King Saud University Students Research Articles

Dental students' preferences regarding teaching methods in Riyadh

Objectives: The objectives of this study are to identify and compare the preferences of male and female undergraduate dental students on different aspects of teaching lectures and clinical courses in two major dental schools in Riyadh: the College of Dentistry of King Saud University (KSU) and Riyadh Elm University (REU). Materials and Methods: A questionnaire of three parts was formulated: Part 1 contained demographic data; Part 2 covered information about: the length and timing of lectures, schedule announcement, attendance, having materials before sessions, interactive sessions, and getting handouts and clinical demonstrations; and Part 3 covered preferences regarding logbooks, written assignments, quizzes, resources, team-based learning (TBL), and student feedback. The questionnaire was distributed to male and female undergraduate dental students in two dental schools in Riyadh. A stratified random sampling method was applied to collect a sample of 345 participants. Results: Among the participants, 159 were from KSU and 186 were from REU and 183 were male and 162 were female. About 74% of the dental students preferred the use of logbooks, and 40% preferred not to have written assignments. A total of 63% preferred using several resources, and REU students (72%) stated this preference more. More than half of the students (58%) agreed on having frequent quizzes. More REU (61%) than KSU students (38%) preferred (TBL). The majority (78%) preferred to take their feedback into consideration. Conclusions: This study illustrated that logbooks, writing assignment, and quizzes are learning styles that are still acceptable by dental students. Teachers should consider the feedback from the students when evaluating course outlines.

Brian Dominance: Whole Brain Theory Based Brain Quadrants among King Saud University Students

The aim of the study was to examine the whole brain theory-based brain quadrants, and whether each of these is different according to gender. To achieve the aims of the study, whole brain theory-based brain quadrants test will be used. To verify the validity of the test, specialists’ agreement was used. For reliability, test reliability coefficients were used. The study seeks to achieve the following objectives: examine the dominating brain quarter among the study sample, and to clarify the differences in the whole brain theory-based brain quarters according to gender.

The Relationship between Body Image Satisfaction and Bulimia Nervosa among King Saud University Students

The study aimed at examining the relationship between body image satisfaction and bulimia nervosa among the students of education faculty at king said university students. The author used the tests of bulimia nervosa and body image test. The researcher verified tests reliability. Students from King Saud University randomly selected (No. 337) participated in the study. Overall mean of the body image satisfaction test scored 3.66 degrees, and the overall mean of the bulimia nervosa test scored 3.42 degrees. Data analysis indicated that there is a positive correlation between the body image satisfaction and bulimia nervosa, Pearson correlation coefficient scored 0.648, and bulimia nervosa predicted body image.

Use of Mobile Phone During Driving and the Risk of Collision Among Preparatory Year Students in King Saud University, Riyadh, 2014

Objective: To determine the rate of mobile use while driving among King Saud University students, their perception of the risks and its contribution to collisions.

An arabic translation, reliability, and validation of Patient Health Questionnaire in a Saudi sample

BackgroundPsychological disorders including depression and anxiety are not rare in primary care clinics. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) is a clinical diagnostic tool that is widely utilized by primary health care physicians worldwide because it provides a practical in-clinic tool to screen for psychological disorders. This study evaluated the validity of the Arabic version of the PHQ in all six modules including depression, anxiety, somatic, panic, eating, and alcohol abuse disorders.MethodsThis is a quantitative observational cross-sectional study that was conducted by administrating the translated Arabic version of PHQ to a sample of King Saud University students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.ResultsThe sample was 731 university students who participated in this study including 376 (51.6%) females and 354 (48.4%) males with a mean age of 21.30 years. Eight mental health experts carried out the face validation process of the PHQ Arabic version. The internal consistency reliability was measured using Cronbach’s alpha for the PHQ9, GAD7, PHQ15, and panic disorder modules. The results were 0.857, 0.763, 0.826, and 0.696, respectively. In comparison, the eating disorders and alcohol abuse modules demonstrated poor internal consistency due to small number of participants in these modules.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that the Arabic version of the PHQ is a valid and reliable tool to screen for depression, anxiety, somatic, and panic disorders in a Saudi sample.

