Trends and Patterns of ICU E-Referrals in Saudi Arabia during 2020-2021: Results from the National Saudi Medical Appointments and Referrals Centre.

Background/Objectives: Intensive care unit (ICU) e-referrals are an important indicator for exploring potential deficiencies in critical care resources. This study aimed to examine the epidemiology and patterns of ICU e-referrals across all regions of Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic using routinely collected data from April 2020 to December 2021. Methods: This descriptive epidemiological study analyzed data from the Saudi Medical Appointments and Referrals Centre (SMARC). This study reveals novel regional ICU e-referral patterns for critical cases using national unique digital health data, adding insights beyond the existing literature. Variables included age, sex, referral timing, reason, specialty, and region of origin. Descriptive statistics and mapping of administrative areas were performed based on e-referral request rates per 10,000 population. Results: During the study period, 36,619 patients had ICU e-referral requests. The mean age was 54.28 years, with males constituting 64.81% of requests. Out-of-scope e-referrals comprised 71.44% of requests. Referrals related to medical specialties, such as cardiology and pulmonology, were the most common (62.48%). Referral patterns showed peaks in July-August 2020 and May 2021. The Northern Border and Albaha areas had the highest request rates per population, potentially reflecting a higher proportion of severe cases requiring ICU-level care compared to other regions. Conclusions: The temporal pattern and geographic distribution of ICU e-referrals mirrored previously reported critical COVID-19 cases in Saudi Arabia. Preventive measures and vaccination programs contributed to a significant decline in ICU e-referral requests, suggesting a positive impact on controlling severe COVID-19 cases. Population-adjusted analysis revealed regional disparities, highlighting the importance of considering population size in healthcare resource management and policy.

Satisfaction-Behavior Paradox in Lifestyle Choices: A Cross-Sectional Study of Health Behaviors and Satisfaction Levels in Jazan, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Lifestyle choices significantly affect health outcomes in Saudi Arabia, but the relationship between health behaviors and satisfaction is unclear. This study aimed to assess lifestyle choices and associated satisfaction levels among residents in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Jazan, Saudi Arabia, with 3411 participants. Sociodemographic, lifestyle, and satisfaction data were collected using a questionnaire that was completed during interviews. Logistic regression analyses were implemented to examine the relationships between the study variables and factors related to weight, physical activity, and eating satisfaction. RESULTS: The study found that 38.3% of participants were inactive and 77% rarely ate fruits and vegetables. A total of 47.6% were overweight or obese. Weight (71.12%) and eating (71.59%) satisfaction were high despite these health concerns. The satisfaction-behavior paradox was especially evident in diet. Higher income, physical activity, and healthy eating habits were significantly associated with higher satisfaction (OR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.15-1.93, p = 0.003 for weight satisfaction, OR = 34.74, 95% CI: 25.42-48.35, p < 0.001 for physical activity satisfaction, and OR = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.67-2.61, p < 0.001 for fruit and vegetable consumption). CONCLUSIONS: Lifestyle behaviors and satisfaction in Jazan, Saudi Arabia, are complex. The satisfaction-behavior paradox, especially in diet, reveals a major gap between perceived and actual health. These findings highlight the need for targeted, culturally sensitive interventions that address behavioral change and perception alignment to improve regional public health.

Factors Influencing Medical Students' Choice of Anesthesiology as a Future Specialty in Saudi Arabia.

Background According to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), anesthesiologists are experts in administering anesthesia, pain management, and critical care medicine. In addition, they provide general perioperative care. Personal interests, career stability, reputation, income, and clinical rotation experience influence medical students' career choices. Studies show that anesthesiology remains one of the least popular specialties among Saudi medical students. Our study aims to determine the preference for anesthesiology among Saudi medical students and the factors influencing their career choice options. Methodology This cross-sectional study was implemented by distributing a self-administered verified survey. Results Our study included 532 medical students, predominantly female (n=344, 64.7%), aged 18-24 years (n=424, 79.7%), and Saudi nationals (n=508, 95.5%). Most were single (n=500, 94%) without children (n=522, 98.1%). A majority were not interested in anesthesiology as a future specialty (n=297, 55.8%), with some uncertainty (n=148, 27.8%) and a smaller interested group (n=87, 16.4%). Controllable lifestyle (n=294, 55.3%) and financial income (n=213, 40%) were critical factors for choosing anesthesiology as a specialty. Interest in another specialty (n=342, 64.3%) and stress (n=286, 53.8%) were significant opposing factors. Academic year significantly affected consideration (p<0.001), with second-year students showing the highest interest (61.8%) and sixth-year the lowest (24.8%). Other factors showed no significant association. Conclusion Our study reveals low interest in anesthesiology among Saudi medical students. A controllable lifestyle and financial income are key attractions. Interest declines significantly by the sixth year due to their interest in other specialties, lifestyle concerns, and stress.

