Voluntary testing for COVID-19: perceptions and utilization among the inhabitants of Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: Voluntary testing (VT) plays a crucial role in the prevention and control of infectious diseases. The present study investigated the perceptions and utilization of VT services for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among the inhabitants of Saudi Arabia. METHODS: In total, 3,510 adult participants from all provinces of Saudi Arabia were recruited via a national online survey. RESULTS: Of the 3,510 participants, 88.9% were aware of the testing services available to them and of those, more than half (59.5%) had used the VT services and 96.1% were satisfied with the services. Contact with a positive COVID-19 case was the top reason for accessing VT, while a lack of awareness about the availability of VT services was the top perceived limiting factor. A history of chronic health conditions, anxiety and/or depression, and previous symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 were found to be predictors of the utilization of VT services (odds ratio [OR] 1.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.22-1.96; OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.16-1.88; and OR 3.31, 95% CI 2.77-3.95), respectively. CONCLUSION: The awareness of voluntary COVID-19 testing services was satisfactory among the Saudi Arabian population, but can be improved. Sociodemographic and health history predictors of the utilization of VT services were identified.

Problematic Smartphone Use: Prevalence and Associated Factors Among Health Sciences Students in Saudi Arabia.

Excessive smartphone use leads to several physical and psychological disorders, particularly among young adults. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and the associated factors of problematic smartphone use (PSU) among health sciences students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. During the 2019 academic year, a cross-sectional analytic study randomly recruited 408 health sciences students (67.5% were females), with a mean age of 20.5 ± 1.42. Data on sociodemographic and health profiles, smartphone usage patterns, and overuse symptoms were collected for each participant. The Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale were used to assess PSU and anxiety levels. PSU was detected in 66.9% of the study participants. The prevalence is high among both females and males (69.5 and 61.7%, respectively). PSU was found to be associated with more years of use and frequent smartphone upgrading (aOR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.12, 3.97) and (aOR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.08, 2.65), respectively (p = 0.021 and 0.021, respectively). Participants with moderate and severe anxiety levels were found to be more likely to have PSU (aOR = 2.22, 95% CI: 1.21, 4.05) and (aOR = 5.97, 95% CI: 2.41, 14.78), respectively. (p = 0.010 and < 0.001, respectively). PSU is an emerging problem among health sciences students in Saudi Arabia with a high prevalence in both genders. Longer years of use, more frequent smartphone upgrades, and higher anxiety levels are associated with PSU among health sciences students. Special health education and psychological support programs are recommended to guide and support future healthcare providers against the consequences of PSU.

The prevalence of E-cigarette uses among medical students at Umm Al-Qura University; a cross-sectional study 2020.

BACKGROUND: Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) is becoming increasingly popular worldwide, and commercially a commonplace in the media. Health concerns and the avoidance of smoking are the most frequently reported factors for conventional smokers to turn to e-cigarettes. However, there is insufficient information about the use of e-cigarettes in Makkah city; therefore, this study aims to determine the prevalence of electronic cigarette uses among medical students at Umm al-Qura University (UQU). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in February 2020 among medical students at UQU, Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a prevalidated printed version of a self-questionnaire to determine the prevalence and the main factors that influence medical students to smoke e-cigarettes and to evaluate their awareness, knowledge, and attitude. RESULTS: Out of 1249medical students, 910 participated in the survey, about 31.8 % of them confirmed using e-cigarette regularly. 14.7% think e-cigarettes are medically approved method for smoking cessation, while 59.5% believe it can cause addiction similar to tobacco cigarettes. Among the regular users, 24.3% used it to quit tobacco smoking, 18.9% think it is less harmful, 20.3 % use it because it is less costly, and 18.9% because of stress. Also, 28.4% found it tasty. 30.8% believed that it is less harmful, about 74% stated that they received information about e-cigarettes and only 16% of them received it from medical school. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of e-cigarette uses among medical student in UQU found to be relatively high, and their overall knowledge is insufficient, which conflict our hypothesis.

