Tabuk City Research Articles

The Mediating Roles of Self-Compassion and Emotion Regulation in the Relationship Between Psychological Resilience and Mental Health Among College Teachers.

The compromised well-being of educators engenders a range of educational, social, and economic issues that cannot be adequately addressed through the mere awareness of risk factors. The present research explores the mediating roles of self-compassion and emotion regulation strategies (cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression) on the relationship between academic teachers' psychological resilience and mental health. A total of 405 academic teachers from four colleges in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia, participated in the study between September and November 2023. The standardized questionnaires measuring psychological resilience (The Brief Resilience Scale- BRS), self-compassion (The Self-Compassion Scale-SCS), emotion regulation (The Emotion Regulation Scale-ERS), and mental health (General Health Questionnaire-12) were used to collect data. The bivariate correlation, regression, and path analysis were employed to investigate their associations. The findings demonstrated a significant positive impact of psychological resilience on mental health (β=0.39, p<0.001). Self-compassion emerged as a significant positive mediator, strengthening the association between resilience and mental health (β=0.18, p<0.01). Cognitive reappraisal was found to have a positive mediating effect on this relationship (β=0.16, p<0.01), highlighting its functional significance in regulating emotions. Conversely, expressive suppression was found to negatively mediate the relationship, with an indirect effect of β=-0.12 (p<0.05), indicating a maladaptive influence on mental health. The research emphasizes the significance of fostering self-compassion and adaptive regulatory strategies, like cognitive reappraisal, while mitigating maladaptive approaches, including expressive suppression, in order to enhance the mental health of university educators. These findings underscore the necessity for culturally sensitive mental health interventions within educational institutions in Saudi Arabia.

Multi-objective model for designing hydrogen refueling station powered using on-grid photovoltaic-wind system

This study formulated a multi-objective model to size a sustainable hydrogen refueling station energized by integrated Photovoltaic-wind system connected to grid. The model takes into account practical constraints alongside three objective functions: maximization of renewable energy fraction, minimization of overall costs, and minimization of greenhouse gas emissions. An exact algorithm is employed to obtain the best solution, and a multi-criteria decision-making approach is utilized to choose the optimal solution from Pareto-optimal solutions. The performance of the model is validated on a hydrogen station that fulfills the daily hydrogen requirements for a fleet of 100 taxis in Tabuk city, Saudi Arabia. Different scenarios are analyzed to demonstrate the trade-offs between the three objectives. For example, the first configuration consists of 6527 photovoltaic panels and 296 wind turbines with capacities of 2.219 MW and 0.888 MW, respectively. The energy deficit is covered by the grid and the excess is exported to the grid. The economic assessment of this configuration reveals a hydrogen cost of 7.53 $/kg. Additionally, this study considered a scenario of powering the station using off-grid Photovoltaic-wind battery system. This analysis explores these differences, focusing on cost-effectiveness and environmental implications of using renewable energy for hydrogen production.

Radiation Safety Awareness Among Non-radiology Staff at Tabuk Hospitals, Saudi Arabia.

Insufficient understanding of radiation safety contributes to heightened exposure vulnerability amongpatients and medical personnel. This study assessed radiation safety awareness among non-radiology staff at Tabuk hospitals, Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional study included 203 non-radiology staff from the King Salman Armed Forces, King Fahad Specialist, and King Khaled Hospitals in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia. A self-administered, structured questionnaire was used. Regression analysis was used to detect variables affecting radiation safety awareness. According to Bloom's cut-off categories for knowledge, most non-radiologists at Tabuk hospitals (76%) had low awareness levels. Having a moderate-to-high knowledge level regarding radiation safety was significantly associated with being a physician (p = 0.004), having a longer length of service (p = 0.001), having attended a radiation protection and safety course (p = 0.049), and increased frequency of ordering imaging per day (p < 0.001). Gender had no significant effect on the knowledge level (p = 0.854). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the daily frequency of ordering images was the only independent significant factor associated with having a moderate-to-high level of knowledge (OR: 6.222, 95% CI: 2.706-14.308, p < 0.001). Non-radiologists in Tabuk hospitals have low awareness of radiation safety. Strong associations were noticed between awareness level and being a physician, having clinical experience, attending a radiation protection and safety course, and increasing the frequency of ordering imaging daily. Training courses about the hazards of radiation and the safety measures could lower the frequency of daily exposure to radiation.

