Motivators for the public to receive the seasonal influenza vaccination and the effect of coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on the uptake of the seasonal influenza vaccination.

BACKGROUND: The coverage of the seasonal influenza vaccine has always been sub-par. Understanding the motivators of receiving vaccines, especially during pandemics, could enhance and increase the coverage rates. The Saudi Ministry of Health launched its annual influenza vaccination campaign during the 2021 influenza season and provided vaccinations in primary healthcare settings. This study aims to explore public motivators to receive influenza vaccination, particularly during the coronavirus disease 2019 global pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study enrolled 783 participants who attended the influenza vaccination campaign. All persons who received the influenza vaccine in the influenza vaccination campaign held in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, from October to November 2021, were interviewed and completed a self-administered questionnaire. Odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval were estimated using the full model fit. The significance level was set as α = 0.05. RESULTS: The majority of the participants had more than high school education (81%), were males (66.2%), and married (59.6%), and 50.6% were below 35 years of age. Participants with higher education, health-care workers, and those who had been previously counseled on influenza vaccination were less likely to have started taking the influenza vaccination, whereas smokers and persons who do not have routine checkups were more likely to start influenza vaccination. The main motivator to take the influenza vaccine was the establishment of a vaccination campaign near the participant's workplace (62.2%), followed by advice from their physician (30.3%), and fear of having influenza disease (29.6%). CONCLUSION: Accessibility to the vaccination campaigns was the main motivator for receiving the vaccine followed by the advice from physician. Advice from physician and increasing mobile vaccination campaigns and mobile clinics would substantially increase influenza vaccine uptake.

Accuracy of body mass index compared to whole-body dual energy X-ray absorptiometry in diagnosing obesity in adults in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a major health concern that requires accurate diagnosis and management. Body mass index (BMI) commonly used to diagnose obesity, has limitations in accurately assessing body fat. Body fat percentage (BF%) from whole-body dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans is gaining popularity as a more accurate method in diagnosing obesity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 319 adult patients who underwent whole-body DEXA scans in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia from May 2016 to December 2021 were recruited from three medical centers, where data for whole-body DEXA were available. Body fat percent was obtained from the whole-body DEXA scan reports and were compared to BMI to evaluate prevalence of obesity. Data was extracted by reviewing patients' records using a structured data collection tool. BMI was defined using WHO criteria, and diagnostic performance was assessed by estimating specificity, sensitivity, likelihood ratios, and predictive values, and by constructing receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for BMI to detect obesity by age group. RESULTS: The gender-specific BF% cutoff points revealed a higher prevalence of obesity than BMI cutoff points. BMI misclassified 40.6% of participants, and optimal cutoff points yielding highest area under the curve were 24 kg/m2 and 24.3 kg/m2 for males and females, respectively. CONCLUSION: The study underscores the importance of using accurate and comprehensive diagnostic tools such as whole-body DEXA scans to assess obesity.

Noise Mapping, Prevalence and Risk Factors of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss among Workers at Muscat International Airport.

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a common occupational hazard and a major cause of deafness among airport workers. However, few studies have been conducted to investigate the various risk factors related to hearing loss. PURPOSE: the purpose of this study was to measure the prevalence and risk factors of NIHL among Muscat International Airport airside workers. METHOD: Their daily noise exposure level at the airport was measured, and the time-weighted average (TWA) was calculated for each airside department. A cross-sectional study design involving 312 workers from the eight departments of the airport was chosen and the prevalence of NIHL among workers was assessed. The study participants then completed a self-administered questionnaire that covered their socio-demographic characteristics, occupational exposure history and the health-related risk factors of NIHL. RESULTS: The TWA recorded for the workers was above the accepted limit in some departments, namely, cabin appearance, ramp, line maintenance and hangar. The prevalence of NIHL among participants was 21.79% (n = 68). Of these 68 participants with NIHL, 22.30% were exposed to job-related high noise levels. NIHL was common among participants aged 40 or above (57.35%, n = 39) and high school degree holders (29.60%, n = 29), as well as those who were exposed to higher noise levels (84.89%, n = 191) or who did not wear their hearing protection devices (HPDs) regularly (53.65%, n = 125). CONCLUSION: around a quarter of our study participants who were exposed to high noise levels suffer from NIHL.

