Determinants of periodic health examination uptake among adults in Al-Jouf Region, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Periodic Health Examinations (PHEs) typically occur annually and provide an important opportunity for providers to screen their patients for undiagnosed health conditions and monitor existing conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension. Unfortunately, PHEs are reported to be low in Saudi Arabia. This study's aim was to assess the regular uptake of PHEs by adults residing in Al-Jouf region, Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among adults (aged ≥ 20 years) residing in five communities in the Al-Jouf Region on sociodemographic characteristics, self-reported chronic conditions, knowledge of PHEs, and their regular uptake. Chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to determine the factors associated with regular uptake of PHEs. RESULTS: A total of 624 participants completed the survey questionnaire. Of the participants, 27.7% reported a regular uptake of PHEs. The odds of regular uptake of PHEs were higher among older respondents (odds ratio [OR] =1.98; P = 0.002), those who reported that they had diabetes (OR = 3.25; P < 0.001), hypertension (OR = 4.11; P = 0.001), hyperlipidemia (OR = 2.66; P = 0.003), and those with a higher PHEs knowledge score (OR = 1.35; P < 0.001). However, the odds regular uptake of PHEs among respondents residing in the three governorates and Skaka city were significantly lower (OR = 0.27; P = 0.001 and OR = 0.30; P = 0.002, respectively) than their counterparts. CONCLUSION: Low rates of PHEs uptake were observed among the survey participants in the Al-Jouf Region of Saudi Arabia. The characteristics of individuals associated with low uptake of PHEs were identified. Tailored interventions, such as the use of community health workers and clinic communications, could target these individuals to increase the uptake of PHEs.

Low uptake of seasonal influenza vaccination in Al-Jouf region of Saudi Arabia.

Introduction: Seasonal influenza is a contagious viral respiratory condition typically occurring in the fall to early spring months of the year globally. The risk of infection from seasonal influenza can be greatly reduced with vaccination. Unfortunately, research has indicated that the seasonal influenza vaccination rate in Saudi Arabia is low. This study assessed the uptake of seasonal influenza vaccination among adults residing in Al-Jouf region, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey targeting adults (20-80 years) residing in Al-Jouf region, Saudi Arabia, was conducted to gather information about their sociodemographic characteristics, chronic conditions, knowledge about periodic health examinations (PHE), regular use of PHE, and uptake of seasonal influenza vaccination. Comparative statistics and a multivariate logistic regression analysis were conducted to determine characteristics associated with the uptake of seasonal influenza vaccination. Results: A total of 624 respondents completed the survey and participated in this study. Among the participants, 27.4% indicated they visited their primary healthcare centers or hospitals every year to get a seasonal influenza vaccination. The regression analysis showed that the odds of getting a seasonal influenza vaccination were higher among employed respondents (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.73; P = 0.039), respondents who were employees of the healthcare sector (OR = 2.31; P = 0.001), and those with a higher PHE Knowledge Score (OR = 1.22; P = 0.008), compared to their counterparts. Conclusions: Seasonal influenza is a serious condition warranting appropriate prevention measures, including vaccination. However, this study confirmed low rates of seasonal influenza vaccination in Al-Jouf Region of Saudi Arabia. Interventions to boost vaccination uptake, in particular among unemployed individuals, those not working in the healthcare sector, and those with lower PHE knowledge Scores, are therefore recommended.

Characteristics Associated with Knowledge about Periodic Health Examinations among Adults in Al-Jouf Region, KSA.

Objectives: A lack of knowledge is one of the key barriers that hinders the use of Periodic Health Examinations (PHEs). This study aimed to investigate the knowledge of PHE among adults residing in Al-Jouf region, KSA, and determine characteristics associated with such knowledge. Methods: A cross-sectional survey targeting adults (≥18 years) residing in Al-Jouf region, KSA, was conducted to gather information relating to their sociodemographic characteristics, needs for healthcare, and knowledge about and practices toward PHE. Comparative statistics and multivariate linear regression analysis were conducted to determine the key characteristics associated with knowledge about PHE. Results: A total of 624 respondents completed the survey and participated in this study. Among the participants, the mean PHE knowledge score was 5.26 (SD = 0.05) with a range of 0-7. Regression analysis showed that the PHE knowledge score was significantly higher among females, respondents with a college degree, and those worked in the healthcare field when compared to their counterparts. Conclusion: Analysis revealed a relatively high overall knowledge score for PHE among surveyed adults in KSA although knowledge score varied in males, those with lower educational levels and those who did not work in the healthcare field; these cohorts were significantly less knowledgeable about PHE than their peers even after controlling for other characteristics that may affect knowledge levels. Research to address knowledge of other health topics and health behaviors, including the utilization of health services, may provide guidance to those in KSA to improve the knowledge and use of PHE overall and within specific groups.