Northern Saudi Arabia Research Articles

Awareness of the General population about Influenza Vaccine in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia

Objectives: Increasing national influenza vaccination rates continues to be a challenge for Saudi Arabia. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the Saudi public perceptions toward seasonal influenza vaccination and their association with the rate of vaccination. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. The study includes the general population in Tabuk, Northern Saudi Arabia. The study includes Saudi and none Saudi who speaks Arabic or English, from any age group (18-60 years), male or female, any level of education (from primary to university or more) and low, moderate or high socioeconomic level. Results: Regarding to gender, the study showed that the largest percentage of the study members are male with a percentage of (63.3 %), while there is a percentage of (36.6%) females. According to” Received influenza vaccine” there are (63.3%) of the respondents chose (Yes) and (36.6%) of the respondents chose (No). according to” Influenza vaccination is effective in preventing influenza infection” there are (53.3%) of the respondents chose (Yes), (26.66%) of the respondents chose (No) and (20%) chose (Don’t Know). Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that the rate of seasonal influenza vaccination is moderate among the Saudi population, which necessitates the launching of public awareness campaigns about the importance of the seasonal influenza vaccine.

A cross-sectional evaluation of binge-eating behavior and its correlation with anxiety disorders among adolescents in Northern Saudi Arabia: implications for future generations

A cross-sectional evaluation of binge-eating behavior and its correlation with anxiety disorders among adolescents in Northern Saudi Arabia: implications for future generations

Assessment of Binge Eating Behavior, Body Shape Concerns, and Associated Factors among Female Adolescents of Northern Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Globally, binge eating behavior has emerged as a significant public health concern, especially among female adolescents. Body shape concerns in female adolescents can lead to body dissatisfaction and other mental health issues. Using a cross-sectional study design, we evaluated the frequency of binge eating behavior, body shape concerns, and associated factors among 400 female adolescents. We utilized a pretested Arabic binge eating scale (BES) and a body shape questionnaire-shorter version (BSQ-8C) to collect the required data. We performed Spearman's correlation analysis to find the strength and direction of the correlation between the BES and BSQ-8C scores. Finally, we applied binomial logistic regression analysis to identify the predictors of body shape concerns. Of the studied participants, 5.5% and 6.2% had medium and severe binge eating behavior. We found a significant positive correlation between the BES and BSQ-8C scores (rho = 0.434, p < 0.001). Also, we found that body shape concerns were significantly higher among the monthly family income category of 5000 to 7000 SAR (p = 0.005), the severe binge eating categories (p = 0.009), and obese adolescents (p = 0.001). The present study results can be applied to the development of focused interventions and strategies to address these concerns in this group.

Community Health Needs Assessment of Primary Healthcare in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Continuous assessment of community health needs is essential to predict, recognize, and act on healthcare issues. Conducting community health needs assessments (CHNAs) in Saudi Arabia has become a priority to overcome the current healthcare challenges and keep pace with the Saudi Arabia 2030 vision. Studies reporting community health needs in Saudi Arabia regions are limited despite the high incidence of chronic diseases. This study aims to understand the community's health problems and the range of healthy behaviors and determine the priority health problems. We conducted a cross-sectional study based on the adults in Primary Health Care Centers in Hail, Northern Saudi Arabia, by using the CHNA standard questionnaire. In addition to the demographic information, the questionnaire collects data on personal health status, the health status of adults and children, health facilities access information, receiving of healthcare procedures, traveling for healthcare, source of medical information, safety measures and behaviors, health problems, childcare (special needs), and perceived community problems. In all, 336 individuals were approached to participate in this study; 303 agreed to participate (response rate: 90%). The analysis comprised 276 individuals after eliminating 27 who did not fulfill the age inclusion criteria or had missing gender data. Of these, 107 (38.8%) were men and 169 (61.2%) were women. Our data revealed that almost half of the participants, 135 (52.9%) constantly or 107 (42%) occasionally, were able to visit the doctors when needed. Our findings reported positive health behaviors and good accessibility to healthcare services when needed. However, the study findings also revealed healthcare challenges that required urgent action from Hail healthcare leaders. Developing healthcare strategies, screening/prevention programs, and changing healthcare policies in the Hail region are needed to control and prevent health problems and improve the population's health.

