ABSTRACT
High-dose short-term corticosteroid therapy is effective and produces favorable clinical outcome in patients with severe 2019-nCoV infection who are candidates for mechanical ventilation with close monitor/ing for the adverse effect of corticosteroids.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The rapid and extensive spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has become a major cause of concern for both general public and healthcare profession. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to analyze and evaluate the awareness of both the general public and healthcare providers in Qassim region in Saudi Arabia. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted randomly in different shopping malls in Qassim region from 10th of February to 10th of March 2020. All participants have answered the designed questionnaire. The structured questionnaire recorded demographics and awareness of both public participants as well as health care providers. RESULT: A total of 130 participants have answered the designed questionnaire, out of which 67participants were males (58.5%) and 54 were females (41.5%). Overall, 129 (99%) out of the 130 participants are aware of COVID-19, and 116 (90%) have recognize it as a respiratory disease and 100% of the participants have recognized it as a contagious disease. Around 94% of the participants were able to recognize the correct incubation period of the virus. Participants of the age group 20-40 showed higher awareness level than other age groups (P value = 0.005). In addition, government employees showed higher awareness level than other profession groups (P = 0.039). Results showed significant positive correlation between the recognition of high-risk groups, reliable source of information, infection symptoms, disease prevention and available treatments. CONCLUSION: General public and health care professionals from Qassim Region showed adequate awareness of COVID-19. However, there is a strong need to implement periodic educational interventions and training programs on infection control practices for COVID-19 across all healthcare professions.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: High satisfaction with, and adherence to, warfarin therapy are linked to better international normalized ratio (INR) control and good therapeutic outcomes. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to identify the association between satisfaction with, and adherence to, warfarin therapy and the control of the INR within the target therapeutic range. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 1 to August 31, 2016, at the Anticoagulation Clinic in the Cardiology Center at King Fahad Hospital, Qassim, Saudi Arabia. All adult patients included in the study were 18-years-old or older and were on warfarin therapy for 6â¯months or more. The data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 298 patients were included. Of them, 194 patients (65.1%) were males and 152 (51.0%) were classified as satisfied with their warfarin therapy. Secondary educational level and above (Pâ¯=â¯.001) and being non-Saudi (Pâ¯=â¯.026) were identified as determinants of a high level of satisfaction. Ninety-five (31.8%) participants were classified as adherent to the therapy, and satisfaction with treatment was the only predictor of adherence (Pâ¯=â¯.009). One hundred thirty-six patients (45.6%) achieved their target INR range. Satisfaction (Pâ¯=â¯.038) and adherence (Pâ¯=â¯.023) were significantly associated with better INR control. CONCLUSION: Substantial efforts are needed to improve patient satisfaction and adherence to treatment through different strategies in order to achieve the target therapeutic goal for warfarin treatment.
