scholarly journals Explaining Neighbourhood Variations in the Incidence of Dengue Fever in Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (24) ◽  
pp. 13220
Author(s):  
Ibrahim Alkhaldy ◽  
Ross Barnett
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Population Density ◽  
Dengue Fever ◽  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Stepwise Multiple Regression ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structural Factors ◽  
Average Case ◽  
Jeddah City ◽  
Migrant Groups

The rapid growth and development of cities is a contributing factor to the rise and persistence of dengue fever (DF) in many areas around the world. Many studies have examined how neighbourhood environmental conditions contribute to dengue fever and its spread, but have not paid enough attention to links between socio-economic conditions and other factors, including population composition, population density, the presence of migrant groups, and neighbourhood environmental conditions. This study examines DF and its distribution across 56 neighbourhoods of Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia, where the incidence of dengue remains high. Using stepwise multiple regression analysis it focuses on the key ecological correlates of DF from 2006-2009, the years of the initial outbreak. Neighbourhood variations in average case rates per 10,000 population (2006–2009) were largely predicted by the Saudi gender ratio and socio-economic status (SES), the respective beta coefficients being 0.56 and 0.32 (p < 0.001). Overall, 77.1% of cases occurred in the poorest neighbourhoods. SES effects, however, are complex and were partly mediated by neighbourhood population density and the presence of migrant groups. SES effects persisted after controls for both factors, suggesting the effect of other structural factors and reflecting a lack of DF awareness and the lack of vector control strategies in poorer neighbourhoods. Neighbourhood environmental conditions, as measured by the presence of surface water, were not significant. It is suggested that future research pay more attention to the different pathways that link neighbourhood social status to dengue and wider health outcomes.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Neighborhood Socio-Economic Status, as Measured by the Delphi Method, on Dengue Fever Distribution in Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 6407
Author(s):  
Ibrahim Alkhaldy ◽  
Pauline Barnett
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Dengue Fever ◽  
Delphi Method ◽  
Census Data ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
High Status ◽  
Additional Tool ◽  
Jeddah City ◽  
Socio Economic Status ◽  
Delphi Approach

Dengue fever, a mosquito-transmitted viral disease, is present in many neighborhoods in Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia. One factor likely to affect its distribution is the socio-economic status of local neighborhoods; however, the absence of socio-economic census data in Saudi Arabia has precluded detailed investigation. This study aims to develop a proxy measure of socio-economic status in Jeddah City in order to assess its relationship with the occurrence of dengue fever. The Delphi method was used to assess the socio-economic status (high, medium or low) of local neighborhoods in Jeddah City. A Geographic Information System (GIS) was applied to understand the distribution of dengue fever according to the socio-economic status of Jeddah City neighborhoods. Low-socio-economic status neighborhoods in south Jeddah City, with poor environmental conditions and high levels of poverty and population density, reported most cases of dengue fever. Nevertheless, dengue continues to increase in high socio-economic status neighborhoods in the northern part of the city, possibly due to ideal breeding conditions caused by the presence of standing water associated with high levels of construction. Moreover, the low-socioeconomic-status neighborhoods had the highest average number of cases, being 3.95 times that of high-status neighborhoods for the period 2006–2009. The Delphi approach can produce a useful and robust measure of socio-economic status for use in the analysis of patterns of dengue fever. Results suggest that there are nuances in the relationship between socio-economic status and dengue that indicate that higher status areas are also at risk. A useful additional tool for researchers in Saudi Arabia would be the development of census data or other systematic measures that allow socio-economic status to be included in spatial analyses of dengue fever and other diseases.

scholarly journals Measuring Digital Competence and ICT Literacy: An Exploratory Study of In-Service English Language Teachers in the Context of Saudi Arabia

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Abdulteeef M. Al Khateeb
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
English Language ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Ict Literacy ◽  
Digital Competence ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
English Language Teachers

