scholarly journals University Students' Self-Medication Practices and Pharmacists' Role: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Hail, Saudi Arabia

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farhan Alshammari ◽  
Ahmed Alobaida ◽  
Abdulhadi Alshammari ◽  
Atheer Alharbi ◽  
Adel Alrashidi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
University Students ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
The Self ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Abdominal Colic ◽  
Study Results

Background: Self-medication is an important issue for health authorities around the world. It is also a common practice among university students.Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of and reasons for self-medication among university students.Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional community based survey design was adopted for the current study. All the students enrolled in Hail University, Saudi Arabia were selected to include in the study. Data was collected from February to April 2020 using a validated questionnaire and were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics, Version 22.0. Using convenient sampling technique, the total sample size calculated was 370 participants. A descriptive analysis was performed. Chi-square test and binary logistic regression was used for analyzing the data where statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05.Results: A total of 373 participants completed the questionnaire. The response rate was 84%. The overall prevalence of self-medication among the students was 98.2%. Of the 373 participants, 40.8% were men, and 59.2% were women. Furthermore, 56% were in fields other than health sciences, 23.1% were in preparatory foundation courses, and 20.9% were from the health and medical sciences. The most frequent medical condition that led to self-medication was headaches (92.85%), followed by coughs (37.5%), colic (31.9%) and influenza (30.3%). On univariate analysis, it is revealed that for both abdominal colic [OR 0.54 (0.34–0.86), p = 0.01] and constipation [OR 0.57 (0.32–1.02), p 0.05], female gender was observed significantly with low prevalence than male. However, for influenza, the self-medication prevalence [OR 1.86 (1.19–2.91), p = 0.006] observed was significantly higher in female participants than male. A significant association (p = 0.011) between the self-medication factors and gender was shown in the current study results.Conclusion: An alarming prevalence of self-medication among the students was recorded. Health care providers can increase awareness of the issue by educating individuals about the harmful effects of irresponsible self-medication.

scholarly journals The Internet: Friend or Foe of Antibiotic Resistance? Results of a Cross-Sectional Study among Italian University Students

Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1091
Author(s):  
Francesca Licata ◽  
Silvia Angelillo ◽  
Alessandra Oliverio ◽  
Aida Bianco
Keyword(s):  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
University Students ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Antibiotic Consumption ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional

The study aims were to investigate knowledge and attitudes towards antibiotics and antibiotic resistance (ABR), and to assess the extent of practices regarding antibiotic consumption and Internet use among university students in Southern Italy. Data were collected through an anonymous online questionnaire from 1 April to 14 April 2021. The eligibility criteria for the study were: (i) age between 18 and 30 years and (ii) registered as an undergraduate student at the university. Among the 1051 sampled students, only 7.4% gave the correct answer to all 7 knowledge statements about antibiotics and ABR. The main determinants of knowledge were being younger and attending to medical or life sciences majors. Almost two-thirds took an antibiotic in the previous 12 months and 24.6% reported having self-medicated with antibiotics. More than half of the sample used the Internet to seek information about antibiotics and/or ABR, and it was the strongest predictor of self-medication with antibiotics. The study findings highlighted gaps in knowledge, considerable antibiotic consumption, sometimes without prescription, together with an extensive Internet use to seek health-related information. To facilitate the health-promoting use of the Internet in conjunction with health care providers, we could make young adults aware of the rational use of antibiotics.

Radiation and its associated health risks: assessment of knowledge and risk perception among adolescents and young adults in Saudi Arabia

2018 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Heba Shaaban ◽  
Mohsina Bano Shaikh
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Adolescents And Young Adults ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Radiation Sources ◽  
Risks Assessment

Abstract Electromagnetic radiation is the fastest growing environmental factor due to the vast development in technology in the last decades. Awareness about radiation has received more attention worldwide due to its health hazards. Adolescents are exposed to radiation from various sources on a daily basis. The number of studies conducted to assess the knowledge and perception of adolescents and young adults regarding radiation and its risks is limited, especially in the Middle East. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and perception about radiation and its associated hazards among adolescents and young adults. Additionally, our aim was to identify the best methods of education regarding radiation and its protective measures. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 506 participants in Saudi Arabia. It was found that the overall knowledge and awareness on radiation sources and its hazards among adolescents and young adults is inadequate. The majority of participants had misconceptions regarding radiation sources and its detriments to health. Socio-demographic variables were associated with the participants’ perception. Educating adolescents on radiation and its safety measures is much needed. It was found that the most preferred methods of education are social media and health care providers. The findings of this study will provide insight when designing future interventions to promote specific messages to enhance knowledge and improve awareness regarding radiation.