Acceptance of electronic referrals across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: results from a national e-health database.

Introduction: An effective referral system is necessary to ensure quality and an optimum continuum of care. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, an e-referral system known as the Saudi Medical Appointments and Referrals Centre (SMARC), has been fully functioning since 2019. This study aims to explore the rate of medical e-referral request acceptance in the KSA, and to study the factors associated with acceptance. Methods: This period cross-sectional study utilised secondary collected data from the SMARC e-referral system. The data spans both 2020 and 2021 and covers the entirety of the KSA. Bivariate analyses and binary logistic regression analyses were performed to compute adjusted Odds Ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals. Results: Of the total 632,763 referral requests across the 2 years, 469,073 requests (74.13%) were accepted. Absence of available machinery was a significant predictor for referral acceptance compared to other reasons. Acceptance was highest for children under 14 with 28,956 (75.48%) and 63,979 (75.48%) accepted referrals, respectively. Patients requiring critical care from all age groups also had the highest acceptance including 6,237 referrals for paediatric intensive care unit (83.54%) and 34,126 referrals for intensive care unit (79.65%). All lifesaving referrals, 42,087 referrals, were accepted (100.00%). Psychiatric patients were observed to have the highest proportion for accepted referrals with 8,170 requests (82.50%) followed by organ transplantations with 1,005 requests (80.92%). Sex was seen to be a significant predictor for referrals, where the odds of acceptances for females increased by 2% compared to their male counterparts (95% CI = 1.01-1.04). Also, proportion of acceptance was highest for the Eastern business unit compared to all other units. External referrals were 32% less likely to be accepted than internal referrals (95% CI = 0.67-0.69). Conclusion: The current findings indicate that the e-referral system is mostly able to cater to the health services of the most vulnerable of patients. However, there remains areas for health policy improvement, especially in terms of resource allocation.

Changes in Nutritional Habits and Lifestyles Associated With COVID-19 in Jazan, Saudi Arabia: A 2022 Cross-Sectional Survey.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic impacted dietary habits and physical activity patterns, with some long-term consequences. This study evaluated the effects of the pandemic on adults' dietary habits and physical activity in Jazan and compared them to pre-pandemic. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional survey was conducted among conveniently selected 559 individuals in Jazan, Saudi Arabia, in February 2022 using a validated online questionnaire. Data was collected to assess changes in eating habits, food intake, and weight before and 21 months after lifting of COVID-19 curfew restrictions in the region. Chi-square and McNemar's tests were used for analysis. RESULTS: The proportion of individuals consuming homemade meals decreased from 50.6% (n=283) before the pandemic to 46.5% (n=260) during the pandemic, while the proportion of participants consuming less than three meals per day increased from 42.2% (n=236) to 45.4% (n=254), and breakfast consumption decreased significantly from 58.1% (n=325) to 53.5% (n=299) (p = 0.033). There was an increase in the consumption of fast food from 10.7% (n=60) to 12.0% (n=67) and dining at restaurants from 18.4% (n=103) to 19.3% (n=108); however, these increases were not statistically significant compared to pre-pandemic rates. During the pre-COVID-19 period, 46.9% (n=262) reported engaging in physical activity one to three times a week, whereas this frequency decreased to 41.3% (n=231) during the pandemic (p = 0.017). In contrast, a significant increase was observed in the duration of computer usage as prior to the pandemic, 20.2% (n=113) reported spending more than five hours per day on the computer, while this proportion increased to 31.8% (n=178) during the pandemic (p < 0.001). Furthermore, a considerable proportion of both males and females, constituting over one-third (n=189) of the total sample, reported an increase in body weight. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that the adult population in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia experienced significant lifestyle changes during the COVID-19 pandemic, including altered dietary patterns and a significant decline in physical activity. To mitigate potential adverse effects on future well-being, it is crucial to implement enduring initiatives promoting healthy lifestyles.