Life hardships and its relationship with Suicide Probability among University Students: أحداث الحياة الشاقة لدى طلبة جامعة الملك سعود وعلاقتها باحتمالية الانتحار

This study aimed to identify the major Events of Life hardships among King Saud university students, and its relationship with Suicide Probability. The study was based on Social Survey Methodology with a Simple Random Sampling Method, and used both measures of Suicide Probability and life hardships. It was applied to 377 students enrolled in the first year’s joint study at King Saud University in Riyadh for the academic year 1437- 1438. The results showed that the average rate of the sample members that agreed that they suffered from life hardships is 17.75% , While the average rate of the sample members who didn’t agree with suffering from any life hardships is 82.25%. The results also showed that the responses' total average of the sample members, on all scales, was 2.02 with verbal estimate (Sometimes). As for the dimensions of the scale, the first rank was negative self- evaluation with an average of 2.45, then the hopelessness with an average of 2.19, with verbal estimate (Sometimes). While the suicide perception dimension had an average of 1.74, and the dimension of hostility had an average of 1.71, with verbal estimate (rarely). The results also revealed that there is no statistically significant relationship at the level 0.05 between the sample members' responses on the bound total of Life hardships and responses on the bound total of the Suicide Probability, as well as the dimensions: (feeling of hopelessness, negative self- esteem, hostility), while there is a statistically significant relationship between responses on the Life hardships scale and the perception of suicide dimension. In the view of the findings, lots of recommendations is given to improve the student services to reduce the hardships which is facing the college student.

Determinants of self-medication among undergraduate students at King Saud University: Knowledge, attitude and practice

Background and Objectives: In Saudi Arabia, most drugs can be obtained from pharmacies without a professional prescription, and despite the prevalence of self-medication, few comprehensive studies were conducted to assess this practice. This study was performed to evaluate self-medication and its pattern among different groups of King Saud University students. Materials and Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was carried out from November 2014 to April 2015. The targeted population of the study was 477 out of 35,810 undergraduate medical and non-medical students at King Saud University. Data were analysed using SPSS (21.0), and descriptive statistics was used to describe the categorical study and outcome variables. Chi-square test was used to compare the distribution of proportions. Results: The prevalence of self-medication within the study period was 50.9% of the respondents (45.18% male and 54.02% female). Cold and flu symptoms were the most common indication among medical (74%) and non-medical students (88.2%). Bacterial and viral infections (P = 0.001) were a common indication among the medical students (19.4%). Analgesics (P = 0.333) was the most common drug used in self-medication among medical (89.7%) and non-medical students (85.3%). Aspirin (P = 0.013) and herbals (P = 0.0001) were reported to be predominantly used by the non-medical students. Conclusion: Half of the respondents practice self-medication; which demonstrates the need to raise public awareness, becoming more conscious during drug utilisation and the pharmacists' advisory role. In addition, further studies should be conducted to assess the herbals' practice in our community as their use was reported to be high in the results.

Smartphone addiction among university students in the light of some variables

We explored the frequency and indices of smartphone addiction in a group of King Saud University students and investigated whether there were differences in smartphone addiction based on gender, social status, educational level, monthly income and hours of daily use. We developed a questionnaire probing smartphone addiction consisting of five dimensions: 1) overuse of smartphone, 2) the psychological-social dimension, 3) the health dimension, 4) preoccupation with smartphones, and 5) the technological dimension. After being validated, the questionnaire was administered to 416 students, both male and female, at King Saud University. Results revealed that addiction percentage among participants was 48%. The order of smartphone addiction indices were as follows: overuse of smartphone, the technological dimension, the psychological-social dimension, preoccupation with smartphones, and the health dimension. Significant gender differences were found in the degree of addiction on the whole questionnaire and all of its dimensions with the exception of the technological dimension in favor of males. Significant differences by social status were found in favor of the unmarried. Bachelor degree students were found to have the highest degree of addiction. Significant differences by hours of daily use were also detected in favor of participants using the smartphone for more than 4 h a day. As to the monthly income dimension, significant differences were found on the health dimension in favor of participants with lower monthly income.

