Evaluation of Side Effects Associated with COVID-19 Vaccines in Saudi Arabia

Background: Pfizer-BioNTech and Oxford-AstraZeneca are recently introduced vaccines to combat COVID-19 pandemic. During clinical trials, mild to moderate side effects have been associated with these vaccines. Thus, we aimed to evaluate short-term post-vaccination side effects. Methods: Cross-sectional, retrospective study using an online questionnaire was conducted among COVID-19 vaccines recipients in Saudi Arabia. General and demographic data were collected, and vaccine-associated side effects after receiving at least one dose of each vaccine were evaluated. Results: Our final sample consisted of 515 participants with a median age of 26 years. Most of the study participants were female (57%). Nearly 13% of the study subjects have reported previous infections with SARS-CoV-2. Oxford-AstraZeneca and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines have been received by 75% and 25% of the study participants, respectively. Side effects associated with COVID-19 vaccines have been reported by 60% of the study subjects, and most of them reported fatigue (90%), pain at the site of the injections (85%). Conclusion: Side effects that are reported post Oxford-AstraZeneca and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines among our study participants are not different from those that were reported in the clinical trials, indicating safe profiles for both vaccines. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of the current vaccines in protection against SARS-CoV-2 reinfections.

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Knowledge and Attitude towards Antibiotics Prescription and Antimicrobial Resistance among Dental Surgeons in Saudi Arabia

Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International ◽

10.9734/jpri/2021/v33i52b33604 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 96-104

Author(s):

Samira M. Osailan ◽

Adel Alenazi ◽

Jasem A. Alburaih ◽

Aseel F. Almuqbil ◽

Nada N. Almansour ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Antimicrobial Resistance ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Negative Attitude ◽

Clinical Situation ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Knowledge And Attitude ◽

Study Participants

Aims: To assess knowledge and attitude towards antibiotics prescription and antimicrobial resistance among dentist in Saudi Arabia. Study Design: Cross-sectional, survey-based study. Place and Duration of Study: Sample: Saudi Arabia, between June 2020 and October 2021. Methodology: This is was a cross-sectional, survey-based study in Saudi Arabia. Data was collected using a predesigned self-administered online questionnaire. The survey was distributed to dentist and dental surgeons in Saudi Arabia. It included demographic data, Knowledge about antibiotics, Attitude towards antibiotics, prescription of antibiotics based on the clinical situation. Data were analyzed by the SPSS program, version 25 at a level of significance of 0.05. Results: A total of 208 study participants completed the survey questionnaire. The results showed that the half of study participants females. Moreover, more than half of the study participants were bachelor’s degree. Additionally, 21.2% of the study participants earned dental internship. However, the least proportion had the master’s degree or higher (4.3%).91.8% of the study respondents were general dentist compared to 2.9% were oral surgeon and the least portion 1% was endodontist. Conclusion: The use of antibiotics inappropriately was common, and the drivers of inappropriate practices were found as young age, male sex, higher education, and a negative attitude regarding antibiotic use.

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Knowledge, Attitudes and Perception toward COVID-19 Vaccines among Adults in Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9111259 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (11) ◽

pp. 1259

Author(s):

Edrous Alamer ◽

Faisal Hakami ◽

Sulaiman Hamdi ◽

Afnan Alamer ◽

Mohammed Awaf ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Healthcare System ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Vaccination Programs ◽

Public Response ◽

The Public ◽

Infection Complication ◽

Study Participants

Background: Saudi Arabia is one of the countries that initiated early vaccination programs despite the global challenges concerning the availability of COVID-19 vaccines. Massive vaccination campaigns have been undertaken in the country; however, negative perception and hesitancy toward vaccines may exist which could reduce public response to vaccination. Further, studies evaluating the current perception and attitude toward COVID-19 vaccines are scarce. Thus, this study aims to assess the community attitudes and perceptions toward COVID-19 vaccines in Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional, retrospective study using an online questionnaire was conducted among the public in Jazan, the southern region of Saudi Arabia. General and demographic data were collected, and perception and attitude toward COVID-19 vaccines were evaluated. Results: Most participants in this study were female (67%) with a median age of 23 years. The majority held a bachelor’s degree, and they trusted the Saudi healthcare system. Our survey showed that 67% of the study participants had positive perceptions toward COVID-19 vaccines, a finding that is significantly associated with receiving the influenza vaccine in the past, the existence of trust on the current healthcare system and holding positive beliefs toward the effectiveness of the current COVID-19 vaccines in reducing the risk of infection, complication, and mortality. Conclusions: The proportion of the public in Jazan who believed in the COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness is not inferior from similar international reports. Thus, national awareness programs toward the effectiveness of the vaccine could be enhanced to accelerate vaccination coverage. Further, nationwide surveys are warranted to include larger populations from different communities to assess the overall perception toward COVID-19 vaccines in the whole country.