Awareness and Knowledge of the Physical Activity Guidelines and Their Association with Physical Activity Levels.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity guidelines recommend that adults engage in aerobic exercise and activities that preserve or increase muscle mass. The primary aim of this study was to assess the awareness and knowledge of these guidelines among adults in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia. A secondary objective was to examine the role of awareness and knowledge in the adherence to physical activity guidelines. METHODS: In this cross-sectional observational study, 1018 participants were recruited through a self-administered online survey. Participants' awareness and knowledge about physical activity guidelines were assessed using a prompted questionnaire. Physical activity levels and weekly energy expenditures were evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. RESULTS: The proportion of the participants who reported being aware of the guidelines was approximately 48%, whereas the proportion of the participants who correctly identified the guidelines for moderate-intensity physical activity was 38%. However, only 23% correctly identified the muscle strength guidelines. Those who were aware of the guidelines were most likely to meet the physical activity recommendations (OR = 2.03; 95% CI = 1.55-2.65). Participants who reported being aware of the guidelines exhibited a significantly higher energy expenditure, measured in MET minutes per week (p < 0.01). Similarly, participants who correctly identified the guidelines had greater energy expenditure (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: We found that adults in Jazan have a moderate level of awareness and knowledge of PA guidelines and that awareness is a predictor of adherence to these guidelines. Individuals who are aware of PA guidelines or have knowledge of them tend to have higher levels of physical activity. These findings suggest that public health campaigns that promote awareness and knowledge of the physical activity guidelines may accelerate the progress in engaging the Saudi population with these guidelines.

Satisfaction Paradoxes in Health Behaviors: Contrasting Patterns across Weight, Physical Activity and Dietary Habits.

(1) Background: Obesity, a poor diet, and inactivity are major health issues among Saudi youth. However, satisfaction with unhealthy lifestyles could impede change. This study assessed lifestyle factors and related satisfaction among Saudi university students. (2) Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 1957 students at Jazan University completed surveys on demographics, physical activity, dietary habits, and 10-point satisfaction scales for weight, activity, and diet. Chi-squared tests and logistic regression were used to analyze the associations between behaviors and satisfaction. (3) Results: Overweight/obesity prevalence was 25.45%, and only 26.67% of the subjects met activity guidelines. Many of them exhibited poor dietary habits. Despite unhealthy behaviors, some expressed high satisfaction, especially regarding their diets. Subjects with a normal BMI had the highest weight satisfaction. Activity satisfaction increased with higher activity levels. Dietary satisfaction was minimally impacted by healthfulness. Males and higher incomes were correlated with greater satisfaction. (4) Conclusions: A concerning paradox exists between unhealthy lifestyles and satisfaction among Saudi university students, particularly regarding their diets. Multicomponent interventions informed by behavior change theories and employing motivational techniques are urgently needed to address this disconnect and facilitate positive behavior change.

Evaluating the public's readiness to combat vector-borne disease threats in Jazan, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional survey.

Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) pose a significant public health challenge in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the Jazan region. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding VBDs among the population of Jazan and to identify factors associated with these variables. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 642 adult residents of Jazan using a convenience random sampling technique. The survey tool consisted of 6 domains: demographics, knowledge of VBDs, preventive practices, care-seeking behavior, knowledge of specific VBDs, and attitudes towards VBDs. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, t tests, ANOVA, and multivariable logistic regression. The majority of participants (60.0%) had high knowledge scores, while (75.5%) and (77.7%) had high attitude and practice scores, respectively. However, knowledge gaps were identified in specific areas, such as the transmission of leishmaniasis and Rift Valley fever. Gender was a significant predictor of both knowledge and practice scores, with males having higher knowledge and females demonstrating higher levels of preventive practices. Age, education, income, and working status were also associated with knowledge scores. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions and educational campaigns to address the identified gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Future research should focus on exploring the effectiveness of different intervention strategies and investigating the integration of VBD prevention and control measures into existing healthcare systems. By employing a multi-disciplinary approach, evidence-based strategies can be developed to prevent and control VBDs, ultimately improving public health outcomes in Jazan and other endemic regions worldwide.

Showcasing the Saudi e-referral system experience: the epidemiology and pattern of referrals utilising nationwide secondary data.

