Assessment of the Association Between Use of WhatsApp for Work-Related Purposes and Levels of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Among Healthcare Workers from Jazan, Saudi Arabia.

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the potential association between use of WhatsApp in healthcare settings for work-related purposes and depression, stress, and anxiety levels among a sample of healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of healthcare employees working in different hospitals in Jazan. The data was collected via a semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire with three components that measured the demographics of the sample; the presence of depression, anxiety, and stress; and their use of WhatsApp in the work environment. A multivariate regression analysis was carried out to estimate the statistical likelihood of depression, anxiety, and stress as a result of using WhatsApp and how these factors affected occupational and social relationships. Results: A total of 294 healthcare workers participated in the current study. The median age of the participants was 32 years, and the gender distribution was almost even. Over 90% of the participants stated that they were members of work-related WhatsApp groups, and nearly 70% agreed that use of WhatsApp in work-related settings could be stressful. Among the recruited sample, 48.6% exhibited abnormal levels of depression, 55.8% had abnormal levels of anxiety, and 63% showed abnormal levels of stress. The findings of the regression analysis (P values <0.05) indicated that the likelihood of these participants suffering with depression, anxiety, and stress was high, with the participants themselves agreeing that using WhatsApp in work settings could be stressful and affect their relationships with colleagues, friends, and family members. Conclusion: The findings suggests the presence of a potential association between use of WhatsApp for work-related purposes and levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, especially among those who perceive its use as a stressor and influencer on occupational and social relationships.

Cost-Benefit Analysis of Interventions to Mitigate the Monkeypox Virus.

When a viral outbreak occurs, governments are obligated to protect their citizens from the diverse adverse effects of the disease. Health policymakers often have several interventions to consider based on the health of the population, as well as the cascading social and economic consequences of the possible mitigation strategies. The current outbreak of the monkeypox virus has elicited debate on the best mitigation strategy, especially given that most world economies are still recovering from the harsh economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper sought to analyze the costs and benefits of three possible strategies and determine which option has the best health outcomes and positive economic effects. A case study of Jeddah was performed, whereby a model was simulated to determine the number of infections over 28 days based on one case of the monkeypox virus. Findings reveal that the vaccination provides the best intervention, as it effectively reduces the transmission rate and prevents loss of lives in the city. From the model, only three people were infected over the research period, while no deaths were reported. Although vaccination incurs a huge direct cost at the beginning, in the long run, it saves the economy from the disease's financial burden in terms of productivity loss from work absenteeism and premature deaths.

Home Drug Delivery Service from the Perspective of Community Pharmacy Staff in Saudi Arabia.

Background: In response to COVID-19, many big pharmacy chains in Saudi Arabia have started to provide home drug delivery services. This study aims to understand home drug delivery service from the perspective of community pharmacists in Saudi Arabia. Also, the study investigates the obstacles that may limit the use of home drug delivery service. Methods: A cross-sectional self-reported survey was distributed from February 2021 to May 2021. Descriptive analysis of sociodemographic characteristics was conducted and presented. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for all variables. Results: A total of 965 community pharmacists were surveyed. Most of the pharmacists, (73.5%) were young, aged 23 to 34 years old. The vast majority of the participants, (93.6%), said that the service will improve drug adherence. The lack of required knowledge and skills among pharmacists could be the main obstacle to implement home drug delivery service (34%). A shortage in the number of community pharmacists was the second main obstacle (24%). Conclusion: Home delivery services in the future may largely replace the tradition of going in person to the pharmacy. There are obstacles that may limit the full use of the service like shortage in number of pharmacists and the lack of required training.

Readiness of Community Pharmacists to Play a Supportive and Advocacy Role in the Fight Against Corona Virus Disease.

BACKGROUND: As the coronavirus disease pandemic continues to severely strain healthcare systems across the globe, there is need to determine whether every facet of the healthcare system is ready to respond. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The study investigated whether community pharmacists in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are ready to play a supportive role in the fight against COVID-19. METHODS: The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional survey. A descriptive analysis to capture the demographic characteristics of the sampled population, frequency tables and graphs were generated to capture community pharmacists' practice, readiness, attitudes and awareness. The means of the subset of knowledge on COVID-19 etiology, prognosis and management, and the practice, attitudes were compared in a one way analysis of variance to determine whether the difference was significant to predict preparedness towards playing a supportive role in the fight against COVID-19. RESULTS: The practice of community pharmacist as reflected adherence to recommended guidelines by the ministry of health on COVID-19 management and control. About 74% always disinfected contact surfaces, 69% conducted basic temperature checks on staff members and customers. Community pharmacists in Saudi Arabia displayed positive attitudes towards fight against COVID-19 [m = 4.08 and a relatively narrow difference in percentage distribution between those who were not sure and those who claimed to be very satisfied 20%]. Community pharmacists in KSA displayed extensive knowledge on the subject of COVID-19 as all respondents were aware of the primary symptoms of COVID-19 (100%), 62% were aware of COVID-19 management strategies, 81% believed information supplied through the ministry was sufficient. A p value of 0.00 indicated that the results were significant to support the assumption that community pharmacists in KSA were prepared to play a supportive role in the fight against COVID-19. CONCLUSION: The result demonstrated readiness among Saudi Arabian community pharmacists to be integrated into COVID-19 pandemic planning and response.