Relationship between Physical Activity Levels, Quality of Life, and Sociodemographic Attributes among Adults in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia: A Direction toward Sustainable Health

Physical activity (PA) improves quality of life (QOL), yet the relationship between PA, QOL, and sociodemographic factors in Saudi Arabia remains underexplored. This study examined this relationship among 369 adults from Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire measured PA levels and QOL using the Arabic versions of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), respectively. Data analyses included chi-square, Mann–Whitney U, and Kruskal–Wallis H tests alongside a multivariate regression analysis. Among the SF-36 scores, marital status (p = 0.005), history of chronic diseases (p = 0.004), and medication use (p = 0.001) showed significant differences; pain (80.6 ± 21.5) and energy/fatigue (63.0 ± 18.5) scored highest and lowest, respectively; and sex was significantly associated with PA levels (p = 0.001). The average total SF-36 score was 69.5 ± 15.7, and 42.5% of participants reported low PA. Participants with moderate PA had significantly higher SF-36 scores (p = 0.003), energy/fatigue (p &lt; 0.0001), emotional wellbeing (p = 0.009), and general health (p = 0.004) scores compared with those with low PA. The significant association between PA and QOL underscores the need for sustainable health programs to enhance and maintain PA in alignment with the Saudi Vision 2030 QOL program. It can also inform the development of targeted interventions to enhance PA levels and improve QOL aspects within communities, considering specific sociodemographic attributes to ensure effectiveness and inclusivity.

Validation of the Arabic Version of the Diabetes Therapy-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire (DTR-QOL) in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia: A Pilot Study.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that significantly influences the patient's quality of life. This serious disease is approaching an epidemic, and the Arab countries are in the diabetes super region. Improving the patient's quality of life is vital for good glycemic control. However, the Diabetes Therapy-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire (DTR-QOL) is not available in Arabic. Thus, we aimed to validate the questionnaire among patients with diabetes in Saudi Arabia. This pilot study was conducted among randomly selected 30 patients with diabetes who came for regular follow-up in the Diabetes Center in King Fahd Specialist Hospital in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia, during March and April 2023. A structured questionnaire based on sociodemographic data and the DTR-QOL was used. The information collected were age, gender, diabetes medications, glycemic indices, lipid profile, fasting insulin,homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, and body mass index. Forward/backward translation, expert assessment, and Cronbach's alpha were used to assess the validity and reliability. Out of the 30 patients with diabetes piloted for the questionnaire validation, 60% were females, the mean age was 51.1 ± 14.056 years, and 94% had type 2 diabetes. The internal consistency varied from 0.80 for hypoglycemia to 0.94 for anxiety and dissatisfaction with treatment. The Arabic version of the DTR-QOL is valid and reliable for use among patients with diabetes, with a content validity of 0.938 and Cronbach's alpha of 0.93. The Arabic version of the DTR-QOL is valid and reliable for use among patients with diabetes in Arab countries and has good sensitivity and consistency.