Introduction: Referrals are an integral part of any healthcare system. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) an electronic referral (e-referral) system known as the Saudi Medical Appointments and Referrals Centre (SMARC) began formally functioning in 2019. This study aims to showcase the Saudi experience of the e-referral system and explore the epidemiology of referrals nationally. Methods: This retrospective descriptive study utilised secondary collected data between 2020 and 2021 from the SMARC system. Cross tabulations with significance testing and colour-coded maps were used to highlight the patterns across all regions. Results: The study analysed over 600,000 referral requests. The mean age of patients was 40.70 ± 24.66 years. Males had a higher number of referrals (55.43%). Referrals in 2021 were higher than those in 2020 (56.21%). Both the Autumn and Winter seasons had the highest number of referrals (27.09% and 27.43%, respectively). The Surgical specialty followed by Medicine had the highest referrals (26.07% and 22.27%, respectively). Life-saving referrals in the Central region were more than double those in other regions (14.56%). Emergency referrals were also highest in the Southern regions (44.06%). The Central and Eastern regions had higher referrals due to unavailable sub-speciality (68.86% and 67.93%, respectively). The Southern regions had higher referrals due to both unavailable machine and unavailable beds (18.44% and 6.24%, respectively). Conclusion: This study shows a unique system in which referrals are between secondary, tertiary, and specialised care. It also highlights areas of improvement for equitable resource allocation and specialised care in slightly problematic areas as well as the use of population density in future planning.

Exploring the Relationship Between Bakhour Use and Respiratory Health: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia.

Background: Despite deep cultural traditions, incense burning significantly impacts respiratory health. Effects of Arabian bakhour remain unknown in Saudi Arabia's Jazan region with prevalent use. This cross-sectional study addresses this gap by investigating bakhour exposure and respiratory diseases. Methods: This was descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in Jazan area, Saudi Arabia, from October 2023 to March 2024. A total of 1612 participants age more than 18 years, both gender and resident of Jazan Area were included. Those aged less than 18 years were excluded. SPSS v 26 was used for data analysis. Results: The sample (n=1612) had a mean age of 29±11 years and was 63% female. Bakhour use was nearly universal (98%), especially using coal (73%). Higher bakhour frequency significantly associated with increased cough (p<0.01) and dyspnea (p<0.01). Certain bakhour types linked to greater allergic rhinitis prevalence (p<0.01). Regression analysis revealed cough during bakhour use worsened respiratory health (increased respiratory score) by 3.89 times (95% CI 1.13-6.64; p=0.006) while dyspnea increased the score by 7.48 times (95% CI 4.70-10.25; p<0.001). Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the association between Bakhour use and respiratory health in the Jazan region. The findings emphasize the need for further research and public health interventions to mitigate potential respiratory risks associated with Bakhour use.

Shifting spatial, temporal and demographic patterns of dengue incidence and associated meteorological factors in Jazan Region of Saudi Arabia from 2015-2020.

BACKGROUND OBJECTIVES: Dengue poses a considerable public health threat in Saudi Arabia, with escalating outbreaks in Jazan, where seasonal rains create ideal mosquito breeding conditions. Elucidating local epidemiological dynamics is imperative to strengthen evidence-based prevention policies. This study analyzed the spatiotemporal, demographic, and meteorological patterns of dengue in Jazan from 2015-2020. METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study utilized surveillance records for 3427 confirmed dengue cases. Descriptive analyses characterized geographic, seasonal, age, gender, and nationality distributions. Forecasting models project expected epidemics through 2025. Regression analysis identified climate factors associated with monthly case counts. RESULTS: Dengue exhibited shifting seasonal peaks, transitioning into year-round transmission by 2019, indicating endemic establishment. Cases clustered in different high-burden sectors annually, requiring localized vector control. The majority of affected individuals were young male adults, with gender gaps narrowing over time. Saudi nationals had an escalating incidence, but non-citizens showed a higher risk, signaling importation threats. Seasonal outbreaks were associated with temperature, wind speed, and direction. INTERPRETATION CONCLUSION: Enhanced surveillance, outbreak forecasting, targeted control activities, and integrated prevention policies grounded in continuous evidence assessment can effectively address endemic dengue transmission in Jazan. This study provides key insights to optimize data-driven decision-making for dengue control in Saudi Arabia.

External Vs Internal e-Referrals: Results from a Nationwide Epidemiological Study Utilizing Secondary Collected Data.

