Riyadh City Research Articles

Investigating the New Public Transportation System in Riyadh City

Investigating the New Public Transportation System in Riyadh City

Knowledge of public health nurses on hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in Riyadh City: A cross-sectional study

Introduction: One of the common causes of maternal mortality is the medical disorder in pregnancy known as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Since hypertension complicates an estimated 10 percent on all pregnancies, the healthcare professionals’ role is of major public health concern. The knowledge on hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs) among public health nurses is an important part of serving the community to address the complication. The primary aim was to assess the level of knowledge of the public health nurses on hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Methods: A cross-sectional research design was used to assess the knowledge of nurses working in primary healthcare level regarding HDPs. The purposive sampling was utilized in selecting 280 registered nurses working in primary health centers. The sample was taken using Slovin’s formula with 5% margin of error. The data were analyzed with Spearman rho using SPSS version 23. Significance was determined at 5% level (P-value ≤0.05). Results: The public health nurses were highly knowledgeable (3.29) in the definition of hypertension in pregnancy as well as in appropriate patient positioning for current readings of blood pressure (3.37). Despite the level of knowledge, determining the clinical manifestation of severe pre-eclampsia got the lowest mean (2.59). Conclusion: The nurses working in primary health center have adequate knowledge about hypertensive disorders of pregnancy including assessing, diagnosis and management while need additional knowledge on identifying the clinical manifestation of severe pre-eclampsia.

Decline in ESBL Production and Carbapenem Resistance in Urinary Tract Infections among Key Bacterial Species during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant changes in healthcare practices, including increased antibiotic usage. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the pandemic on the prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) production and carbapenem resistance among key bacterial species causing urinary tract infections (UTIs). Conducted at King Fahad Medical City in Riyadh from January 2018 to December 2022, the study analyzed urine samples from 9697 UTI patients. Patients were categorized into 'pre-COVID-19' and 'during COVID-19' groups. Bacterial isolates were identified, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed following guidelines. ESBL production was detected using the Double-Disc Synergy Test. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the main pathogens. During the pandemic, ESBL production decreased in E. coli by 1.9% and in K. pneumoniae by 6.0%. Carbapenem resistance also declined, with E. coli displaying a 1.2% reduction and K. pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa displaying 10.7% and 7.9% reductions, respectively. Notably, logistic regression analysis revealed that the odds of ESBL presence were 10% lower during the COVID-19 pandemic (OR 0.91; 95% CI 0.83-0.99; p = 0.040), and there was a significant reduction in the odds of carbapenem resistance (OR 0.43; 95% CI 0.37-0.51; p < 0.001). This study reveals a significant decrease in ESBL production and carbapenem resistance among UTI pathogens during the COVID-19 pandemic, hinting at the impact of modified antibiotic and healthcare approaches. It emphasizes the need for persistent antimicrobial resistance surveillance and policy adaptation to address resistance challenges, offering key directions for future public health actions.

Adverse reactions of cycloplegic and mydriatic eye drops in routine ophthalmologic examination of pediatric patients in Saudi Arabia: A retrospective study and survey of pediatric ophthalmologists.

The purpose of this study was to explore the side effects of using cycloplegic eye drops at ophthalmology clinics at King Saud Medical City (KSMC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Moreover, to have an insight into physicians' attitude towards the management of these side effects. A retrospective cross-sectional study where medical records of pediatric patients who attended ophthalmology clinics at KSMC. Subjects were selected after reviewing their files and based on their reaction to the ocular drops. In addition, the response of ophthalmologists was obtained through a questionnaire distributed through electronic channels. A total of 111 patients' medical records were included in this study. The most reported cycloplegic agents that caused side effects were cyclopentolate 1%, tropicamide 1%, and phenylephrine 2.5%. Fifty-three percentage of physicians reported that changing their way of administering cycloplegic drops in practice plays a role in reducing some side effects. The most reported side effects of using cycloplegic eye drops were facial flushing 68%, followed by fever 46%, and irritability 38% of cases. Few children who experienced side effects needed medical intervention. Side effects caused by cycloplegic agents are usually mild and rarely severe. There are some systemic side effects such as hallucinations, psychosis, or seizures. Proper parental counseling before administering cycloplegic agents and proper clinical management in case of severe side effects is crucial. Prophylactic measures to reduce the incidence of these side effects are advisable.

