Emotional Contagion Scale and Mental Health Status during the First Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic, National Assessment.

Background: This great pandemic of COVID-19 has been a unique stressor that affected all communities in 2020. This study aims to examine the prevalence of anxiety and depression due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia and to study the emotional cognition scale in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 857 inhabitants randomly selected from the 13 administrative regions of Saudi Arabia, using a validated self-administrated questionnaire comprising six sections. The collected data were summarized and analyzed. Results: Among the majority of the studied participants, 377 (44.0%) were aged from 35 to less than 50 y. There were 489 (57.1%) females and 368 (42.9%) males, 616 (71.9%) Saudi nationals, 715 (83.4%) university-educated or postgraduate, 619 (72.2%) unmarried and 238 (27.8%) married, and 663 (77.4%) living in areas under partial lockdown. The resultant elevated total depression score was statistically significant (p<0.05) for the following: participants younger than 35y, females, Saudis, those with lower education levels, those who were married, students, those with work suspension during the COVID-19 pandemic, and amongst those who experienced complete lockdown. Among the majority of the studied participants, 355 (41.2%) showed mild depression, and 281(32.6) showed moderate anxiety, and were in the growth zone. In addition, the elevated total anxiety score was statistically significant (p<0.05) amongst the following; younger participants, females, Saudi nationals, those with lower educational levels, those who were unmarried, students, those with telework, and those with no curfew. Conclusion: The adverse mental health effects were more prevalent among particular groups of the population, such as females, adults under 35 years old, students, those with lower educational attainments, and those suffering from chronic illnesses. Anxiety was significantly correlated with depression. The practice of preventive measures, e.g., wearing masks, and social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19, may have had psychological benefits during the pandemic. Summary: We assessed the mental health status in Saudi Arabia during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mild depression and moderate anxiety were prevalent problems, with many determinants and interrelations. Fear was the most infectious emotion, while happiness was the highest.

Parental Experience of Potential Adverse Drug Reactions Related to Their Oral Administration of Antipyretic Analgesic Medicines in Children in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Oral antipyretic analgesic medicines are commonly used in children and have the potential for adverse drug reactions (ADRs). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore parental experiences of potential ADRs related to their oral administration of antipyretic analgesics in children in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. METHODS: For this cross-sectional survey, a paper-based questionnaire, consent form and information sheet were handed out to 1000 parents who had administered an oral antipyretic analgesic medicine to their children during the previous 3 months. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 21.0 (IBM-SPSS Inc, Armonk, NY). Simple descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Management and ethical approvals were attained. RESULTS: During March to April 2017, 661 parents agreed to participate, giving a response rate of 66.1%. Of the surveyed sample, 208 parents had observed 1 or more potential ADRs (31.5%, n = 208 out of 661). Parents' (n = 208) most commonly reported potential ADRs (n = 523) were loss of appetite (23%, n = 120 out of 523), stomachache (20.3%, n = 106 out of 523), abdominal colic (13%, n = 68 out of 523), and diarrhea (10.3%, n = 54 out of 523). Parents described severity of the ADRs as slight (71.8%, n = 342 out of 476), annoying to the child (7.9%, n = 85 to of 476), significant and affecting daily tasks (3.6%, n = 17 out of 476) and significant and led to the hospital (6.7%, n = 32 out of 476). Fever was the top-ranked reason for using antipyretic analgesic medicines (41.0%, n = 271 out of 661), followed by toothache (25.0%, n = 165 out of 661) and tonsillitis/laryngitis (24.7%, n = 163 out of 661). Among parents, 34.7% (n = 165 out of 476) did not seek medical attention when a potential ADR occurred, whereas 26.3% (n = 125 out of 476) of parents took their children to hospital clinics. CONCLUSIONS: Although the majority of parentally reported (but not proven) ADRs were mild, a number of significant ADRs were reported. Future research should consider whether there is a role for physicians and pharmacists in educating parents in Saudi Arabia, and perhaps more widely, about the optimal use of oral antipyretic and analgesic medicines in children. (Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 2020; 81:XXX-XXX)© 2020 Elsevier HS Journals, Inc.

Healthcare professionals' views and perceptions of analgesic and antipyretic use in paediatric patients in four major Saudi hospitals.