Identification of dust sources inside and outside of Iran affecting air quality in the Tehran region

Introduction: Recent climate changes and droughts have exacerbated the impact of dust sources globally, necessitating a thorough understanding of their influence on air quality. In Tehran, the interaction between internal dust sources from Iran and external sources from neighboring countries significantly affects air quality. Materials and methods: This study spans a 20-year period (2003-2022), utilizing satellite data and advanced algorithms to analyze dust event trends and patterns. The material and methods section outlines the use of Aqua satellite MODIS sensor data alongside two algorithms to identify dust sources, focusing on Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) data during peak dust event seasons. Statistical analysis of dust events in 2022 supplements the investigation. Results: The analysis reveals distinct patterns in dust particle origin and transport, highlighting the predominant contribution of internal dust sources from Iran's southern Semnan province and significant input from external sources in Iraq and northern Saudi Arabia. Examining meteorological conditions during severe dust events highlights the role of synoptic conditions, particularly the presence of a tropospheric trough, in facilitating dust transport. Increased convective motions and downburst occurrences in specific regions further exacerbate the spread of dust particles, particularly those originating from external countries and provinces. Conclusion: The conclusion emphasizes the complex interplay between internal and external dust sources and the necessity of understanding dust emission dynamics for effective mitigation strategies. It calls for proactive measures involving local and regional cooperation to mitigate dust pollution's adverse effects on air quality in Tehran and similar urban centers.

Palynology of strata associated with the Hercynian Unconformity across the Arabian Plate, from the Levant to southern Arabia

Abstract A survey of the palynostratigraphy of the strata above and below the Hercynian Unconformity indicates that the range of its associated hiatus, due to either non-deposition or erosion (or both), varies considerably across the Arabian Plate depending on the position of the succession in relation to the three main highs or arches, the Levant, Al Batin and Oman-Hadhramaut arches, and any Hercynian faulting or other uplift in basinal regions, for example in the Ghawar region. As expected, the succession spanning the Hercynian Unconformity is most complete in basinal areas, for example in the Faydah-Jafurah and Nafud-Ma'aniya basins. The well with the shortest hiatus, corresponding approximately to a maximum duration of part of the Serpukhovian and Bashkirian, appears to be KH-5/1, close to the axis of the Nafud-Ma'aniya Basin. Palynological assemblages in rocks above the Hercynian Unconformity indicate the diachronous onset of the basal Khuff clastics NW through the Arabian Plate over a period of c. 15 Myr. The oldest strata above the Hercynian Unconformity across the Arabian Plate also indicate systematic variation, probably due to palaeoclimate, with assemblages of similar age in Iraq and northern Saudi Arabia showing some similarities to those of Oman, but differences probably due to a strong climatic gradient at the time.

Characterization of Erwinia amylovora isolates from the northern region of Saudi Arabia, including CRISPR genotyping

AbstractFire blight, caused by the bacterium Erwinia amylovora, poses a global threat to the pome fruit industry, leading to reduced yields and significant economic losses. A comprehensive countrywide survey was carried out to determine the possible E. amylovora distribution in pome fruit‐growing regions. During the period 2020–2023, 85 isolates characteristic of E. amylovora were obtained from pear across 23 locations in three main pear‐producing regions (Al‐Jouf, Hail and Tabuk) in northern Saudi Arabia (SA). Isolates were identified using biochemical, molecular and pathogenicity assays. Molecular characterization of Saudi strains was achieved using partial 16S rRNA and rpoB gene sequencing, rep‐PCR (specifically, BOX‐PCR) and CRISPR array analysis. The CRISPR genotyping in particular, using an existing scheme of three CRISPR arrays, CR1, CR2 and CR3, provided consistent patterns of the Saudi isolates with high similarity to those of E. amylovora strains from the UK and France, hinting at a possible origin of the fire blight infections from these countries. Some variation was observed in patterns between local strains, highlighting the importance of continued surveillance and genetic studies for effective disease management strategies. Identification of fire blight in three regions over several years should serve as a warning to the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in Saudi Arabia, prompting the initiation of a more comprehensive survey and an active disease management programme. This programme should include early detection and advice to growers on prevention and control measures. This is the first scientific study on the occurrence and genetic variability of E. amylovora in Saudi Arabia.