Breastfeeding Versus Bottle Feeding and Risk of Bronchial Asthma in Children in Tabuk Area, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction Asthma is a common chronic airway disorder, particularly among children in Saudi Arabia, with an increasing global prevalence. Limited epidemiological studies in the region indicate variable asthma rates, potentially influenced by factors such as modernization and environmental changes. Given the potential health benefits of breastfeeding, it is critical to investigate the relationship between type of feeding, and asthma risk. This study aims to assess the relationship between breastfeeding and bottle-feeding practices and the risk of developing asthma, as well as to evaluate how breastfeeding practices influence the severity of asthma among children in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among children with bronchial asthma at King Salman Armed Forces Hospital in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia. The study took place from June to August 2023 using convenient sampling. Data were collected through a validated, structured web-based questionnaire distributed to the parents of children with bronchial asthma. The analysis was performed using SPSS (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp). Results The study comprised 103 participants, of whom 66 (64.1%) were breastfed. There was no significant association between the severity of asthma and breastfeeding practices, including the initiation time, duration, or the age at which formula milk was introduced, as well as the combination of breastfeeding with bottle feeding. However, paternal smoking was significantly associated with asthma (p = 0.003), with 78.5% of children with smoking fathers affected compared to 50% of those without smoking fathers. In the multivariate analysis, having a father employed in the health sector (p = 0.040) and a maternal age over 35 years (p = 0.026) were significantly associated with an increased risk of asthma. Other factors, such as the child's age, gender, birth order, monthly income, parental education, family size, type of accommodation, and maternal diet during pregnancy, did not demonstrate significant associations with asthma. Conclusion Our study underscores the significant role of paternal smoking and specific parental sociodemographic factors, such as having a father employed in the health sector and maternal age over 35 years, in influencing the risk of childhood asthma. While breastfeeding practices, including duration and method, were not significantly associated with asthma severity, understanding these key risk factors can aid in developing targeted interventions for asthma prevention and management.

Evaluation of the physical parameters of water obtained from some groundwater sources of Tabuk city, Kingdom Saudi Arabia

After air, water is the second most important element for life, based on that, water quality parameters (physical, chemical and biological) should be concerned to detect contamination. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physical parameter of water brought from some groundwater sources of Tabuk City. A cross-sectional design was followed to collect groundwater from 12 sites (randomly selected) within Tabuk City to measure water temperature, color, odor, taste and turbidity, in addition to record the groundwater depth. In aseptic and clean plastic sample containers, 250 ml of the groundwater were collected. Water temperature was measured using a manual thermometer, immediately when it was collected. The data concerned the depth of the groundwater was obtained directly from the owners during groundwater sampling. The water color, odor, taste, in addition to turbidity were measured using the general human sense. The obtained physical parameters were compared with the local standards of the drinking water suggested by MEWA (2022). The results of this study show that, the groundwater temperature for the 12 samples obtained from Tabuk City ranged between 26oC and 33oC, with a mean of 29.33oC, while the groundwater depth (in meter) ranged between 120 m and 700 m with a mean depth of 479.2 m. The physical parameters of drinking water compared to the Saudi standards of quality showed that, all tested samples were agreed with the quality standards on color, odor, taste and turbidity. This work recommends for the prudent use of groundwater resources to keep its quality for long term usage as a drinking water.

Methylene blue dye elimination from synthetic wastewater by modified adsorbent produced from Foeniculum vulgare waste: Thermodynamic, equilibrium, and kinetic studies

In the current investigation, seeds of the Foeniculum vulgare plant were acquired from the KSA, Tabuk City, and its powder was chemically modified by four different reagents. The four resulting samples were identified by SEM and IR techniques and inspected for methylene blue (MB) dye adsorption. The influence of MB concentration, adsorbent dose, solution pH, temperature, and contact time on adsorption performance was examined. This adsorption's kinetic, isothermal, and thermodynamic parameters were correspondingly studied. The idyllic adsorbent was established to be the modified sample with oxalic acid, which removed 90.15 % of the MB dye. It was also shown that the MB adsorption matched well with the kinetically 2nd -order model. The findings of the experiment fit better with the model of Langmuir isotherm than the other models. The negative values of each ΔG°, ΔH°, and ΔS° indicate the adsorption of MB is an exothermic and spontaneous process. The very law value of adsorption enthalpy proves the physisorption adsorption. The very high maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) values of this adsorption (892.857, 684.932, 487.805 mg g−1), the stability and availability and of this oxalic acid modified adsorbent suggest it will be highly valued in the field of water decontamination.