The purpose of this research is to measure in-service English language teachers' digital competence, particularly for the enhancement of teaching English as a second/foreign language in schools in Saudi Arabia. Information and communication technology (ICT) knowledge is currently considered as a vital skill for foreign language teachers in addition to their linguistic competence. Recently, there has been a focus on digital competence, since it can be regarded as a gateway for enriching knowledge, economies, societies and individuals. There is also a massive need for teachers to assess their own digital competence according to non-conventional norms (i.e., having the ability to share content and manage information). In light of this rationale, this paper investigates the following research question: to what extent are English language teachers in Saudi Arabia digitally competent and in what aspects? This study used a standardized questionnaire that was constructed using a validated comprehensive framework. This instrument was designed to assess the professional capability of English language teachers in terms of their willingness and readiness to use ICTs along with their current digital competence used throughout their teaching and educational practices. The research included a diverse range of participants who come from various backgrounds, genders and experiences. The study was concluded with a presentation of useful recommendations and key research questions for future research.

scholarly journals A Questionnaire-Based Survey to Assess the Level of Knowledge and Awareness about Drug–Food Interactions among General Public in Western Saudi Arabia

Pharmacy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 76
Author(s):  
Syed Faisal Zaidi ◽  
Rayan Mgarry ◽  
Abdullah Alsanea ◽  
Sakar Khalid Almutairi ◽  
Yaser Alsinnari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Exclusion Criteria ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Jeddah City ◽  
Fundamental Information ◽  
Inadequate Knowledge ◽  
Level Of Knowledge ◽  
Males And Females

Introduction: Various drug–food interactions exist that may hinder treatment and can sometimes be lethal. Our aim was to assess the level of public knowledge and awareness in Jeddah city, Western Saudi Arabia, about drug–food interactions, along with the effects of demographics on their knowledge. Methods: A survey questionnaire was administered in this cross-sectional study to participants spread across multiple locations in Jeddah, including in malls and public gatherings. Participants included both males and females. Sample size was calculated through Raosoft® software. Data analysis was executed using IBM Statistic SPSS and the level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 410 people participated in the study and only 92.68% (380) of responses were enrolled in the study; 7.32% (30) were not enrolled due to the exclusion criteria. Surprisingly, only six out of eighteen questions regarding drug–food interactions in the administered questionnaire were correctly answered by 380 participants. Data indicated that the participants had a poor to intermediate level of both knowledge and awareness with respect to drug–food interactions. Furthermore, participants showed moderate to strong awareness of the effects of alcohol and tea generally, and their interaction with medication. Conclusion: Participants in our study showed inadequate knowledge of basic and fundamental information about drug–food interactions, which highlights the dire need to increase awareness.

Pediatric End of Life Care: Impact of Islamic Faith

2021 ◽  
pp. 019394592110165
Author(s):  
Shahad A. Hafez ◽  
Julia A. Snethen ◽  
Emmanuel Ngui ◽  
Julie Ellis ◽  
Murad Taani
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
End Of Life Care ◽  
Life Experience ◽  
Primary Caregivers ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Life Care ◽  
Beliefs And Practices ◽  
Education Practice

Studies investigating children and families’ experiences at end of life in Saudi Arabia are limited. However, one factor found to have an impact on patient and primary caregiver end of life care is Islam. Since women are the primary caregivers for children in Saudi Arabia, the purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of Muslim women caring for a child at end of life. Using a qualitative approach, interviews were conducted with 24 female primary caregivers caring for a child at end of life. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. The researchers found that Islamic beliefs and practices had a positive influence on primary caregivers’ experiences. Islamic beliefs and practices helped support participants through their child’s end of life experience. Results have implications for health care education, practice, policy, and future research on end of life in Saudi Arabia other Muslim countries.