The Use of Over-the-Counter (OTC) Skin-Lightening Agents and Their Side Effects Among the Residents of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Over-the-counter (OTC) skin-lightening agents are topical products in the form of lotions, creams, oils, soaps, and serums designed to alter skin pigmentation primarily for cosmetic purposes. The growing misuse and overuse of these products has become a serious public health concern due to their potential adverse effects on human health and their quality of life. This study was cross-sectional in nature, adopting a convenience sampling technique utilizing data from a sample of 408 residents of Arar, Northern Saudi Arabia. The participants completed online questionnaires,distributed through social media means like Telegram, WhatsApp, and Facebook ensuring anonymity. Data was analyzed using SPSS Version 27 to obtain important insights. The sample of the study had a predominance of females 304 (74.5%) while only 104 (25.5%) were males. A substantial proportion of 170 (41.7%) of the participants were aged between 20 and 35 years with more than half (229 (56.2%)) being single and the majority (266 (65.2%))having university and above level of education. More than half (259 (63.5%)) of them indicated that they had bought skin-lightening products without a doctor's prescription. Twenty-eight (10.8%) of the participants had been diagnosed with a condition that increased skin pigmentation before with a substantial proportion (11 (39.3%)) noting that the product contained hydroquinone cream ingredients. The overall prevalence of OTCskin-lightening agents among the participants of Arar, Northern Saudi Arabia was 63.5% (259/408). The study found a significantly high prevalence of use of OTCskin-lightening agents among participants aged 20-35 years (87 (71.3%)) (p=0.031) as well as those who had a university level of education and above (129 (71.3%)) (p=0.001). The findings show that 39 (40.6%) of the female respondents and eight (30.8%) of the male participants experienced adverse effects associated with irritation and redness. Overall, the study found a considerably high prevalence of the use of OTCskin-lightening agents among the participants of Arar, Northern Saudi Arabia. The use of OTCskin-lightening agents was significantly greater among female participants than male participants. The commonly used products contained hydroquinone cream ingredients, which presented adverse effects and complications associated with irritation, redness, and darkening of the skin. It is imperative to launch targeted public awareness campaigns to educate the community, especially women, about the risks associated with OTC skin-lightening agents, promote safer alternatives, and advocate for stricter regulation and control over the sale and distribution of skin-lightening products containing harmful ingredients.

Diagenetic controls on the quality of shallow marine sandstones: An example from the Cambro-Ordovician Saq Formation, central Saudi Arabia

The Saq Formation is the most important Paleozoic aquifer in central and northern Saudi Arabia. However, owing to the continued depletion of the aquifers and the great depths to which the aquifers are buried in undrilled/underexplored regions, the aquifers porosity and permeability are increasingly becoming an issue of concern. Here, we employed thin-section petrography, petrophysical measurements, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopic analyses, and fluid inclusion microthermometry to investigate the composition and diagenetic evolution of the Saq sandstones. The results of this study indicate that the sandstones are mainly quartz arenite in composition, mostly well sorted, and ranged in grain size from silt to coarse-grained sandstones. We observed three diagenetic stages (early, middle, and late) that impacted the porosity evolution of the Saq sandstones. Mechanical compaction, formation of authigenic kaolinite, and infiltration of smectitic clays occurred during early shallow burial diagenesis. The middle (deep-burial) diagenesis was dominated by mechanical and chemical compaction, formation of authigenic quartz overgrowths, transformation of kaolinite and smectite into illite, and precipitation of late calcite. The late (uplift-related) diagenesis resulted in the formation of authigenic kaolinite, dissolution of the late calcite, and the formation of predominantly pore-filling Fe-oxide (goethite) cement. Fluid inclusion results of this study show that quartz cement mostly formed at temperatures ranging between 151 °C and 175 °C and reached up to 272 °C, with, at least, two phases of overgrowth development. The overall high amounts of rigid grain contents (>65 %), low detrital matrix (<10 %), and coarser grain size have maintained the Saq sandstone quality (average permeability = 2100 mD) despite having been buried to great depths. The findings of this study provide useful insights into the diagenetic evolution of the Saq Formation, which has provided important input data for forward diagenetic modelling of their subsurface equivalent in Saudi Arabia and sandstones of similar depositional settings elsewhere.