Range expansion and habitat preferences of an introduced bird in the northwestern Arabian Peninsula: The case of the common myna Acridotheres tristis

Introduced species can have harmful impacts on native species and ecosystems. Certain species can benefit from anthropogenic activities and habitat modification, even outside of their native ranges. Introduced species in Saudi Arabia have received little attention, which has resulted in limited knowledge on this topic, especially regarding the northwestern region of Saudi Arabia. One bird species introduced to Saudi Arabia is the common myna (Acridotheres tristis), which appears to be invading vast areas of the country. For the first time, the distribution and habitat preferences of the common myna have been investigated across different habitats in Tabuk Province, northwestern Saudi Arabia. Notably, common mynas were detected in habitats with different conditions, including urban, suburban, and agricultural habitats. Overall, the common myna appears to be a flexible species that has adapted to this arid environment and effectively uses available resources in foraging and nest site selection. Common mynas were observed in both urban and suburban environments of Tabuk City with their presence being noticeably higher in urban and suburban than in agricultural habitats. This suggests that the centers of human activity and urban/suburban development seem to be preferable sites for this species, as shown by analyzing the human influence index. Based on observations from fieldwork, the common myna population is expected to increase since breeding appears to be escalating with no major threats. The current ecological status of the common myna and its range expansion to different habitats in northwestern Saudi Arabia is worrying and thus warrants further monitoring and investigation.

Assessment of Adolescents' Overweight and Obesity Risk Factors Among Alabnaa Schools in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia.

The prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents in Saudi Arabia has been progressively increasing. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of various morbidities and mortality. Identifying the factors that contribute to obesity in this age group is crucial for implementing targeted prevention measures. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for overweight and obesity among adolescents aged nine to 17 years residing in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia. A case-control study was conducted during the 2021-2022 academic year at Alabnaa Schools in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia. The study included overweight/obese individuals (cases, n = 125) and normal-weight individuals (controls, n = 201) who were selected based on their body mass index and classified according to the World Health Organization's reference for defining overweight and obesity in individuals aged five to 19 years. Data were collected from both groups using a self-administered questionnaire. The study analyzed 125 overweight/obese students and 201 normal-weight students who were matched for sex and age (p > 0.05). Logistic regression analysis identified several risk factors for overweight or obesity among adolescents. A family history of obesity was found to be associated with a 5.735 times increased likelihood of obesity (95% CI: 3.318-9.912, p < 0.001). Another significant contributing risk factor for obesity was frequent consumption of four or more meals per day (adjusted odds ratio: 3.091, 95% CI: 1.094-8.736, p = 0.033). Students who used electronic devices for more than five hours were 2.422 times more likely to exhibit obesity (p = 0.006). Certain factors may increase the risk of overweight or obesity in adolescents aged nine to 17 years. These factors include frequent eating, prolonged use of electronic devices, family history of obesity, and the misconception that obesity is not an illness. Tailored school health programs are needed to improve students' healthy lifestyles and eating behaviors, minimize sedentary entertainment and use of electronic devices, and engage children in physical activity.

What are the perceptions of healthy food choices? A cross-sectional study from Saudi Arabia

Previous studies conducted in Saudi Arabia demonstrated dietary patterns or energy/nutrient intakes with limited information about Saudi’s perception about healthy food choices. Insights in the perceptions of healthy food choices are critical for developing targeted interventions to support Saudi population with the goal of improving healthy eating behaviors and, as a result, lowering the risk of diet-related diseases. Therefore, this study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude as well as the practice of people about healthy food choices in Saudi Arabia. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design with 303 participants included in the analysis. The population settings were at three primary healthcare centers in Tabuk city of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected through self-administered paper–pencil surveys to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of healthy food choices. Data were analyzed using the SPSS statistical software version 26. The results revealed that participants in this study performed above average in terms of their perceptions (knowledge, attitude, and practice) of healthy food choices. The major findings of this study showed that statistically significance difference was found between the place of residence in relation to the practices of healthy food choices (F 7,238 and p &lt; 0.05). A significant association was observed between knowledge of healthy food choices and marital status. Multiple comparisons post hoc tests indicated that the married group was a significantly different group at α = 0.044. Additionally, the relationship between monthly income groups and attitudes was statistically significant, with p &lt; 0.05. Findings of this study could assist health educators in developing appropriate programs, awareness messages, and community campaigns to improve perceptions about healthy food choices. The findings observed that considering why practicing healthy food choices that could lower the risk of diseases and promote optimal health could be a challenge.