ABO and Rhesus Blood Group Distribution and Blood Donation Willingness Among First-Year Health Students in a Saudi University.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the distribution of blood groups and blood donation willingness in a population is crucial in managing blood banks and transfusion services. Moreover, awareness of one's own blood group is essential especially in emergencies that mandate blood donation. This study aimed to determine the distribution of ABO and Rhesus (Rh) blood groups among health students, the students' knowledge about their blood group, and their willingness to donate blood. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included all newly accepted health students in a large university in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia (N=1145) during August 2020. The data included a self-administered questionnaire and the serology results of ABO and Rh factors. Chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests were performed followed by a multivariable binary logistic regression analysis which identified the predictors of willingness of blood donation. RESULTS: Blood group O was the most frequent type among students (51.1%), followed by group A (24.5%) and B (20.4%). The majority (93.3%) of students had Rh-positive factor. When we compared students' answers with their sample results, most students (75.5%) correctly reported their ABO and Rh blood groups. Male students and those with a previous history of blood donation correctly reported their blood group more than others. Of the total sample, 47.3% were willing to donate blood within the next year. Positive predictors of the willingness of student to donate blood included being male, and those with a history of blood donation. Interestingly, students with a family member in the healthcare field were significantly less likely to donate blood. CONCLUSION: Blood group O and Rh positive were the most frequent blood groups. Most students had a good knowledge about their blood groups, and about half of students were willing to donate blood. Efforts to encourage the young population to participate in blood donation are crucial.

Introducing Family Medicine Clerkship to Medical Students' Curriculum at a Saudi Medical University: An Impact Study.

BACKGROUND: Family Medicine was introduced as a major undergraduate clinical rotation in 2016 after the medical college at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University revised its curriculum. OBJECTIVE: Assessing how students' medical knowledge has improved post Family Medicine introduction to the revised medical school curriculum. STUDY DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional epidemiological study among fifth year clinical medical students (n = 219). A pretest and post-test was distributed to all fifth year clinical medical students voluntarily during the period of October 2017 to May 2018. They were asked to rate the exam as well. RESULTS: The mean exam grades were 25.52 (SD = 4.44) and 34.16 (SD = 5.76) for pre-rotation and post-rotation, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between post and pre rotation exam grade for the overall sample (t (218) = 23.73, P < .0001) indicating that students had a statistically significantly higher exam grades post-rotation (M = 34.16, SD = 5.76) than pre-rotation (M = 25.52, SD = 4.44). Females had a statistically significantly larger difference in post-rotation and pre-rotation exam grade than males indicating that they improved more in the post rotation exam. It was found that nearly 60% (59.36%) of subjects considered the exam difficult before the rotation; however, only around 40% (40.18%) considered the exam difficult after the rotation. CONCLUSION: Students benefited after taking the course of family medicine. This helps in advocating for both the importance of this specialty and for the university's decision in incorporating family medicine as a major clinical rotation for undergraduates.

Factors associated with Achilles tendon pain in cyclists in eastern province of Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Cyclists are predisposed to different types of injuries whose patterns and distribution change over time. During bicycling, the high demand on lower extremities to produce speed places high load on the legs resulting in overuse injuries of which pain in the Achilles tendon is one. This study assessed Achilles tendon pain in cyclists in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of active cyclists in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using validated and pretested web-based self-administered questionnaire. Of the 511 cyclists invited, 311 completed the questionnaire yielding 60.62% response rate. SPSS was used for data entry and analysis. Descriptive statistics included calculation of frequencies and percentages for categorical variables, and median, mean and standard deviation for continuous variables. Chi-square test measured the associations between Achilles pain and various risk factors. Student's t-test, or Mann-Whitney test as appropriate, was used to compare continuous variables. RESULTS: Ten percent of mature and 9.1% professional cyclists reported that they had Achilles tendon pain. The pain was reported by significantly higher proportion of cyclists who raced (25%) and cyclists who rode mountain bicycles off-road (60.0%); average duration of the Achilles tendon pain was 7 days. Of the cyclists who had Achilles tendon pain, 32.1% reported that the pain increased when they were in running load and 28.6% reported increased pain in cycling load. Most cyclists described the pain as mild (67.9%) and moderate (32.1%). Overweight and underweight cyclists reported significantly higher rates of Achilles tendon pain (60% and 12.5%) compared to other body mass index classes. CONCLUSION: Achilles tendon pain commonly affects both amateur and professional cyclists. The study underpins the importance of a gradual increase in the training load, proper conditioning, bike fitting, and the maintenance of ideal body weight of cyclists to prevent Achilles tendon pain.

