Use of High-Flow Nasal Cannulas in Saudi's Neonatal Level III Intensive Care Units: A Nationwide Questionnaire Study.

Objective. To describe heated humidified high-flow nasal cannulas (HHHFNC) utilization in level III neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in Saudi Arabia. Methods. A prospective cross-sectional study using an electronic web-based questionnaire. The survey targeted level III NICUs hospitals using HHHFNCs, covering HHHFNC availability, protocols, patient characteristics, and indications. It also collected opinions on the benefits of HHHFNCs compared to nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP). Results. Out of 47 government-level III neonatal intensive care units, 35 (74%) responded to the survey. Among the included units, 46% had guidelines for HHHFNC use. Additionally, 51% reported using HHHFNC in infants of all gestational ages. The primary indication for HHHFNC use was weaning off nCPAP (34%), with 60% of the respondents noting its advantages for kangaroo care and breastfeeding. Conclusion. HHHFNC are increasingly prevalent in NICUs in Saudi Arabia. However, there remain no clear policies or guidelines regarding their use in preterm infants.

The association of smoking with different eating and dietary behaviours: A cross-sectional analysis of 80 296 United Kingdom adults.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Smokers typically have a lower body mass index (BMI) than non-smokers, while smoking cessation is associated with weight gain. In pre-clinical research, nicotine in tobacco smoking suppresses appetite and influences subsequent eating behaviour; however, this relationship is unclear in humans. This study measured the associations of smoking with different eating and dietary behaviours. DESIGN: A cross-sectional analysis of data from health assessments conducted between 2004 and 2022. SETTING: An independent healthcare-based charity within the United Kingdom. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 80 296 men and women (mean ± standard deviation [SD]: age, 43.0 ± 10.4 years; BMI, 25.7 ± 4.2 kg/m2; 62.5% male) stratified into two groups based on their status as a smoker (n = 6042; 7.5%) or non-smoker (n = 74 254; 92.5%). MEASUREMENTS: Smoking status (self-report) was the main exposure, while the primary outcomes were selected eating and dietary behaviours. Age, sex and socioeconomic status (index of multiple deprivation [IMD]) were included as covariates and interaction terms, while moderate-to-vigorous exercise and sleep quality were included as covariates only. FINDINGS: Smokers had lower odds of snacking between meals and eating food as a reward or out of boredom versus non-smokers (all odds ratio [OR] ≤ 0.82; P < 0.001). Furthermore, smokers had higher odds of skipping meals, going more than 3 h without food, adding salt and sugar to their food, overeating and finding it hard to leave something on their plate versus non-smokers (all OR ≥ 1.06; P ≤ 0.030). Additionally, compared with non-smokers, smoking was associated with eating fried food more times per week (rate ratio [RR] = 1.08; P < 0.001), eating fewer meals per day, eating sweet foods between meals and eating dessert on fewer days per week (all RR ≤ 0.93; P < 0.001). Several of these relationships were modified by age, sex and IMD. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking appears to be associated with eating and dietary behaviours consistent with inhibited food intake, low diet quality and altered food preference. Several of these relationships are moderated by age, sex and socioeconomic status.

The moral distress and resilience among emergency nurses in Arar city: Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Understanding moral distress and resilience is crucial for supporting the well-being of emergency nursing staff and improving patient care. However, there is limited research specifically examining moral distress and resilience among emergency nursing staff in ARAR city hospitals. AIMS: This study aims to examine moral distress and resilience levels among emergency nursing staff in ARAR city hospitals. Specifically, the study seeks to determine the correlation between moral distress and resilience among emergency nursing staff and examine differences in the levels of moral distress and resilience among different demographic and occupational characteristics. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was employed, involving a non-probability stratified sample of emergency nursing staff from two hospitals in ARAR city. The participants completed a Brazilian Moral Distress Scale in Nurses (MDSN-BR) and Rushton Moral Resilience Scale in Nurses (RMRS). Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics and one-way- ANOVA, were conducted to analyze the data. RESULTS: The study found that emergency nursing had a moderate level of moral distress, with a mean frequency of 2.70 (SD = 1.02) and a mean intensity of 2.79 (SD = 1.04). The overall self-reported moral resilience was also moderate, with a mean score of 2.48 (SD = 0.77). Significant positive correlations were observed between resilience and both moral distress frequency (r = 0.48, p = 0.001) and intensity (r = 0.48, p = 0.001). Educational levels and nursing positions were associated with variations in moral distress and resilience. Postgraduate diploma emergency nursing reported the highest levels of moral distress frequency (3.12, SD = 1.14) and intensity (3.21, SD = 1.16). A bachelor's degree in nursing exhibited higher levels of personal integrity (3.06, SD = 0.87), while a master's degree in nursing showed higher levels of moral efficacy (2.88, SD = 1.09). Head nurses experienced higher levels of moral distress compared to other positions (3.08, SD = 1.37 for frequency; 3.18, SD = 1.29 for intensity). CONCLUSION: The study revealed that emergency nursing experienced relatively moderate levels of moral distress, which could be attributed to insufficient multidisciplinary teams and unprepared actions. The findings also highlighted moderate levels of moral resilience, particularly in relational integrity. Educational levels and nursing positions were found to influence moral distress and resilience. These results underscore the need for targeted interventions to support the well-being of emergency nurses and enhance ethical decision-making.

