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CONTEXT: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is expanding at an epidemic rate. Diabetes and the prediabetes are associated with a number of skin manifestations which are seen in a minimum of 30% of diabetics as first sign or during the course of their illness. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in Saudi Arabia that assess physicians' knowledge, attitude and practice regarding this common problem. AIMS: To assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) about diabetic dermopathy among a representative sample of physicians in Saudi Arabia; and to identify determinants of good KAP. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted among physicians at university and governmental hospitals in Riyadh, KSA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 112 physicians from different specialties and experiences were interviewed using an English self-administered questionnaire. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 20, with appropriate statistical test. P value < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: It included 112 physicians in which 43.8%, Family medicine, 31.3% endocrinologist/Internal Medicine, and 25.0% GPs/Interns. Physicians above 35 year-old, master/PhD holders, consultants, endocrinologist/Internal Medicine, and those in practice for more than 10 years scored the highest in the overall knowledge. However, only 47% were confident to diagnose diabetic dermopathy. Moreover, majority of physicians regardless of the specialty, had educated their patients, examined them for other lesions, and followed conservative protocols. As much as 74.3% of endocrinologists seek for dermatologists' consultation. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians' knowledge regarding diabetic dermopathy is suboptimal, this may impact quality of diabetes care.
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OBJECTIVES: To assess the level of knowledge regarding cervical cancer and the acceptance of the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine among Saudi female students in health colleges. METHODS: This cross-sectional study of a convenient sample encompassed 1400 students in Health Colleges at Princess Nora Bint Abdul Rahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia was conducted between December 2013 and February 2014. A self-administrated questionnaire was distributed to all participants. Data collected included socio-demographic data, knowledge of cervical cancer risk factors and clinical presentation, Pap smear, and HPV vaccine acceptance. The questionnaire reliability as tested by Cronbach's alpha was 0.82. RESULTS: The response rate was 89.9%, and data analysis revealed that 95.7% of students had poor knowledge level. The Pap smear was poorly recognized as a screening tool, with 46.7% of students having heard of the test. Senior and medical students had a significantly higher knowledge score. Father's health profession, high monthly income, and presence of cervical cancer among family members or friends increased the level of knowledge. Vaccine acceptance is influenced by its price, approximately 80% of students thought that an affordable vaccine price should not exceed 300 Saudi Riyals. Perceived barriers to the vaccine were fear of injections and vaccine side effects. CONCLUSION: There is a lack of knowledge and misinformation regarding cervical cancer, Pap smear, and HPV as a major risk factor for cancer of the cervix. These data can be used as a benchmark to formulate effective awareness programs.