RESUMO
Objective: This study aimed to study the awareness and practice of patients with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) toward their disease in the Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia. Material and Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional community-based study, in the central region of the kingdom. The target population of this study was adult patients with H. pylori infection, and a sample of 808 Saudi and non-Saudi male and female individuals were randomly selected using an online questionnaire. A consent form was obtained from all participants. Ethical approval was obtained from the university ethics committee. Results: There were a total of 808 responses. Most participants were female (89.4%) (n = 722) and between the ages of 35 and 60 years (60.8%), and most participants had a bachelor's degree (62.4%). 53.47% of the participants have good knowledge regarding their disease. Most of the participants knew it could cause gastric and duodenal ulcers (82.5%), but they did not know the infection might cause gastric cancer (48.6%). Conclusion: The study concluded that the majority of patients with H. pylori infection (53.47%) have good knowledge regarding their disease. Additionally, many participants were aware of the symptoms associated with H. pylori. Furthermore, many participants complained about their treatment.
RESUMO
Introduction Teledentistry has emerged as a promising solution to enhance dental healthcare accessibility and quality. Understanding public awareness and attitudes toward teledentistry is crucial for its successful implementation, especially in regions like Saudi Arabia where digital health initiatives are rapidly expanding. This study aims to assess the level of awareness, attitudes, and perceptions toward teledentistry among the Saudi Arabian population, as well as examine the demographic factors influencing its acceptance. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 474 participants, employing a structured questionnaire to collect data on demographics, awareness, knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes toward teledentistry. Statistical analyses, including correlation and chi-square tests, were performed to analyze the data. Results The majority of respondents (64%) reported awareness of teledentistry, primarily through the Internet (44.5%) and healthcare providers (36.3%). The average self-assessed knowledge score was 3.04 out of 5, indicating moderate familiarity with teledentistry concepts. Attitudes toward teledentistry were generally positive, with 54% expressing belief in its effectiveness. However, a significant portion of the sample showed reluctance toward using teledentistry for routine dental check-ups, with only 45.1% showing willingness. High technological accessibility was reported, yet 55.9% of participants preferred traditional in-person consultations. Correlation analysis revealed a moderate positive relationship between knowledge and belief in effectiveness (r = 0.21), but a negligible correlation with willingness to use teledentistry (r = 0.016). A strong positive correlation was found between belief in effectiveness and willingness for routine check-ups (r = 0.673). Educational level significantly influenced teledentistry acceptance, with higher education correlating with greater receptiveness. Conclusion While there is a moderate level of awareness and a generally positive attitude toward teledentistry among the Saudi population, hesitance remains regarding its use for routine care. The findings highlight the need for educational initiatives to improve knowledge and perceptions of teledentistry, potentially enhancing its acceptance and integration into the healthcare system.