Mental Well-Being and Self-Efficacy of Healthcare Workers in Saudi Arabia During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

PURPOSE: To assess mental well-being (MW), self-efficacy (SE), and their predictors among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Analytical cross-sectional study recruited 1046 HCWs by cluster random sampling technique. Socio-demographic, health, and occupational characteristics were collected for all participants. The WHO five Well-Being Index (WHO-5) and General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) were used to assess MW and SE of the participants, respectively. The binary logistic regression model was fit to the dependent (outcomes), namely mental well-being and self-efficacy, and independent other variables (predictors). RESULTS: Out of all participants (n=1046), 27.2% had negative MW scores, and 36.6% had low SE scores. The mean scores of both MW and SE were in the normal levels (16.7±5.90 and 31.5±6.63 out of 25 and 40, respectively). Younger and older ages, irregular exercise, nursing professions, history of anxiety and/or depression, lesser years of experience, and longer daily working hours were found to be the main predictors of negative MW and low SE, among study participants. CONCLUSION: Mental well-being (MW) and self-efficacy (SE) of the HCWs in Saudi Arabia are satisfactory but attention should be paid towards supporting the vulnerable groups for promoting the resilience of HCWs during the battle against the current pandemic.

Fear of COVID-19 and Stress-Relieving Practices Among Social Media Users, Makkah Region, Saudi Arabia.

Background The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its associated consequences can trigger feelings of fear, concern, and anxiety among the population, leading to unfavorable consequences on mental health. This study aimed to assess fear of COVID-19 and stress-relieving practices among social media users in the Makkah region, Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional analytic study was conducted among 532 adults inhabiting the Makkah region of Saudi Arabia over a period of one month, from June 15 to July 15, 2020. A predesigned, self-administered questionnaire, including assessments of fear of COVID-19 and stress-relieving practices, was used for data collection. Results The mean Fear of COVID-19 Scale score was 17.3±5.21 out of 35. Individuals aged 30-49 years and married individuals had higher mean scores (18.4±5.20 and 18.4±5.29, respectively) compared to other groups (p<0.05). Additionally, individuals with histories of anxiety and depression, individuals suffering from chronic diseases, and those who did not exercise regularly had higher levels of fear compared to other groups (p<0.05). Practicing religious and spiritual rituals was the most commonly adopted stress-relieving practice among study participants (68.6%). Conclusion Adults in Saudi Arabia have considerable levels of fear of COVID-19. Special attention is recommended for highly susceptible groups. Additionally, mental health education programs are recommended for the promotion of the community's psychological resilience in such a global crisis. Spiritual aspects should be included in such mental health education programs.

Factors behind nonadherence to diet regimens among obese adults in Tanta, Egypt: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Nonadherence to diet regimens is a major cause of treatment failure in the field of obesity management. It varies according to the study design and the type of intervention. In weight loss clinical trials, nonadherence rates range from 10 to 80%. Strategies to reduce dropout rates rely on precise identification of factors leading to premature program termination. The aim of this research was to study factors behind nonadherence to diet regimens among obese adults in Tanta, Egypt. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: A retrospective, case-control study was carried out during the year 2014 in an obesity management private clinic in Tanta, Gharbia Governorate, Egypt. The study included two groups of 150 participants each (adherents and nonadherents) matched for sex and BMI. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data concerning sociodemographic characteristics, weight changes, dieting, and behavioral, psychological, and medical factors. Personal perspectives on potential factors contributing to nonadherence to diet regimens were also investigated. RESULTS: Factors significantly associated with probabilities high probability of to loss of adherence to diet regimens were as follows: younger age, urban residence, higher educational levels, obesity of grades I and III, a higher frequency of previous weight loss trials, consumption of fruits and vegetables less than that recommended (<5 times/day), higher weight loss expectations, and binge eating. The most common personal perspectives on causes limiting adherence to diet regimens were as follows: unsatisfactory results (37.3%), difficulties in dieting practices (33.3%), logistics (30.0%), and fading of motives (27.3%). CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Obese individuals seeking weight reduction with young age, urban residence, higher educational levels, a higher frequency of previous weight loss trials, higher weight loss expectations, and those with perceived unsatisfactory results are more prone to lose their adherence to diet regimens. Individuals with factors of nonadherence should receive extra care to avoid their withdrawal from diet programs and to improve clinical outcomes.