Mental Well-Being and Self-Efficacy of Healthcare Workers in Saudi Arabia During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

PURPOSE: To assess mental well-being (MW), self-efficacy (SE), and their predictors among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Analytical cross-sectional study recruited 1046 HCWs by cluster random sampling technique. Socio-demographic, health, and occupational characteristics were collected for all participants. The WHO five Well-Being Index (WHO-5) and General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) were used to assess MW and SE of the participants, respectively. The binary logistic regression model was fit to the dependent (outcomes), namely mental well-being and self-efficacy, and independent other variables (predictors). RESULTS: Out of all participants (n=1046), 27.2% had negative MW scores, and 36.6% had low SE scores. The mean scores of both MW and SE were in the normal levels (16.7±5.90 and 31.5±6.63 out of 25 and 40, respectively). Younger and older ages, irregular exercise, nursing professions, history of anxiety and/or depression, lesser years of experience, and longer daily working hours were found to be the main predictors of negative MW and low SE, among study participants. CONCLUSION: Mental well-being (MW) and self-efficacy (SE) of the HCWs in Saudi Arabia are satisfactory but attention should be paid towards supporting the vulnerable groups for promoting the resilience of HCWs during the battle against the current pandemic.

Fear of COVID-19 and Stress-Relieving Practices Among Social Media Users, Makkah Region, Saudi Arabia.

Background The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its associated consequences can trigger feelings of fear, concern, and anxiety among the population, leading to unfavorable consequences on mental health. This study aimed to assess fear of COVID-19 and stress-relieving practices among social media users in the Makkah region, Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional analytic study was conducted among 532 adults inhabiting the Makkah region of Saudi Arabia over a period of one month, from June 15 to July 15, 2020. A predesigned, self-administered questionnaire, including assessments of fear of COVID-19 and stress-relieving practices, was used for data collection. Results The mean Fear of COVID-19 Scale score was 17.3±5.21 out of 35. Individuals aged 30-49 years and married individuals had higher mean scores (18.4±5.20 and 18.4±5.29, respectively) compared to other groups (p<0.05). Additionally, individuals with histories of anxiety and depression, individuals suffering from chronic diseases, and those who did not exercise regularly had higher levels of fear compared to other groups (p<0.05). Practicing religious and spiritual rituals was the most commonly adopted stress-relieving practice among study participants (68.6%). Conclusion Adults in Saudi Arabia have considerable levels of fear of COVID-19. Special attention is recommended for highly susceptible groups. Additionally, mental health education programs are recommended for the promotion of the community's psychological resilience in such a global crisis. Spiritual aspects should be included in such mental health education programs.

HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination among health care workers at Tanta University Hospitals, Egypt.

HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination among health care professionals is one of the most important factors of this disease expansion. This study aimed to assess the stigmatized attitude among health care providers toward people living with HIV (PLHIV) at Tanta University Hospitals. The study is a cross-sectional survey. Data was gathered from randomly selected 310 health care workers at Tanta University Hospital using a structured questionnaire. Among studied participants, only 24.0 % had previous contact with HIV patients during work and 21.3 % felt worried to touch cloths of HIV patients, 26.4 % were worried to dress the wounds of HIV patients and 27.4 % were afraid to get blood sample from HIV patients. Those who were unwilling to care for HIV patients represented 40 % and only 36 % reported that if discriminating against HIV patients, they may get in trouble. Less than one half (42 %) reported having enough supply for reducing risk of nosocomial infection with HIV and 86 % reported having no guidelines to deal with HIV patients. Out of the participants, 78.7 % reported that HIV patients should be ashamed of themselves. Among the participants, 35, 48, and 43 % preferred not to provide medical services to injecting drug users, men having sex with men and sex workers suspected to have HIV infection, respectively. Infection control is defective in the supplies and procedures. There is absence of policy and protocols with regard to dealing with PLHIV. Health care providers showed high levels of stigma and discrimination against PLHIV.

