Assessment of Community Knowledge of and Attitude Toward Organ Donation in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: The demand for organ donation has increased because of the sharp rise in the number of transplant candidates worldwide. The main influences on the organ donation rate in Saudi Arabia were religious considerations and a lack of knowledge. The aim of this study was to explore community knowledge of and attitude toward organ donation in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: An online cross-sectional survey study was conducted to assess community knowledge of and attitude toward organ donation in Saudi Arabia in January 2022. The study population consisted of everyone who is currently residing in Saudi Arabia and is aged ≥18 years. The participants were questioned regarding the types of organs that might be donated, the potential health risks associated with organ donation, and the Saudi Arabian system for organ donation. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of better knowledge of and attitude toward organ donation. RESULTS: The study involved 1208 participants, of which 63% reported that they would be willing to donate their organs for a family member. The most reported organs for which the participants reported they are willing to donate were the kidneys (48%), liver (25%), and heart (21%). Most reported that they would donate their organs to save someone's life (93%). The study participants showed mild to moderate level of knowledge about organ donation with a mean score of 5.4 (standard deviation [SD] 1.6), which is equal to 68% of the maximum obtainable score (which is 8). The study participants showed a mild positive attitude toward organ donation with a mean score of 3.3 (SD 1.3), which is equal to 47% of the maximum obtainable score (which is 7). Younger participants (aged 19-30 years) and those who work in the health care sector were more likely than others to be knowledgeable about organ donation (P ≤ .01). At the same time, participants aged 31 to 40 years were more likely than others to have positive attitudes toward organ donation (P ≤ .01). CONCLUSIONS: The present study participants showed mild to moderate level of knowledge of and mild positive attitude toward organs donation. Awareness campaigns should be directed toward the elderly population to enhance their awareness and attitude toward this important lifesaving practice.

Knowledge and practices concerning the storage and disposal of home medications among people in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Medications are widely used and stored in people's homes throughout the year. Inappropriate storage of home medications is a worldwide problem and may affect the effectiveness and stability of medications, which impacts the activity and capability of these medications to treat diseases. This study aimed to assess the awareness of the public in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia concerning the appropriate storage of used medications and the proper disposal of unwanted medications. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia between February and June 2018. The study questionnaire tool was constructed based on several previous studies regarding medication storage, recycling, and the correct and safe disposal of expired, unwanted, or unused medication. Results: A total of 820 responses was collected. The results showed that 91.0% of the respondents keep their medications in the original container, and only 4.5% of them write the expiry date on the new containers. While 47.1% of the respondents read the storage instructions written in the medication leaflet, only 16.2% of the respondents ask the pharmacist about the storage instructions. A majority of the respondents (84.4%) check the expiry date of medications before use, and 70.1% of them periodically check the expiry date of stored medications. Age, gender, and education level were important factors that affected medication storage practices. Conclusion: This work underpinned the lack of awareness among the public regarding the appropriate way to store home medications and the proper way to dispose of unwanted and expired medications.

The Health-Related Quality of Life of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in Saudi Arabia.

Objective: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world. Diabetes mellitus has a major effect on patients' quality of life, especially when the patient has other comorbidities. Therefore, this study aims to assess the quality of life of type 2 diabetic patients in the Al-Ahsa region of Saudi Arabia. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, which was conducted from September 2020 to May 2021 on patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Al-Ahsa region of Saudi Arabia. Inclusion criteria were patients diagnosed with T2DM and aged 18 years and older. The EQ-5D-5L tool was used in this study to measure the quality of life. Results: A total of 321 patients with T2DM participated in the study. Only 8.4% of the study participants reported that their disease did not let them do their daily activities at all. The most commonly reported problems related to diabetes mellitus and its effect on patients' quality of life were pain/discomfort (around 68.0% of the patients reported some sort of problems in this dimension), followed by mobility, and depression and anxiety. There was a significant difference between males and females in terms of their quality of life, specifically self-care, pain and discomfort, and depression and anxiety (p<0.05). Patients from different marital statuses, education levels, employment status, and duration of the disease showed a significant difference in quality of life, except for depression and anxiety (p>0.05). Conclusion: Pain/discomfort, mobility, and depression/anxiety are the main problems that are affecting diabetic patients' quality of life. Future studies are recommended to explore the effectiveness of patient tailored interventions to decrease the negative impact of these dimensions on patients' quality of life.

