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

Author(s):  
Amal Khalil AbuAlhommos ◽  
Fatimah Essa Alhadab ◽  
May Mohammed Almajhad ◽  
Rahmah Almutawaa ◽  
Sara Taleb Alabdulkareem

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.

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maru Mekie ◽  
Dagne Addisu ◽  
Minale Bezie ◽  
Abenezer Melkie ◽  
Dejen Getaneh ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Preeclampsia has the greatest impact on maternal mortality which complicates nearly a tenth of pregnancies worldwide. It is one of the top five maternal mortality causes and responsible for 16 % of direct maternal death in Ethiopia. Little is known about the level of knowledge and attitude towards preeclampsia in Ethiopia. This study was designed to assess the knowledge and attitude towards preeclampsia and its associated factors in South Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods A multicenter facility-based cross-sectional study was implemented in four selected hospitals of South Gondar Zone among 423 pregnant women. Multistage random sampling and systematic random sampling techniques were used to select the study sites and the study participants respectively. Data were entered in EpiData version 3.1 while cleaned and analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed. Adjusted odds ratio with 95 % confidence interval were used to identify the significance of the association between the level of knowledge on preeclampsia and its predictors. Results In this study, 118 (28.8 %), 120 (29.3 %) of the study participants had good knowledge and a positive attitude towards preeclampsia respectively. The likelihood of having good knowledge on preeclampsia was found to be low among women with no education (AOR = 0.22, 95 % CI (0.06, 0.85)), one antenatal care visit (ANC) (AOR = 0.13, 95 % CI (0.03, 0.59)). Whereas, those who booked for ANC in the first trimester (AOR = 6.59, 95 % CI (1.43, 30.33)), gave the last birth at a health facility (AOR = 2.61, 955 CI (1.03, 6.61)), and experienced a complication during previous births (AOR = 3.67, 95 % CI (1.78, 7.57)) were more likely to be knowledgeable on preeclampsia. Conclusions No formal education and not attending four ANC visits were associated with poor knowledge of preeclampsia. While participants who visited health facilities during the first trimester, who gave birth at health facilities, and those who experienced a complication in previous births were more likely to be knowledgeable on preeclampsia. Improving the numbers of ANC visits and encouraging facility delivery are important measures to improve women’s knowledge on preeclampsia. Health education regarding preeclampsia risk factors, symptoms, and complications shall be emphasized.


Author(s):  
Basmah Mohammed Alazmi ◽  
Shaikha Sulayyem Alsharari ◽  
Razan motawkel ◽  
Sara Alzahrani ◽  
Anhar Alfateel ◽  
...  

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.


Author(s):  
Abdallah Y. Naser ◽  
Eman Zmaily Dahmash ◽  
Zahra Khalil Alsairafi ◽  
Hassan Alwafi ◽  
Hamad Alyami ◽  
...  

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.


Author(s):  
Nader M. Elsayed Marei ◽  
Mohamed Tharwat Salama ◽  
Mohammed Ali Habibullah

Aim: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of hand washing among dentists in Al Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out by use of a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire was based on WHO`s “Five Moments of Hand Hygiene Questionnaire” with a few notable changes. Statistical Analysis: Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16 was used to analyze data. Results were displayed as counts and percentages. Results: The level of knowledge of Hand Hygiene (HH) was found high in 52% and moderate in 37% of the participants, when in the attitude levels the majority of the participants i.e. 88% had high level of attitude and was moderate in 7% of respondents. Level of practices of Hand Hygiene was high in 61%, moderate in 37% and almost none (1.4%) of our participants were found with a low level of practices. Conclusion: The population under study scored high on attitude when compared to practices and knowledge scores were the least. These points to the need for interventions for improving knowledge through regular workshops and continuing education. Since knowledge does not automatically translate into practices, emphasis on HH compliance must be laid.  Planned interventions to improve compliance must be multidimensional which considers and includes administrative support, clinic ergonomics and design, timely HH supplies, periodic educational programs, reminders, process surveillance and employee feedback to achieve sustained improvements. Keywords: COVID-19, Dentist, Hand hygiene, Knowledge, Practices.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (13) ◽  
pp. 67
Author(s):  
Reem Al Madani ◽  
Shahzeb H. Ansari

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.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
SAUD Alsahali

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).


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (08) ◽  
pp. 385-391
Author(s):  
Masoud Ahmad Al-Ghamdi ◽  
◽  
Tariq Abdullah Aldugman ◽  
Alaa Rashad Hassanein ◽  
Hoda Jehad Abousada ◽  
...  

Among most Medical staff the orthopaedic complaint is very common and, in this research, we focused on the overall Prevalence of orthopaedic disorders among Medical workers, orthopaedic conditions differences between genders and educational levels. Then we overviewed the rates of orthopaedic diseases in different age groups in the general population. This study participants were Medical workers from Saudi Arabia and the results may not be applied to different sittings due to differences in facilities and work conditions.


Author(s):  
Nawal Ali Mohd Arishi ◽  
Hoda Jehad Abousada ◽  
Ghada Badr Alghubaini ◽  
Manar Salah Ahmed ◽  
Rahaf Salah Ahmed ◽  
...  

Background: Overuse of electronic gadgets has been highlighted as a possible preventable risk factor for eyesight loss. Excessive use of electronic gadgets, on the other hand, has been linked to vision impairment in a variety of ways. Methods: This was an analytical cross-sectional study to spotlight on the relationship between visual impairment and addiction to electronic devices use. The study's goal was to see if there was a link between Saudis' vision impairment and their addiction to using electronic devices, this is the suitable design for this research. The study was carried out among Saudi population. Data were collected from general population using questionnaire during the period from 22 August to 22 November 2020. Results: The study included the participation of 344 participants from both genders and different age groups in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. There were 211 female participants (61.3%) and 133 males (38.7%) took place in this study. The most prevalent age group was under the age of 25 years (n= 111, 32.3%) followed by the age group 25-35 (n= 104, 30.2%) while the least frequent age group was above 45 years (n= 54, 15.7%). On asking the participants whether they think that they have vision impairment or not, their answers were as follows: yes (n= 156, 45.3%), no (n= 131, 38.1) and maybe (n= 57, 16.6%). Due to the use electronic devices, there were 107 participants complained of headache (31.1%). And this was significantly related to the number of hours spent by study participants using electronic devices (P= 0.002) as well as significant for female gender more than male gender (P= 0.03). Conclusion: The study showed statistically significant relationship between the number of hours spent on using electronic devices and visual impairment among study participants especially among female population more than male population. There is a need for awareness campaigns to increase health awareness among population to cut down the use of electronic devices.


Author(s):  
Hamad S Alyami ◽  
Abdallah Y Naser ◽  
Eman Zmaily Dahmash ◽  
Mohammed H Alyami ◽  
Osama T Al Meanazel ◽  
...  

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.


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