A Comparison of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) Between Private- and Government-Sector Pharmacists With Regard to Psychotropic Medications in Riyadh City.

Background Pharmacists play a significant role in patient care, and many patients consider them to be their primary source of information regarding medications. Therefore, pharmacists must have an adequate level of knowledge about psychotropic medications. This study aims to assess and compare the levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding psychotropic medications in governmental and private-sector pharmacists in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods An observational cross-sectional study was conducted, which included 355 pharmacists (governmental and private sector pharmacists). Each pharmacist was interviewed and asked to answer a structured questionnaire that consisted of four sections: demographic data, knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding psychotropic medications. Results Our findings indicate that the overall knowledge regardingpsychotropic medications among private and government-sector pharmacists is insufficient.While 282 (79.4%) had insufficient knowledge, 20.6% of pharmacists had adequate knowledge regarding psychotropic medications, and good knowledge was detected among 29.1% of government-sector pharmacists compared to 18.1% of private-sector pharmacists (P = .033). Our results also revealed that 31.5% of the pharmacists felt comfortable with their knowledge of psychotropic agents. In addition, 18.9% of the pharmacists reported that they received adequate training on psychotropic medications (12.7% of the governmental group versus 20.7% of the private-sector group; P =.048). Conclusion The insufficient knowledge among pharmacists regarding psychotropic medications highlights the importance of providing more training programs and educational courses to improve pharmacists' knowledge about psychotropic medications in Saudi Arabia.

"The Impact of Early Warning Sign (EWS): Perception of Nursing Staff at Aster Sanad Hospital, Riyadh City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia"

"The Impact of Early Warning Sign (EWS): Perception of Nursing Staff at Aster Sanad Hospital, Riyadh City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia"

Knowledge Attitude and Practice (KAP) among Private Dental Sterilization Service Unit (SSU) Staff in Riyadh City

Knowledge Attitude and Practice (KAP) among Private Dental Sterilization Service Unit (SSU) Staff in Riyadh City

Prevalence and Severity of Social Anxiety Symptoms and Their Relationship With Body Dysmorphic Symptoms.

Background Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a subtype of anxiety characterized by avoidance, fear, and physical symptoms such as dry mouth, sweating, palpitations, and blushing. SAD is one of the most common mental disorders. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental disorder marked by a distressing or impairing preoccupation with imagined or minor flaws in one's physical appearance. Both disorders share similar symptoms. No satisfactory data have been provided about the prevalence of social anxiety symptoms in our region. In our study, we measured the prevalence and severity of SAD symptoms among adults in Riyadh City, as well as the sociodemographic factors associated with it. Additionally, the correlation between SAD and BDD was assessed. Methods Our study is quantitative, observational, and cross-sectional. It was conducted by administering a translated Arabic version of the Severity Measure for Social Anxiety Disorder scale and BDD scales in five locations in Riyadh, which include two general hospitals and three shopping malls. Data were analyzed using the SPSS version 22 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Descriptive statistical data are presented through mean values, standard deviations, and percentages. Results A total of 752 responses were received, of which 509 (68.32%) were from females with a mean age of 30.12 years. The majority of the sample had a low to middle family income, with 64% earning less than $2555 monthly. The sample possessed a good educational level; 63% had a bachelor's degree or higher. Our study also shows that 233 subjects (30.98%) had scores indicating a moderate to severe form of SAD. Among these participants, 86 (36.9%) had scores indicating a moderate to severe form of BDD. There was a significant positive correlation between SAD and BDD (r = 0.496). Conclusion The prevalence of SAD was 30.98%, which is higher compared to Western countries. Low income, education, and female gender have roles in the disease condition. Moreover, there was a linear relationship between SAD and BDD.

