Exploring awareness of cataract and associated risk factors: A cross-sectional study among the adult population in Jazan, Saudi Arabia.

Cataracts are a leading cause of visual impairment globally and significantly affect quality of life. In the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia, an area characterized by unique environmental and socioeconomic factors, the awareness of the cataract and its associated risk factors remain poorly understood. Therefore, assessing the knowledge about this problem in our region is the initial step to mitigate the impact of cataracts in the region. This descriptive cross-sectional study evaluated the prevalence of cataracts and the associated risk factors among adults in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia. The study employed an online questionnaire divided into the sociodemographic characteristics and cataract knowledge sections. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences for descriptive statistics. The study included 701 participants, predominantly young males (64.2%, aged 18-30 years). The participant profile included students (35.7%) and teachers (16.4%), and the majority held university degrees (69.2%). The preferred sources of information were TV and social media (23.8%), the Internet (23.3%), and academic studies (10.9%). Regarding cataract awareness, 57.6% correctly identified cataracts, 64.9% recognized blurred vision as a symptom, and 68.8% were aware of surgical treatment. Notable associations were found with sex (84.1% of females with higher education, P = .039), age (90.4% of those with >50 years of education, P = .002), and occupation (93.2% of students, P < .001). Overall, there were significant associations between the knowledge level and age (67.3%, P < .001) and occupation (77.6%, P < .001). This study revealed a moderate level of awareness of cataracts in Jazan, with significant variations based on sex, age, and occupation. These findings highlight the need for targeted educational interventions, particularly among certain demographic groups, to enhance understanding and management of cataracts in the region.

Knowledge, Attitude, Reception, and Preventive Practices Towards Skin Photoaging Among the General Population in Jazan, Saudi Arabia.

Introduction Skin photoaging is caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight, particularly ultraviolet rays (UV). High cumulative levels of UV radiation may cause burning, photoallergic or phototoxic reactions, pigmentary changes, photoaging, and even immunosuppression and skin cancers. Therefore, this study aims to assess knowledge, attitude, reception, and preventive practices towards skin photoaging among the Jazan general population in Saudi Arabia and its determinants. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among the general population of Jazan, Saudi Arabia, who were aged 18 years and above and agreed to participate in the study. The calculated minimum sample size was 385. An online, semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire was distributed conveniently in Google Forms through social media platforms. It included four sections: The first section was about sociodemographic characteristics. The second section assessed the smoking, exercise, and healthy diet behavior of participants and the use of sunscreen. The third section assessed the knowledge regarding the photoaging process and its preventive measures utilization using three-point Likert scale questions. The fourth section assessed attitudes towards the photoaging process and its preventive measures through three-point Likert scales. Results The study included 452, of which 243 (53.76%) were aged 18-30 years, 258 (57.08%) were females, and 272 (60.18%) had white skin color. Approximately 417 (92.26%) were nonsmokers. Sixty-eight percent (372) spent 1-3 hours in the sun. Social media was the primary source of information on photoaging 81 (17.92%). Around 234 (51.77%) defined photoaging correctly. Regarding sunscreen usage, 58 (12.83%) always use sunscreen, and 177 (39.16%) never use it. However, 191 (42.26%) recognized the correct sunscreen application. Approximately 233 (51.5%) and 240 (53.1%) of respondents had fair knowledge and a positive attitude regarding photoaging and sunscreen use. Being female, pursuing university and postgraduate education, and taking information on photoaging from a physician were linked to a higher knowledge of photoaging (p<0.05). Participants who never use sunscreen had lower knowledge than those who always use it (p<0.001). None of the demographic factors was associated with the attitude towards sunscreen use (p>0.05). Conclusion There is a substantial gap in knowledge and preventive practices related to skin photoaging among the Jazan general population in Saudi Arabia. Gender, education level, and information sources influence knowledge levels. Targeted educational interventions are needed to enhance awareness and promote healthier practices, particularly sun exposure and photoaging prevention.

Awareness of Keratoconus and Its Association With Eye Rubbing Among the Population in Aseer Province.

BACKGROUND: Keratoconus (KC), is a non-inflammatory, bilateral, asymmetrical, progressive disease characterized by ectasia, thinning, increasing corneal curvature, and loss of visual acuity. In Saudi Arabia, it was discovered that KC has been the main reason for corneal transplantation in the past 20 years. Eye rubbing is considered one of the most significant risk factors for KC based on available data. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adults in Aseer province, Saudi Arabia in 2023. Data were collected through a pre-designed online questionnaire consisting of 17 questions divided into three sections. The questionnaire was preceded by informed consent and insured to maintain the confidentiality of the data. RESULTS: A total of 498 respondents were included in this study. The majority of the study's participants were in the 18 to 25 age group and females made up the majority. The majority of participants had a university education. 41.6% of individuals reported experiencing an allergic disorder, 59.0% reported having knowledge about KC, and the overall participants' awareness regarding KC was poor at 85.74%, with the highest percentage of good awareness (22.2%) detected among the 18-25 age group. CONCLUSION: The study revealed a concerning lack of awareness about KC among the population in Aseer Province, Saudi Arabia. Additionally, a significant percentage of participants engaged in eye rubbing, a behavior associated with increased risk for KC. There is a need for increased awareness about KC and the importance of avoiding eye rubbing.

Corrigendum: Effectiveness and determinants of smoking cessation in the Saudi Arabian Region of Jazan: A cross-sectional study.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.18332/tid/156842.].

Effectiveness and determinants of smoking cessation in the Saudi Arabian Region of Jazan: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Smoking cessation has significant health benefits. The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy and related factors of smoking cessation therapies in the Jazan Region of Saudi Arabia. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study that took place at smoking cessation clinics in primary healthcare centers between January 2019 and January 2020. RESULTS: This study enrolled a total of 103 people. The success rate for quitting smoking was 36% at three months, with a 13% relapse rate at six months. Age (p=0.017), occupation (p=0.046), daily cigarette intake (p=0.015), and number of visits (p=0.001) were all found to be significant determinants of smoking cessation. In the multivariate analysis, only the number of visits increased the likelihood to quit smoking (AOR=0.31; 95% CI: 0.15-0.63). Self-efficacy was cited as the primary reason for quitting smoking by 71% of the participants, whereas family support, smoking cessation therapies, and friends' support were cited as predictive variables by 18%, 10%, and 1% of the participants, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Smokers who received the smoking cessation intervention package were three times more likely to succeed in giving up smoking when compared to those who received the routine service. Regular follow-up during smoking cessation interventions significantly enhanced the quit rate. It is recommended that pharmacotherapy strategies and intense therapy performed face-to-face with a cessation counselor be combined to improve the quit rate.