Assessment of direct seeded and transplanting methods of Unoy Rice under nutrient management in Tabuk City, Kalinga

Assessment of direct seeded and transplanting methods of Unoy Rice under nutrient management in Tabuk City, Kalinga

CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED BY THE POLICE OFFICERS IN CRIME PREVENTION IN TABUK CITY, KALINGA

This study generally determined the challenges encountered by police officers in crime prevention in Tabuk City, Kalinga. The study specifically aimed to determine the specific challenges faced by police officers in effectively preventing crime regarding personal, family, and community relations and resources. Additionally, it sought to investigate the coping mechanisms of police officers to manage the challenges associated with their role in crime prevention. The study used a qualitative-narrative research design, and an interview guide was used to collect the data. The researcher used purposive sampling to select seven participants based on the specific characteristics or criteria relevant to the research questions. Through the use of inductive thematic analysis to analyze the qualitative data, the result revealed that police officers had encountered challenges during the implementation of crime prevention. It includes the impact of duty and personal relationships, threats and attacks, and cultural sensitivity and diversity regarding personal obstacles. Lack of time, high risk and stress, role modeling, and guidance regarding family challenges. Maximum tolerance, community engagement, concealment of criminals, and wrong perception regarding community challenges. Resource challenges require more funds and adequate equipment and vehicles. However, through proactive coping mechanisms, police officers attempted to overcome these obstacles. It concluded that the difficulties encountered by police officers in effectively preventing crime were complex and multifaceted, and they required a holistic approach that prioritized officers' well-being and could better fulfill their mission of promoting public safety. KEYWORDS: Problem encountered, coping mechanism, personal and family challenges, community and resources challenges, police officers

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Among Obese Children in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia.

Introduction Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is prevalent among children, impacting their well-being. Obesity and related morbidity may lead to serious health disorders. In obese children, OSA may be a risk factor for systemic diseases that negatively affect their quality of life. This study explored the correlation between obesity and OSA among children aged five to 14 years in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Methods This cross-sectional study employed an online questionnaire for the parents of 517 children, assessing sociodemographic variables, medical history, and OSA symptoms. The data analysis used Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS; IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY) software, employing descriptive and inferential statistics. Results The children were predominantly male (281, 54.4%) and from Tabuk (405, 78.3%), with 158 (30.6%) classified as obese. Symptoms such as snoring (191, 36.9%), daytime fatigue (195, 37.7%), and impact on daily activities (79, 15.3%) were prevalent. OSA scores significantly correlated with BMI categories (p < 0.001), family history of OSA (p < 0.001), and medical conditions including diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol (p < 0.05). Correlations showed weak positive associations of age (ρ = 0.159) and height (ρ = 0.229) with OSA score, whereas a strong correlation existed between weight (ρ = 0.531) and OSA score (p < 0.001). Conclusion Obesity demonstrated a strong association with OSA severity among children in Tabuk. Higher BMI categories, a family history of OSA, and certain medical conditions correlated significantly with increased OSA scores. Although age and height displayed weaker associations, weight emerged as a major contributing factor to OSA severity. These findings emphasize the importance of addressing obesity in managing pediatric OSA, advocating for early interventions to mitigate its impact on children's health and well-being.

Towards A Smart City Concept - Machine Learning Smarts for the Estimation of Future Temperature Rise in Tabuk City

In the Middle Eastern peninsula especially in Saudi Arabia, there is a varsity temperature variation among the individual regions. As far as the city of Tabuk is concerned, no study has been conducted, regarding climate change (the temperature rise) in the Tabuk region and its implications on society and for the flagship “Future Smart Cities” concept. In this paper, machine learning algorithms are used to predict the future temperature values in the Tabuk region. The machine learning algorithms were trained on the data collected from the real-time weather radar stations of the region. Different features from the dataset are used for machine learning models to predict the future temperature. These unique features, for example, humidity and pressure, impact the accurate predictability of the temperature. Temperature prediction is modelled as a regression problem due to the nature of the data, therefore, different machine learning regression models were developed, i.e. Artificial Neural Network ANN-based techniques (Multi-layer Perceptron (MLP)), Decision Trees (DT), K-Nearest Neighbours (KNN), and Support Vector Regression (SVR). Encouragingly, the preliminary model evaluations utilizing Mean Absolute Error (MAE) yielded a high accuracy of 90% on the testing dataset. The findings are envisaged to inform decision-makers in the Climate and Weather Ministry of Tabuk City, potentially contributing to the advancement of the city's "Future Smart Cities" concept.

