Medication Adherence Among Hypertensive Patients Attending Different Primary Health Centers in Abha, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and Objectives: Optimal blood pressure control is achieved by medication adherence. This will reduce the risk of associated morbidities and mortalities. The present study aimed to determine medication adherence and its associated factors among hypertensive patients attending different primary health centers (PHC) in Abha, Saudi Arabia (KSA). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among ten different PHCs in Abha, KSA. Simple random sampling procedure was utilized to choose 400 participants. A structured anonymous questionnaire was used in the present study. Analysis of the data was done using the SPSS program, version 23. A logistic regression statistical test was applied to identify the independent associated factors of medication adherence. Furthermore, we have applied Spearman's test to find the correlation between overall B-IPQ score and medication adherence score. Results: A total of 400 hypertensive patients responded in the present survey. More than one-third of the participants (36.3%) were in the high adherence category group, while the remaining participants (63.7%) were either low or medium adherence category. The binary logistic regression analysis revealed that low and medium adherence category is significantly associated with age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.96, 95% CI =0.93-0.99, p = 0.021), married participants (AOR = 0.42, 95% CI =0.33-0.58, p = 0.001), residing at village (AOR = 1.49, 95% CI =1.14-1.73, p = 0.038), and participants with monthly family income of 5000 to 7000 SAR (AOR = 3.06, 95% CI =1.62-5.79, p = 0.001). A negligible positive correlation was revealed between illness perception and medication adherence. Conclusion: The present study revealed that hypertensive patients poorly adhere to their antihypertensive medications. This low adherence is significantly associated with the age, monthly income, people living in rural areas, and married participants. The present study results recommend sustained efforts to implement health education programs and awareness-raising interventions targeted at hypertensive patients.

Knowledge, attitudes and practice of primary healthcare physicians concerning the occupational risks of hepatitis B virus in Al Jouf Province, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a well-recognized occupational risk for all healthcare workers (HCWs) worldwide. AIM: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of primary healthcare (PHC) physicians regarding the occupational risks of HBV. METHOD: In this cross-sectional study, a questionnaire survey was administered to 145 physicians of primary care centers in the Al Jouf Province of Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire contained questions concerning the knowledge base, attitudes and practices of physicians regarding the occupational risks of HBV. RESULT: The response rate of 82.8% yielded 120 questionnaires for analysis. The majority of physicians surveyed, 99 (82.5%), felt at high risk of contracting and spreading HBV. The vast majority, 115 (95.6%), considered the HBV vaccine safe for all ages. Of the total, 101 (84.2%) were vaccinated. Only 44 (36.7%) physicians recognized that HBV is resistant to alcohol and to some detergents. During surgical procedures, only a minority of the physicians always use double gloves and wear glasses. Almost all physicians were willing to subscribe to regular training programs concerning HBV. CONCLUSIONS: A lack of knowledge was determined, and the practices of our physicians concerning the occupational risks of HBV appeared inappropriate. More education focusing on HBV is recommended.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of primary health care physicians in the management of osteoarthritis in Al-Jouf province, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Primary health care (PHC) physicians manage most patients with osteoarthritis (OA). In Saudi Arabia, very little is known about the management of OA by PHC physicians. This study aims to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice of PHC physicians in the management of OA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During October 2011, a cross-sectional survey was conducted on physicians who were practicing at the primary care centers in AlJouf province of Saudi Arabia. The physicians were asked to fill a valid questionnaire comprised of 35 closed ended questions, 6 items about their socio-demographic characters, and a very well modified 29 questions about their knowledge, attitude, and practice in the management of OA. Data was processed and analysed using SPSS (version 16) program, the level of significance was set as Chi-square test was applied for analysis of categorical data. RESULTS: Response rate (77/90=85.6% yielded 77 questionnaires for analysis. The mean ± SD age of respondents was 38 (12.3) years. Majority of the physicians surveyed, 58 (75.3%) considered OA as a common health problem in Saudi Arabia. Only 28 (36.4%) physicians surveyed will achieve continuity of care for OA, whereas more than half (n=44; 57.1%) will refer OA immediately or later to the specialists. The proportion of continuity of care for OA among physicians with diplomas was more than that found among general practitioner (57.1% vs 34.1%; <.05). Only 30 (39%) of physicians appeared to know the radiographic changes associated with OA. 21 (27.3%) of physicians manage an average of 5-10 patients with OA per week. Almost 3/4 (th) of the physicians (n=57; 74%) prescribe NSAIDs, and only (n=14; 18.2%) prescribe acetaminophen for OA. Less than 1/5 (th) of the physicians surveyed (n=12; 15.6%) prescribe herbal medicine for OA. Almost all physicians subscribe to regular training programs about OA. CONCLUSIONS: Appropriate attitude with lack of knowledge was found, and practice of our physicians with regards to this disorder appeared inappropriate. More education focusing on the disorder is recommended.