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PURPOSE: Health applications are employed to aid patients with chronic diseases in effective long-term disease management. This investigation aims to measure the utilization of health applications among patients diagnosed with chronic conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This cross-sectional investigation was conducted in the Jazan region in Saudi Arabia between October 2020 and March 2021. Data were collected during interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. The questionnaire collected items about the patients' demographics, morbidity, and use of electronic devices and health applications developed by the Saudi MoH. Logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with odds of reporting use of applications. RESULTS: A total of 658 patients were recruited. The mean age of the patients was 51 years, and 59% of them were females. The most frequently reported diagnosed condition was diabetes (53.5%), followed by hypertension (42.7%). Majority of the patients reported not using any health applications developed by the Saudi MoH (68.2%). Patients with higher educational levels and younger patients were more likely to report use of the applications (ORs: 4.2, 2.6 respectively). Comorbidity history and disease duration did not seem to influence the probability of reporting use of health applications (P-values >0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients diagnosed with chronic diseases in Jazan had low utilization of health applications developed by the Saudi MoH. This indicates a need to encourage the use of these health applications, particularly among patients with chronic diseases and to consider use restriction among older patients with lower educational levels.
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Antibiotics (Abs) are a class of medication generally prescribed for bacterial infections. Abs misuse, caused by either medication non-compliance or self-medication, may lead to Abs resistance, a problem that is trending around the globe. In 2018, dispensing Abs without a prescription became prohibited in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to evaluate knowledge and attitude toward Abs use and resistance in Jazan Province. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the population of Jazan, using a self-administered electronic questionnaire to assess the knowledge and attitude toward Abs use and resistance and its related factors. RESULTS: According to our findings, 543 participants responded and most of the participants use Abs with a prescription (n = 280; 75%). About 40% identified correctly that Abs can treat only bacteria, not viruses, and 44% denied that Abs can treat all coughs and common cases. Then, regarding the knowledge about resistance, we found that those who had heard about Abs resistance represented more than half of the participants (56%), and had better knowledge about Abs use. Further, more than half of those who have heard about Abs resistance correctly defined the antibiotic susceptibility test, and about two-thirds were able to answer the related questions about Abs resistance. CONCLUSION: To conclude, a positive correlation was found between knowledge about Abs resistance and Abs use. Thus, national Abs regulations and policies with continuous education and awareness must be continued to ensure a better understanding of Abs use.