Background: E-referral systems, streamlining patient access to specialists, have gained global recognition yet lacked a comparative study between internal and external referrals in Saudi Arabia (KSA). Methods: This retrospective study utilized secondary data from the Saudi Medical Appointments and Referrals Centre system. The data covers 2020 and 2021, including socio-demographic data, referral characteristics, and specialties. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess factors associated with external referrals. Results: Out of 645,425 e-referrals from more than 300 hospitals, 19.87% were external. The northern region led with 48.65%. Males were 55%, and those aged 25-64 were 56.68% of referrals. Outpatient clinic referrals comprised 47%, while 61% of referrals were due to a lack of specialty services. Several significant determinants are associated with higher rates of external referral with (p-value <0.001) and a 95% Confidence interval. Younger individuals under 25 exhibit higher referral rates than those aged 25-64. Geographically, compared to the central region, in descending order, there were increasing trends of external referral in the northern, western, and southern regions, respectively (OR = 19.26, OR = 4.48, OR 3.63). External referrals for outpatient departments (OPD) and dialysis services were higher than for routine admissions (OR = 1.38, OR = 1.26). The rate of external referrals due to the lack of available equipment was more predominant than other causes. Furthermore, in descending order, external referrals for organ transplantation and oncology are more frequent than for medical specialties, respectively (OR = 9.39, OR = 4.50). Conclusion: The study reveals trends in e-referrals within the KSA, noting regional differences, demographic factors, and types of specialties regarding external referrals, benefiting the New Model of Care for the 2030 Vision. Findings suggest expanding virtual consultations to reduce external referrals. Strengthening primary care and preventive medicine could also decrease future referrals. Future studies should assess resource distribution, including infrastructure and workforce, to further inform healthcare strategy.

Relationship Between Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Weight Self-Stigma Among Youths in Saudi Arabia: A Nationwide Study.

Background and objectives Many research studies show that self-stigma related to weight can exacerbate mental health issues. There is also evidence suggesting that depression, anxiety, and stress could be predictors of weight stigma. However, these connections have not been thoroughly investigated among young people in Saudi Arabia, where there is a high prevalence of obesity. This study aimed to explore the relationships between depression, anxiety, stress, and weight self-stigma in Saudi Arabian adolescents and young adults. Materials and methods This cross-sectional study was conducted between January and March 2022 and utilized online surveys, including the Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire (WSSQ) and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21). We conducted descriptive analysis, independent samples t-tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and linear regression for the statistical analysis using SPSS version 25 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results A total of 1624 participants were enrolled in this survey. Most participants (889, 54.7%) were females. The mean age was 20.73 years (SD: 2.63). Males were more likely to report self-stigma compared to females (p = 0.018). Weight self-stigma demonstrated significant positive associations with body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.0001) and depression, anxiety, and stress (p = 0.0001) scores. Further analysis revealed weight self-stigma was positively correlated with psychological distress levels in the study population (p = 0.0001). The results demonstrated a statistically significant difference between different regions of Saudi Arabia with weight self-stigma being more prevalent in the Al-Baha region and least prevalent in the Al-Madinah region. Conclusions The results of this study indicate robust positive correlations between weight self-stigma scores and depression, anxiety, and stress scale scores among adolescents and young adults in Saudi Arabia. Further epidemiological and clinical studies on the national level are warranted.

Associations of Electronic Device Use and Physical Activity with Headaches in Saudi Medical Students.

Background and Objectives: Primary headaches are highly prevalent among medical students, negatively impacting their health and academic performance. Excessive electronic device use has been implicated as a risk factor, in contrast to physical activity, which may be a protective factor; however, comprehensive data are lacking, especially for Saudi medical trainees. This study aims to investigate the associations between device use, exercise, and headaches among Saudi medical students. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 504 medical students at Jazan University completed an online survey collecting sociodemographic factors, headache characteristics/triggers, electronic device habits, exercise frequency, and headache impacts. Descriptive analyses summarized sample characteristics. Logistic regression identified predictors of 12-month headache prevalence. Results: Overall, 83% reported experiencing headaches in the past year. High headache prevalence was observed among females (86.6%) and third-year students (88.3%). Using electronic devices ≥4 h daily was associated with higher adjusted odds of headaches (OR 13.89, 95% CI 1.96-98.54) compared to ≤1 h daily. Low physical activity (exercising 1 day vs. 7 days a week) also increased headache odds (OR 3.89, 95% CI 1.61-9.42). Headaches impairing productivity (OR 4.39, 95% CI 2.28-8.45) and exacerbated by exercise (OR 10.37, 95% CI 2.02-53.35) were further associated with headache susceptibility. Conclusions: Excessive electronic device use and physical inactivity appear to be modifiable risk factors for frequent headaches in Saudi medical students. Multifaceted interventions incorporating education campaigns, skills training, and support services focused on promoting responsible technology habits, and regular exercise may help mitigate headaches in this population. Robust longitudinal studies and trials are warranted to establish causal mechanisms between lifestyle factors and headaches among medical undergraduates.