A Hybrid Model of In-Person and Telemedicine Diabetes Education and Care for Management of Patients with Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Findings and Implications from a Multicenter Prospective Study.

Patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) require close follow-up, support, and education to achieve glycemic control, especially during the initiation or intensification of insulin therapy and self-care management. This study aimed to describe and evaluate the impact of implementing a hybrid model of in-person and telemedicine care and education on glycemic control for patients with uncontrolled T2DM (hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c] ≥9%) during the coronavirus disease pandemic. This prospective multicenter-cohort pre-/post-intervention study was conducted on patients with uncontrolled T2DM. This study included three chronic illness centers affiliated with the Family and Community Medicine Department at Prince Sultan Military Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A hybrid model of in-person (onsite) and telemedicine care and education was developed. This involved implementing initial in-person care at the physicians' clinic and initial in-person education at the diabetes education clinic, followed by telemedicine services of tele-follow-ups, support, and education for an average 4-month follow-up period. Of the enrolled 181 patients, more than half of the participants were women (n = 103, 56.9%). The mean age of participants (standard deviation) was 58.64 ± 11.23 years and the mean duration of diabetes mellitus was 13.80 ± 8.55 years. The majority of the patients (n = 144; 79.6%) were on insulin therapy. Overall, in all three centers, the hybrid model had significantly reduced HbA1c from 10.47 ± 1.23% to 7.87 ± 1.59% (mean difference of reduction 2.59% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.34-2.85%], p < 0.001). At the level of each center, HbA1c was reduced significantly with mean differences of 3.17% (95% CI = 2.81-3.53%), 2.49% (95% CI = 1.92-3.06%), and 2.16% (95% CI = 1.76-2.57%) at centers A, B, and C, respectively (all p < 0.001). The findings showed that the hybrid model of in-person and telemedicine care and education effectively managed uncontrolled T2DM. Consequently, the role of telemedicine in diabetes management could be further expanded as part of routine diabetes care in primary settings to achieve better glycemic control and minimize nonessential in-person visits when appropriate.

Evaluation to Determine Antibiotic Resistance Reduction in Gram-Negative Bacteria from 2019 to 2021 by the Saudi Arabia National Plan.

The main objective of this study was to investigate the three-year evaluation of antibiotic resistance (AR) of multi-drug-resistant organisms and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-resistant rate of gram-negative bacteria in one of the largest hospitals by the Saudi Arabia Nation Plan. This study was conducted in the Department of Laboratory Medicine, in a private hospital in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia, from January 2019 to December 2021 in 120-bed private hospitals. A total of 4700 gram-negative isolated organisms were obtained from the various specimens of the patients, and antibiotic sensitivity tests were performed. According to the manufacturer's instructions, the inoculum prepared was applied to two test cards, one for the identification system VITEK 2 ID-GNB and another for susceptibility testing antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) No. 12. The most common gram-negative bacteria isolated was Escherichia coli (2706/4700; 57.57%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (905/4700; 19.25%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (395/4700; 8.40%). Escherichia coli's highest AR reduction was reported for cefotaxime (CTX) of 29% (295/1018; 29%, 172/818; 21%, 0/870; 0%) for 2019, 2020, and 2021, respectively. Except for Salmonella species, which displayed enhanced AR, the ESBL and multidrug-resistant (MDR) rates decreased significantly (p 0.05) for most bacteria. This study helps to understand the maximum number of gram-negative bacteria susceptible to the Saudi National Action Plan (SNAP) to decrease the prevalence of AR, ESBL, and MDR. To comprehensively understand SNAP's effectiveness, other trials involving gram-positive bacteria should be considered.