BACKGROUND: Antipyretics and analgesics, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are medications commonly used in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and elsewhere to manage fever and pain in the paediatric age group.Research work investigating misuse of these medications in paediatric populations and pertinent healthcare professionals' (HCPs) perceptions as a major determinant of the severity of these errors is scarce. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of HCPs about analgesic and antipyretic use in paediatric patients at four major hospitals in Jeddah, KSA. The study also sought to explore factors believed by HCPs to be associated with occurrence of medication errors and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) due to analgesic and antipyretic use. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey employing a pre-piloted online questionnaire with an information sheet was delivered to HCPs in four hospitals in the western region of KSA. The questionnaire comprised a mix of a tick list and open and closed questions with Likert scales for attitudinal statements, and it also comprised items including demographics, healthcare professions and the respondents' work experience, HCPs' views and perceptions relating to occurrence of ADRs and medication errors in children who attended the hospital in the preceding three months and the severity and outcomes of the ADRs. RESULTS: Two-hundred seventy-four HCPs were approached, and 200 agreed to participate, yielding a response rate of 73%, including physicians (50%), nurses (24.5%), and pharmacists (16.5%).The majority of HCPs reported that ADRs could be minimized with appropriate actions. They believed that their lack of experience may have contributed to ADRs. Most HCPs (81%) reported that parental knowledge was a key factor contributing to the decreased occurrence of ADRs in children. They also believed that other factors contributed to the occurrence of ADRs, such as lack of reconciliation (65%), parents' anxiety leading to overmedication (69%) and the easy availability of these medications at home (77%).Twenty-nine respondents (n = 29, 14.5%) reported medication errors related to the use of analgesics or antipyretics. Specifically, they reported that possible contributing factors included poor communication of information (69.5%); interruptions (67.5%) and work pressure (66.0%). CONCLUSION: HCPs reported that ADRs and medication errors related to using analgesics and antipyretics in paediatric patients are not uncommon. In their opinion, several factors were associated with occurrence of these events, including parental knowledge about medications and insufficient training of HCPs.

Understanding the Interrelationship between Education, Income, and Obesity among Adults in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association of sociodemographic variables with the odds of being obese among adults in Saudi Arabia, and to examine whether or not the association between the educational level and the odds of being obese among adults in Saudi Arabia is modified by the income level. METHODS: A total of 3,925 participants were recruited for this cross--sectional study. Sociodemographic and anthropometric data were collected using standardized procedures. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models were examined, with a dichotomous obesity status variable as the outcome. Furthermore, an interaction term for income level with educational level was tested and appeared significant. Thus, additional regression models were run in order to examine the association between educational level and obesity status separately among the low- and higher-income groups. RESULTS: Compared to participants with a college degree or higher, illiterate participants and those with an elementary education had higher odds of obesity (OR: 2.76, 95% CI: 1.81-4.22, and OR: 2.68, 95% CI: 1.89-3.82, respectively). However, participants with a low income had lower odds than participants who had a higher income (OR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.70-0.99). Examining the association between educational level and obesity while stratifying by income revealed that a negative association between education and obesity exists among both income groups. However, the magnitude of the ORs was higher among participants with higher income, suggesting a stronger association between education and obesity among wealthier individuals. CONCLUSION: Individuals in the highest income bracket with lower levels of education may have greater odds of obesity. Targeting them in intervention programs is warranted.

Assessment of Preventative Measures Practice among Umrah Pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, 1440H-2019.

:Background: Annually, approximately 10 million pilgrims travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) for Umrah from more than 180 countries. This event presents major challenges for the Kingdom's public health sector, which strives to decrease the burden of infectious diseases and to adequately control their spread both in KSA and pilgrims home nations. The aims of the study were to assess preventative measures practice, including vaccination history and health education, among Umrah pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross sectional survey was administered to pilgrims from February to April 2019 at the departure lounge at King Abdul Aziz International airport, Jeddah city. The questionnaire comprised questions on sociodemographic information (age, gender, marital status, level of education, history of vaccinations and chronic illnesses), whether the pilgrim had received any health education and orientation prior to coming to Saudi Arabia or on their arrival, and their experiences with preventative practices. Results: Pilgrims (n = 1012) of 41 nationalities completed the survey. Chronic diseases were reported among pilgrims (n = 387, 38.2%) with cardiovascular diseases being the most reported morbidity (n = 164, 42.3%). The majority of pilgrims had been immunized prior to travel to Saudi Arabia (n = 770, 76%). The most commonly reported immunizations were influenza (n = 514, 51%), meningitis (n = 418, 41%), and Hepatitis B virus vaccinations (n = 310, 31%). However, 242 (24%) had not received any vaccinations prior to travel, including meningitis vaccine and poliomyelitis vaccine, which are mandatory by Saudi Arabian health authorities for pilgrims coming from polio active countries. Nearly a third of pilgrims (n = 305; 30.1%) never wore a face mask in crowded areas during Umrah in 2019. In contrast, similar numbers said they always wore a face mask (n = 351, 34.6%) in crowded areas, while 63.2% reported lack of availability of face masks during Umrah. The majority of participants had received some form of health education on preventative measures, including hygiene aspects (n = 799, 78.9%), mostly in their home countries (n = 450, 44.4%). A positive association was found between receiving health education and practicing of preventative measures, such as wearing face masks in crowded areas (p = 0.04), and other health practice scores (p = 0.02). Conclusion: Although the experiences of the preventative measures among pilgrims in terms of health education, vaccinations, and hygienic practices were at times positive, this study identified several issues. These included the following preventative measures: immunizations, particularly meningitis and poliomyelitis vaccine, and using face masks in crowded areas. The recent COVID-19 pandemic highlights the need for further studies that focus on development of accessible health education in a form that engages pilgrims to promote comprehensive preventative measures during Umrah and Hajj and other religious pilgrimages.