scholarly journals Assessment of Females Awareness in Saudi Arabia about Long term use of COCP and Venous Thromboembolism Risk: A Cross Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (01) ◽  
pp. 62-66
Author(s):  
Basmah Mohammed Alazmi ◽  
Shaikha Sulayyem Alsharari ◽  
Razan motawkel ◽  
Sara Alzahrani ◽  
Anhar Alfateel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
University Education ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Study Participants

Background: Nowadays there are a lot of women using contraceptive oral combined pills for birth control and as we know VTE is one of the complications when it used for a long time, and here in this study our aim is to assess the awareness and knowledge of females who live in Saudi Arabia about COCP and its complications like VTE. A cross-sectional observational study based on a questionnaire conducted among females who live in Saudi Arabia. Data collection was done by using online survey which contains questions about the age, education and contraception. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study carried out during December 2020 in Saudi Arabia. We minimize our target population through inclusion criteria: 1- Female 2- Live in Saudi Arabia 3- Agree to participate. Sample size was 454 participants calculated by using survey system website through sample size calculator with Confidence Level 95% and margin of error 5%. Result: A total of 454 patients completed the survey questionnaire. The results showed that the vast majority of the study participants aged 20 years or more. Moreover, more than 90% of the study participants were Saudi females. The average body weight is around 95 kg and height 164.2 cm. The results also indicated that two-third of the study participants attained university education level compared to 16.1% obtained secondary education. Additionally, 36.6% of the study participants worked as a housewife, 18.1% working in health field. Moreover, 40% of the respondents reside in the western regions, 34% live in eastern regions compared to the lowest percentage in South region 3.3%. Conclusion: In summary, this study revealed that the internet was the main source of knowledge. Health care providers should perform their intended role in improving the female’s awareness regarding family planning. The criteria for preferable contraceptive method are that it has few or no side effects, also it depends on how much effective and convenient it is. Educational programs may be warranted to minimize the fear of side effects and to enhance the general knowledge about contraception.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress among the General Population in Saudi Arabia during Covid-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (24) ◽  
pp. 9183
Author(s):  
Hasan Saeed Alamri ◽  
Abdullah Algarni ◽  
Shehata F. Shehata ◽  
Ali Al Bshabshe ◽  
Nada N. Alshehri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
General Population ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Public Mental Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Prevalence Of Depression

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a significant impact on public mental health. Our objective was to assess prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among the general population in Saudi Arabia during this pandemic. A descriptive cross-sectional approach was used targeting all accessible populations in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected from participants using an electronic pre-structured questionnaire. Psychological impact was assessed using the Arabic version of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). A total of 1597 participants completed the survey. In total, 17.1% reported moderate to severe depressive symptoms; 10% reported moderate to severe anxiety symptoms; and 12% reported moderate to severe stress levels. Depression, anxiety, and stress were significantly higher among females, younger respondents, and health care providers. Depression was higher among smokers, singles, and non-working respondents. Anxiety was higher among those reporting contacts with COVID-19 positive cases, previously quarantined and those with chronic health problems. Our findings reaffirm the importance of providing appropriate knowledge and specialized interventions to promote the mental well-being of the Saudi population, paying particular attention to high-risk groups.

scholarly journals Cannabis Use for Medicinal Purposes among Canadian University Students

2019 ◽  
Vol 64 (5) ◽  
pp. 351-355 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacqueline M. Smith ◽  
Joel Mader ◽  
Andrew C. H. Szeto ◽  
Amelia M. Arria ◽  
Ken C. Winters ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
University Students ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Sleep Problems ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
Cannabis Use ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medicinal Cannabis

Objective: The study sought to describe a Canadian sample of university students’ medicinal use of cannabis, including prevalence of cannabis use disorder (CUD) and replacement of traditional treatments with cannabis. Method: A random sample of 4000 university students was asked to complete a cross-sectional web-based survey. The survey was completed by 2212 (average age 23.2 years, SD = 5.2 years), representing a 55.3% response rate. To be eligible, students had to be enrolled in a class on campus and were 18 years or older. Result: Half (52%) of respondents used cannabis at least once in their lifetime, with ∼11% reporting medicinal cannabis use. Recreational motives to use cannabis were common among medicinal users (85%), several (38%) replaced traditional medication with cannabis, and more than a third received authorization by a health care provider. Of the medicinal users, 13.6% met the criteria for CUD. Common ailments for medicinal cannabis use were anxiety, sleep problems, depression, and pain. When mental health–related categories are combined, 78.2% of medicinal users used for at least 1 mental health condition. Conclusions: Medicinal cannabis use occurs among university students. None of the ailments listed by medicinal users meet the Canadian Family Physicians prescribing guidelines, and most are not among those viewed by the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine as having strong evidence for therapeutic value. The results raise concerns for health care providers who are authorizing or counselling patients’ considering medicinal cannabis.