Acute Appendicitis Incidence, Diagnostic Markers, and Sequelae; Dallah Hospital-Based Study in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Acute appendicitis is currently considered one of the most common acute surgical diseases of the abdomen and requires emergency surgery. It is also one of the most common abdominal emergencies in both developed and developing countries. The current study is aimed at assessing the specificity and sensitivity of Ultrasound and Computed Tomography in the diagnosis of appendicitis as well as the prevalence of its complications. The association of appendicitis with several laboratory findings will also be evaluated. A retrospective study was conducted at Dallah-Namar Hospital, Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia. 720 patients were differentially diagnosed with appendicitis in the study area. Of these, 618 patients had US abdomen/pelvis, with 15 (2.4%) showing positive findings. Amongst the 203 patients noted to have undergone abdominal CT,8 (4.0%) was found to have positive findings. The sensitivity of the US was determined to be relatively low. Also, serum creatinine was found to be elevated among all patients diagnosed with appendicitis. Further research with a larger sample size is needed to be conducted to further support the current findings.

Dental caries and fissure sealant prevalence in first permanent molars among school boys aged 9 to 12 in Riyadh city, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Background: Dental caries is a major global public health concern. This study assessed dental caries prevalence and the use of fissure sealants on first permanent molars among Saudi Arabian boys aged 9–12 attending elementary schools to establish effective caries prevention strategies. Methods: Cluster probability sampling was employed to select public and private male elementary schools from five distinct geographic regions in Riyadh city, KSA; 601 male students in the fourth grade (aged 9–10 years), fifth grade (aged 10–11 years), and sixth grade (aged 11–12 years) were included. Only the first permanent molars’ occlusal surfaces were evaluated. Data management was performed using Microsoft excel, statistical analyses were conducted using the statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS), and the chi-square test was utilized. Results: The outcome demonstrated that 67.7% (n=407 children) had decayed, missing, or filled first permanent molars, indicating the presence of caries, while 32.3% (n=194) had caries-free first permanent molars. Only 6.8% (n=41) of children had received fissure sealants. At the tooth level, 37.7% (n=906) of examined teeth had decayed, and 8.1% (n=194) had fillings. The utilization rate of fissure sealants remained low at 3.9% (n=93), with 50.4% (n=1211) of first permanent molars remaining intact. Conclusions: This cross-sectional study highlights a significant prevalence between caries and the limited utilization of fissure sealants on first permanent molars among Saudi Arabian boys, underscoring the urgent need for proactive preventative measures and educational initiatives.

The Degree of Practicing Leadership Distance Education Operations in Schools in Riyadh and its Relationship to Achieving Educational Goals from the Teachers’ Point of View

The study aimed to identify the degree of practice of leading distance education processes in schools in Riyadh and its relationship to achieving educational goals from the teachers' point of view. The correlational descriptive methodology was used for the purposes of the studyز. The sample consisted of (400) teachers from schools in the city of Riyadh, responded to the study tool consisting of (69) item distributed into five domains The results of the study showed that the degree of practice of leading distance learning processes in schools in Riyadh and its relationship to achieving education goals from the teachers' view was moderate. The domains were ranked in descending order (achieving education goals, practicing distance education leadership towards teachers, practicing distance education leadership towards parents, practicing distance education leadership towards students, practicing distance education leadership towards technology .The results also showed that the correlation coefficient reached (0.367) and this it indicates a positive correlation between the response of the study subjects to the two axes of the study..

A Weighted Overlay Analysis for Assessing Urban Flood Risks in Arid Lands: A Case Study of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Urban flooding poses a significant problem in arid regions, where unusual rainfall events can lead to disastrous consequences. This study used geographic information systems (GIS) to identify and predict potential flood risk zones in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia. A comprehensive flood risk map was created by integrating various datasets, including digital elevation models (DEM), lithology, precipitation patterns, slope, and drainage density. Through a weighted overlay analysis, Riyadh was segmented into zones with different levels of flood susceptibility, ranging from low to very high risk. The study area spans 905 km2. Of this total area, 32% is at a low risk of flooding, while 31%, 24%, and 12% of the area are at a moderate, high, and very high risk of flooding, respectively. The findings of the study were validated through field surveys conducted before and after recent rainfall events. These validation efforts corroborated the high-risk areas predicted by the model, thereby ensuring the reliability of the map for future urban planning and risk mitigation strategies.