Satisfaction Rate After Laser Correction of Presbyopia (Presbyond) Among Patients Aged 40 Years and Older in Taif, Saudi Arabia.

Background Presbyopia is a physiological condition arising due to the loss of accommodation within the crystalline lens. One of the most widely accepted theories of the mechanism of accommodation was that in response to ciliary muscle contraction, the crystalline lens thickness increases, the lens diameter decreases, and both the anterior and posterior curvature of the lens increase, resulting in an increase in lenticular power therefore, accommodation. A contrasting theory suggests that ciliary muscle contraction leads to a selective increase in equatorial zonular tension, with the lens equator moving toward the sclera and the equatorial diameter of the lens increasing. This results in a change of lens optical power. Until now, clinical approaches to correct presbyopia have included monovision, multifocality, and extended depth of focus, all three of which can be achieved surgically on the cornea or by lens surgery. Methods This was a cross-sectional study adopted among patients who had Presbyond surgery in Taif City, Saudi Arabia, and were aged 40 years and older. The data was collected by conducting phone interviews to increase the response rate with a prepared questionnaire that was studied to achieve equality between participants to determine whether they were satisfied or not about the results after this surgery. The contact information was retrieved based on hospital records about patients who underwent Presbyond surgery. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 22 (Released 2013; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). The data was collected for the period beginning on the first of January 2019 until the first of February 2023. Results From the study findings, a significant number of participants (28.1%, n=25) reported experiencing complete improvement and returning to normal life within 1-30 days after surgery. A slightly larger percentage (39.2%, n=35) experienced this within 1-3 months. Most of the participants (80.9%, n=72) reported an overall improvement in their quality of life after the surgery. This included activities such as reading and using a mobile phone. This indicates that the surgery had a positive impact on their daily lives and activities. In terms of recommendations, a total of 49 (55.1%, n=49) participants stated that they were very likely to recommend refractive surgery to a family member or friend experiencing vision problems. The study found that the mean patients' satisfaction score after one month of surgery is 2.494 units higher than the mean satisfaction score before surgery. This difference was statistically significant (p < .001). Conclusion The majority of participants did not experience any problems during the surgery, and most were able to resume their normal activities within a relatively brief period of time. The surgery achieved its goals for the majority of participants, resulting in an improvement in their quality of life. However, some short-term discomfort or adjustment period was reported. Overall, the participants were satisfied with the surgery, with the majority being very likely to recommend it to others. There is room for improvement in addressing concerns such as blurred vision, the need for glasses, and dry eyes. The study also found that patient satisfaction increased significantly after one month of surgery, and the timing of complete improvement and perception of achieving surgical goals were strongly associated with perceived outcomes.

A Cross-Sectional Analysis into the Willingness and Hesitancy to Test and Vaccinate Against COVID-19 Among the Elderly Population in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Introduction: COVID-19 remains a public health concern. Vaccinations, testing and tracing have been proven to provide strong protection against severe illness and death. Older adults are amongst the groups with an increased risk of severe illness. This study aimed to explore the willingness and hesitancy of the elderly population in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to test and vaccinate against COVID-19. Methods: This cross-sectional study targeted participants aged 65 years and above. The questionnaire included both sociodemographic variables, and variables related to willingness and hesitancy to vaccinate and test for COVID-19 that were mainly based on existing literature. Bivariate analyses were performed to test for associations. Significance was set at the 0.05 level. Results: The total sample of respondents was 502. The results show that 52.4% were not aware of a previous infection. Participants aged above 70 years and females were found to be more aware of a previous infection (51.6% and 53.1% respectively) (P < 0.05). Also, 54.7% felt it necessary to test against COVID-19, and among those, 70.8% believed that testing would contain and control the spread. The results also show that 3.2% were not vaccinated to date, compared to 95.41% who had the complete dose as well as the recommended booster dose for elderlies. Age, sex and level of education were significantly associated with vaccine uptake, where participants aged between 65 and 70 years, males and high levels of education were associated with a complete vaccine uptake. Discussion: The current findings add to the epidemiological evidence and show that the social network theory within the context of health may have played a role in self-awareness of previous infections. Also, social factors should be incorporated in public health interventions and public health campaigns targeting the elderly are still needed especially with the continued discovery of variants of interests.

