Saud University Research Articles

Utilisation of the health belief model to study the behavioural intentions relating to obesity management among university students: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundOverweight and obesity are excessive fat accumulations linked with many health problems, including heart diseases, type 2 diabetes and cancer. Multiple studies have demonstrated that beliefs about overweight, obesity and...

A Proposd Perception for Developing University Administration in Saudi Universities to Achieve Competitive Advantage (Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University as a Model)

The study aimed to identify the reality of the role of university administration in Saudi universities in order to achieve the competitive advantage from the point of view of university leaders at Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University as a model, and to develop a proposed perception for the development of university management in Saudi universities to achieve competitive advantage. The study used the descriptive developmental methodology. The questionnaire was used as a tool to obtain data, and the study sample was (172). The study found that the reality of the role of university administration in Saudi universities in achieving competitive advantage was medium. It was also found that there were no statistically significant differences due to the variables of gender and years of experience.

Enhancing entrepreneurial strategy skills in Saudi universities employees: The impact of psychological capital

Psychological capital is recognized as a positive and unique factor that plays a crucial role in human resource development and performance management. It has the potential to increase employees’ efforts towards achieving organizational goals and improving their entrepreneurial strategy skills. The objective of this study was to examine the contribution of psychological capital in enhancing the entrepreneurial strategy skills of employees in Saudi universities. The study employed a descriptive approach, specifically utilizing the survey study method. The study sample was intentionally selected from different categories within the study population. Data was collected from 530 participants using two questionnaires. The findings revealed that employees exhibited an average level of psychological capital, while their practice of entrepreneurial strategy skills was rated as poor. The study also demonstrated that psychological capital significantly contributes to enhancing employees’ entrepreneurial strategy skills. Furthermore, statistically significant differences were observed in the psychological capital of employees across certain variables, such as personal and functional aspects. The average level of psychological capital among employees indicates the need for further development in this area. By focusing on enhancing psychological capital, organizations can effectively improve the entrepreneurial strategy skills of their employees. It is clear that investing in the psychological capital of employees can lead to significant improvements in their entrepreneurial strategy skills. This highlights the potential for organizations to foster a more entrepreneurial mindset and approach among their staff members. Additionally, the study’s findings underscore the need to tailor interventions and development programs to address specific aspects of psychological capital that may vary across different employees. Overall, the study emphasizes that psychological capital is a valuable resource that should be nurtured and developed within the organizational context. By doing so, organizations can not only enhance the entrepreneurial strategy skills of their employees but also cultivate a more resilient, motivated, and engaged workforce. This has the potential to contribute to the overall success and innovation of Saudi universities and similar institutions.

Stress and academic engagement among Saudi undergraduate nursing students: The mediating role of emotion regulation and emotional intelligence.

To assess the mediating role of emotion regulation and emotional intelligence in the relationship between stress and academic engagement among Saudi undergraduate nursing students. This study employed a quantitative cross-sectional research design. The study recruited 367 Saudi undergraduate nursing students at a major Saudi university. Structural equation modelling was used to explore the mediational model. The results of the ANOVA and Welch F-test demonstrated that the emotional intelligence, emotional regulation and academic engagement scores were statistically significantly different according to stress levels (p-values <0.01). Perceived stress has a statistically significant moderate negative correlation with academic engagement and emotional intelligence and a strong negative correlation with emotional regulation. The results also showed that academic engagement had a statistically significant moderate positive association with emotional intelligence and emotional regulation. Results indicate that stress and academic engagement are negatively correlated among Saudi undergraduate nursing students. It focuses on the balancing functions of emotional regulation and emotional intelligence, highlighting their ability to lower stress levels and improve academic engagement. No Patient or Public Contribution.

The Impact of Machine Translation on the Development of Tourism Translation From the Perspectives of Translators and Experts in Saudi Arabia

Regardless of its distinction for touring and tourism communication, the subject of machine translation has not been dealt with regarding tourism investigation. This study aims to bridge this gap in knowledge by exploring machine translation (MT) technology in the development of tourism translation from the perspectives of translators and translation experts in Saudi Arabia. To attain the three objectives of the study, the researcher applied the quantitative approach. For data gathering, a 12-item opinion poll was disseminated among a random sample group that consisted of 80 translators and translation experts who were selected at random from several Saudi universities, top translation services companies, and tourism organizations during the current academic year 1445/AH/2024 CE. The findings of this study discovered that many translators and translation experts had positive perspectives on utilizing machine translation (MT) technology in the development of tourism translation around the world today in general and Saudi Arabia in particular. Moreover, the perspectives of these translators and translation experts on the difficulties and intricacy confronted in applying machine translation (MT) technology in the tourism translation industry were highly positive. Over half of the participants (51.42%) perceived that machine translation (MT) can help overcome obstacles encountered by translators in the field of tourism. The findings revealed that translators and translation experts in the realm of the tourism industry have a promising future thanks to the relationship between machine translation (MT) and tourism translation.

Examining contributing factors for the implementation of inclusion students with disabilities from the perspective of university academics in Saudi Arabia

Inclusive education focuses on implementing education for individuals who do not follow typical learning trajectory and require special educational needs (SEN). Educational systems in many countries around the world, including Saudi Arabia, tend to implement and practise inclusive education in order to fulfill relevant international conventions and achieve educational standards of acceptable quality in educating children and young people with medical and neurodevelopmental conditions. This study seeks to reveal some of the factors that may help to overcome the obstacles faced in the implementation of inclusive education from the point of view of academics of special education in Saudi universities. To achieve this goal, the study used semi-structured interviews as its primary tool for data collection. Sixteen male and female faculty members specialized in special education in several Saudi public universities were interviewed. The data were analysed thematically. Two master themes were derived from the thematic analyses, 1) theoretical factors and 2) applied factors. Both master themes had several sub-themes. A number of factors were identified as helping to implement inclusive education thereby changing the behaviours and attitudes towards including students with disabilities Saudi context. It is suggested here that similar factors might exist in other countries in Middle East and beyond.

