Diabetes-related social stigma among university students in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

Diabetes-related stigma encompasses stereotypes, discrimination, and blame, significantly influencing diabetes management and overall well-being. Despite high diabetes-related stigma prevalence in various contexts, there is limited research in Saudi Arabia, especially that perceived/enacted by non-diabetics, the so-called social stigma. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess diabetes-related social stigma (DRSS) and to identify correlates among university students in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. A convenience sampling was employed to collect responses from 536 Jazan University students using an online questionnaire. After excluding participants with diabetes mellitus (n = 17), data from 519 individuals were analyzed. The DRSS questionnaire comprised 2 scales: social distancing and negative attitudes and stereotyping. The study found mixed results regarding the student population's attitude toward diabetic patients. Most students displayed favorable answers on social distancing scale statements, with the majority of statements showing willingness to engage in different social aspects with diabetics getting a positive response from at least 96% of respondents. The study identified various types of negative attitudes and stereotyping, for example, 46% of the sample agreed that dealing with a diabetic is upsetting or tiring. Correlates of social distancing included academic year, rural residence, and nonmedical field of specialty, while predictors of negative attitude and stereotyping included female gender and higher family income. The findings indicate a need to improve attitudes related to diabetics among university students in Saudi Arabia, with a particular focus on negative attitude stereotyping. Raising awareness about DRSS, especially among future healthcare professionals, is essential. Further refinement of the DRSS measurement scales is recommended through broader testing among the general population to enhance our understanding of this important issue.

COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Prevalence and Predictors among the Students of Jazan University, Saudi Arabia Using the Health Belief Model: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Vaccination has a major role in the control of the COVID-19 pandemic. The behavior toward accepting the COVID-19 vaccine is complex and multifactorial, while the level of acceptance and hesitancy depends on many factors. This study aims to measure the level of vaccine acceptance among Jazan University students and identify its predictors. In this cross-sectional study, an online questionnaire based on the health belief model (HBM) was sent through social media "WhatsApp" to two strata of students selected by convenient sampling. The overall desire to get vaccinated was noted in 83.6% of participants, and 16.4% reported no desire to be vaccinated. The constructs of the HBM were shown to significantly predict vaccine acceptance with the exception of "perceived susceptibility". In conclusion, the level of acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine among Jazan University students was relatively high. The HBM constructs are important predictors of the vaccination behavior with the exception of the construct "perceived susceptibility".

Awareness of stroke signs, symptoms, and risk factors among Jazan University students: An analytic cross-sectional study from Jazan, Saudi Arabia.

In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the lifetime risk of stroke is estimated to be between 23% and 28.9%, whereas in Jazan region of the Kingdom there is a high prevalence of sickle cell anemia, which is known to increase the risk of stroke. This study aimed to assess awareness of stroke signs, symptoms, and risk factors among university students in the southern region of Saudi Arabia. In this analytical cross-sectional study, data obtained through an online questionnaire were collected from 897 university students. Data were entered, cleaned, and analyzed using SPSS (IBM, Chicago IL) software version 28. Knowledge was assessed using both open- and closed-ended questions (CEQ). The participants were predominantly female (72%), single (86.8%), a fifth had relatives with cerebrovascular accident (CVA), and a third knew a person with CVA. The open-ended questions showed that 11.8% did not know any symptoms or signs and 25% knew only 1, while in the CEQs, hypertension was selected by 83.0%. Regarding knowledge about symptoms and signs, 33.7% and 21.9% recognized weakness and speech disturbance, respectively, whereas in the CEQs, around 60% selected others. Regarding actions that should be taken if CVA is suspected, >80% preferred going directly to the hospital. The best time to seek professional care was considered to be within 4 hours by 47.5%, 10.3% suggested a later timing, and 42.3% had no knowledge of what to do. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that pursuing a health-related specialty and previous stroke experience in close relatives were significantly associated with good stroke knowledge. The level of knowledge and correct timing and action among participants were better than those reported nationally and internationally. However, there is still room for improvement in awareness, which is recommended to improve the outcomes.