The Relationship between Age, Gender, Prestige, Social Media, Area of Origin, Level of English Proficiency and the Use of White Language in Riyadh City in Saudi Arabia

The present study is conducted in order to explore the use of white language, which is defined as an Arabic language which contains the use of English words while using Arabic and that lacks any particular regional accent, vocabulary, or any other regional characteristics. Furthermore, it examined the relationship between the white language and the following: age, gender, prestige, social media, area of origin and English level of proficiency. The study used a quantitative research approach. In order to provide the data needed, the current study used a questionnaire as its instrument. The study sample included 627 citizens of Riyadh city. The findings of the study revealed that the sample was neutral to the use of white language. That is, sometimes they use it, and they do not use it. Furthermore, the analysis of the data showed that there was a relationship between social media, prestige and white language; participants who used social media more and who perceived white language as a prestigious language tended to use it more. In addition, it was revealed that there was a relationship between age and white language; as age increases, white language usage decreases. From the analysis, it was found that there were no differences between different areas of origin in the use of white language; however, there were differences in the use of non-regional vocabulary between central and southern areas of origin. Moreover, the findings uncovered the relationship between white language and the level of English proficiency; participants with a high command of English tend to use white language more. However, the results showed that the level of English proficiency has no relationship with the use of non-regional vocabulary. Finally, the findings further indicated that there were no differences between males and females in the use of white language. However, the findings suggested that there were differences between males and females in their use of code-switching.

The Prevalence of Disordered Eating Behaviours (DEBs) among Adolescent Female School Students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Adolescence is a sensitive stage of life that is particularly vulnerable to nutritional problems, including DEBs. This cross-sectional study aims to explore the prevalence of DEBs among adolescent female school students in four intermediate and secondary schools in the city of Riyadh and to examine predictors associated with DEBs, including age, BMI and school regions. A total of 416 female students aged 12-19 years took part in this study. Weight and height were measured for students before the EAT-26 test was completed. Overweight and obesity were observed among 37.7% (n = 157) of students, 50.7% (n = 211) had a normal BMI and 11.5% (n = 48) were underweight. Results indicated that 123 (29.6%) students reported an EAT-26 score of 20 or more, indicating a high risk of DEB. Age was a significant predictor of DEB risk (OR = 3.087, 95% CI = 1.228-7.760), with the older age group (16-19 years) reporting a higher risk than the younger age group (12-15 years) (p = 0.017). DEB risk partially differed by school region, but BMI was not a statistically significant predictor. The high-risk group reported more binging (p = 0.008), induced vomiting (p < 0.001), laxative consumption (p < 0.001) and exercising (p < 0.001) compared with the low-risk group. Further research is warranted to understand DEB current patterns and predictors.

Enhancing solar still performance through innovative modeling, integration with reflectors, and semi-transparent solar cells: A 3E analysis and multi-objective optimization

An innovative single-slope solar still desalination system is presented, featuring a groundbreaking enhancement in the modelling methodology. The proposed system is evaluated through energy, exergy, and economic points of view. An attempt has been made to produce more distillation water by introducing the concept of critical pressure at the basin of the solar still system. Besides, in the proposed system, the flat reflectors to increase the received energy from the sun and a semi-transparent module to power production are applied. An investigation is conducted to achieve the main results of the system while operating in Boushehr, Lisboa, Riyadh, and Tripoli cities, and a parametric evaluation is carried out to perceive the system's behaviour in various situations. In addition, an integration of an arithmetic optimization algorithm and TOPSIS decision-maker is employed to determine the most optimum condition for each city through four scenarios. The results depicted the values of 14.9, 11.15, 15.58, and 13.48 kg/day for produced distilled water in Boushehr, Lisboa, Riyadh, and Tripoli cities, respectively.