Community Knowledge about Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the knowledge of the general community in Saudi Arabia about autism spectrum disorder. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted for the period between June and September 2021 in Saudi Arabia using an online questionnaire tool. The questionnaire tool was developed based on a literature review. The questionnaire tool consists of 34 items that assess knowledge about autism spectrum disorder in terms of its etiology, autistic patient features, autistic children's abilities and needs, and autistic adults' abilities and needs. The total score for each subscale was used to define the level of knowledge of it. Correct answers were given a score of one, and the total score for each subscale was used to describe the level of knowledge of it. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of good knowledge about autism spectrum disorder (defined as a total score equal or above the mean score of the study participants). RESULTS: This study enlisted the participation of 500 people. The participants' overall understanding of autism spectrum disorder was moderate, with a mean score of 20.6 (SD: 5.6) out of 34, or 60.6%. The participants' knowledge levels ranged from 32.2% to 77.5%. The items about the abilities and needs of adolescents and young people with autism had the highest degree of knowledge (77.5%). The items about autism's causes had the lowest level of expertise (32.2%). When compared to others, females, those with a master's degree, and those working in the healthcare field had a higher likelihood of knowing more about the autism spectrum condition. (p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION: Knowledge about autism spectrum disorder in Saudi Arabia is moderate. Social media channels and healthcare centers should be used to conduct educational campaigns for parents. The goal of this educational campaign should be to improve parents' ability to recognize the causes of autism.

Trends in Hospital Admission Due to Diseases of the Eye and Adnexa in the Past Two Decades in England and Wales: An Ecological Study.

PURPOSE: To investigate the trends of hospital admissions concerning diseases of the eye and adnexa in the United Kingdom in the past 20 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An ecological study was conducted using hospital admission data taken from the Hospital Episode Statistics database in England and the Patient Episode Database for Wales. Hospital admissions data for diseases of the eye and adnexa were extracted for the period between April 1999 and March 2019. The trend in hospital admissions was assessed using a Poisson model. RESULTS: Hospital admission rate for diseases of the eye and adnexa increased by 73.8% [from 7.48 (95% CI 7.45-7.50) in 1999 to 13.00 (95% CI 12.97-13.02) in 2019 per 1000 persons, trend test, p < 0.001]. The most common cause of hospitalisation for diseases of the eye and adnexa was disorders of the lens (62.3%), followed by disorders of the choroid and retina (14.2%), followed by disorders of the eyelid, lacrimal system and orbit (11.5%). Hospital admission rate among males increased by 91.2% [from 6.19 (95% CI 6.16-6.22) in 1999 to 11.83 (95% CI 11.80-11.87) in 2019 per 1000 persons]. Hospital admission rate among females increased less sharply by 63.2% [from 8.71 (95% CI 8.68-8.75) in 1999 to 14.22 (95% CI 14.18-14.26) in 2019 per 1000 persons]. CONCLUSION: There are clear gender and age trends in the epidemiology of hospital admissions related to eye and adnexa disorders. Further observational studies are warranted to identify other risk factors for these important causes of hospitalisation and understanding of differential trends.