Psychological well-being among social network users of King Saud University students

IntroductionSocial networks allow individuals to express themselves, and establish or maintain connections with others. Using social networks like Facebook may be associated with a sense of self-worth and may play an important role in psychological development of university students who are in emerging adulthood phase.Objective(1)Assess the psychological well-being of Saudi university students using social networks (Facebook).(2)Explore whether the relationship between Facebook use and bridging social capital is different for individuals with varying degrees of self-esteem and satisfaction with life.AimTo study the psychological well-being of Saudi university students using social networks (Facebook).MethodAn electronic survey was published in the community site for all students of King Saud University. in addition to the demographic information, the survey evaluates Facebook use intensity, bridging social capital and psychological well-being: self-esteem and satisfaction with life.ResultsA total of 1005 students completed the survey, of which 50.5% were female. Majority of them were members in Facebook (92.1%).ConclusionsResults showed no significant correlation between the use of Facebook and psychological well-being. It could be due to the fundamental difference between Arabs and other cultures or due to the use of other social networks. There was a positive relationship between bridging social capital and psychological well-being with being in preparatory year, which is most likely because advanced years has more workload preventing students from participating in King Saud University community. A longitudinal study over a series of years and addressing other popular social networks would be the next step.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Perceptions and Performance of King Saud University Students’ about Concept and Finding Limit of Functions Graphical and Symbolic

The purpose of this study was to investigate the misperceptions and performance of king Saud University students’ about concept and finding the limit of same partial functions given in the form of both graphical and symbolic. In the collection of the data, the researcher employed the open-ended question test consisted of four items. Firstly, symbolic representation of the questions, later graphical representation of the same questions was given to the students. In the data analysis, descriptive analysis method was used and independent samples t-test was employed with α = 0.01 in the analysis of the differences of students’ algebraic and graphical performance. The result showed that some students had some misconceptions and misunderstanding related to the concept of limit. It was also observed that there were significant differences found between students’ performances algebraic and graphical. The students had higher scores in graphical representation than symbolic.

Tuberculosis: Awareness among Students in a Saudi University

Background: Knowledge plays a vital role in influencing the behavior and practices of individuals. Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health problem. Our objective is to identify the extent of awareness about TB among King Saud University students, and to compare knowledge about tuberculosis amongst different University tracks. Methods: This study was conducted using a cross-sectional approach including 530 students in three different academic tracks: Health, Scientific, and Humanitarian tracks. For data collection, a structured questionnaire was developed through revision of the literature which contained three different parts; demographic data of subjects, knowledge about TB and attitude toward TB. Results: The established scoring system revealed a poor grade of knowledge at 51.4%. Tuberculosis knowledge was significantly higher amongst the track of Health colleges (46.7% compared with 27.2% for the track of Science and 26% for the track of Humanitarian studies). However, some of the issues were answered fittingly in higher magnitude by the two other non-health tracks; there was no significant difference in gender-specific awareness level (48% for both). Conclusion: Although the Health track has better knowledge in general (46.7%), the level of awareness of Tuberculosis is poor among King Saud University students. Moreover, the level of awareness differs among the three tracks, which are health, humanitarian, and science. The health track showed the highest level of awareness.

