ABSTRACT
Background: Microaggressions are subtle and often unintentional acts that can be verbal, nonverbal, or environmental, and they convey negative messages to individuals belonging to marginalized social groups. This study aims to determine the prevalence of microaggressions experienced by female Saudi orthopaedic surgeons. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted online and targeted female in orthopedic surgery across different regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The survey was uploaded to Google Forms and distributed through social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and WhatsApp by well-trained data collectors. Results: In this survey we included 96 female Saudi orthopedics. Their mean age was 27.46 ± 12.20 years. Most respondents were either residents (52.63%), or specialists (23.16%). Most participants (92.63%) were still in training or early in their careers, with the vast majority (93.68%) had their residency in Saudi Arabia. Nearly three-fifths (61.05%) have reported experiencing microaggressions as victims, 76.84%, did not see themselves as perpetrators of microaggressions, 23.16% acknowledged having engaged in such behavior. Patients or their families were reported to be involved in microaggressions in 43.16% of cases, while male surgeons and male support staff were implicated at 51.58% and 23.16%, respectively. Additionally, other male medical doctors participate in microaggressions in 33.68% of instances. Female surgeons were identified as being involved in 22.11% of microaggressions, whereas 29.47% involve female support staff. Conclusion: The study's outcomes can help inform strategies to promote a supportive and inclusive environment within the field of orthopaedic surgery, encouraging positive interactions and equitable opportunities for all practitioners.
ABSTRACT
Background Digital eye strain has become a serious concern due to the exponential increase in the usage of digital devices in recent years. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of digital eye strain among medical students. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of one month, from 15th June to 15th July 2023, among undergraduate medical students at King Khalid University, Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia. An online survey was carried out using a structured questionnaire that was circulated through social media platforms (Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, Telegram, and WhatsApp). Results A total of 300 students were enrolled in this study. The prevalence of ocular problems, in descending order, was as follows: asthenopia had the highest prevalence at 30.5% (94), followed by conjunctivitis at 9.4% (29); squint, glaucoma, and cataract had lower prevalence rates of 3.9% (12), 1.6% (5), and 1.6% (5), respectively. The majority of participants used digital devices for fun (92.9% (286)) and study (95.5% (294)). Significant positive correlations were found between asthenopia and the hours spent on digital devices for studying (r = 0.161, p = 0.005), communication (r = 0.146, p = 0.011), and entertainment (r = 0.206, p < 0.001). Conclusions A substantial number of medical students are experiencing asthenopia. Prolonged usage of these devices is linked to a higher prevalence of asthenopia.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Acute otitis media (AOM) in children aged 5 years old and younger poses a critical health concern, affecting both the general health of children and the emotional well-being of parents. The objective of this study was to evaluate parental understanding, attitudes, and experiences related to AOM and its management, including the use of antibiotics without physician prescription. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was carried out during the months of May and June of 2023. To collect data for this study, a validated questionnaire was converted into a Google form and given to parents of children aged 5 years and younger who sought healthcare for their children in primary healthcare centers in Abha city, Aseer region, Saudi Arabia. RESULTS: A total of 406 parents participated in this study, 64.8% of them were women and 45.3% of them were in the age range of 25 to 34 years. The majority (90.1%) resided in urban areas and a significant proportion (72.2%) had a university education. Among the respondents, 22.7% agreed that bacteria are the cause of AOM, while 21.7% agreed that it is caused by viruses. A total of 51.0% acknowledged the need for antibiotics in the management of AOM. In terms of treatment, 84.5% and 83.5% believed that analgesics and antibiotics, respectively, were the most effective for otalgia. A substantial portion, 43.1%, 34.7%, and 37.7%, respectively, believed that antibiotics could reduce pain, relieve fever, and prevent recurrence. Almost three-quarters sought medical advice primarily from paediatricians and 37.7% obtained information about AOM from the Internet. Furthermore, almost a third (28.8%) chose not to wait for the physician's appointment and immediately administered antibiotics without the physician's prescription due to concerns about disease progression. Approximately two fifths (38.4%) requested physicians to prescribe antibiotics, a pattern that was in agreement with the actual rate of antibiotic prescriptions (38.4%). CONCLUSIONS: A notable deficiency in knowledge and unsafe practices about AOM and its management is evident among parents in the Aseer region. This underscores the pressing need for an educational program aimed at improving parental health literacy regarding otitis media causes and treatments, as well as its preventive measures.
