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Background Mental health treatment, particularly through psychotropic medications, is becoming increasingly prominent worldwide. In Saudi Arabia, the acceptance and understanding of these treatments are shaped by unique cultural and social factors. Despite some awareness, there remains a need for deeper insights into the public's perceptions and knowledge of psychotropic medications. This study aims to examine the awareness levels of psychotropic medications among the Saudi population, their perceived benefits and risks, the prevalence of their use, and any demographic differences in these perceptions. Methods Employing a quantitative, cross-sectional design, this study collected data via an online questionnaire from Saudi residents aged 18 and above. The questionnaire, validated by experts, covered demographic details, awareness and knowledge of psychotropic medications, and personal or vicarious experiences with these medications. Data analysis was performed using SPSS (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA), applying descriptive and inferential statistics to provide a comprehensive view of the current landscape. The study was conducted over four weeks, from May 1, 2024, to May 31, 2024. Results The study indicated a demographic skew towards younger individuals, with a significant predominance of female respondents (70.86%, n=1024). A notable 63.52% (n=922) of participants reported being aware of psychotropic medications. Regarding knowledge, 37.83% (n=549) of respondents were somewhat knowledgeable about the benefits, while 37.57% (n=545) were somewhat knowledgeable about the risks. The prevalence of use was reported by 41.92% (n=608) of respondents, mainly through acquaintances rather than personal use. Younger, predominantly female, and well-educated individuals demonstrated higher levels of awareness and acceptance of psychotropic medications. Significant variations in perceptions were observed based on age, gender, and educational level. Respondents aged 18-24 years (52.52%, n=762) were significantly more likely to be aware of psychotropic medications (p < 0.01), and female respondents showed a higher acceptance rate (p < 0.05). Educational level also played a crucial role, with college-educated individuals (63.38%, n=919) displaying greater acceptance and awareness compared to those with only a high school education (28.24%, n=409) (p < 0.01). The general opinion on the effectiveness and adequacy of public information about psychotropic medications was mixed, with 52.93% (n=768) acknowledging their benefits while 31.92% (n=463) expressed concerns about side effects, indicating a need for improved public education. Conclusion The study emphasizes the importance of enhancing public education and awareness initiatives to improve knowledge and acceptance of psychotropic medications in Saudi Arabia. This could lead to better mental health outcomes and broader acceptance of these treatment options.
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Background The significance of vitamins in maintaining health necessitates a comprehensive understanding among the population, which is critical for making informed decisions pertaining to diet and vitamin supplementation. Nevertheless, there is a notable deficiency in research regarding the mechanisms through which individuals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) acquire and utilize vitamin-related knowledge, marking a considerable void in public health and nutrition education. Methods This study proposes a quantitative, cross-sectional analysis to evaluate vitamin literacy and information-seeking behaviors within KSA's diverse demographic sectors. Survey instruments will be utilized to ascertain the primary sources from which individuals derive vitamin information and to analyze the factors that influence the integration of this knowledge into daily health practices. Results Analysis showed significant variance in vitamin literacy with age and education acting as key differentiators. Kruskal-Wallis tests indicated significant differences in self-rated vitamin knowledge across age groups (p < 0.001), and Chi-square tests confirmed the association between education level and supplement use (p = 0.0022). The majority of participants demonstrated moderate knowledge of vitamins, yet a discrepancy exists between this knowledge and dietary application. Trust in information sources emerged as a significant predictor of dietary change (Chi-square, p < 0.001), although a substantial portion of participants did not actively incorporate vitamin knowledge into their daily diet. Conclusion The enhancement of vitamin literacy is paramount for the formulation of effective public health strategies. Our findings suggest that targeted educational programs, especially for younger and less-educated populations, are crucial to bridge the gap between vitamin knowledge and its application in daily diet. In addition, efforts should focus on improving the credibility of information sources, as this significantly influences dietary changes. These initiatives can lead to more informed decision-making regarding diet and vitamin supplementation, ultimately fostering healthier living practices and reducing the occurrences of vitamin-related health issues within the KSA populace. This research contributes substantively to the development of tailored educational initiatives and informed policymaking, guiding future efforts to advance nutrition guidelines and public health in the region.
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BACKGROUND: Medication errors significantly impact patient safety and healthcare costs. This study investigates the influence of interprofessional communication on medication error rates, with a focus on identifying actionable strategies to improve communication efficacy among healthcare professionals. METHODS: Utilizing a quantitative approach, this research distributed a detailed online questionnaire to a broad cohort of healthcare workers in various settings within Saudi Arabia. The survey encompassed sections on demographics, the frequency and quality of interprofessional communication, perceived barriers and facilitators to effective communication, and personal experiences with medication errors. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS to derive descriptive and inferential statistics, alongside thematic analysis for qualitative responses. RESULTS: The survey attracted 1165 respondents, predominantly aged 20-30 (68.58%) and female (65.49%). Pharmacists constituted the largest professional group (40.34%). We identified a notable positive correlation (r = 0.16) between high-quality interprofessional communication and employment in hospital environments or having 5-20 years of experience. In contrast, negative correlations were observed with employment in non-traditional healthcare settings (r = -0.19) and professionals with less than five years of experience (r = -0.13), indicating communication challenges. The analysis also highlighted a concerning frequency of prescription and dispensing errors, with 52.70% of participants reporting prescription errors as the most common issue encountered. CONCLUSION: Effective interprofessional communication is pivotal in mitigating medication errors within healthcare settings. The study illuminates specific areas for improvement, including the need for targeted communication training, particularly for less experienced professionals and those in non-traditional settings. Enhancing communication channels and fostering an environment conducive to open, interdisciplinary dialogue are essential steps towards advancing patient safety and reducing medication errors.