Gulf Reconciliation 2021

Abstract After the American occupation of 2003 and the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime, Iraq faced many challenges including in its foreign relations. It sought to overcome these, especially with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), in light of its confrontation with terrorism, sectarianism, and security deterioration. This state of affairs continued until 2014 when Iraqi-Gulf relations witnessed a remarkable normalization in various political, security and economic fields, culminating in the “Gulf reconciliation” in January 2021 when the GCC succeeded in achieving reconciliation with Qatar, at the “Al-Ula Summit” held in Al-Ula in northern Saudi Arabia. The article examines Gulf reconciliation in 2021 and its implications for the future of Iraqi-Gulf relations and puts forward a hypothesis based on the fact that positive Iraqi-Gulf relations contribute to achieving a state of security and stability for Iraq, and the GCC as a whole. This will lead to improving Iraq’s relations with the countries of the region after suffering from a state of instability for the past two decades. Achieving Gulf reconciliation will plausibly help in building positive relations and further develop them in the future, helping to reduce regional conflict, and preserve Iraq’s unity and sovereignty as an important country in the Gulf regional order.

Alliance of protected areas for better landscape conservation outcomes in northern Saudi Arabia

Alliance of protected areas for better landscape conservation outcomes in northern Saudi Arabia

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Among the General Population in Northern Saudi Arabia.

One of the most prevalent types of cancer is colorectal cancer (CRC). Increased consumption of foods derived from animals, smoking, and family history are all regarded as CRC risk factors. A significant obstacle to the use of screening programs for CRC is community unawareness. This study aimed to assess the awareness of symptoms, signs, and screening modalities of CRC among the adult population in Arar City, Northern Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among males and females living in Arar City who were 18 years of age or older. More than half (56.6%; 233) of the participants correctly identified that the colon is the large intestine, 61.7% (254) identified that the rectum is the distal part of it, and nearly a fifth stated that the function of the colon is water reabsorption. The majority stated abdominal pain (78.2%; 322) and change in bowel habits (76%; 313) are symptoms of CRC, but less than 60% (240) reported nausea and vomiting. Concerning participants' risk factor awareness of CRC, smoking is most frequently cited, followed by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), fatty food, family history, and colon polyps. Although not perfect, the current analysis demonstrates that there is accepted public awareness about CRC. We recommend the adoption of education initiatives via mass media and at regular religious events like Jumma to increase community awareness and knowledge.

Tourism Development through the Sense of UNESCO World Heritage: The Case of Hegra, Saudi Arabia

This study explores the perception of a “sense of place” among tourists visiting Hegra, an archaeological site in northern Saudi Arabia, through reviews on TripAdvisor. The 267 reviews on TripAdvisor between 2020 and 2023 were analyzed using the VADER sentiment polarity analysis tool and object modeling using the NMF machine learning algorithm. The results highlight positive factors linked to the history and uniqueness of the place while showing some critical issues related to isolation, cost, privatization, and competitiveness. The originality of the research lies in the type of case study chosen, an archaeological site of a country that has recently opened its doors to tourism, and in the pragmatic nature of the investigation, oriented towards the search for possible solutions to be adopted in terms of heritage management based on the feedback received for the development of the tourist destination.

Optimal Allocation of Fast Charging Stations on Real Power Transmission Network with Penetration of Renewable Energy Plant

Because of their stochastic nature, the high penetration of electric vehicles (EVs) places demands on the power system that may strain network reliability. Along with increasing network voltage deviations, this can also lower the quality of the power provided. By placing EV fast charging stations (FCSs) in strategic grid locations, this issue can be resolved. Thus, this work suggests a new methodology incorporating an effective and straightforward Red-Tailed Hawk Algorithm (RTH) to identify the optimal locations and capacities for FCSs in a real Aljouf Transmission Network located in northern Saudi Arabia. Using a fitness function, this work’s objective is to minimize voltage violations over a 24 h period. The merits of the suggested RTH are its high convergence rate and ability to eschew local solutions. The results obtained via the suggested RTH are contrasted with those of other approaches such as the use of a Kepler optimization algorithm (KOA), gold rush optimizer (GRO), grey wolf optimizer (GWO), and spider wasp optimizer (SWO). Annual substation demand, solar irradiance, and photovoltaic (PV) temperature datasets are utilized in this study to describe the demand as well as the generation profiles in the proposed real network. A principal component analysis (PCA) is employed to reduce the complexity of each dataset and to prepare them for the k-means algorithm. Then, k-means clustering is used to partition each dataset into k distinct clusters evaluated using internal and external validity indices. The values of these indices are weighted to select the best number of clusters. Moreover, a Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) is applied to probabilistically determine the daily profile of each data set. According to the obtained results, the proposed RTH outperformed the others, achieving the lowest fitness value of 0.134346 pu, while the GRO came in second place with a voltage deviation of 0.135646 pu. Conversely, the KOA was the worst method, achieving a fitness value of 0.148358 pu. The outcomes attained validate the suggested approach’s competency in integrating FCSs into a real transmission grid by selecting their best locations and sizes.