Evaluation of a comprehensive clinical dentistry course at dental schools in Saudi Arabia

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate a Comprehensive Clinical Dentistry Course conducted at two dental schools in Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional cohort study was conducted in two dental schools: King Saud University (KSU) and University of Dammam (UOD). The study subjects were students (42 UOD and 30 KSU), patients (32 UOD and 46 KSU), and faculty members (8 UOD and 7 KSU). Evaluations were collected using self-administered surveys. Results: The response rates were 72%, 78%, and 32% for students, patients, and faculty members, respectively. The students' evaluations demonstrated that case acceptance by supervisors was one of the difficulties facing 57.14% of UOD students compared to 30% of KSU students. The majority of faculty members (39%) were restorative specialists (25% UOD, 42.86% KSU). The overall evaluation of UOD faculty members was fair (50%) or good to very good (50%). For KSU faculty members, the overall evaluation was good (50%) or very good (50%). The mean age of the patients was 33.26 years. The level of education of the study subjects was either secondary school (43.6%) or university level (35.9%). Most of the study subjects knew about the program from their friends (57.7%). Approximately 96.1% of the study subjects were satisfied with the overall treatment of students. Discussion: The fundamental aim of the students was to have their cases accepted as early as possible to complete requirements on time. Conclusion: Dental students displayed relatively high psychological stress in relation to case acceptance by their supervisors. Demonstrating good attitude and quality treatment can increase the flow of patients.

Difficulties in Academic Writing: From the Perspective of King Saud University Postgraduate Students

The purpose of this study was to determine what difficulties King Saud University students encounter when learning to write academic English and to differentiate between students’ learning needs and objectives. The sample consisted of 50 postgraduate students enrolled in King Saud University during the academic year 2009-2010. Analysis of the data showed that English as a second language (ESL) students face many difficulties and stresses in their academic writing, such as difficulty distinguishing between spoken and written English, making an outline before writing a draft, identifying the skills needed for successful writing, and avoiding plague words and phrases.

Prevalence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome among Students in King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract: Objective: The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) among King Saud University (KSU) students, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, taking the factor of life style and stress into account. Methods: This study was a cross- sectional survey among KSU students: one thousand and three hundred fifty students were surveyed within 3 weeks in January 2010. The data was collected via self-administered questionnaires that were prepared in Arabic. The questionnaires were distributed to 17 colleges. These questionnaires include questions for diagnosed students, questions that meet the Rome III diagnostic criteria and questions about psychological stresses and life style. Results: From 1350 questionnaires, 1237 were accepted and included 561 (45.4%) males and 676 (54.6%) females. The response rate is 91.6%. Among the participants, 175 (14.2%) were diagnosed with IBS in which 9.3% were males and 18.4% were female. From the diagnosed students, 66.9% use medications for relieving their symptoms. Other than the students who were diagnosed with IBS, we found in the study that 157 males and 266 female students match the ROME III criteria. This study shows a significant relation- ship between IBS and psychological stresses, gastroenteritis, and pelvic surgery. However, it shows no relationship between IBS and smoking or irregular eating. Conclusion: IBS affects a considerable percentage of KSU students especially females. There are certain factors that may play a role as cause or an association with IBS (e.g. psychological stress). About 34% of the sample have the symptoms of IBS although they were undiagnosed with it. The research, on IBS however, is insufficient in our country. Thus, it is important to put an effort into studying this condition for the sake of our society's health..

Attitude to blood donation in Saudi Arabia

Background and Objectives:The blood donor system in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia depends on a combination of voluntary and involuntary donors. The aim of this study is to explore the attitudes, beliefs and motivations of Saudis toward blood donation.Materials and Methods:The study was conducted at the Donor Centers at King Khalid University Hospital (KKUH) Blood Bank and King Saud University Students Health Center, Riyadh. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to donors (n = 517) and nondonors (n = 316), between February and June 2008. All were males.Results:Ninety-nine percent of the respondents showed positive attitude toward blood donations and its importance for patients care, and object the importation of blood from abroad. Blood donors: Ninety-one percent agree that that blood donation is a religious obligation, 91% think no compensation should be given, 63% will accept a token gift, 34% do not object to donating six times/year and 67% did not mind coming themselves to the donor center to give blood. Nondonors: Forty-six percent were not asked to give blood and those who were asked mentioned fear (5%) and lack of time (16%) as their main deterrents. Reasons for rejection as donors include underweight and age (71%) and health reasons (19%). Seventy-five percent objected to money compensation but 69% will accept token gifts and 92% will donate if a relative/friend needs blood.Conclusion:These results reflect an encouraging strong positive attitude toward blood donation. Further future planning with emphasis on educational/publicity programs and careful organization of donor recruitment campaigns could see the dream of total voluntary nonremunerated blood donations should not take long to be true.

