, especially when the first wave is diminishing. The aim of the study is to determine the awareness regarding the strategies to bring down the pandemic among the general population of Tamil Nadu in South India.Methods: A cross-sectional online survey conducted in October 2020. A sample of consenting 500 adult, healthy caregivers of patients attending a tertiary medical institute who were representative of the general population formed the study group. They filled a pre-formed questionnaire. All data entry and analysis were performed using SPSS (version 24). Descriptive statistics and chi-square test were performed between the various sociodemographic factors of age, gender, occupation, and education, and COVID-19 exposure in the family. P≤0.05 was taken to be significant.Results: It was observed that age had a significant influence on the wearing of masks and the use of hand sanitizer. Gender, age and education are the important determinants for use of hand sanitizer, wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, avoid traveling to the infected areas as well as washing hands often and always using a facemask to prevent COVID-19 were statistically significant.Conclusions: The dynamics of the impact of the awareness campaign and public participation are understood by the results. There is a need for a training program with respect to locale-specific scenario targeted to a specific cluster of population emplaning upon their respective lifestyle, to improve the knowledge and compliance about risk and preventions. 

Knowledge, Attitude and Preparations Toward COVID-19 Among Dentists in Saudi Arabia: An Online Survey (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdulmajeed Alharbi ◽  
Khalid Alharbi ◽  
Shaul Hameed ◽  
Ramy Elmoazen
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Validated Questionnaire ◽  
Certainty Level ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
Precautionary Measures ◽  
Knowledge And Attitude ◽  
General Dentists

BACKGROUND Dental professionals are one of the high-risk categories of getting infected with COVID-19 due to their work nature. The study was aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAPs) related to COVID-19 and their clinical practice in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. OBJECTIVE 1-To evaluate the level of knowledge and attitude regarding the coronavirus diseases (COVID-19) among dentists in Saudi Arabia . 2-To evaluate the certainty level of dental practitioner in continuing dental practice and the preparedness in screening and dealing of COVID-19 patients . METHODS A cross-sectional online survey was conducted using a pre-tested and validated questionnaire. The questionnaire was comprised of closed-ended items related to KAPs. Participants' correct responses were scored and based on the total scores obtained, each domain was categorized into ‘good’, ‘fair’, and ‘poor’. Relationship with Sociodemographic details and KAP scores were analyzed using Pearson’s Chi-square test. RESULTS Most of the participants showed good scores in KAPs related to COVID-19. Saudi Dentists had comparatively better KAP scores compared to Non-Saudi dentists (p<0.001). Male dentists and specialist dentists had comparatively better knowledge scores than female and general dentists respectively (p<0.001). Dentists who had experience for less than 5 years demonstrated lesser knowledge and practice scores than others (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Dentists practice in Saudi Arabia had good knowledge, attitude, and practices towards COVID-19 and its importance in dentistry. Dentists should mandatorily follow all the guidelines and extra precautionary measures to stop the spread of this pandemic.

scholarly journals Burden of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Recent Dental Graduates in Saudi Arabia: A National Survey

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hebah M Hamdan ◽  
Khawlah Alharbi ◽  
Hatton Alsaper ◽  
Shahad Alsubayae ◽  
Abrar Tounsi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Alternative Therapy ◽  
Daily Activities ◽  
Dental School ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Continuous Variables ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are one of the most prevalent occupational hazards affecting dental professionals. Aim: To assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of MSDs among recent dental graduates in Saudi Arabia and evaluates their practice of ergonomics as well as the impact of MSDs on their daily activities. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out among all dental interns (n=1552) who graduated from dental schools in Saudi Arabia in the academic year 2018-2019. Data was collected between January 2019 to March 2019 through online survey via SurveyMonkey™. Through the questionnaire, data about participants’ demographics, symptoms of MSDs in the previous 12 months, preventive ergonomic working practices, effects of MSDs on their daily activities, and coping strategies were collected. Descriptive statistics, including mean±Standard Deviation (SD) were computed for continuous variables, while frequencies and percentages were computed for categorical variables. Results: In total, 889 dental interns participated in this study (response rate of 57.3%). A total of 54.3% of the participants experienced symptoms of MSDs in atleast one body part in the previous 12 months. The neck (41%), shoulder (37%), and lower back (31.9%) were the most affected regions. Female interns demonstrated a significantly higher risk of presenting with MSDs than male participants (OR: 2.3, CI: 1.7, 3.1). Alternative therapy was the most reported strategy for dealing with pain (44%, n=190). In total, 58.2% of the interns who presented with MSDs had their daily activities affected (n=251). Conclusion: MSDs are significant health problems among recent dental graduates in Saudi Arabia affecting the daily activities of the majority of those affected. Females were at higher risk of developing MSDs than males. To prevent this issue, dental school authorities should develop and implement strategies to ensure effective integration of ergonomics education in dental school curricula.

