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 Public Awareness regarding Common Eye Diseases among Saudi Adults in Riyadh City: A Quantitative Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Waleed A. Al Rashed ◽  
Amro K. Bin Abdulrahman ◽  
Ahmed A. Zarban ◽  
Mohammed S. Almasri ◽  
Abdulrahman S. Mirza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Eye Diseases ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Eye Care ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Riyadh City ◽  
The Common

Aim. The current study aimed to evaluate the knowledge of eye disease and awareness of eye care among the Saudi adults and to explore existing eye-related misconceptions in the community. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Riyadh city during May and June 2016. A self-administered anonymous online questionnaire was used to explore the most common misconceptions related to eye diseases and eye care. Results. Out of 1000 individuals, only 711 (71.1%) participant responses were received. The participants’ acceptable knowledge (score ≥50%) was high about the eye problem in diabetes (88.6%), ocular trauma (81.2%), and other general eye diseases (91.3%), whereas low about refractive errors (63%), pediatric eye problems (51.5%), and glaucoma (14.8%). The variation in knowledge about specific ocular morbidities was significant (p<0.001). The majority of participants reported sources of information about the common eye diseases and eye care encountered from the community, internet-based resources, and social media. Conclusions. The majority of the participants had awareness about the common eye diseases, whereas low percentage of participant’s awareness about specific condition of eye diseases. Public eye health awareness should be more focused on social media and the internet to be able to cover the younger individuals of the community.

scholarly journals Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors: Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity among Tabuk Citizens in Saudi Arabia

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeneth Gutierrez ◽  
Aladeen Alloubani ◽  
Mohammad Mari ◽  
Mohammad Alzaatreh
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease Risk ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Obesity And Overweight ◽  
Cross Sectional Design

Background:Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is considered as the main cause of death worldwide. Identifying the links among CVDs risk factors can help decrease CVD-related deaths.Aim:To assess the prevalence of risk factors for CVD and their relationships among the Tabuk City population in Saudi Arabia.Methods:A cross-sectional design was used; 432 participants in the Tabuk region were included in this study.Results:The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) was 5.6%, the prevalence of hypertension (HTN) was 11.1% and obesity and overweight together were 69.9%. Mean Body Mass Index (BMI), HTN, and DM increased with age. There was a correlation between BMI with HTN (r=.200, p<.001), BMI and DM (r=.149, p<.001) and DM and HTN (r=.366, p<.001).Conclusion:Public awareness may help in reducing the prevalence of CVD.

scholarly journals Vitamin D Deficiency and Associated Risk Factors in Women from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nora A. AlFaris ◽  
Nora M. AlKehayez ◽  
Fatema I. AlMushawah ◽  
AbdulRhman N. AlNaeem ◽  
Nadia D. AlAmri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Hypovitaminosis D ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Associated Risk Factors

AbstractVitamin D deficiency is an epidemic public health problem worldwide. It is common in the Middle East and is more severe in women. This cross-sectional study was conducted to assess vitamin D deficiency and associated risk factors in women living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) was measured in 166 women aged 30–65 years. Socio-demographic, lifestyle and health status characteristics, as well as intake of selected dietary supplements, were collected. Weight and height were measured. Vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL) was reported in 60.2% of participants. Mean of serum 25(OH)D was 20.7 ng/mL. Older age and taking the supplements of vitamin D, multi-vitamins or calcium were identified as factors that associated with a lower risk of hypovitaminosis D. A national strategy is needed to control a hypovitaminosis D crisis in Saudi Arabia. This could be accomplished by raising public awareness regarding vitamin D, regulating and enhancing vitamin D fortification and supplementation and screening vitamin D status among women at high risk.

Assessment of Cardiovascular Diseases Knowledge and Risk Factors Among Adult Population in the South Region of Saudi Arabia

2021 ◽  
pp. 105477382110606
Author(s):  
Izzeddin A. Bdair
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Cardiovascular Diseases ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
The South ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Total Knowledge Score

Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of mortality and disability worldwide. This study aimed to assess knowledge of cardiovascular disease and risk factors among the adult population in the south region of Saudi Arabia. A web-based cross-sectional survey of 1,049 participants was completed during August 2021. Data were collected by using 25-item heart disease fact questionnaire. The study population included 526 men (50.1%) and 523 women (49.9%) with a mean age of 36 ± 12 years. The average total knowledge score was 65.7 ± 20.80. The items with the highest knowledge were smoking, overweight, aging, high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, and family history. Findings revealed that knowledge regarding cardiovascular diseases is inadequate with a high prevalence of risk factors among the Saudi Arabian population. Healthcare professionals and organizations have a crucial role in raising public awareness regarding health promotion, regular screening, and lifestyles modifications. Interventional studies are needed to investigate the actual magnitude of CVDs and counteract them.

scholarly journals The Influence of COVID-19 Information Sources on the Attitudes and Practices Toward COVID-19 Among the General Public of Saudi Arabia: Cross-sectional Online Survey Study (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noor Alshareef ◽  
Ismaeel Yunusa ◽  
Mohammed Khaled Al-Hanawi
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
General Public ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Multivariable Logistic Regression

BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in panic among the general public, leading many people to seek out information related to COVID-19 through various sources, including social media and traditional media. Identifying public preferences for obtaining such information may help health authorities to effectively plan successful health preventive and educational intervention strategies. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine the impact of the types of sources used for obtaining COVID-19 information on the attitudes and practices of the general public in Saudi Arabia during the pandemic, and to identify the socioeconomic and demographic factors associated with the use of different sources of information. METHODS This study used data from a cross-sectional online survey conducted on residents of Saudi Arabia from March 20 to 24, 2020. Data were analyzed using descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Bivariate analysis of categorical variables was performed to determine the associations between information sources and socioeconomic and demographic factors. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to examine whether socioeconomic and demographic variables were associated with the source of information used to obtain information about COVID-19. Moreover, univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine how sources of information influence attitudes and practices of adhering to preventive measures. RESULTS In this analysis of cross-sectional survey data, 3358 participants were included. Most participants reported using social media, followed by the Ministry of Health (MOH) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as their primary source of information. Seeking information via social media was significantly associated with lower odds of having an optimistic attitude (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.845, 95% CI 0.733-0.974; <i>P</i>=.02) and adhering to preventive measures (aOR 0.725, 95% CI 0.630-0.835; <i>P</i>&lt;.001) compared to other sources of information. Participants who obtained their COVID-19 information via the MOH had greater odds of having an optimistic attitude (aOR 1.437, 95% CI 1.234-1.673; <i>P</i>&lt;.001) and adhering to preventive measures (aOR 1.393, 95% CI 1.201-1.615; <i>P</i>&lt;.001) than those who obtained information via other sources. CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence that different sources of information influence attitudes and preventive actions differently within a pandemic crisis context. Health authorities in Saudi Arabia should pay attention to the use of appropriate social media channels and sources to allow for more effective dissemination of critical information to the public.

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 .

Public awareness toward kidney stones risk factors in Saudi Arabia; a cross-sectional observational study

2020 ◽  
pp. 101-106
Author(s):  
Abdullah AlOtipi ◽  
Muhannad AlQurashi ◽  
Abdulaziz AlTalhi ◽  
Abdulaziz AlOtaibi ◽  
Ibrahim AlThomali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Observational Study ◽  
Kidney Stones ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Cross Sectional
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