Study of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency: 5 Years Retrospective Egyptian Study.

BACKGROUND: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is the most common enzyme deficiency worldwide that causes a spectrum of diseases including neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, acute and chronic hemolysis after exposure to oxidative stress. AIM OF THE WORK: This five years retrospective study was carried out to study the demographic, clinical and laboratory data of 1000 patients with G6PD deficiency anemia registered in Hematology Unit, Pediatric Department, Tanta University Hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data were collected from patient's files, from November 2011 to November 2016, using the pre-designed questionnaires to obtain the complete history, clinical presentation and laboratory investigations including the complete blood count, red blood cells morphology, liver and renal functions and quantitative assay of G6PD enzyme activity by spectrophotometric method. RESULTS: Males were more commonly affected than females (932 males versus 68 females). The highest prevalence of hemolytic crisis in G6PD deficiency patients was found within the age group of 1-3 years (920 patients; 92%) with mean age of the first presentation of 22.8±15.54 months. Patients presented mainly with pallor (1000 patients; 100%), dark red urine (896 patients; 89.6%) and jaundice (878 patients; 87.8%) after 24-72 hours of exposure to the precipitating factors (mean: 36±17.73 hours). Diets were the most common precipitating factor of hemolysis in patients with G6PD deficiency (834 patients; 83.4% of studied cases) especially fava beans (326 patients; 32.6%) and falafel (194 patients; 19.4%) which were the most common precipitating food products causing hemolysis followed by chick pea (108 patients; 10.8%), broad bean (76 patients; 7.6%), green pea (44 patients; 4.4%), pea nuts (38 patients; 3.8%), lentil (28 patients; 2.8%), and lastly black eyed peas (20 patients; 2 %). Infections were the 2nd most common cause of hemolysis (124 patients; 12.4%) including pneumonia (34 patients; 3.4%), tonsillitis (32 patients; 3.2%), typhoid fever (28 patients; 2.8%), hepatitis A (18 patients; 1.8%) and urinary tract infection (12 patients; 1.2%). Drugs were the least common cause of hemolysis (42 patients; 4.2%) including diclofenac sodium (24 patients; 2.4%), ibuprofen (8 patients; 0.8%), acetylsalicylic acid (4 patients; 0.4%), co-trimoxazole (4 patients; 0.4%) and nitrofurantion (2 patients; 0.2%). There was normocytic normochromic anemia with reticulocytosis and Heinz bodies in pre-transfusion complete blood picture in all studied cases. G6PD assay show marked decrease in enzyme level at time of presentation in all cases with the commonest G6PD enzyme level of 3-4 U/gm Hb (592 patients; 59.2%). CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: G6PD deficiency anemia presented mainly with pallor, dark red urine and jaundice after exposure to certain diets, drugs and diseases and therefore patients with G6PD deficiency should avoid exposure to these precipitating factors of hemolysis. We can also recommend large neonatal screening programs to detect cases of G6PD deficiency before the occurrence of acute hemolysis and molecular studies to detect G6PD enzyme variant in Egypt.

Factors behind nonadherence to diet regimens among obese adults in Tanta, Egypt: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Nonadherence to diet regimens is a major cause of treatment failure in the field of obesity management. It varies according to the study design and the type of intervention. In weight loss clinical trials, nonadherence rates range from 10 to 80%. Strategies to reduce dropout rates rely on precise identification of factors leading to premature program termination. The aim of this research was to study factors behind nonadherence to diet regimens among obese adults in Tanta, Egypt. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: A retrospective, case-control study was carried out during the year 2014 in an obesity management private clinic in Tanta, Gharbia Governorate, Egypt. The study included two groups of 150 participants each (adherents and nonadherents) matched for sex and BMI. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data concerning sociodemographic characteristics, weight changes, dieting, and behavioral, psychological, and medical factors. Personal perspectives on potential factors contributing to nonadherence to diet regimens were also investigated. RESULTS: Factors significantly associated with probabilities high probability of to loss of adherence to diet regimens were as follows: younger age, urban residence, higher educational levels, obesity of grades I and III, a higher frequency of previous weight loss trials, consumption of fruits and vegetables less than that recommended (<5 times/day), higher weight loss expectations, and binge eating. The most common personal perspectives on causes limiting adherence to diet regimens were as follows: unsatisfactory results (37.3%), difficulties in dieting practices (33.3%), logistics (30.0%), and fading of motives (27.3%). CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Obese individuals seeking weight reduction with young age, urban residence, higher educational levels, a higher frequency of previous weight loss trials, higher weight loss expectations, and those with perceived unsatisfactory results are more prone to lose their adherence to diet regimens. Individuals with factors of nonadherence should receive extra care to avoid their withdrawal from diet programs and to improve clinical outcomes.