Parents' Knowledge, Awareness, and Attitude Toward Children With Epilepsy in the Al Baha Region, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Epilepsy is a prevalent pediatric neurological disorder, with widespread implications globally. Parents' knowledge and attitudes toward their epileptic children play a pivotal role in the well-being and management of the condition. Despite its prevalence in Saudi Arabia, awareness and perceptions vary across communities. Objective This study aimed to assess parents' knowledge, awareness, and attitudes toward children with epilepsy in the Al Baha region of Saudi Arabia. Methods A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in the Al Baha region from November 2022 to January 2023. An anonymous, self-administered questionnaire was distributed among 390 parents, targeting those aged 18-60 years. Results While the majority recognized that epilepsy is not contagious, misconceptions persisted. Nearly 67.7% of families lacked clarity on the causes of epilepsy. Most believed in the potential curability of epilepsy, favoring medication as the primary treatment. A significant association was identified between having an epileptic child and knowledge of seizure-first aid. The majority held an optimistic view regarding the academic and extracurricular achievements of epileptic children. Conclusion The study highlights a mix of informed and misinformed beliefs among parents in the Al Baha region. While many perspectives were encouraging, certain misconceptions underlined the need for continued awareness campaigns and educational initiatives. Addressing these gaps is essential for providing comprehensive care and inclusion of children with epilepsy in the community.

Psychological Burden Among Patients With Inherited Bleeding Disorders in Madinah Province, Saudi Arabia.

Introduction Hereditary bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia and von Willebrand disease (VWD), result from specific deficiencies or malformations in the coagulation cascade proteins. These disorders can significantly impact both physical and psychological health. Complications such as depression, anxiety, and stress (DAS) can further exacerbate these impacts. Despite their significance, detailed prevalence data remain limited, especially for regions such as Madinah province in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of DAS and their associated risk factors among patients with hereditary bleeding disorders in Madinah province, Saudi Arabia. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study using telephonic interviews involving patients diagnosed with severe hemophilia A or B or VWD attending a hematology clinic in Madinah. Patients over 10 were included, and the study excluded those with central nervous system insults and platelet count concerns. The validated and reliable Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21-item questionnaire and Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS), version 26.0 (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY), facilitated data collection and analysis, respectively. Results Of the 44 patients studied, 25% exhibited symptoms of depression, 45.5% showed signs of anxiety, and 29.5% had stress symptoms. Regarding symptom severity, 9.1% of patients experienced extremely severe depression, 15.9% had moderate anxiety, and 13.6% reported moderate stress. The prevalence of these psychological issues varied with patients' age and economic status. Notably, a significantly higher rate of depression was observed in patients over 15 years (42.9% vs. 8.7%; p=0.009). Additionally, while not statistically significant, patients with a high economic status reported increased rates of DAS. Conclusions Patients with inherited bleeding disorders, particularly those older than 15, manifest significant psychological distress. There is a pressing need for enhanced awareness, specialized screenings, and tailored counseling services to improve treatment adherence and overall quality of life. Given the findings, a comprehensive national study in Saudi Arabia is highly recommended, alongside the integration of specialized psychological services.

Assessment of Medical Students Burnout during COVID-19 Pandemic.

This study estimated the prevalence of burnout and its determinants among medical students at Jazan University during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 444 medical students completed an online survey containing the Maslach burnout inventory. The prevalence of burnout was 54.5%. Burnout reached its peak during the fourth year whereas it was the lowest in the internship year. Being a resident in mountain areas, being delayed in college-level, being divorced, and having divorced parents were all associated with an increased risk of burnout. During their time at medical school, students generally showed a trend of consistently high scores in the personal accomplishment subscale, a decreasing trend in the emotional exhaustion subscale, and an increasing trend in the depersonalization subscale. The most important predictive factor was having separated parents. Perceived study satisfaction appeared to be a significant protective factor in a dose-response manner. These findings suggest that burnout among medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic is a concern that should be monitored and prevented.