Seroprevalence of rubella virus among pregnant women: A 4-year registered-based study from family medicine and obstetric clinics in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine rubella virus infectivity and immune status in pregnant females who visited the family medicine and obstetrics clinics at a large hospital in Saudi Arabia, and to identify the possible predictors of rubella susceptibility. METHODS: This registered-based, cross-sectional study included pregnant, aged between 18 and 50 years old, who presented for the first antenatal visit between 2017 and 2020. Data on sociodemographic, antenatal characteristics and serological results were collected. Chi-Squared or Fisher's Exact test and t tests were used for bivariate analysis followed by the multivariable logistic regression model. RESULTS: A total of 4328 pregnant were included in the study. Seroprevalence of rubella immunity was 76.41%. Positive rubella IgM antibody was identified in 1.21% of those who performed the test (17/1409). Odds of susceptibility were decreased with an increase in age (OR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.95-0.97) and in non-Saudis' (OR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.36-0.54). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 24% of pregnant were susceptible to rubella virus infections in this study. Screening females of child-bearing age and reimmunisation of susceptible cases before pregnancy are suggested. Further studies to investigate the impact of applying this policy in premarital screening are recommended.

Prevalence of depression and its associated factors among clinical-year medical students in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: To assess the prevalence of depression among medical students in their clinical years (fourth, fifth, and sixth years) in a government university in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia, and its association with the students' sociodemographic characteristics, academic factors, perceived health problems and their perceived readiness to their future specialties. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 527 clinical-year medical students. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and questionnaire designed by the researchers to collect data on sociodemographic and academic variables were used as research instruments. Statistical analyses were conducted using Stata Statistical Software V.15. Descriptive statistics, the χ test, and both an ordered logistic regression and a binary logistic regression analysis were performed. RESULTS: The prevalence of depression was found to be 39.27%, according to the results of the PHQ-9. Both the ordered logistic regression and the binary logistic regression analyses revealed that the odds of severe depression were high among women, and students who perceived that they were not yet ready for their future specialties. The more senior the medical students were, the less likely it is that they have severe depression. A similar association was found for students who perceived that they did not have psychological problems. However, students' grade point average was not statistically significantly associated with depression. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of depression was high among the medical students examined. Policy makers should establish screening programmes, provide counselling for students who need it and deliver early interventions in detected cases.

Evaluation of Multifaceted Assessment of the Fifth-Year Medical Students in Family Medicine Clerkship, Saudi Arabia Experience.

BACKGROUND: There are few data on assessment methods in the field of family medicine in Arab countries. Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU) in 2017 established the family medicine clerkship rotation for the fifth-year medical students. The objective of the study is to evaluate the multifaceted assessment of family medicine clerkship and their correlation to each other among fifth-year medical students in IAU. METHODS: We examined the performance of 455 fifth-year medical students from two batches (2018 and 2019) in the continuous course assessment, Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE), extended matching questions (EMQ), and multiple-choice questions exams (MCQ). RESULTS: The students' total mark range was 55.16 to 95.64. Batch 2018 and females had significantly higher marks (p=0.000). On the other hand, no significant associations were seen between the total marks and the semester in which the clerkship was taken or the order of group in each semester (p= 0.464 and 0.980 respectively). Significant positive correlations were seen between all forms of assessment during the family medicine clerkship (p=0.000). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that different assessment methods used to evaluate medical students during the family medicine clerkship were correlated. The performances of the female and the first batch were superior. This finding is the basis for introducing a platform for developing modern learning and the improvement of the assessment standards in family medicine clerkship rotation.

Anxiety and depression and their relation to the use of electronic devices among secondary school students in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia, 2018-2019.

