ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This study aims to assess contact lens usage patterns, complications, knowledge levels, and the impact of psychological factors on misuse among the Saudi population. METHODS: In this study, we distributed our questionnaire through multiple social media platforms among patients who are using cosmetic or medical contact lenses regardless of the purpose of wearing them. A total of 1,708 contact lens users participated. RESULTS: Most participants were female (86.4%) and aged 21-40 years (65.7%). The purpose for usage was cosmetic (36.1%) or medical (28.7%), with some using them for both purposes (35.1%). Complications have been faced, with 26.3% experiencing issues due to lens usage, 56.8% facing visual problems, and 45.8% sometimes feeling discomfort with contact lens usage. Allergic reactions were reported by 35.2%. Higher knowledge levels were associated with participants aged 21-40 years (p = 0.009), irregular ophthalmologist visits (p = 0.032), and cosmetic use (p = 0.027). Better practice patterns were observed among urban residents (p = 0.049), higher-income earners (p = 0.002), cosmetic users (p < 0.001), and those with fewer complications (p < 0.001). Psychological factors significantly influenced misuse, with 15.4% of participants indicating its impact. Notably, a subset of these participants (16.2%) perceived prolonged wear of contact lenses as a manifestation of personal insecurity. CONCLUSIONS: Several sociodemographic factors, including place of residence, income, and difficulty, influence the use of contact lenses. It is also necessary to consider psychological issues such as low self-esteem and social acceptance while encouraging the safe use of contact lenses.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Social media is a network that allows information to be shared globally with millions of users. It is becoming evident that social media plays quite a prominent role these days in skincare. Social media surely has come to benefit millions of its users around the globe, but the downside of social media is that it has the potential to put users at risk while they follow popular trends. AIM: This study aims to assess the impact of social media on choosing skincare and cosmetic products in Saudi Arabia with the most used social media platforms. METHODS: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted targeting adult female residents across Saudi Arabia. Data were collected from the participants who met our criteria via electronic data collection Google forms did not show any nominative information that was distributed through social media platforms. The questionnaire covered participants' demographic data, social media use, source of information, and degree of trust with the influence of social media on using cosmetics. The eligible females were asked to fill out the study questionnaire received till no more new answers were obtained. RESULTS: A total of 1,174 females fulfilling the inclusion criteria completed the study questionnaire. Participants' ages ranged from 18 to more than 40 years with a mean age of 22.5 %C2%B1 13.9 years old. Exact of 655 (55.8%) were single, and 463 (39.4%) were married. The most used social media platforms included Snapchat (39.4%), TikTok (26.7%), and Instagram (19.6%). A total of 881 (75%) of the study females reported they use social media for more than an hour a day. Exact 51% of the study females became familiar with skin care products from social media platforms. Also, 91.3% of the study female's confidence in information related to cosmetic and skin care products was affected by visual presentation. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the study showed that most of the study participants used social media for many hours daily mainly Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram. Also, social media was the main source of information regarding skin care products mainly dermatologists on social media.
ABSTRACT
Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant. High consumption levels of caffeine can lead to intoxication and serious side effects. Saudi Arabia is witnessing a rise in the commercialization and consumption of caffeine. Young adults such as university students may exhibit high levels of caffeine consumption. This investigation aims to assess caffeine consumption habits among a sample of Jazan University students in the south of Saudi Arabia. This study was a cross-sectional investigation that utilized multistage sampling to recruit the students. Data was collected via a self-administered questionnaire that measured student demographics, their frequency of consuming caffeine-containing food, portion sizes, and patterns of consumption during different times of the day. Caffeine consumption levels were estimated based on a cutoff point of 400 mg per day. A chi-squared test was used to investigate the association between levels of caffeine consumption and measured study characteristics. A sample of 964 students was recruited with a mean age of 21.8 years. The most frequently consumed product among the recruited students was coffee (32%), followed by chocolate bars (16%) and soft drinks (12%). The median total consumed caffeine amount was 185 mg per day. 194 (20%) students of the sample exceeded the recommended level of daily caffeine consumption (>400 mg/day). Among the measured demographics, only the year of study was associated with caffeine consumption (P value of .003), suggesting that students in their earlier years of university are likely to exceed the recommended daily consumption of caffeine in comparison with those who are in their later years of study. Our investigation identified high levels of caffeine consumption among some students. The findings imply the need to enhance the awareness of students who exceed the recommended daily intake of caffeine regarding the harmful impacts of caffeine toxicity.
