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Introduction Herpes zoster (HZ) is a viral infection that occurs due to the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Reactivation of the latent virus causes a painful dermatomal rash that is typical in HZ, which is frequently accompanied by post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). Although HZ negatively impacts individuals' quality of life, vaccination has been shown to reduce the incidence of HZ and PHN and reduce the severity of the disease in the event of a breakthrough. Nonetheless, several studies have shown a low level of knowledge and poor practices regarding HZ and its vaccine. However, only two studies on this issue have been conducted in the Middle East. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward HZ vaccinations among the Saudi population aged 50 years and older. Methods A cross-sectional observational study was conducted from December 2022 to July 2023 involving citizens aged 50 years and older in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using an online, validated, close-ended structured questionnaire distributed through social media. Linear regression analysis was used to assess independent predictors of knowledge regarding HZ, knowledge regarding the HZ vaccine, and attitudes toward HZ. Categorical variables were dummy-coded. Binary logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with the willingness to receive the HZ vaccine. Results A total of 368 respondents completed the questionnaire. The mean knowledge scores (%) regarding HZ and its vaccine were 28.6% and 37.1%, respectively. While 51.6% (n = 190) claimed to be aware of the HZ vaccine, only 31.6% (n = 60) had a knowledge score of 80% or higher. Multivariate analysis showed that knowledge was positively associated with female gender, prior chickenpox infection, and higher education. Only 54.4% of the respondents were willing to get the HZ vaccine, and 28.8% were willing to pay out of pocket for the HZ vaccine. Conclusion The results suggest that educational campaigns on HZ and its vaccine targeting at-risk groups are required to raise awareness and increase the public's knowledge. Additionally, healthcare personnel's recommendation of the HZ vaccine to the target population should be encouraged, as it is an important factor in vaccine acceptability.
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BACKGROUND: Migraine is a chronic unilateral headache associated with nausea and vomiting. According to the World Health Organization, it is listed as the 19th disabling disease. Multiple studies found an inverse relationship between the frequency of the attacks and the low quality of life score. Roughly, one-third of migraine attacks occur during workdays, with a higher incidence of reduced productivity and missed days among chronic patients (>15 headache days per month). OBJECTIVE: The objective of this article was to determine the migraine impact on work productivity and quality of life in Riyadh's general population in Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among participants suspected or diagnosed with migraine in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The survey measured the quality of life with the effect of migraine headaches by the Migraine Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MSQ). Patients suspected of migraines were asked to complete the ID Migraine™ three-item screening test. RESULTS: In this study, we were able to collect data from 223 patients diagnosed with migraine. Among the participants, 99.1% of them were Saudi Arabian, and 93.7% were females. Moreover, 33.6% of the participants were included in the study upon their self-report and 66.4% according to the ID migraine assessment. The mean scores of limitations of the patients' performance, interrupting normal activities, and emotions were 51.83, 57.11, and 59.94, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our study confirmed the results reported in previous studies that migraine has a negative impact on the quality of life of the patients and their ability to work. An awareness program should be conducted to increase the awareness of the importance of the early diagnosis of migraine.
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BACKGROUND: blood products is an interesting term as all blood and blood transfusion procedures carry risk even with advance screening of donors and donated blood. In Saudi Arabia voluntary donors are either the only source or not, the other source is paid donors and the lack of volunteers represents a major challenge. This is usually attributed to low community awareness regarding voluntary blood donation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the levels of awareness towards blood donation in northern Saudi Arabia. METHODOLOGY: in this descriptive cross sectional survey, data about blood donation were obtained from 717 Saudi volunteers living in the city of Hail, Saudi Arabia. A Purposeful questionnaire was designed and used for obtaining of the necessary data. RESULTS: When asking the participants to rate the level of awareness about blood donation in Saudi Society, the majority of participants categorized the levels as good followed by very good and poor, representing 48.8%, 29.3%, and 22% participants, respectively. CONCLUSION: the broad concept of blood donation is still poor in Saudi Arabia. Further educational plans are needed to raise the level of awareness and increase the perception of blood donation among Saudi population. Efforts should be made to involve females in blood donation duties.