SNF1-related protein kinase 1: the many-faced signaling hub regulating developmental plasticity in plants

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammed Jamsheer K ◽  
Manoj Kumar ◽  
Vibha Srivastava
Keyword(s):  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Protein Trafficking ◽  
Developmental Plasticity ◽  
Inositol Phosphate ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Primary Metabolism ◽  
Related Protein ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Cellular Processes

AbstractThe Snf1-related protein kinase 1 (SnRK1) is the plant homolog of the heterotrimeric AMP-activated protein kinase/sucrose non-fermenting 1 (AMPK/Snf1), which works as a major regulator of growth under nutrient-limiting conditions in eukaryotes. Along with its conserved role as a master regulator of sugar starvation responses, SnRK1 is involved in controlling the developmental plasticity and resilience under diverse environmental conditions in plants. In this review, through mining and analyzing the interactome and phosphoproteome data of SnRK1, we are highlighting its role in fundamental cellular processes such as gene regulation, protein synthesis, primary metabolism, protein trafficking, nutrient homeostasis, and autophagy. Along with the well-characterized molecular interaction in SnRK1 signaling, our analysis highlights several unchartered regions of SnRK1 signaling in plants such as its possible communication with chromatin remodelers, histone modifiers, and inositol phosphate signaling. We also discuss potential reciprocal interactions of SnRK1 signaling with other signaling pathways and cellular processes, which could be involved in maintaining flexibility and homeostasis under different environmental conditions. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the SnRK1 signaling network in plants and suggests many novel directions for future research.

scholarly journals Perception of Threat and Psychological Impact of COVID-19 among Expatriates in Makkah Region, Saudi Arabia

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 6650
Author(s):  
Majed A. Algarni ◽  
Mohammad S. Alzahrani ◽  
Yasser Alatawi ◽  
Raghad A. Alasmari ◽  
Hashem O. Alsaab ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Perceived Threat ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Psychological Burden ◽  
Arabic Speakers ◽  
Perception Of Threat

In the first few months of the pandemic, Makkah region reported the highest number of COVID-19 cases among all regions in Saudi Arabia. More than 80% of these reported cases were non-Saudi residents. In this study, we evaluated the perceived threat from and psychological impact of COVID-19 among non-Saudi residents of Makkah region. This was a cross-sectional analysis of data collected using a standardized self-report questionnaire. A total of 292 expatriates were included in the study, the majority of whom were non-Arabic speakers. The prevalence of self-reported depression was nearly 40%, anxiety was 32%, and stress was 43%. The findings indicated variability in the prevalence of psychological symptoms among expatriates from different ethnic backgrounds. Additionally, work environment and perceived threat were strong predictors of psychological disorders. This suggested that the perceived threat from and psychological burden of COVID-19 among non-Saudis in Makkah region is substantial. Future research should investigate the reasons behind these variations in the psychological impact of the pandemic among different ethnic groups.

Workplace hazards in forensic mortuaries in Saudi Arabia: A survey of forensic mortuary personnel

2021 ◽  
pp. 002580242110196
Author(s):  
Mohammed Madadin ◽  
Ibtisam M Alkhattaf ◽  
Fatima H Abutaki ◽  
Mohammed A Almarzooq ◽  
Fahad A Alzahrani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Forensic Medicine ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Potential Threat ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Workplace Hazards ◽  
Hazard Exposure ◽  
Work Related

Forensic mortuaries have always presented a potential threat to workers who come into contact with dead bodies. This research aims to identify hazards faced by forensic mortuary personnel, including forensic pathologists and technicians working in forensic mortuaries in forensic medicine centres throughout Saudi Arabia, to recognise the prevalence of exposure to workplace hazards and to discover the degree of awareness and use of safety practices. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in a total of 20 forensic medicine centres, using an online questionnaire distributed among forensic mortuary personnel. A total of 113 participants responded to the questionnaire. Just over half (53%) of workplaces always provided personal protective equipment, and 75% of participants always used them. The most common hazards were needle-prick wounds and accidental slips or falls. Almost two thirds (64%) of participants witnessed or experienced a work-related accident in the forensic mortuary. The lack of previous studies concerning hazard exposure among forensic mortuary personnel in Saudi Arabia means that this study provides foundational evidence for future research concerning forensic autopsy-related work accidents in Saudi Arabia.