The attitude and acceptability towards medical promotional tools and their influence on physicians' prescribing practices in Jordan and Iraq: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Pharmaceutical companies spend more than one-third of their sales revenue on marketing and promotion directed toward healthcare professionals. There has been a focus on the relationship between healthcare professionals and the pharmaceutical industry in recent years. This study aims to explore the attitude toward and acceptability of medical promotional tools and their influence on physicians' prescribing practices in Jordan and Iraq. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted to explore the influence of visits by medical representatives (MRs) and medical promotions on physicians' prescribing practices between June and October 2020 in Jordan and Iraq. Previously validated questionnaires were used. RESULTS: A total of 801 physicians completed the questionnaires. Face-to-face visits, followed by the dispensing of medical samples, were the two most common promotional methods used by MRs. 48% of participating physicians reported that they would accept the promotional marketing tools offered to them. MRs focused on the key selling points of their product during medical promotions, and 39.6% of the physicians reported that MRs had a negative attitude toward their competitors' products. 69.9% of the physicians reported that they would change their practice after participating in conferences or meetings. CONCLUSION: Medical promotional tools have a clear influence on physicians' prescribing practices in Jordan and Iraq. Therefore, medical promotion should be controlled and guided by clear and country-specific ethical guidelines. This will ensure safe medical promotion to physicians and optimise the healthcare practices provided to patients.

Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue Related Hospital Admission in England and Wales Between 1999 and 2019: An Ecologic Study.

Background There is a lack of data describing inpatient hospitalization trends for musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases in the United Kingdom. Aim We aim to provide a comprehensive analysis of the trends of musculoskeletal and connective tissue disease related hospitalizations between 1999 and 2019 in England and Wales. Method We conducted an ecologic study. The data were obtained from the Hospital Episode Statistics database in England and the Patient Episode Database in Wales between 1999 and 2019. We used ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision) codes M00-M99 to identify hospital admissions. Results The total annual hospital admission rate increased from 1,303.63 (95% CI: 1,300.55-1,306.71) in 1999 to 2,479.09 (95% CI: 2,475.14-2,483.04) in 2019 per 100,000 persons (p<0.01). The ICD-10 categories other joint disorders, osteoarthritis, and other dorsopathies accounted for 19.6%, 19.6%, and 18.6% of hospitalizations, respectively. Advanced age groups experienced a larger increase in hospitalization rates (128.6% in the age group of 75 years and above vs. 45.9% in the age group below 15 years). Females contributed to 57.7% of hospitalizations and experienced a larger increase in hospitalization rate compared to males (103.8% vs. 73.8%). Conclusion Between 1999 and 2009, the hospitalization rate for musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases has steadily increased in England and Wales. However, the rate has plateaued or declined in many of musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases between 2010 and 2019. Due to the chronicity of these diseases, their significant morbidity, and significant long-term disability, national interventions are needed to mitigate the effects of the increased cost of treatment.

Hospital Admission Trends Due to Viral Infections Characterised by Skin and Mucous Membrane Lesions in the Past Two Decades in England and Wales: An Ecological Study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the trends in hospital admissions due to viral infections characterized by skin and mucous membrane lesions in England and Wales between 1999 and 2019. METHODS: This is an ecological study using publicly available databases in England and Wales; the Hospital Episode Statistics database in England and the Patient Episode Database for Wales. Hospital admissions data were collected for the period between April 1999 and March 2019. Hospital admissions due to viral infections characterized by skin and mucous membrane lesions were identified using the tenth version of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases system, diagnostic codes B00-B09. The trend in hospital admissions was assessed using a Poisson model. RESULTS: Hospital admissions for different causes increased by 51.9% (from 25.67 (95% CI 25.23-26.10) in 1999 to 38.98 (95% CI 38.48-39.48) in 2019 per 100,000 persons, trend test, p < 0.01). The most prevalent viral infections characterized by skin and mucous membrane lesions hospital admissions causes were zoster (herpes zoster), varicella (chickenpox), herpesviral (herpes simplex) infections, and viral warts, which accounted for 26.9%, 23.4%, 18.7%, and 17.6%, respectively. The age group below 15 years accounted for 43.2% of the total number of admissions. Females contributed to 50.5% of the total number of admissions. Hospital admission rate in males increased by 61.1% (from 25.21 (95% CI 24.59-25.82) in 1999 to 40.60 (95% CI 39.87-41.32) in 2019 per 100,000 persons). The increase in females was 43.2% (from 26.11 (95% CI 25.49-26.72) in 1999 to 37.40 (95% CI 36.70-38.09) in 2019 per 100,000 persons). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates an evident variation in hospital admission of viral infections characterized by skin and mucous membrane lesions based on age and gender. Efforts should be directed towards vaccinating high-risk groups, particularly the elderly and females. Moreover, efforts should be focused on vaccinating the young population against varicella, particularly females who are more susceptible to acquiring the infection. Further observational and epidemiological studies are needed to identify other factors associated with increased hospital admission rates.