scholarly journals Anxiety and Suicidal Thoughts During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-Country Comparative Study Among Indonesian, Taiwanese, and Thai University Students (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iqbal Pramukti ◽  
Carol Strong ◽  
Yajai Sitthimongkol ◽  
Agus Setiawan ◽  
Moses Glorino Rumambo Pandin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
University Students ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Suicidal Thoughts ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Thai Students ◽  
Thai University

BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected the mental health of university students. OBJECTIVE This study examined the psychological responses toward COVID-19 among university students from 3 countries—Indonesia, Taiwan, and Thailand. METHODS We used a web-based, cross-sectional survey to recruit 1985 university students from 5 public universities (2 in Indonesia, 1 in Thailand, and 1 in Taiwan) via popular social media platforms such as Facebook, LINE, WhatsApp, and broadcast. All students (n=938 in Indonesia, n=734 in Thailand, and n=313 in Taiwan) answered questions concerning their anxiety, suicidal thoughts (or sadness), confidence in pandemic control, risk perception of susceptibility to infection, perceived support, resources for fighting infection, and sources of information in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS Among the 3 student groups, Thai students had the highest levels of anxiety but the lowest levels of confidence in pandemic control and available resources for fighting COVID-19. Factors associated with higher anxiety differed across countries. Less perceived satisfactory support was associated with more suicidal thoughts among Indonesian students. On the other hand, Taiwanese students were more negatively affected by information gathered from the internet and from medical staff than were Indonesian or Thai students. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that health care providers in Thailand may need to pay special attention to Thai university students given that high levels of anxiety were observed in this study population. In addition, health care providers should establish a good support system for university students, as the results of this study indicate a negative association between support and suicidal thoughts.

scholarly journals A Population Based Study on the Healthcare Seeking Behaviour During the COVID-19 Outbreak

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. e14
Author(s):  
Abdul Rehman Arshad ◽  
◽  
Imtiaz Bashir ◽  
Ahmad Tariq ◽  
Farhat Ijaz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Health Providers ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Seeking Behavior ◽  
Seeking Behavior ◽  
The Government

Amidst a time when there is the global pandemic of COVID-19 and high levels of stress and anxiety among people, it was pertinent to study if people have modified their health-seeking behavior. A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was performed in Lahore to assess the change in behaviors of people before and during the pandemic. The results show that the health seeking behavior of the people has changed during the pandemic, resulting in an increased trend of self-medication and a decreased number of people visiting the hospital for their ailments. People preferred private health providers over the government facilities. This might be due to the misinformation, panic, and uncertainties spread by the social media. Governmental health care providers should consider these aspects while addressing the polices related to the pandemic.

scholarly journals Health care providers’ perceptions regarding antimicrobial stewardship programs (AMS) implementation—facilitators and challenges: a cross-sectional study in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed A. Baraka ◽  
Hassan Alsultan ◽  
Taha Alsalman ◽  
Hussain Alaithan ◽  
Md. Ashraful Islam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Information Resources ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Eastern Province ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Internal Policy

Abstract Background Infections result from invasions of an organism into body tissues leading to diseases and complications that might eventually lead to death. Inappropriate use of antimicrobials has led to development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) which has been associated with increased mortality, morbidity and health costs. Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs are designed to ensure appropriate selections of an effective antimicrobial drugs and optimizing antibiotic use to minimize antibiotic resistance by implementing certain policies, strategies and guidelines. The aim of this study was to investigate practitioners’ perceptions regarding AMS implementation and to identify challenges and facilitators of these programs execution. Methods Cross-sectional study among health care providers in Eastern province of Saudi Arabia Hospitals. The data was collected using a survey including questions about demographic data and information about clinicians’ (physicians, pharmacists and nurses) previous experience with AMS and prescribing of antibiotics, the level of knowledge and attitudes regarding AMS programs’ implementation. Results More than 50% of clinicians (N = 184) reported lack of awareness of AMS programs and their components, whereas 71.2% do not have previous AMS experience. The majority of clinicians (72.3%) noticed increasing number of AMR infections over the past 5 years and (69.6%) were involved in care of patients with an antibiotic-resistant infection. Around 77.2% of respondents reported that formulary management can be helpful for AMS practice and majority of respondents (79.9%) reported that the availability of pathogens and antimicrobial susceptibility testing can be helpful for AMS. Major barriers to AMS implementation identified were lack of internal policy/guidelines and specialized AMS information resources. Lack of administrative awareness about AMS programs; lack of personnel, time limitation, limited training opportunities, lack of confidence, financial issue or limited funding and lack of specialized AMS information resources were also reported 65.8%, 62.5%, 60.9%, 73.9%, 50%, 54.3 and 74.5%, respectively. Conclusion Our study identified comprehensive education and training needs for health care providers about AMS programs. Furthermore, it appears that internal policy and guidelines need revision to ensure that the health care providers work consistently with AMS. Future research must focus on the benefit of implementing AMS as many hospitals are not implementing AMS as revealed by the clinicians. We recommend policy makers and concerned health authorities to consider the study findings into account to optimize AMS implementation.

