ABSTRACT
Background: Sickle-cell disease [SCD] is a group of genetic disorders characterized by abnormally shaped red blood cells [RBCs], which are destroyed at increased rates, leading to anemia. Recently, Saudi Arabia has been reported to have an increased prevalence of SCD
Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess perceptions about SCD among the general population in Albaha region, Saudi Arabia, and the possible relationship between their levels of knowledge and sociodemographic characteristics
Methods: The study was carried out on 218 Saudi subjects who completed the selfadministered questionnaires during the study period
Results: This study demonstrated that more than two-thirds of the respondents [68.80%] had good knowledge about basics of sickle cell disease. Those with poor knowledge [31.20%] were mainly younger males and works as businessmen and housewives, and all of them had no previous experience with SCD child. Despite the recorded favorable level of knowledge, certain gaps in knowledge were identified; most of them falsely believed that some foods like fava beans, lentils, falafel made with fava beans, vigna and /or nuts could precipitate sickle-cell crisis.Moreover, in depth information of our study population about pattern of inheritance of SCD and its complications were not sufficient
Conclusion: In our study, a good level of awareness regarding SCD was found. Some of the respondents were confused about the nature of inheritance, complications and dietary factors related to the disease. So, community health education meetings and/or media programs to increase the public awareness are recommended
ABSTRACT
Background: Worldwide, more than one billion people are affected by hearing loss. Noise-induced hearing loss [NIHL] is reported among the most prevalent occupational diseases. However, little is known about the current level of knowledge and attitude towards NIHL among general population
Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the knowledge, behaviors, and attitudes of adult population in Albaha Region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia concerning the factors that contribute to Noise-induced hearing loss [NIHL] and the use of hearing protection
Methods: A 16-item self-administrated questionnaire was used to measure the knowledge, habits, attitudes, and perception of NIHL and each participant's use of hearing protection. The questionnaire included multiple choice and fill-in-the-blank format questions. The questionnaire was divided into two sections: 1] demographic information, including age, sex, college major, and prior coursework regarding hearing in noise; 2] knowledge of hearing, the auditory mechanism, and noise-induced hearing impairment
Results: we received 296 valid responses. Fifty-nine percentage were male, 37% percentage were students, 21% were soldiers and 17% were teachers. Only 19% said that hearing loss cannot be cured and 53% knew that it can happen at any age. Interestingly, 94% never wore an ear plug before
Conclusion: Our study showed low percentage of correct answers about causes and protective measures against hearing loss. Future health care program should consider initiatives and public health campaigns to improve the public's knowledge and attitude
ABSTRACT
Background: cataract is the most common age-related eye disease and the most treatable cause of visual impairment and blindness in adults
Aim of the work: this study aimed to assess the knowledge of Saudi population in Albaha city about cataract and its risk factors
Methods: this was a cross-sectional study that included a representative sample of 756 adults of the Saudi population in this region. Participants answered self-administered questionnaires consisting of items assessing the knowledge about cataract
Results: nearly half of the studed sample [50.5%] misunderstood cataract as a white membrane growing over the eye, while only 222 [29.4%] realized it as an increase in eye lens opacity. Moreover, this study revealed clearly deficient knowledge in the studied population about risk factors of cataract. High percent of participants [84%] did not know that incidence of cataract increases with positive family history. Likewise, there was a shortage of knowledge about the relationship of malnutrition, dehydration, hypertension and ultraviolet rays and the development of cataract. Fortunately, considerable numbers considered cataract as an age related disease and recognized that diabetes mellitus is a major precipitating factor to cataract
Conclusion: Saudi population in Albaha city had poor knowledge towards cataract and its risk factors. Hence, great efforts should be made to increase the knowledge and awareness of the general public about this disease