Female awareness about the preconception use of folic acid supplements in childbearing age: A cross-sectional study.

AIMS: Folic acid is required for the growth and development of the fetus. There is strong evidence that taking folic acid before pregnancy and during the first trimester reduces the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs). This study aimed to assess women's awareness of preconception folic acid supplementation and its importance to the mother and the fetus. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional questionnaire study conducted in Saudi Arabia between January and April 2019. An electronic questionnaire tool was designed and distributed using Google Forms through social media (Facebook and WhatsApp) websites. Binary logistics regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for predictors of poor levels of awareness about folic acid. RESULTS: A total of 514 women participated in this study. The age range for the study participants was 18-45 years. Only 24.1% of the participants reported that they routinely took folic acid. The most commonly reported source of information about folic acid use was the doctor. The majority of the participants had poor awareness of folic acid use. Older age (30 years and above) and not taking regular folic acid supplements were important predictors of poor awareness of folic acid. Having a university degree or higher education was an important predictor of increased awareness about folic acid. CONCLUSION: Our study found that the awareness of the Saudi women was poor in identifying the generic name of folic acid, recognising the sources of folic acid, the correct dose of folic acid, and the side effects of high doses of folic acid and that there was good knowledge about the importance of folic acid, the consequences of folic acid deficiency, and the belief that even non-pregnant women and girls of childbearing age should take folic acid.

Attitudes of pharmacy students towards patient safety: a cross-sectional study from six developing countries.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the attitudes of undergraduate pharmacy students towards patient safety in six developing countries. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. SETTING: Participants were enrolled from the participating universities in six countries. PARTICIPANTS: Undergraduate pharmacy students from the participating universities in six developing countries (Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, India and Indonesia) were invited to participate in the study between October 2018 and September 2019. PRIMARY OUTCOME: Attitudes towards patient safety was measured using 14-item questionnaire that contained five subscales: being quality-improvement focused, internalising errors regardless of harm, value of contextual learning, acceptability of questioning more senior healthcare professionals' behaviour and attitude towards open disclosure. Multiple-linear regression analysis was used to identify predictors of positive attitudes towards patient safety. RESULTS: A total of 2595 students participated in this study (1044 from Jordan, 514 from Saudi Arabia, 134 from Kuwait, 61 from Qatar, 416 from India and 429 from Indonesia). Overall, the pharmacy students reported a positive attitude towards patient safety with a mean score of 37.4 (SD=7.0) out of 56 (66.8%). The 'being quality-improvement focused' subscale had the highest score, 75.6%. The subscale with the lowest score was 'internalising errors regardless of harm', 49.2%. Female students had significantly better attitudes towards patient safety scores compared with male students (p=0.001). Being at a higher level of study and involvement in or witnessing harm to patients while practising were important predictors of negative attitudes towards patient safety (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Patient safety content should be covered comprehensively in pharmacy curricula and reinforced in each year of study. This should be more focused on students in their final year of study and who have started their training. This will ensure that the next generation of pharmacists are equipped with the requisite knowledge, core competencies and attitudes to ensure optimal patient safety when they practice.