RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the awareness of ototoxicity among medical doctors in Arar City, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study based on a pre-formed validated questionnaire (Appendix) that included three sections covering participants' demographic data (three questions), their attitudes (five questions), and knowledge (13 questions) regarding drug-induced ototoxicity. RESULTS: After obtaining their informed consent, 213 physicians from government and private sector health facilities in Arar were enrolled in the study. Interns and general practitioners represented 57.8% of the participants; consultants represented 17.8%. Only 71.8% of participants were interested in drug-induced ototoxicity, while 26.3% considered ototoxicity a rare complication. Approximately 90% of the participants were knowledgeable about the adverse effects of drugs on the vestibulocochlear system, and 26.7% reported having experienced cases of drug-induced ototoxicity in their practice. Participants showed an overall knowledge score about ototoxicity of 9.3±3.27 (out of 14). The knowledge score was significantly higher (p-value=0.0007) for participants with more years of clinical experience. The most widely known ototoxic drug for participants was frusemide (72.3%), followed by aminoglycoside (68.5%), while acetaminophen (44.1%) ototoxicity was the least known among participants. CONCLUSION: Awareness of drug-induced ototoxicity is satisfactory among physicians in the Northern Borders region. However, workshops about all types of drugs with ototoxic effects and the main lines for the management of drug-induced ototoxicity are recommended to increase awareness.
RESUMO
Background Breast cancer remains a significant public health issue globally and is notably pervasive within the female population, representing a leading cause of concern. It poses a challenge across different age groups and is influenced by diverse risk factors that include genetic predispositions and various elements of lifestyle. Saudi Arabia, mirroring the global situation, has also seen its share of this disease's impact, prompting a closer look at the factors contributing to its prevalence. Educating the public and advocating for lifestyle changes are crucial steps in cancer prevention. With early-stage diagnosis and screening, many lives can potentially be saved. Our research is focused on understanding the level of awareness and preventative practices among women in the Northern Border region of Saudi Arabia. It seeks to explore the influence of familial history on knowledge and perceptions surrounding breast cancer, which could guide future educational and screening programs. Methods This cross-sectional study engaged 643 female participants, aged 18 and above, from the Northern Border region of Saudi Arabia upon their informed consent. Data were compiled via a structured questionnaire encompassing sociodemographic information, breast cancer knowledge, and preventive practices. Results The data disclosed that a significant majority (86%) recognized breast lumps as indicative of breast cancer, with 69.1% cognizant of hereditary risks. Awareness about lactation as a preventative strategy was noted in 76.7% of the participants, followed by 70.6% acknowledging the merits of a healthy diet. The study unveiled no substantial awareness disparity between individuals with or without a family history of the disease. Alarmingly, 80.4% had never sought a breast examination, and a parallel 83.7% had not undergone mammography. Conclusion The study sheds light on the heterogeneity in breast cancer awareness among women in Saudi Arabia's Northern Border region. Although the recognition of lumps and the preventative role of lactation is relatively high, there remains a deficit in comprehending additional symptoms, signs, and risk factors. The conspicuously low rates of breast cancer examinations and mammography underscore an urgent need for enhanced educational initiatives and a strategic push toward bolstering participation in regular cancer screenings.