Knowledge of Thyroid Disease Manifestation and Risk Factors Among the General Population in the Tabuk Region of Saudi Arabia.

Background Thyroid disorders are caused either by excessive or inadequate thyroid hormone production or by the enlargement of the thyroid gland. Various types of thyroid disorders exist, including primary (related directly to the gland itself), secondary (related to thyroid function), and other types. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of thyroid disease manifestation and its risk factors among individuals living in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Methodology An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 adults living in Tabuk city of Saudi Arabia aged 18 years or above. Data was collected using an electronic questionnaire through a simple random sampling method. Data was then coded, entered, and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical methods using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 23.0 (Released 2015; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). Results A total of 403 participants were enrolled in this study. More than half (n=265, 65.8%) were females, and 188 (46.7%) were in the age group of 18-35 years. The educational level of the majority of them was a bachelor's degree (n=296, 73.4%). Hypothyroidism was the most common thyroid disorder among family members (n=51, 62.4%). Inadequate iodine intake was thought to be a risk factor for thyroid disorders, as mentioned by 276 (68.5%) participants. Exact 284 (70.5%) participants believed that females are more at risk of having thyroid disease. The mean total knowledge score was found to be 25.1±4.48 out of a total of 34. Exact 216 (53.6%) participants had good knowledge about thyroid disorders. The female gender had significantly higher levels of knowledge as compared to males (p-value=0.002) regarding the manifestation and risk factors of thyroid disorders. In terms of educational level, a bachelor's or above was found to be significantly associated with a higher level of knowledge (p-value=0.003). Conclusion A good level of knowledge and awareness about thyroid disorders was observed among more than half of the participants. Few knowledge gaps were identified regarding knowledge about symptoms of hypothyroidism and certain medications which might cause thyroid disorders.

Cognatic portrait of the indigenous languages of Tabuk City, Kalinga, Philippines

Tabuk City in Kalinga, Philippines is a melting pot of diverse ethnolinguistic groups. Kalinga alone is known for its unique 46 ethnic groups, which include nine (9) in the locale of Tabuk City - Biga, Culminga, Dallak, Ga’dang, Guilayon, Malbong, Minanga, Nanong, and Tobog. Observations tell that these indigenous languages profess similarities that members of these groups do understand each other though they make use of their own indigenous language. &#x0D; Hence, the study aimed to portray the linguistic cognates among the indigenous languages in Tabuk City, Kalinga. Specifically, the study found that there are cognates among the indigenous languages in Tabuk City as to lexical, morphological, and syntactic features. As to lexical features, there are cognates in the categories of counting numbers, pronouns, body parts, living things, and non-living things. On morphological features, there are cognates as to word formation processes, while as to syntactic features, cognates are found in the resemblances in sentence structures among the identified indigenous languages. Significantly, the study provides reference material for Mother-tongue teachers in teaching indigenous languages.&#x0D; Finally, the study illustrates in a cognate map that Malbong, Nanong, Minanga, and Tobog indigenous languages denote higher resemblances as compared to the cognates among Biga, Culminga, Dallak, Guilayon, and Ga’dang.

Prescribing Patterns of Psychotropic Medications for Common Psychiatric Disorders in a Mental Health Hospital in Tabuk.