Awareness About the Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) and Its Relation to Headphones Use at al Jouf Region, Northern Saudi Arabia

Background: Noise is an "unwanted sound" with various adverse health effects. Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) results from irreparable damage to the inner ear's cochlear hair cells. In addition, a potential consequence of using prevalent personal listening devices (PLDs) puts the users at greater risk of hearing loss when misusing these devices. Objectives: This study evaluates the awareness of NIHL and headphones use among general population in Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study with a representative random sample of the general population of Jouf, Northern Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed through the social media. We collected data regarding participants' awareness of NIHL caused by headphone use. Results: As regard knowledge about NIHL among the studied population, there were 46.1% admitted to not knowing whether NIHL is a type of conductive hearing loss, 42.5% recognized that a substantial amount of hearing loss is required to impact speech and social development. The data also highlighted a positive trend, with 54.1% acknowledging that noise-induced hearing problems were preventable. Interestingly, a notable portion, 28.1%, were uncertain about the minimum duration of exposure to loud noise that could harm hearing. Similarly, a significant percentage, 24.0%, were unsure about the minimum volume levels that could negatively affect hearing. Additionally, 21.5% unsure whether frequent exposure to hazardous noise leads to hearing loss due to a damaged eardrum. As regard PLD-related practices, there was a significant portion primarily use earphones (40.4%) and listen to audio for 1-2 hours a day (42.5%). Most individuals (40.4%) reported that people surrounding them are usually affected by the noise from their PLDs. Interestingly, a high percentage (71.9%) expressed the recommendation for installing voice limiting features on their ear devices. Additionally, (80.8%) are willing to change their behavior if presented with evidence of the negative impact of loud noise on hearing. Conclusion: noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a prevalent and preventable public health issue that affects a significant portion of the population, including individuals in Saudi Arabia. The study highlighted a lack of awareness and knowledge about NIHL and its symptoms among the general population. However, there is a positive trend towards acknowledging the preventability of noise-induced hearing problems. The study also revealed concerning practices related to personal listening devices (PLDs), with a significant portion of respondents using earphones for extended periods and being surrounded by noise from their devices. There is a growing willingness among individuals to change their behavior if presented with evidence of the negative impact of loud noise on hearing.

Public Awareness of Common Age-Related Eye Diseases in Northern Saudi Arabia.

This population-based descriptive survey was conducted on 411 Saudi adults aged 18-70 residing in Arar City,Saudi Arabia, over six months from September 2023. Random sampling was employed, and awareness levels were assessed using a pre-designed questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS, version 20.0; IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY). Among the 411 participants, 225 (54.7%) were aged 18-29 years, 312 (76%) were females, and 299 (72.6%) held a bachelor's degree or diploma. Regarding awareness, 71.3% knew about cataracts, but nearly half erroneously believed it could be treated solely medically. For diabetic retinopathy (DR), 366 (89%) recognized lifestyle modifications, and 378 (92%) understood screening as preventive measures. Most participants understood prevention methods for all four diseases, but misconceptions about treatment options were observed. Awareness of glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) was lower. No significant age-related differences were found in awareness, except for cataracts (P = 0.001). Education significantly influenced awareness of cataracts, DR, and glaucoma (P = 0.001, 0.013, and 0.008, respectively), but not ARMD (P = 0.606). The study found that the internet is the primary source of information on AREDs for most participants, except for cataracts, where friends and relatives are prominent. The study reveals varying awareness levels of AREDs among Saudi adults. Although most participants understood preventive measures, misconceptions about treatment underscore the need for accurate education channels. Healthcare professionals must ensure information reliability to effectively combat misinformation and enhance awareness of AREDs.