BACKGROUND: Adolescence is a critical transitional period for the development of mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety, and these days, adolescents spend less time playing outside than they do using electronic devices. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the use of electronic devices and anxiety and depression in female secondary school students in Al-Khobar City, KSA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 903 female students selected from the four educational districs (Al-Khobar, Al-Thuqbah, Al-Dhahran and Al-Rakah). Data was collected using a self-administered anonymous questionnaire that included questions related sociodemographics and the use of electronic devices, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale. Data analysis included descriptive statistics frequencies and percentages for categorical variables, and mean and standard deviation for continuous variables. Chi-square test was performed to test for significance for association between categorical variable. Odds ratios were calculated for association of anxiety and depression with various independent variables including the use of electronic devices. A binary logistic regression model was used to determine factors associated with anxiety and depression. All test were performed at 5% significance level. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 16.29 years (SD=0.84). About 98% reported using electronic devices; 67.3% used electronic devices 2 or more hours daily, and 81.5% used them at bedtime. About 66% students had moderate-to-severe anxiey and 70/5% had mild-to-severe depression. The logistic regression model showed that users of electronic devices at bedtime were 1.524 more likely to have anxiety (P=0.026), while spending more than 2 hours on the devices at bedtime were significantly associated with depression. CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of anxiety and depression among female students is worrisome. Finding suggests that adolescents might benefit from a restricted use of electronic devices. It is necessary to develop age-specific guidelines regarding duration of the use of electronic devices and to integrate the development of psychosocial skills into the school curriculum.

Misconceptions of Parents about Antibiotic use in Upper Respiratory Tract Infections: A survey in Primary Schools of the Eastern Province, KSA.

BACKGROUND: Misuse of antibiotics has become a global public health issue for several reasons, one of which is the rapid development of antibiotic resistance that leads to high morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to study the misconceptions of parents of primary school children in Dammam, Khobar, and Dhahran about the use of antibiotics for upper respiratory tract (URT) symptoms; and also study perceptions, attitudes, and behavior toward antibiotic use and identify the factors affecting this. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Analytic cross-sectional study of parents in three large cities: Dammam, Khobar, and Dhahran in Saudi Arabia. Study population was parents of children studying in these schools, and were selected multistgae sampling and proportional to population size (PPS). RESULTS: The questionnaire was distributed to 1306 parents. The response rate was 78.9%, 56.6% respondents were mothers with a mean age of 40 ± 7. Sixty-seven percent of the parents admitted to self-prescription once or more, and the most common reason for self-prescribing, was because they thought the child was not ill enough to be taken to hospital (41.8%). This was followed by 37.7% who used "leftovers". Regarding the attitude toward antibiotic prescription, 62.5% agreed that children should not be given an antibiotic when they have a fever and nasal congestion. In addition, 63.5% agreed that they should give their child antibiotic for ear or throat pain. Around two-thirds agreed that upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) was caused by a virus. Those who obtained their information from primary health-care centers and general practitioners had the lowest median of total knowledge score, and the highest knowledge was for those who obtained information from websites and the social media. Multiple linear regressions revealed that parents whose incomes were high, had high education, had children in private schools were more likely to have good knowledge and highly favorable attitudes and practices toward antibiotic use. CONCLUSION: Thirteen percent had an excellent knowledge, and 52.7% had an intermediate level of knowledge. Of those with excellent knowledge, 58.6% still expected to get antibiotic prescription from a physician for URTI.

Knee problems and its associated factors among active cyclists in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia.

INTRODUCTION: Bicycling is one of the most enjoyable aerobic exercises recommended for the promotion of an individual's health. The Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia has seen a huge increase in the number of people who cycle. People have different goals for bicycling, but the injuries they sustain are common. Most of them relate to overuse, particularly of lower body joints. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of knee problems and factors associated with knee pain in cyclists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in October 2015, using an online self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire was based on pertinent literature, was piloted, and validated. A web link was sent to 513 cyclists (professional and amateur) using E-mail, WhatsApp application, or SMS. Three hundred and eleven responses were received, 283 of which were included in the analysis. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of knee pain was 25.8%; 27.6% for amateur cyclists and 15.9% for professional cyclists. Only 17.2% knee pain was attributed to cycling, whereas in 32.8% it happened spontaneously and in 25% of cases it occurred while running. Majority of the cyclists reported pain as mild (61.6%) or moderate (28.7%); anterior knee pain accounted for 58.1% knee pain. Different goals of cycling and different bicycle types had statistically significant difference on the rate of knee pain. Of underweight cyclists, 62.2% reported knee pain. Cyclists who run more or participated in football had a higher rate of pain. CONCLUSION: Knee injuries are common with cyclists. Factors such as the type of the bicycle, the goal of bicycling, club type, body mass index, and participation in other sports play a significant role in the rate of knee pain.

Hepatitis C infection awareness among fourth year medical students at University of Dammam.

