RESUMO
Background: influenza is a major respiratory tract infection that can cause substantial morbidity and mortality. The World Health Organization [WHO], United States [US] Center for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] and the immunization guidelines set by many countries including Saudi Arabia recommended the influenza vaccination of healthcare workers [HCWs]
Objectives: to estimate the influenza vaccination rate among HCWs in Security Forced Hospital and to study the effect of the HCWs' beliefs about influenza vaccine and influenza disease on acceptance of influenza vaccine by HCWs in Security Forced Hospital
Methods: the study is a retrospective study conducted in Security Forced Hospital between September and December 2017. Data were collected using a self-administrated well-structured questionnaire to get the relevant data needed in our study
Results: out of the 249 participants, 126 [50.6%] have received the influenza vaccine. Most of our participants were Saudi [70.3%], married [70.7%] and Muslims [78.3%]. While, 33% of them were degree holder, 36.5% were university students and 30.5% were having less education level. The income of most of the participants [36.1%] was more than 15000 SAR per month
Conclusion: the vaccination against influenza plays an important role in prevention of infection. Further studies with lager population in different societies are recommended
RESUMO
Background: Sickle cell disease [SCD] is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by production of abnormal hemoglobin S, and it is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The highest prevalence of SCD in Saudi Arabia is in the Eastern province
Objectives: To assess perceptions and the level of knowledge about SCD and to study factors that may affect them among general population in Jeddah city, Saudi Arabia
Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was distributed among general population residing in Jeddah city, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire consisted of two sections: [1] socio-demographic information and previous experience with SCD and [2] knowledge about SCD and its complications, which was measured by 20 closed-ended questions
Results: A total of 424 subjectscompleted the questionnaires and participated in the study. More than half [51.4%] of the participants showed good level of knowledge about SCD and its complications. Sex, education level, and previous experience with SCD child had significant association with the level of knowledge [p<0.05]. The majority of participants with good level of knowledge were females [86.2%] and at the level of university education [84.4%]. Furthermore, all subjects [100%] who had previous experience with SCD child showed good level of knowledge
Conclusion: A moderate level of awareness regarding SCD and its complications was found in our study sample. Educational programs should target the male population, and emphasize the nature of inheritance of the common blood diseases and their complications