Perception and success rate of using advanced airway management by hospital-based paramedics in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 24-30
Author(s):  
Amani Alenazi ◽  
Bashayr Alotaibi ◽  
Najla Saleh ◽  
Abdullah Alshibani ◽  
Meshal Alharbi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Airway Management ◽  
Success Rate ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Adult Patients ◽  
Supraglottic Airway ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Phase 2 ◽  
Advanced Airway ◽  
Supraglottic Airway Devices

Objective: The study aimed to measure the success rate of pre-hospital tracheal intubation (TI) and supraglottic airway devices (SADs) performed by paramedics for adult patients and to assess the perception of paramedics of advanced airway management.Method: The study consisted of two phases: phase 1 was a retrospective analysis to assess the TI and SADs’ success rates when applied by paramedics for adult patients aged >14 years from 2012 to 2017, and phase 2 was a distributed questionnaire to assess paramedics’ perception of advanced airway management.Result: In phase 1, 24 patients met our inclusion criteria. Sixteen (67%) patients had TI, of whom five had failed TI but then were successfully managed using SADs. The TI success rate was 69% from the first two attempts compared to SADs (100% from first attempt). In phase 2, 63/90 (70%) paramedics responded to the questionnaire, of whom 60 (95%) completed it. Forty-eight (80%) paramedics classified themselves to be moderately or very competent with advanced airway management. However, most of them (80%) performed only 1‐5 TIs or SADs a year.Conclusion: Hospital-based paramedics (i.e. paramedics who are working at hospitals and not in the ambulance service, and who mostly respond to small restricted areas in Saudi Arabia) handled few patients requiring advanced airway management and had a higher competency level with SADs than with TI. The study findings could be impacted by the low sample size. Future research is needed on the success rate and impact on outcomes of using pre-hospital advanced airway management, and on the challenges of mechanical ventilation use during interfacility transfer.

Longitudinal Pathways to Influenza Vaccination Vary With Socio-Structural Disadvantages

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bita Fayaz Farkhad ◽  
Alexander Karan ◽  
Dolores Albarracín
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structural Factors ◽  
Research Needs ◽  
Knowledge And Attitudes ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Moderating Role ◽  
Vaccination Knowledge ◽  
Lower Educational Attainment

Abstract Background Although influenza vaccination can prevent influenza-related deaths, uptake remains low, particularly in disadvantaged populations. Purpose A theoretical model of psychological pathways to vaccination accounting for the direct and moderating role of socio-structural factors was tested. The study sought to understand the joint contributions of psychological (i.e., knowledge, attitudes, and intention) and socio-structural factors (i.e., income, education, and insurance) to influenza vaccination, prospectively. Methods A nationally representative empaneled sample of over 3,000 U.S. adults answered questions about vaccination knowledge, attitudes, and intentions, as well as actual vaccination across five timepoints from September 2018 to May 2019. Socio-structural factors were examined as moderators. Results Findings revealed strong positive associations between knowledge and attitudes, attitudes and intentions, as well as intentions and subsequent vaccination. Importantly, health insurance moderated the associations between attitudes and intentions and between intentions and vaccination, such that those without insurance had weaker associations between attitudes and intentions and between intentions and vaccination. In addition, education moderated the path from knowledge to attitude and from intentions to vaccination, such that people with lower educational attainment had weaker associations between knowledge and attitudes and between intentions and vaccination. Conclusions Socio-structural factors act as barriers to the influence of knowledge on attitudes, attitudes on intentions, and intentions on behavior. Future research needs to be mindful of the specific paths disrupted by social disadvantages and examine ways to intervene to decrease those effects.

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