Knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes among general population towards bipolar disorders: a cross-sectional report from the Southern region of Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to understand the impact of demographic characteristics and to describe the gender differences in knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes towards bipolar disorders among common residents in the Southern region of Saudi Arabia. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional survey was conducted between January 2021 and March 2021. The survey was conducted among the common residents in the southern region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The data were collected by using a structured, self-administered, validated questionnaire comprised of a dichotomous type of questions along with Likert scale. RESULTS: There is a significant difference in the distribution of knowledge scores between male and female study participants (p=0.000). No significant gender differences have been identified in beliefs and attitudes toward bipolar disorder (p=0.229) and in overall score (p=0.159). The traumatic event was reported as the major cause of bipolar disorder. The age group and employment status were found to be the major predictor of knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes about bipolar disorder. CONCLUSIONS: Although the knowledge awareness rate on bipolar disorder is high among public in the Southern region, there is a vast scope for improving it. Education should be disseminated to promote mental health awareness and improve attitudes and beliefs on bipolar disorders and reduce stigma and discrimination against patients with bipolar disorders.

The perspective of pharmacist on pharmacovigilance and adverse drug reaction reporting in Asir region, Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are widespread worldwide, and their intervention is critical to patient safety and healthcare quality. Pharmacists are essential in monitoring and reporting ADRs, directly influencing patient care. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of ADRs among pharmacists and their knowledge regarding ADRs, including the factors affecting ADR reporting. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: From September 2021 to November 2021, a cross-sectional survey among pharmacists in the Asir area of Saudi Arabia was planned. This study involved contacting 97 pharmacists using a cluster sampling method. The study's goals were met using a 25-item self-administered questionnaire. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 25 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). RESULTS: Ninety-seven pharmacists (male 53.6% and female 46.4%) completed the survey. More than three-fourths of the participants (78.4%) know the ADR reporting system. The survey was completed by 97 pharmacists (male 53.6% and female 46.4%). More than three-quarters of the participants (78.4%) were aware of the ADR reporting system, and the majority (70.8%) were aware that it is done using an online system. Still, only 56.7% knew that the Saudi FDA is the regulatory agency collecting ADR data in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, 73.2% cited stress in the workplace as a critical deterrent to reporting. Most respondents (76.3%) had an unfavorable attitude about reporting ADRs. CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacists understand ADR reporting, but most lack the mentality to report the incidents. As a result, comprehensive and ongoing training for pharmacists is required to raise awareness of the need for ADR reporting.