Gender preference among Saudi population on selecting a surgeon: a cross-sectional study from the Western region of Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo explore the predictors of misconceptions, knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the COVID-19 pandemic among a sample of the Saudi population and its impact.DesignAn online cross-sectional study.SettingJeddah, Saudi Arabia.ParticipantsA total of 2006 participants [953(47.5%) females, and 1053(52.5%) males], and more than 18 years of age were included in the study.Data collection and analysisThis cross-sectional survey was conducted at the Faculty of Medicine, Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University (KAU). The participants were approached by social media (SM). An online questionnaire was administered, and the data were analyzed on SPSS-26.ResultsThe SM was the leading source of information 889(43.9%). Two-thirds of the participants, 1250(66.9%) had various misconceptions, and about one-third of the study participants 637(31.7%) had disturbed social, mental, and psychological wellbeing, and many participants became more religious. Two-thirds of the study participants, 1292(68.1%) had good knowledge score. The attitude was highly positive in 1867(93.1%) participants’, and the practice score was adequate in 1939(97.7%). The participants’ educational status was the predictor of good knowledge. Male gender and divorced ones were the predictor of poor practice scores and age 51-60 years, private jobholders, and students were the predictors of the good practice scores. The Saudi nationality was the predictor of participants’ positive attitude, while the male gender and divorced ones were predictors of a negative attitude. The male gender and higher education status were the predictors of good concepts, while the older age and job (own business) were the predictors of misconceptions.ConclusionOur study observed several predictors of misconceptions, knowledge, attitudes, and practices among the Saudi population. Our participants had a good realization of the impact of this pandemic.Strengths and limitationsOurs is the first study involving the general population of Saudi Arabia at a time when COVID-19 has tremendously affected the society.The use of a validated questionnaire has strengthened the study results.The sample size is adequate and representing different segments of society.One of the limitations is the convenience sampling method.Besides, the study used an online questionnaire, so we could not reach the section of society that is not using the internet.

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Assessment of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness and Knowledge among the Community of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice ◽

10.1055/s-0041-1734009 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Eyas K. Farran ◽

Dania S. Waggas ◽

Tala A. Alkhunani ◽

Safwan A. Almuwallad ◽

Rola A. Aljohani

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Saudi Arabia ◽

Age Groups ◽

Knowledge Score ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Average Score ◽

P Value ◽

Western Region ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Western Region

Abstract Objective Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a degenerative disease of the central nervous system that can lead to lifelong disabilities. There is a significant increase in the global incidence of the disease. In Saudi Arabia (SA), the western region has the greatest number of MS cases. However, there is a lack of studies and research to assess public knowledge in the region. Thus, we aim to assess the public's knowledge of MS in Jeddah, SA. Methodology We conducted a cross-sectional study surveying 468 participants from the general population of Jeddah. A validated MS knowledge questionnaire (MSKQ-25) was used. Results Most participants were female 347 (74.1%) with a mean age of 35.73 ± 14.71 standard deviation (SD). MS was found in 14 (3%) of the participants. The average score of the (MSKQ) was 7.42 SD ± 4.568 versus the average score of people with MS with a mean of 13.92 SD ± 3.33 and a p value > 0.001. No significant variation was found in knowledge between gender and age groups, but there was a significant correlation between the educational level and the knowledge level. Conclusion The mean knowledge score was below average, which indicates poor knowledge of MS. Since the western region has the highest number of MS cases in SA, the level of understanding needs to increase. This can be improved by conducting educational programs using various types of media.

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