scholarly journals Frequency of Dietary Supplements usage in the Saudi Arabian Public and Gym Users

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Raihan Sajid ◽  
Lama Quraiba ◽  
Noara Khaled Alhusseini ◽  
Haifa Alsheikh ◽  
Nabel Basha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
General Population ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Dietary Supplements ◽  
Dietary Supplement ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Supplement Use ◽  
Active Adults

In the recent years, dietary supplements use among adults has increased dramatically to maintain good health and prevent diseases. Since some individuals find maintaining a balanced meal a challenge, they use dietary supplements to replace inadequate energy and micro/macro-nutrient intake. The aim of the study is to explore the use of dietary supplements and to assess awareness of its positive/adverse effects among physically active adults and the general population in Saudi Arabia. We conducted a cross-sectional online survey-based study and received 574 responses showing frequencies and types of dietary supplements. The results show that 44.6% of respondents use dietary supplements. The most used dietary supplements were Vitamin C and multivitamins, consumed by 44% of the respondents, Vitamin D (44%), Iron (41%), and Calcium (39%).  Protein sports bars and powder were consumed mainly by gym members, particularly those practicing weight-training exercises. Approximately 4% of respondents reported side-effects secondary to the usage of the dietary supplements. We conclude that the dietary supplement usage is widespread in Saudi Arabia among both gym members and the general public. It is highly recommended to increase awareness measures from official health entities by educating the general population and physically active adults about dietary supplement use and adverse effects to ensure safe practices.

scholarly journals Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Otolaryngology Residency Training: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Serafín Sánchez-Gómez ◽  
Juan Manuel Maza-Solano ◽  
Luz López-Flórez ◽  
Pablo Parente Arias ◽  
David Lobo Duro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Training ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
The Impact

Abstract BackgroundTraining in surgical specialties has declined during the COVID-19 pandemic. A study was carried out to further analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on specific aspects of clinical, training, and research activities performed by the otolaryngology residents in Spain.MethodsA cross-sectional qualitative study was conducted during the last two weeks of February 2021. The study consisted of an online survey taken by otolaryngology residents who had undertaken one-year continuing training from February 15, 2020 to February 15, 2021 and consisted of 26 questions exploring the impact of the COVID-19 on the health of the ENT residents and training activities. Categorical variables were reported as frequency and percentage. When indicated, Pearson´s Chi-square test (c2) with Yates´s correction and Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) were used.Results143 completed surveys were received from 264 Residents (54.17%). 36 residents (25.2%) have suffered from the disease due to SARS-CoV-2. Most of them only developed mild symptoms (86.1%), with 3 requiring hospitalization (8.3%). The origin of infection was unknown in all cases and the need for confinement was principally due to either attending an asymptomatic patient in 9 cases (6.3%) or to being in close contact with an asymptomatic person off hospital grounds in 22 (15.4%). 60.1% of the residents surveyed reported having lost more than 6 months of their training period, and in 18.8% of cases, it was as high as 10 and 12 months. There has been a reduction of more than 75% of what was planned in surgical training (p < 0.05) of tympanoplasty, mastoidectomy, stapedectomy, cochlear implants, endoscopic sinonasal and anterior skull base surgery, septoplasty and turbinoplasty.ConclusionsThe decline in ENT activity and residents having to assist in other COVID-19 units during the most critical moments of the pandemic, has caused the main reduction in their training capacity. Virtual activities have been widely accepted, but they have not completely replaced all residents’ training needs. Specialized ENT training should be extended from 6 months to 1 year to ensure adequate training, especially for recovering the surgical Otology and Rhinology hands-on training lost during the pandemic.

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