Use of dietary supplements among gym trainees in Tanta city, Egypt.

BACKGROUND: The use of dietary supplements has greatly increased in the past few years. Few studies described the prevalence of supplement use among gym trainees. The practices of most of the athletes and gym trainees in Egypt remain undocumented. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of dietary supplement use among gyms trainees in Tanta city, Egypt. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional comparative study was carried out on 450 gym trainees aged more than or equal to 20 years in Tanta city, Egypt. Nine representative gyms (50 participants from each) were recruited in the study. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, health and lifestyle characteristics, type, underlying motive(s), and source(s) of information about dietary supplements were collected from each participant. RESULTS: Of the 450 participants, 38.2% reported using dietary supplements. Male participants and those with higher family incomes used dietary supplements more than female participants and those with lower family incomes (P<0.05). Female participants used vitamins/minerals, weight loss, and natural groups of dietary supplements more than male participants (P<0.05), whereas male participants used body-building group of supplements more than female participants (P<0.05). Participants of older ages (≥30) tended to use the natural group of dietary supplements more than younger ones (P<0.05). Female participants were more motivated to use dietary supplements for the prevention of nutritional and/or medical problems and for weight loss, whereas male participants used dietary supplements for muscle building/repair (P<0.05). Female participants mostly got their information about dietary supplements from health professionals and from the media more than male participants, whereas male participants got this information mainly from gym personnel. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: A considerable proportion of gym trainees use dietary supplements, mostly without professional consultation and frequently without any indication. It is very important to disseminate accurate information on these products in the sports environment.

Sexual harassment against nursing staff in Tanta University Hospitals, Egypt.

BACKGROUND: Sexual harassment against nurses is a major workplace problem causing adverse psychological effects and may affect the occupational performance of the nurses. This study aimed to assess the magnitude of this problem, and its characteristics and consequences among the nursing staff in Tanta University Hospitals, Gharbeia Governorate, Egypt. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on 430 nurses at Tanta University Hospitals using a semistructured, self-administered questionnaire to collect the data concerning the exposure and characteristics of harassment situations. A representative sample of the nurses was taken randomly from the emergency, medical and surgical departments. RESULTS: Overall, 70.2% of the studied nurses were ever exposed to sexual harassment at the workplace; 43.7% of the harassed nurses were working in both day and night shifts. Staring in a suggestive manner emerged as the most common form of harassment, followed by hearing sexual words and comments or jokes (70.9, 58.6 and 57.3%, respectively). The relatives of the patients were the most common perpetrators, followed by the hospital staff other than the doctors (61.9, 45.4%, respectively). During the harassment situation, astonishment and shock were the most frequent responses in 65.2% of the harassed nurses, while after its occurrence 38.4% ignored the situation. About 95% of the harassed nurses were left with psychological effects, mostly in the form of disappointment and depression (76.5 and 67.9%, respectively). CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The prevalence of sexual harassment among nurses at the workplace was high with relation to certain occupational factors, and it led to marked psychological effects on the victims. Hence, protective legislations and measures should be taken by the hospital management for prevention of this problem in the future.