Level of anxiety among children with cancer and their parents in Riyadh City

Objective: This study aimed to assess the anxiety levels of children with cancer and their parents following admission to the Military Hospital in Riyadh City.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using a proforma between May 2019 to July 2019. Data collection involved the utilization of two tools. The first tool was a structured interview questionnaire design for children, while the second tool was intended for the parents of the children. The study sample comprised children and their parents who accompanied the child during hospitalization and chemotherapy. Approximately 74 children, aged 6-14 years old, diagnosed with cancer and admitted to the Riyadh Military Hospital, were enrolled in this study using convenience consecutive sampling.Results: A total of 148 individuals participated in this study. Seventy-four parents were enrolled, with 68.9% being mothers and 31.1% fathers. Among the parents in the study, 29.7% experienced severe anxiety, 41.9% reported a moderate level of anxiety, and 20.3% had a low level of anxiety. Seventy-four children were included in the study sample, with 48.6% being boys and 51.4% girls. Among the children, 37.8% exhibited high levels of anxiety, 41.9% displayed moderate anxiety, and 20.3% reported low levels of anxiety. Additionally, a relationship was observed between the anxiety levels of parents and the anxiety levels of their children.Conclusions: This study revealed that both children with cancer and their parents are experiencing moderate to severe levels of anxiety. The psychological well-being of cancer patients and their families is not a topic to be overlooked; rather, it is an important subject that requires attention and consideration.

Investigation of Knowledge, Awareness, and Practices of Glaucoma in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia.

Background Glaucoma is a group of conditions characterized by progressive irreversible optic neuropathy, intraocular pressure as a modifiable risk factor, and, in many patients, visual field defects. Glaucoma has recently been classified as a neurodegenerative disorder of the optic nerve that results in the loss of retinal ganglion cells. This study evaluated levels of awareness of glaucoma in the general population of Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia. Methodology A pre-designed, pre-validated online questionnaire from previous studies was distributed to respondents via online social media platforms. Factors associated with awareness of glaucoma were analyzed statistically. Results Responses were received from 585 participants aged ≥18 years, including 309 (52.8%) men and 276 (47.2%) women. Gender, a diagnosis of glaucoma, a positive family history of glaucoma, and undergoing glaucoma screening were significantly associated with the level of glaucoma knowledge (p < 0.05 each). Age group (p = 0.587) and level of education (p = 0.136) were not significantly associated with the level of glaucoma knowledge. Conclusions The population of Riyadh City exhibited a low level of glaucoma awareness, indicating an urgent need for comprehensive ophthalmic health education initiatives aimed at enhancing public consciousness and awareness of glaucoma risks and complications.

How significant is the effect of the type of work on irritable bowel syndrome symptoms over time in a sample of the Saudi community? A cross-sectional study

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the stress produced by occupation in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients and to assess the relationship between the type of work and IBS symptoms and the impact it has on an employed population in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study adopted among the employed population in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia. A questionnaire was distributed online via social media applications (WhatsApp, Twitter, and Facebook) with the purpose of recruiting participants from the employed population in Riyadh city. Results: The study found that IBS had various impacts on participants\&amp;apos; daily lives. Around 8.5% reported impairment in their ability to work, while 16.4% reported moderate impairment in their ability to perform household chores. The study also revealed that participants experienced negative impacts related to their bowel problems. Almost 33.6% reported being bothered by the amount of time spent on the toilet. The findings also revealed that there was a 0.130 unit reduction in productivity. Similarly, a 0.065 unit reduction in the ability to do regular daily activities, other than working at job being result of the increased IBS Symptoms by one unit. Conclusion: A considerable number of participants in the study disclosed missing work due to their IBS symptoms, indicating challenges in balancing their condition with regular work attendance. Moreover, participants reported substantial impairment in household tasks, social activities, and forming close relationships, underscoring the significant impact of IBS on daily functioning and overall quality of life.