Application of gravity and remote sensing data to groundwater storage variation in Wadi Al Dawasir, Saudi Arabia

In order to deal with the increase in human-caused impacts, Saudi Arabia is exploring new groundwater sources. Significant agricultural development in Wadi Al Dawasir has resulted in an overuse of groundwater resources. Constant monitoring of the wadi's groundwater is necessary in order to make informed decisions about the future of the wadi's groundwater resources and the local economy. The rate of groundwater depletion in the Wadi Al Dawasir drainage basin in northern Saudi Arabia was calculated by combining data from the advanced Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) mission with outputs from a land surface model. The analysis covered the period from April 2002 to December 2021. The results are as follows: (1) the average terrestrial water storage fluctuation (ΔTWS) was calculated at −0.48 ± 0.02 cm yr−1; (2) the average soil moisture storage change (ΔSMS) was calculated at + 0.0008 ± 0.0002 cm yr−1; (3) the average groundwater depletion rate was computed at −0.48 ± 0.02 cm yr−1; (4) the average yearly rainfall data for the Wadi Al Dawasir was 90.1 mm; (5) The surface relief is creating eastward streams that carry surface water downstream; (6) Significant agricultural expansions over the past few decades can be observed through Landsat change detection; (7) Higher sediment accumulation varying from 400 to more than 3000 m is observed in the east, near the Wadi's downstream, where the Wajid aquifer can be found. The integrated approach is a cost-effective and efficient tool for accurately evaluating the variability of groundwater resources over large regions.

General Population Awareness of Primary Immune Deficiency Disease in Children in the Arar Region, Saudi Arabia.

Background Primary immunodeficiency disorders (PIDD) are of various types and severities, and they are associated with a delay in diagnosis. Early diagnosis of PIDD helps to improve the quality of life of affected children and prevent permanent consequences such as organ damage. Hence, awareness of PIDD is a must in the community to aid in early detection. Objectives The study aims to investigate the general population's awareness of PIDD in children in Arar, Northern Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional design was utilized to determine the awareness of PIDD in children in Arar, Northern Saudi Arabia. The participants were selected through an online self-administered questionnaire. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results A total of528 participants were involved in the current study. The majority of the sample population falls within the 20-30 age range. 9.1% of respondents know a child with primary immunodeficiency. Additionally, participants were aware of certain symptoms, such as delayed growth and chronic diarrhea, with rates of 47.0% and 34.1%, respectively. On the other hand, symptoms like otitis media and sinusitis have lower awareness rates of 25.8% and 33.3%, respectively. Conclusion This study can help in developing targeted awareness campaigns and educational programs to improve the understanding of primary immune deficiency disease among the general population in Saudi Arabia. This, in turn, can lead to earlier diagnosis and better management of the disease in children, ultimately improving their quality of life.

Awareness of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Among the Adult Population in Northern Saudi Arabia.

Background Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most prevalent entrapment neuropathy affecting the upper limb. It is recognized as a complex condition that is attributed to both non-medical and medical risk factors. Lack of awareness leads to delays in seeking advice, diagnosis, and treatment. Objective To determine the awareness of CTS, its associated symptoms, signs, and risk factors among the adult population. Subjects and methods A cross-sectional study design was carried out among the adult population in Arar city, Northern Saudi Arabia. Results In total, 338 respondents participated in this study. More than one-third (40.8%) mentioned that median nerve entrapment is a cause of CTS. The most commonly cited risk factor by the respondents was engaging in physical tasks such as using a computer (53%). Additionally, 60% of participants agreed that symptoms of CTS include tingling and numbness in the thumb, index, and middle fingers. Conclusion The findings of the study indicated a lack of adequate community awareness about CTS among the studied population.

Awareness of multiple sclerosis among Saudi community in Arar City, Northern Border region

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive demyelinating illness. The central and autonomic nervous systems are affected, which may result in permanent impairments. The present study aimed at assessing the knowledge of MS among citizens in northern Saudi Arabia. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among adults in Arar City, northern Saudi Arabia, from April to September 2022. Adults aged &amp;ge;18 were included, excluding health professionals, students, and individuals with MS. Data were collected via a structured online questionnaire validated by experts, covering demographics and 16 questions on MS knowledge, scored for accuracy. Knowledge was rated as &amp;quot;good&amp;quot; (&amp;ge;10 correct answers) or &amp;quot;poor&amp;quot; (