Knowledge and Attitude Toward Strabismus in Western Province, Saudi Arabia.

Background Strabismus is a common eye condition having a potential subsequent impact on the psychological and socioeconomic domains of individuals suffering from strabismus. Therefore, this study aimed to find out the level of knowledge and treatability of strabismus in the western province of Saudi Arabia. Methods An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018 among people who live in the western region of Saudi Arabia and were age 16 and above by using an online self-administered questionnaire. Results Out of 589 participants, 52.8% reported the correct definition of strabismus. The majority of responders agreed that strabismus is treatable (71.5%). In addition, a statically significant relation was found between knowledge of strabismus treatability and age, gender, work state, and level of education. Most participants were aware of the risk factors and complications of strabismus. Conclusion Our study found that the majority of participants had good knowledge of the definition, treatment, and complications of untreated strabismus. Participant's age, education level, work state, and income were the main factors found to be significantly associated with knowledge of strabismus treatment options.

General public's perspectives of issues relating to misuse of medicines: a cross-sectional survey in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Background Misuse of prescription medicines is a global issue potentially resulting in severe consequences including adverse drug reactions, dependence, tolerance, increased healthcare utility and mortality. Objective To assess the public's perspectives of issues relating to medicines misuse. Method A survey of members of the public ( ≥ 18 years) attending medication safety awareness campaigns in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire comprised: issues relating to misuse of prescription medicines; medicines used without being prescribed by a physician; and suggestions to reduce misuse. Potential participants were approached opportunistically during the campaigns, with those agreeing to participate administered the questionnaire and responses recorded electronically. Results Of the 511 respondents, 59 (11.5%) did not always have their prescription medicines prescribed by a physician, and 196 (38.4%) were uncertain. Commonly cited medicines obtained from sources other than a physician were analgesics (n = 375, 73.2%), antibiotics (n = 57, 11.2%), antipyretics (n = 33, 6.5%) and narcotics (n = 4, 0.8%). More than half (n = 282, 55.2%) claimed to know someone who had misused medicines, some with serious consequences including hospitalization (n = 96, 34.0%) and death (n = 14, 5.0%). Conclusion This general public survey has identified that issues of misuses of medicines in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia persist and may compromise safety and effectiveness of care.

Diabetes knowledge and its association with the weight status among residents of Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association of weight status with level of diabetes knowledge (symptoms and complications) among residents of Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, a questionnaire assessing sociodemographic and health characteristics and knowledge about diabetes and its symptoms and complications was utilized. Data of 3978 adults, 18 years of age or older, were collected from public mall sites in Jeddah city and surrounding areas. Participants were divided into three tertiles based on their knowledge scores. Weight and height were measured following standardized procedures, and body weight categories were defined based on body mass index (BMI). The association between weight status and tertiles of diabetes knowledge was examined using multinomial logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Compared to normal-weight participants, participants who were underweight, overweight, or obese, did not differ with regards to knowledge about diabetes symptoms. Adjusted models showed that overweight and obese participants had lower odds of being in the lowest tertile of knowledge about diabetes complications compared to normal-weight participants (OR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.58-0.86 and OR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.51-0.79, respectively). With regards to general knowledge about diabetes, the knowledge of participants who were underweight did not differ when compared to normal-weight participants. Overweight and obese participants had lower odds of being in the lowest tertile of general knowledge about diabetes compared to normal-weight participants (OR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.62-0.97 and OR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.47-0.76, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Overweight and obese individuals have better knowledge about diabetes compared to normal-weight individuals. Public health programs need to take into account the level of diabetes knowledge and tailor interventions to aid behavior and lifestyle change.