Parental Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Toward Children's Developmental Milestones in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia.

INTRODUCTION: Parents' ability to engage and raise their children in a safe and appropriate manner is largely influenced by their knowledge of child development and childrearing. This study aimed to evaluate the parenting and developmental milestone (MS) knowledge of Western region Saudi parents and identify the related elements that influence their knowledge. METHODS: This cross­sectional study was conducted for a period of six months. Ethical approval was duly sanctioned by the Institutional Review Board (IRB), and prior to participation, written informed consent was diligently procured from all the individuals involved in the study. In adherence to the paramount principles of privacy, rigorous measures were employed to de­identify the personal data of the participants, thereby safeguarding their confidentiality and anonymity. All research procedures were meticulously executed in strict compliance with the pertinent guidelines and regulatory standards governing research ethics. The study cohort consisted of Saudi parents from the Western Province of Saudi Arabia who had children aged up to six years and expressed a genuine willingness to participate in the research. This commitment was reaffirmed through their informed consent. Notably, the inclusion criteria for parental involvement did not impose any restrictions based on age or ethnic origin, ensuring a diverse and inclusive representation of this crucial demographic group. RESULTS: For assessing parental awareness and knowledge about children's developmental MSs, we examined a diverse sample of 873 participants, predominantly comprising females (77.00%). The age distribution revealed that a substantial portion of the respondents were below 30 (37.00%). Most respondents (62.40%) sought information from medical physicians and pediatricians. Gender had a significant effect, with males showing a lower awareness level compared to females (Beta = -0.582, 95% confidence interval (CI) [-0.890, -0.274], p-value < 0.001). Marital status demonstrated significance, where divorced individuals showed a lower awareness level than widowed participants (Beta = -1.641, 95% CI [-2.993, -0.288], p-value = 0.017). At the same time, no significant differences were found for singles or married individuals. CONCLUSION: Saudi parents lacked understanding of other parenting skills, such as a baby's personality and temperament, but they were well educated about some areas of childrearing, primarily physical safety precautions. It is advised that nurses and doctors give parenting advice to families at every step of their children's growth to educate and support them.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Among Adults in Al-Qunfudah Governorate, Saudi Arabia.

Background Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorder and is linked to numerous psychiatric abnormalities. Objectives In Al-Qunfudah governorate, this study was done to estimate the prevalence of IBS and its associated risk factors among adults. Material and methods The Rome IV criteria and GAD-7 (General Anxiety Disorder-7) were used in this community-based cross-sectional study. A total of 335 adults from the general population made up the sample, which was chosen using a convenience (non-probability) sampling technique. The required data were collected through the dissemination of the survey link online through different electronic platforms. Results The total prevalence of IBS was 30.4% (n = 102), with females having a greater prevalence (55.9%, n = 57 out of 102). GAD was found in 15.8% of the total participants (n = 53). Significant relationships were discovered between IBS and marital status, education, occupation, smoking status, IBS history, and anxiety levels (p-values were <0.001, 0.023, 0.006, 0.016, <0.001, and <0.001, respectively). According to regression analysis, being single, having a family history of IBS, and having a generalized anxiety disorder were all risk factors for IBS. Conclusion In this study, the prevalence of IBS among adults in Al-Qunfudah governorate, Saudi Arabia, was shown to be 30.4%. Further, approximately 16% of individuals had generalized anxiety disorder. Being unmarried, having a positive family history of IBS, and suffering from GAD were all risk factors for developing IBS. People need to be educated on the symptoms and consequences of IBS. We also propose that those suffering from IBS symptoms seek a second opinion from a doctor to manage this problem and its impact on their quality of life.