Knowledge, practice, counseling confidence, and intention to use AAR model of smoking cessation among respiratory therapists: A cross-sectional study.

There is a paucity of research on knowledge, practice, counseling confidence, and intention to use ask, advice, and refer (AAR) model of smoking cessation among respiratory therapists (RTs). Thus, we aimed to analyze the characteristics and factors that may influence them. We collected data using online questionnaires from convenience sample of active licensed RTs in Saudi Arabia. We included 206 participants. A descriptive analysis of the demographic information and characteristics of smoking cessation counseling practices and confidence were conducted. Multiple linear regression was used to test whether demographic variables and AAR model components significantly predicted the RTs' calculated cumulative score of tobacco counseling confidence skills. Our results showed a deficiency in tobacco knowledge among RTs. Most RTs did not have certifications or attend lectures or seminars related to tobacco treatment. RTs were unfamiliar with the smoking cessation program contact information and mobile smoking cessation clinics but reported a high tobacco counseling confidence score. Clinical experience (P = .008), familiarity with smoking cessation program contact information (P = .02), inquiry regarding smoking status (P < .001), and advice regarding smoking status (P = .03) significantly predicted tobacco counseling confidence levels in RTs. RT experience, knowledge, and awareness of smoking cessation programs could enhance the confidence level among them in implementing AAR model.

Burnout Among Respiratory Therapists in a tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Respiratory therapists (RTs) provide various types of patient care in different clinical settings. Burnout can have an undesirable effect on RTs and their patients. Managing the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically in hospitals, could induce stress in RTs and increase the likelihood of burnout. Therefore, this study aimed to measure the level of burnout among RTs during the COVID-19 pandemic.Method: A validated cross-sectional questionnaire was used to identify the prevalence and characteristics of burnout among RTs. The questionnaire was administered by the respiratory care department of a tertiary healthcare center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The data analysis included descriptive, inferential, and correlational tests.Results: The survey was distributed among 100 RTs with a response rate of 66%. Most respondents reported high burnout levels in the three domains of burnout: 77% reported emotional exhaustion, 98% reported depersonalization, and 73% reported low personal achievement. Univariate analysis revealed that emotional exhaustion was significantly higher among RTs who were male, married, or working in critical care settings. Female RTs and those working in general care settings reported feelings of reduced personal achievement. Furthermore, the analysis revealed a moderate positive correlation between the years of experience and emotional exhaustion (r=0.6, p<0.001).Conclusions: A high prevalence of burnout was observed among RTs in one Saudi tertiary hospital. Burnout is associated with several factors, and interventions should target all domains of burnout. RT management and staff are responsible for addressing their needs and collaboratively working together to overcome burnout. Further investigations focusing on techniques and strategies to alleviate burnout are required.

Students' readiness for and perception of Interprofessional learning: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Several studies reported that Inter-professional Education (IPE) plays a major role in creating an effective collaborating environment in healthcare settings to achieve high-quality patient care. This study measured the College of Applied Medical Sciences (CAMS) students' readiness for and perceptions of IPE. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 232 undergraduate students in Riyadh, using a stratified random sampling method. All the undergraduate students of CAMS were included. Two previously validated questionnaires, the Interdisciplinary Education Perception Scale (IEPS) and the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) were used in the study. RESULTS: The mean score for the RIPLS was 86.8. The Tukey post-hoc test score was significantly higher comparing the Occupational Therapy and the Respiratory Therapy programs. There was no difference between the overall RIPLS and subscales between male and female students as well as senior and junior students. For the IEPS, the mean score was 77.7. The Tukey post-hoc test score was significantly higher in the Occupational Therapy and Respiratory Therapy programs. CONCLUSION: The current study indicated that the Applied Medical Sciences' students demonstrated readiness for IPE as an important element in creating collaborative teamwork in their programs. The early incorporation of IPE in the pre-professional years will enhance collaboration in management and patient care.