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Side Effects of COVID-19 Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA Vaccine in Children Aged 12–18 Years in Saudi Arabia

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9111297 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (11) ◽

pp. 1297

Author(s):

Edrous Alamer ◽

Abdulaziz Alhazmi ◽

Naaif A. Qasir ◽

Rahaf Alamer ◽

Halima Areeshi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Side Effects ◽

Online Survey ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Vaccine Safety ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Study Cohort ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Study Participants ◽

Age Range

Background: Massive vaccination campaigns have been undertaken globally to combat the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). While most COVID-19 vaccines have shown excellent efficacy and safety profiles in clinical studies, real-world monitoring of vaccine safety is still important. In this study, we aimed to investigate the early side effects of Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT162b2) mRNA vaccine in children between 12–18 years old in Saudi Arabia. Method: To investigate the side effects in children in this age range following the administration of either one or two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT162b2) mRNA vaccine, we conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional study using a self-administered online survey. General and demographic data were collected, and vaccine-associated side effects following vaccination were evaluated. Results: The study recruited a total of 965 eligible participants. Overall, 571 (60%) of the study participants reported at least one side effect following Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT162b2) mRNA vaccination. The most frequently reported side effects were pain or redness at the site of injection (90%), fatigue (67%), fever (59%), headache (55%), nausea or vomiting (21%), and chest pain and shortness of breath (20%). Joint or bone pain were reported less frequently among our participants (2%). Our data showed that more female participants reported side effects compared to male participants, with 52% and 48%, respectively. Side effects were more common after the second dose compared to the first dose in our study cohort. Conclusions: While 60% of the children (12–18 years old) who received Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT162b2) mRNA vaccine reported side effects, our data showed that these side effects were not different from those that were reported in the clinical trials which lasted only for a few days. Side effects were more common after the second dose. Larger epidemiological and molecular studies are needed to evaluate the safety and the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccine in protection of children against SARS-CoV-2 reinfections.

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Unfolding the Mild to Moderate Short-Term Side Effects of Four COVID-19 Vaccines Used in Bahrain: A Cross-Sectional Study

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9111369 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (11) ◽

pp. 1369

Author(s):

Muhammad Nauman Zahid

Keyword(s):

Side Effects ◽

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Economic Losses ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Short Term ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Post Vaccination ◽

Global Pandemic

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) created a global pandemic (COVID-19) that has resulted in massive health and economic losses. The current unavailability of treatments leaves vaccination as the only way to control this disease. There are four vaccines (Sinopharm, Pfizer—BioNTech, Sputnik, and AstraZeneca) available in Bahrain. This project aimed to study the most common side effects resulting from the first and second doses of these four vaccines. Data were collected through an online questionnaire answered by 311 individuals who received both doses of one of these four vaccines. The results of this study revealed that regardless of the vaccine identity, participants experienced more side effects from the second dose. Among the different side effects, pain at the site of injection was primarily observed after the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine (43%), which was followed by the AstraZeneca vaccine (31%). Moreover, fever was observed in participants after the first dose of the Sputnik vaccine (37%), while headache was mainly observed after the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine (32%). It is important to note that fatigue was observed after the first dose of all four vaccines but was reported by the highest proportion of respondents in the Pfizer group (28%). Interestingly, there are some side effects, such as pain at the site of injection, that are correlated with fever (r = 0.909). Similarly, headache is correlated with fever (r = 0.801) and pain at the site of injection (r = 0.868). Overall, it was observed that recipients of the Sinopharm vaccine reported the mildest side effects among all four vaccines. The crucial finding of this study is that the first and second dosage post-vaccination side effects were modest and predictable with no occurrences of hospitalization; this information can assist in lessening vaccine apprehension.