Mental health disorders are often chronic and disabling conditions that impact different populations, irrespective of age, cultural background, or socioeconomic status. This study aimed to describe the prescribing pattern of psychotropic medications in patients with psychiatric disorders. This research was a retrospective investigation of psychotropic medication prescribing patterns and conducted at Eradah Mental Health Hospital at Tabuk City, SaudiArabia. The data were extracted from the electronic medical database of adult patients presenting to the outpatient and inpatient clinics of a mental health hospital between 2020 and 2023. The diagnosis of psychiatric disorders was identified using the International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision (ICD-10) codes version 2019 for mental and behavioral disorders (F00 to F99). The electronic medication records of 526 patients were reviewed, of whom 510 (97%) were Saudi nationals, 368 (69.9%) were males, 235 (44.7%) were between 31 and 40 years of age, and 233 (44.3%) were outpatients. The most common psychiatric diagnoses were schizophrenia (33.3%), followed by bipolar affective disorder (16.9%). A total of 2,153 medication orders for psychotropic medications were quantified. Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) and first-generation antipsychotics (FGAs) were the top prescribed medication classes (1,290, 60%), followed by mood stabilizers (324, 15%). More than one-half of the patients (282, 53.6%) received a combination of antipsychotic and mood stabilizers, and 155 (29.5%) received a combination of antipsychotic and antidepressant medications.No significant differences were observed in prescribing for males and females. Schizophrenia was highly prevalent among adult patients who sought mental healthcare. Polypharmacy of psychotropic medication was common depending on the symptoms' severity and comorbid psychiatric diseases.

Prevalence and Awareness of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Among Adults in Tabuk City of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a condition when the median nerve is entrapped and compressed within the wrist. It significantly affects the quality of life and work productivity of the affected individuals. Aim This study aimedto assess the prevalence of CTS and the risk factors associated withthis condition amongthegeneral population in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia, andto explore their knowledge of the causes, manifestations, and treatment options. Methods This cross-sectional studyincluded male and female adult residents of Tabuk City aged 18 years and above who agreed to participate in the study. Datawerecollected using an online, self-administered questionnaire thatwas distributed to the publicusingdifferentsocial mediaplatforms. Results In this study, the prevalence of CTS was 3.4%.The presence of chronic diseases was a significant risk factor for the CTS (p = 0.003). Participants having chronic diseases were 6.370 times more likely to develop CTS (AOR: 6.370, 95%CI: 2.048 to 19.817). The participants had good levels of awareness about the causes (89.3%), clinical manifestations, and treatment of CTS (92.2%). There was a significant association between the level of knowledge about the causes of CTS and gender (p=0.014). Females (74.3%)showed a higher level of knowledge than males (25.7%). As well, the young (18-25) age group (67.9%)was more significantly aware of the causes of CTS in comparison to the other age groups (p=0.023). Conclusion The prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome amongtheadult population in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia, was 3.4%, andthe significant underlying risk factorswere chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, and rheumatoid arthritis. The level of awareness of CTS was satisfactory.

A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY OF THE KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS HERPES ZOSTER AND KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS HERPES VACCINATION AMONG PHCS VISITORS IN TABUK CITY, SAUDI ARABIA 2023

Introduction: Herpes zoster is a viral infection that occurs due to the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. For people 50 years of age and older, immunization against herpes zoster has been approved in order to prevent its negative effects. This study aims to assess the level of knowledge and attitude toward herpes zoster and its vaccination among the PHC visitors in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia, in 2023 and to measure the prevalence of herpes zoster among adults ≥ 50 and the most common coexisting disease. Methodology: This study is designed as an analytical, cross-sectional study. A facility-based study was conducted among 403 adults over 50 years of age to assess the level of knowledge and attitude toward herpes zoster infection and its vaccination among the PHC visitors in Tabuk city. PHCs were selected via stratified random sampling, and visitors were chosen at random. SPSS Statistics Version 23.0 was used to analyze the data. Result: 307 participants indicated that they had ever heard about shingles, representing 83.2–76.2% (95% CI, 72.9 to 79.0). The results showed that awareness about shingles was significantly higher among women (80.4% vs. 70.8 percent among men, p =0.024). Additionally, participants awareness increased consistently with higher educational levels. Among the respondents, only 9.4% had received the shingles vaccine. The most frequently reported barriers to getting vaccinated are the lack of awareness about the vaccine (29.0%) and concerns about the possible side effects (23.3%). Among the respondents who heard about shingles, only 4% had the disease. The most common chronic diseases were diabetes (39.5%) and hypertension (38.5%). Importantly, 54.1% of the respondents had chicken pox. Conclusion: The population in Saudi Arabia showed positive attitudes and had good information about HZ and its vaccine. We recommend encouraging doctors to discuss this subject with patients who are willing to be vaccinated. Arranging campaigns across the country to raise awareness of the disease. Thus increasing the vaccination rate for HZ.