OBJECTIVES: To determine awareness about hepatitis C among 4th -year medical students at Dammam University, on hepatitis C and possible associated factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire comprising questions on awareness of hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission, screening of the population, symptoms, complications, prevention, and treatment. RESULTS: A total of 201 students participated, with a response rate of 79.8%. About 75% of students had a poor grasp of HCV transmission while the awareness of <25% of students was fair. More than half of students had fair knowledge about screening, prevention, and treatment of HCV. The majority of students were familiar with the clinical presentation and complications of HCV. The overall awareness of the 4th -year medical students on HCV infection was fair, with no significant difference between males and females. CONCLUSIONS: Overall grasp of hepatitis C by the studied group was fair. However, there were serious gaps in their knowledge, which need to be filled or modified, especially knowledge about transmission which was poor.

Lifestyle and Dietary Behaviors among Saudi Preschool Children Attending Primary Health Care Centers, Eastern Saudi Arabia.

Objective. To study life styles and dietary behaviors among Saudi preschool children (1-5 years) attending primary health care centers (PHCCs) in Dammam and Qatif areas, eastern province, Saudi Arabia. Material and Methods. Cross-sectional study. Data were collected using structured, interviewer-filled questionnaire. Children and their mothers were encountered during their well-baby clinic visits. A total number of 300 preschool children and their mothers were interviewed during study period. Results. Unsatisfactory areas include smoking fathers (32%), smoking in front of children (11.3%), overweight and obesity among mothers (60.3%), noncompliance using seat belts for both parents (56.3%) and children (68%), children watching television (T.V) more than 2 hours (50%), adherence to exclusive breast feeding (only 20.7%), and late solid food introduction (65.3%). Frequent intake of unhealthy food items was 26%, 25%, and 24% for pizza, burger, and soft drinks. Unfortunately frequent intake of the following unhealthy food items was high: biscuits, deserts/chocolates, and chips which was 78%, 67%, and 72%, respectively. Conclusion. This study provides benchmark about the current situation. It provides health care workers and decision makers with important information that may help to improve health services.

Musculoskeletal Pain Disorders among Secondary School Saudi Female Teachers.

Objective. This study was conducted to estimate prevalence and pattern of musculoskeletal pain disorders among secondary school Saudi female teachers in Al-Khobar area and the psychodemographic and psychosocial factors that may affect them. Material and Method. A cross-sectional study was conducted using sample of secondary schools teachers (governmental and private school) in Al-Khobar area, Saudi Arabia (KSA). Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire. Result. Prevalence of musculoskeletal pain disorders was 79.17%. Main sites of pain were lower back (63.8%) followed by shoulder (45.4%), neck (42.1%), leg (40.0%), wrist (16.2%), and elbow joint (10.0%). Factors that showed significant relationship were type of school (p value 0.038), age (p value 0.002), weight (p value 0.007), number of children (p value 0.006), shoe type (p value 0.000), teaching years (p value 0.003), and working daily hours (p value 0.027). Conclusion. Secondary school female teachers showed high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain disorders in most anatomic sites, namely, the back, shoulder, neck, legs, wrist, and elbow joint. Risk factors associated with significant pain were type of school, age, weight, number of children, and number of teaching years.

Knowledge, Beliefs, and Psychosocial Effect of Acne Vulgaris among Saudi Acne Patients.

Objective. This study was conducted to assess the knowledge, beliefs, and psychosocial effect of acne vulgaris among acne patients attending referral dermatology clinic in Al-Khobar city. Material and Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted on all Saudi acne patients (males and females) attending referral dermatology clinic in Al-Khobar Governmental Hospital. The data were collected by using a structured self-administered questionnaire. Results. Like other studies conducted before, we found that 58.33% of our sample have poor knowledge about factors that affect acne vulgaris with a significant correlation with both age and gender (P = 0.012 and P = 0.031, resp.). There was significant association of reporting affected social activities with age and educational level (P = 0.023 and P = 0.013, resp.). Variation between both genders regarding reporting feeling stressed due to acne was significant (P = 0.001). The majority of our sample sought medical advice after one year. The most commonly used treatment for acne vulgaris before seeking medical help was peeling products. The majority of our patients thought that acne needs no treatment by physicians. Doctors' treatment is considered guaranteed and safe by the vast majority of our patients. Conclusion. This study showed that knowledge about acne is still insufficient among acne patients.