Prevalence of dietary supplement use and associated factors among female college students in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: The economic boom in Saudi Arabia indirectly prompted the use of dietary supplements in the last two decades. Our aim is to investigate the prevalence of dietary supplement use and its association with sociodemographic/lifestyle characteristics among Saudi female students. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 534 female participants (≥19 years of age) completed a self-administered questionnaire that include sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics, perceived health status, dietary supplement use, general awareness, attitudes and behavior. RESULTS: In all participants, the prevalence of dietary supplement use was 76.6% (n = 409). High level of education (p = 0.002) and more physical activity (p = 0.008) exhibited a significant positive association with users than to non-users. The frequency showed that beta-carotene (54.2%), chamomile (54.2%), and glucosamine (53.8%) were the most preferred diet supplements under the category "when needed". Cod liver oil (71.3%), omega 3 (68.3%), multi-vitamins (61.5%), ginseng (60%), and vitamin A (60%), were mostly used "from time to time". Multi-minerals (34.4%) were the preferred choice when it comes to daily use. The main reasons for supplement use were to "maintain healthy hair" and "injury and illness" (both 26.2%). About 38.4% were not aware and 30.3% disagree on differences taking supplements with or without consulting a medical professional. About 36.7% lack information about side effects while, 35.0% were unaware about any health effect of dietary supplements. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of dietary supplement use was high in Saudi female students and was significantly associated with sociodemographic and lifestyle factors.

The willingness toward deceased organ donation among university students. Implications for health education in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: To shed light on the willingness to donate deceased organs and tissues among university students in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey employed self-administered questionnaires to collect data on demographic characteristics, and knowledge-related aspects of students on organ and tissue donation. The questionnaires were distributed randomly to 600 students, of which 487 (81.2%) completed the questionnaire at King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from May to June 2008. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Most students (70.6%) were willing to donate deceased organs and tissues. None of these students had a donation card, and 66% of them were ready to sign a donor card. The results indicate that those who had information and knowledge on the deceased organ donation concept were more willing to donate organs and tissues. Students reported that lack of information, personal attitudes, and religious beliefs were among the objecting reasons for deceased organ/tissue donation. CONCLUSION: The majority of students were willing to donate organs, and more dissemination of information can increase the awareness of the public, including students, to the importance of organ donation and transplantation in Saudi Arabia.

Exploring public knowledge and attitudes towards HIV/AIDS in Saudi Arabia. A survey of primary health care users.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge and attitudes towards HIV/AIDS among the general public in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: The study employed self-administered questionnaires to collect data from individuals aged 15 years or older who attended Primary Health Centers (PHC) in Riyadh City. In addition to demographic characteristics, the questionnaire was designed to collect data on a number of statements including basic knowledge about HIV/AIDS, its mode of transmission and people's attitudes and source of information about the disease. The questionnaires were distributed randomly to 500 persons (250 males and 250 females) during November and December 2004. Data were analyzed in a descriptive fashion. RESULTS: Although the majority of respondents correctly identified the main modes of HIV/AIDS transmission, there is a relative deficiency in their knowledge about the disease. Moreover, their attitudes towards HIV/AIDS and infected persons were defective. The results indicate that this deficiency in knowledge and attitudes was associated with some of their demographic characteristics such as their gender, level of education, ages and nationality. Furthermore, the results show that the contribution of health staff and educational institutions was limited in providing the public with information about this health problem. CONCLUSION: Although the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Saudi Arabia is low, health care providers in general, and PHC centers in particular, should be involved in intensive educational programs as a part of their professional mission to help the general public acquire appropriate knowledge and attitudes towards HIV/AIDS. This will help in preventing the spread of this health problem.