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Assessment of Saudi Parents’ Beliefs and Behaviors towards Management of Child Fever in Saudi Arabia—A Cross-Sectional Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18105217 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (10) ◽

pp. 5217

Author(s):

Mohamed N. Al Arifi ◽

Abdulrahman Alwhaibi

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Side Effects ◽

Febrile Seizures ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Electronic Thermometer ◽

And Behavior

Objective: Fever alone can lead to rare serious complications in children, such as febrile seizures. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge, beliefs, and behavior of parents toward fever and its management. Methods: A cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire was applied over a period of 3 months, from January to March 2018, to parents who were living in Saudi Arabia. The inclusion criteria were a parent who is a resident of Saudi Arabia, with at least one child aged 6 years or less, while incomplete questionnaires, having a child aged more than 6 years, or parents who were not living in Saudi Arabia were excluded. Results: A total of 656 parents completed the questionnaire. More than two-thirds of the subjects were female, the majority of whom were aged between 25–33 years old. The best-reported place to measure the temperature of children was the armpit (46%), followed by the ear (28%) and the mouth (10.7%). More than half of the parents considered their children feverish at a temperature of 38 °C. The majority of parents (79.7%) reported that the most serious side effects of fever were seizure, brain damage (39.3%), coma (29.9%), dehydration (29.7%), and death (25%). The most common method used to measure a child’s temperature was an electronic thermometer (62.3%). The most common antipyretic was paracetamol (84.5%). Conclusions: Our study demonstrates the good knowledge of parents in identifying a feverish temperature using the recommended route and tools for measuring body temperature.

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The Level of Lymphedema Awareness among Women with Breast Cancer in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18020627 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (2) ◽

pp. 627

Author(s):

Fatmah Alsharif ◽

Wedad Almutairi ◽

Faygah Shibily ◽

Fatmah Alhothari ◽

Fidaa Batwa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Saudi Arabia ◽

Soft Tissues ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Medical Team ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

The Status

Background: Lymphedema is a condition in which excessive fluid accumulates in soft tissues. It is a common complication of breast cancer treatments. It can lead to serious consequences and interfere with the activity of daily living. This study aimed to determine the level of awareness of breast-cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) among women with breast cancer in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This was a descriptive quantitative cross-sectional design that included a convenience sample of women diagnosed with breast cancer in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected by distributing a self-administrated online questionnaire consisting of four parts, including demographic data (five items), the status of education about BCRL (three items), basic medical history of breast cancer (six items), and BCRL level of awareness of risk factors and management (nine items). Results: In total, 95 out of 135 of participants did not know about lymphedema, 119 of the participants (88.1%) did not receive any explanation about the possibility of lymphedema from their medical team before surgery, and 121 of them (89.6%) did not receive it after surgery. The most significant factor affecting participants’ level of awareness regarding BCRL was the lack of information about the possibility of BCRL occurrence, which was not provided to them by the medical team. Recommendation: Early and continuous education for future management is essential to prevent problems related to BCRL and improve quality of life.

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

International Journal of Innovative Research in Medical Science ◽

10.23958/ijirms/vol06-i01/1039 ◽

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.

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Knowledge and attitude toward coronavirus disease 19 pandemic among Saudi Arabia population: A cross-sectional study

SAGE Open Medicine ◽

10.1177/20503121211052421 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

pp. 205031212110524

Author(s):

Talal Shaikhain ◽

Faisal Al-Husayni ◽

Ghufran Bukhari ◽

Bushra Alhawsa ◽

Nora Shalabi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Disease Transmission ◽

Information Needs ◽

Normal Population ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Face Mask ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional

Background: Coronavirus disease 19 is a pandemic affecting millions worldwide. Since February 2020, new cases are reported in Saudi Arabia, and regulations have been imposed to control the spread of the disease and raise awareness. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of the Kingdom’s residents toward coronavirus disease 19 during the early stages of the pandemic. Method: A cross-sectional study of 2071 participants who were recruited from various cities in Saudi Arabia. An online questionnaire was shared through social media, which contained questions about demographic data, general knowledge of coronavirus disease 19, and participants’ attitudes. Results: The mean age of the study population was 34 ± 12.4 years. Most of the participants agreed that coronavirus disease 19 is a pandemic and is more serious than seasonal influenza. More than 90% believed that handwashing and social distancing are effective in preventing disease transmission. No significant results were observed when comparing the knowledge of high-risk participants and the normal population. More than half of the cohort were strictly compliant with curfew regulations, handwashing, and face mask. Around 80% of the population is following coronavirus disease 19 news and information through official authorities’ press releases. Conclusion: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia residents showed decent knowledge of coronavirus disease 19. Nevertheless, some information needs emphasizing and proper education. Frequent communication between healthcare authorities and the public is highly recommended.

