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Background Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects around 2% of the population. The lives of psoriasis patients are greatly impacted by stigma and social exclusion, regardless of the severity of the condition. This is the first study of its kind to be conducted in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to assess peoples' psoriasis-related misconceptions, negative prejudice, and discriminatory behaviors. Methodology A self-administered Google Forms survey was distributed between January and February 2023. The survey was conducted among residents of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia who were enrolled randomly via social media. We aimed to investigate their perception and awareness related to psoriasis, as well as how varying educational levels, age groups, and genders affected these variables. Results In total, 803 individuals participated in the survey. Results showed that 19.9% of the participants did not know about psoriasis. Only 5.1% of respondents stated that they were well knowledgeable about psoriasis. Moreover, psoriasis was more frequently perceived as a communicable disease by people in the age group of 18-29 years (p = 0.000). Surprisingly, only 43.5% of the participants reported that they would shake hands with someone with psoriasis without hesitation. Additionally, 40.7% of the participants were aware that psoriasis requires lifelong treatment. Moreover, the belief that psoriasis does not require lifelong therapy was more prevalent among university graduates (p = 0.000). Conclusions This study found that the residents of Jeddah need further education on skin disorders, in general, and psoriasis, in particular. Future studies should be conducted utilizing various approaches, with a greater emphasis on certain groups of people who engage physically with psoriasis patients.
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Introduction Burn injuries are among the most catastrophic public health issues because of the severe physical, functional, and psychological effects. Numerous studies have revealed that both developed and developing societies lack understanding about first aid for burns. This research sought to review and appraise perception, awareness, and practices of burn first aid among non-healthcare providers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and whether they need an effective program. To the best of our knowledge, this is likely the first research conducted in Jeddah. Methodology We conducted a cross-sectional study in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia using a self-administered online questionnaire among non-healthcare providers in July 2022. The questionnaire was made up of 29 questions divided into two sections: demographics and first aid for burns. The Unit of Biomedical Ethics Research Committee at the Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia approved this study. Results This study included 575 participants. Males comprised 54.8% (315) and females 45.2% (260) of all respondents. A total of 443 respondents (77%) held a university diploma. All respondents had a mean burn knowledge score of 6.35±1.43 out of eight. Traditional medication was used on the burn by 484 people (84.2%). Antibiotic use in burn injuries was poorly understood as 453 (78.8%) of study participants agreed that antibiotics are beneficial in the case of burns, which is incorrect. Conclusion The level of first-aid practices for burn patients among non-healthcare workers was insufficient, and the use of traditional medicines and antibiotics in burn patients was excessive. The findings of this study should be carefully considered by various healthcare organizations.
