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BACKGROUND: Keratoconus is an eye condition where the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped front part of the eye, becomes thinner and gradually bulges outward into a cone shape. Keratoconus usually affects both eyes. The exact cause of keratoconus is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. AIM: This study aims to assess the awareness level of keratoconus and its relation to eye rubbing among the population in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, involving all eligible participants via an online pre-designed questionnaire from March to June 2023. The data were collected through social media. RESULTS: A total of 388 eligible participants completed the study questionnaire. Participants' ages ranged from 19 to 60 years, with a mean age of 26.2 ± 13.9 years. There were 265 (68.3%) female participants. Regarding public awareness about keratoconus among participants in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, our research revealed a total of 101 (26%) participants had an overall good awareness of keratoconus, while 287 (74%) had a poor awareness level. The most reported source of information included scientific lectures (21.6%). Precisely, 316 (81.4%) of the research subjects rub their eyes primarily because of allergies (7%), strain headaches (25%), and itching (66.5%). CONCLUSION: Most of the study participants have poor awareness about keratoconus and its relation to eye rubbing. Health education programs for the population should be conducted to enhance public awareness about keratoconus.
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Introduction Electrocardiography is a crucial emergency tool in the pre-hospital situation. It is a useful non-invasive diagnostic technique for quickly identifying various heart disorders. The clinical value of the electrocardiogram (ECG) depends on the clinician's ability to interpret the result of the ECG accurately. Aims This study aims to assess the competency as well as the confidence in the interpretation of ECG among medical students at King Faisal University, Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students enrolled at King Faisal University. Four hundred and ten (410) medical students from all five years completed an electronic self-administered pre-validated questionnaire. The questionnaire includes basic demographic data and ECG strips to assess medical students' competency and confidence levels in interpreting each case. Results More than half of the medical students were considered to have low competency (56.1%) and confidence (59%) levels. Increased competency and confidence scores were associated with fifth-year medical students and those who learned more about ECG interpretation through teaching during clinical rotations. The majority of medical students correctly interpreted anterior MI (69.3%), ventricular tachycardia (65.6%), and supraventricular tachycardia (61.2%). On the other hand, most students were unable to correctly identify pacemaker ECG (19.8%), long QT (21.2%) and left bundle branch block (33.4%). Conclusion Medical students' competency and confidence in ECG interpretation seems to be lacking. Fifth-year medical students who learned more ECG skills through teaching during clinical rotations tended to be more competent and confident with their ECG interpretation skills.
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Introduction Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common global health issue, yet awareness and knowledge about UTIs among the general population can vary widely. This study aimed to assess the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes regarding UTIs among Saudi Arabian citizens residing in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among Saudi Arabian citizens aged 18 and above residing in Alhassa. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on participants' awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and experiences related to UTIs. Data were analyzed using IBM® SPSS® Statistics. Results The study included 445 participants, predominantly males, with 279 (62.7%) and a range of educational backgrounds. Approximately 302 (70.1%) of the participants were aware of UTIs. However, misconceptions about the definition of UTI and its risk factors were common. Most participants recognized bacteria as the primary cause of UTIs, with 261 (58.7%) identifying this factor. Symptoms such as painful urination were recognized by 390 participants, which is a significant proportion. When experiencing UTI symptoms, 285 (66.1%) indicated they would go to the hospital. Significant associations were found between awareness, knowledge, and socio-demographic factors. Conclusion This study highlights the need for increased awareness and knowledge about UTIs among Saudi Arabian citizens in Alhassa. Tailored educational interventions are essential to correct misconceptions, promote accurate risk factor awareness, and encourage appropriate management strategies. Public health campaigns can contribute to reducing the burden of UTIs in the community.