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A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study Assessing Self-Reported Adverse Events following Immunization (AEFI) of the COVID-19 Vaccine in Bangladesh

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9101090 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (10) ◽

pp. 1090

Author(s):

Arifa Sultana ◽

Saimon Shahriar ◽

Md. Rafat Tahsin ◽

Sabiha Rahman Mim ◽

Kazi Rubiya Fatema ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Side Effects ◽

Adverse Events ◽

Electronic Media ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Therapeutic Window ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Short Term ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Common

Background: The Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine (Covishield) was the first to be introduced in Bangladesh to fight the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic. As this vaccine had shown some side-effects in its clinical trial, we aimed to conduct a study assessing short-term adverse events following immunization (AEFIs) in Bangladesh. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on social and electronic media platforms by delivering an online questionnaire among people who had taken at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The collected data were then analysed to evaluate various parameters related to the AEFIs of the respondents. Results: A total of 626 responses were collected. Of these, 623 were selected based on complete answers and used for the analysis. Most of the respondents were between 30–60 years of age, and 40.4% were female. We found that a total of 8.5% of the total respondents had been infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Our survey revealed that out of 623 volunteers, 317 reported various side-effects after taking the vaccine, which is about 50.88% of the total participants. The majority of participants (37.07%, 231/623) reported swelling and pain at the injection site and fever (25.84%, 162/623); these were some of the common localized and generalized symptoms after the COVID-19 vaccine administration. Conclusion: The side-effects reported after receiving the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine (Covishield) are similar to those reported in clinical trials, demonstrating that the vaccines have a safe therapeutic window. Moreover, further research is needed to determine the efficacy of existing vaccines in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infections or after-infection hospitalization.

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Assessment of The Immediate Side Effects of Covid-19 Vaccination Among The People of Pakistan

10.53350/pjmhs2115103076 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (10) ◽

pp. 3076-3079

Author(s):

Ibtesam-E- Fajar ◽

Hina Aslam ◽

Nimra Ijaz ◽

Daniyal Ahmed ◽

Amna Sarfraz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Side Effects ◽

Analysis Data ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Post Vaccination ◽

The People ◽

Study Results ◽

Study Methodology ◽

And Gender

The Covid-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc throughout the world, with 150 million cases to date and over 3 million lives claimed worldwide Objectives: To assess the immediate side effects of Covid-19 vaccination among the people of Pakistan Study Design: Randomized, descriptive cross-sectional study Methodology: Present study was carried out using an online questionnaire by enrolling 17040 subjects. Inclusion/Exclusion criteria: All citizens of Pakistan over the age of 12, who were eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination were enrolled. Statistical analysis: Data was analyzed by SPSS software, version 25 in terms of frequencies and percentages. Results: In present study, results showed that 76% subjects were vaccinated. Among them 64% received Sinopharm, 30% Sinovac, 0.7% Pfizer, 0.5% Astrazeneca, 2.8% Moderna, 0.8% Cansino, 0.3% PakVac and 0.1% Sputnik V. Most participants (66%) suffered no symptoms post vaccination. Only 15% developed fever, 7% dizziness, 5% vomiting, 4% pain at injection site, 2% headache and 1% fatigue. After vaccination, 1% had a re-infection and 99% so far have not caught Covid-19. Among all participants, 87% found the vaccine safe, 7% were neutral and 5% found it unsafe. Conclusion: We concluded that most Pakistanis have received the Chinese vaccine i.e. Sinopharm. Majority individuals have experienced either no to mild or few moderate type of adverse effects following immunization irrespective of the age and gender that can be easily managed at home. Key Words: COVID-19, Vaccination, Awareness and Adverse Effec

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