Smoking Habits of King Saud University Students in Abha, Saudi Arabia

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of smoking among university students of King Saud University in Abha City, to determine ecological factors for the problem, and to assess the studentsâ knowledge about the health effects of smoking, and attitudes towards public action against smoking. All medical students at the University College of Medicine (MC) (n=202), and a representative sample of students of the College of Education (CE) (n=300), were subjected to a modified Arabic version of the World Health Organization standard questionnaire for young people to study their knowledge, attitudes and practices of smoking. The study revealed the following results among students of the CE and those of the MC, respectively. Prevalence of regular smoking (17.5% vs. 13.6%; P=0.25); heavy smokers (39.5% vs. 27.8%; P=0.38); smokers of moderate- to high-nicotine yield (92.7% vs. 50%, P=0.0004), and tar yield (48.8% vs. 16.7%, P=0.02). Curiosity was the main reason for initiation of smoking (41.2% vs. 51.9%), followed by the desire to show off (27.5% vs. 51.9%, P=0.03), and peer pressure (27.5% vs. 7.4%, P=0.04). Friends were the main source of the first cigarette (53.1% vs. 55.6%), followed by parents (2% vs. 40.7%, P=0.0001). Most students were knowledgeable about smoking and had favorable attitudes against it. However, MC students were significantly more knowledgeable than those of the CE. Smoking still constitutes a major problem among university students in Abha, in spite of their knowledge of its hazards. This may be due to the addictive effect of smoking, peer pressure, negative parental attitudes and other reasons. There is a need to implement an anti-smoking program for college students, and possibly legislation to limit the amount of tar and nicotine in cigarettes.

Study of Road Signs in Saudi Arabia

This paper presents the results of a study to evaluate 15 of the most common traffic signs used in Saudi Arabia. These signs are mostly adopted from the North American standards and may or may not be appropriate for this country due to population stereotype effects. This was tested by presenting five selected signs from each of regulatory, warning and guidance categories. These signs were presented through a tachistoscope to a controlled group of 19 King Saud University students with average age of 22 years and average driving experience of 5.68 years. Number of errors and reaction time were recorded for each sign and subject. Based on the results, the signs were analyzed for their communication ability. It was found that the symbolic signs e.g., ‘Priority over on-coming traffic’ and ‘Prohibition of stopping’, produced statistically significant errors in detection, whereas, the letter/numeric signs e.g., Parking, Speed Limit and Hospital produced least errors with minimum reaction time. Modifications to certain signs is recommended to incorporate population stereotype effect.

Smoking Habits of King Saud University Students in Riyadh

The smoking habits of 2264 students at King Saud University were investigated. Thirty-seven percent of the students smoked, and over a half smoked more than 15 cigarettes per day. Cigarettes were the main form of smoking. Most of the smokers knew about the hazards of smoking through the media and wished to stop smoking. Nonsmokers cited religious consideration and nonsmoking parents as the most important reasons for not smoking. A public health campaign is strongly recommended to reduce the prevalence of smoking.

Health attitudes among King Saud University students.

A VOLUNTEER SAMPLE of students, in three colleges of King Saud University was surveyed for knowledge, attitude and health promoting behaviour. Data were collected by self administered questionnaires. Results showed that there was no sig nificant difference between medical and allied medical students on health promoting behaviour. Medical students were a little stronger than allied medical students on knowledge while both medical and allied medical students together displayed better attitudes than science students.