scholarly journals KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND PRACTICES TOWARDS COVID-19 AMONG RESIDENTS IN HAIL CITY, SAUDI ARABIA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

2020 ◽  
pp. 147-152
Author(s):  
FARHAN ALSHAMMARI ◽  
TURKI ALHAGBANI ◽  
AHMED ALAFNAN ◽  
KHALID ALMANSOUR ◽  
KASHIFULLAH KHAN
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Preventive Practices ◽  
Knowledge Questionnaire ◽  
Appropriate Practices ◽  
Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Objective: Immense measures were taken to monitor the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Saudi Arabia. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) against COVID-19 influence a resident’s commitment to these control measures. The objective of the study was to investigate the KAP of Saudi residents toward COVID-19 during the increasingly growing outbreak period. Methods: Through the authors’ network with residents in Hail city and the northern region of Saudi Arabia, an online sample was successfully carried out among Saudi residents. The participants completed an established and validated online KAP questionnaire. The knowledge questionnaire consisted of 16 questions regarding the clinical characteristics and prevention of COVID-19. Assessments of attitudes and practices of the residents toward COVID-19, included questions on confidence in controlling the COVID-19 outbreak, going to crowded places and wearing facemasks when going out in recent days. Results: A total of 285 participants took part in the survey questionnaire, of these 54.7% were women, 68.4% held a bachelor’s degree, and 47.7% were engaged in an occupation other than health-care providers. The overall correct rate of the knowledge questionnaire was 65%. The majority of the respondents (66%) reported that they had confirmed the information obtained from different media sources, where nearly 78.3% of respondents agreed that COVID-19 can be successfully controlled. Furthermore, about 92.3% of the participants avoided going out to crowded places, whereas only 41.1% wore facemasks when going out in recent days. A statistically significant association (p=0.0001) was found on analysis of the COVID-19 knowledge score, with a lower likelihood of negative attitudes and preventive practices toward COVID-2019. Conclusion: The majority of Hail city residents are familiar with COVID-19 in both genders, hold optimistic attitudes, and have appropriate practices toward COVID-19. Health education programs designed to enhance COVID-19 awareness are beneficial for Saudi residents to maintain positive attitudes and appropriate practices.

The Use of Mobile Apps to Improve Diabetes Self-Management: A Cross-Sectional Study (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Satoshi Inagaki ◽  
Kenji Kato ◽  
Kozue Abe ◽  
Takeshi Kawamoto ◽  
Hiroaki Takahashi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Diabetes Management ◽  
The Self ◽  
Walking Distance ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Management Behavior ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Management Behaviors

BACKGROUND Background: Healthcare apps on smartphones are used to retrieve health information and manage health. A number of healthcare apps have been employed to support diabetes self-management, and evidence has accumulated on the outcomes of interventions using individual apps. However, only a small percentage of all healthcare apps have a proven effect on people with diabetes, and it is unclear which apps should be recommended in non-English-speaking countries. Verifying that the healthcare apps used by people with diabetes are useful for diabetes management behaviors will help healthcare providers know which apps to recommend. OBJECTIVE Objective: The purpose of this study was to clarify whether and how the use of healthcare apps affects the self-management behavior of people with diabetes. METHODS Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire was given to patients with type 2 diabetes who were pre-registered with an Internet research company. The items on the questionnaire involved the use of smartphone healthcare apps, diabetes self-management behaviors (Japan Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities [J-SDSCA]), motivations for diabetes self-management (autonomous motivation and controlled motivation), and feelings of competence in self-management (Perceived Competence for Diabetes Scale). To examine whether a healthcare app had an effect on the self-management behavior score, a multiple regression analysis was conducted with the J-SDSCA score as the objective variable. RESULTS Results: Of the 253 participants, 61 (24.1%) indicated that they were currently using a healthcare app. Those using a healthcare app had a significantly higher J-SDSCA score than those not using one (beta =.15, 95% CI 0.60–3.54, P <.001). Regarding the frequency of exercise, the use of apps for steps and walking distance led to a significant difference (beta =.22, 95% CI 0.59–1.90, P <.001). For general diet, the use of any healthcare app had no significant effect (P =.22). CONCLUSIONS Conclusions: The use of healthcare apps was beneficial for diabetes self-management. Given that even non-specialized apps can improve diabetes self-management behaviors, health care providers should encourage patients to use apps that are tailored to their preferences and that are easy to use long-term. The use of healthcare apps was particularly associated with increased exercise regimen efforts. Recommending the use of healthcare apps, especially apps that include pedometers, could be useful when patients have problems with exercise.

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