Delving into the Depth: Exploring the Role of Reflective Journaling on L2 Saudi Students’ Academic Writing Practices

Reflective journaling has been acknowledged as a valuable tool for fostering active learning among students. Many studies have examined its effects on second language (L2) students' skills. However, a limited number of studies have investigated its impact on L2 undergraduate students’ writing practices, particularly in the Saudi context. Additionally, the exploration of L2 students’ perceptions of reflective journaling in academic writing has received scant attention. Therefore, this study aimed to explore how reflective journals contribute to developing L2 Saudi students’ academic writing and their perceptions about using reflective journals in writing. A qualitative research approach was employed to collect data from 13 female Saudi students enrolled in an academic writing course at a public Saudi university. The primary data sources for the study were reflective journal entries and semi-structured interviews. The qualitative content analysis of the collected data revealed that most students found reflective journaling helpful for their writing practices. Specifically, it assisted them in exploring the complexity of academic writing, monitoring their writing practices to refine their skills, and cultivating an academic writer identity. However, students reported that they faced challenges while writing reflective journals, which were time-consuming and lacked constant feedback on their journal entries. The study concludes with several recommendations for L2 writing instructors and researchers.

Green Leadership: A Promising Strategy for Promoting Sustainable Entrepreneurship at Saudi Universities

Green Leadership: A Promising Strategy for Promoting Sustainable Entrepreneurship at Saudi Universities

Language Instructors’ Perceptions on the Utilization of English as an International Language in English-Speaking Instruction

This study examined the attitudes of English as an International Language (EIL) instructors in Saudi Arabia and its impact on their beliefs. A blend of qualitative and quantitative approaches was used. The collection of quantitative data was done through a Likert scale questionnaire, while the collection of qualitative data was done through semi-structured interviews. For the quantitative data, participants responded to around 50 % of the questions, viewed a short film, and then responded to the remaining questions. The short film introduced the participants to the notion of EIL. The sample comprised 66 university-level English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teacher teaching in a Saudi university. Then, to get a deeper comprehension of the responses, four participants, consisting of two male and two female EFL instructors, were interviewed. The quantitative data were analyzed by using SPSS. The qualitative data were analyzed manually. Findings from this study indicated that most participants had positive views about EIL, with 74.2% agreeing they received enough English instruction for EIL training and 68.3% considering EIL in classroom activities. In addition, academics appeared receptive to EIL speaking training, arguing that English is a communicative language regardless of the accent. The study suggests that exposure to EIL-speaking instruction positively affects teaching practices and increases students' confidence. The findings suggest that instructors should be introduced to the EIL concept to enhance pedagogy, encouraging students to focus on developing their speaking skills in general.

Enhancing Awareness of Physical Activity Guidelines among Saudi College Students: The 150 Minutes Program

Objective. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the “150 Minutes Program” in increasing awareness and fostering positive behavior changes regarding recommended physical activity guidelines among Saudi college students. Initiated as part of the national “Sports for All Challenge,” this program targets college students to improve their understanding of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ physical activity guidelines. Methods. Engaging over 250 Saudi college students from 17 student groups across the United States, the program employs two intervention strategies: a general awareness campaign and the application of physical activity guidelines tailored to the Saudi student community. The study assesses the program’s impact through pre-/post-surveys, evaluating changes in participants’ awareness levels and physical activity behaviors. Results. A total of 110 participants completed either the presurvey (n = 35) or postsurvey (n = 75). Results indicate a significant rise in participants’ awareness of recommended physical activity guidelines, increasing from an initial 4% to 22.9%. Postprogram surveys reveal positive shifts in physical activity behaviors, with 51.4% of participants meeting adult physical activity guidelines, compared to 40% before the program. The average physical activity levels also demonstrated an increase. Conclusion. The 150 Minutes Program proves effective not only in enhancing awareness but also in instigating positive physical activity behavior changes among Saudi college students. The study contributes valuable insights to the evolving landscape of physical activity interventions within college populations, emphasizing the need for targeted programs, and collaborations with student organizations to ensure sustained impact and scalability.

Distance learning Revisited: Students’ Preferences and Attitudes in the Post-Pandemic Era

In Spring 2020, there was a sudden shift from face-to-face (F2F) to distance learning (DL) due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. A study by Al-Jarf (2020) showed that 55% of the students and instructors preferred F2F instruction and were not satisfied with DL due to unfamiliarity, lack of training, interaction, technical problems and others. In the Fall Semester 2021, Saudi universities resumed F2F instruction in combination with some online classes. In some emergencies such as weather conditions, all students study online rather than cancelling classes. This status quo has continued until now. This study explores students’ preferences for DL vs F2F learning, their attitudes towards each and reasons for their preferences. Responses to a survey showed that 36% of the students in the sample prefer DL because it has become a necessity during emergencies such as pandemics and wars. They can check the lecture recording any time. They save commuting time. In addition, 40% of the respondents prefer F2F instruction because they get better grades. It is more suitable for science classes (labs, experiments, anatomy). Participation, interaction, and questions make a difference. In DL, students can leave Blackboard or Zoom, walk around, and take a nap, whereas in F2F, they focus better. Some health sciences, engineering, law, and/or business instructors talk about their experiences and views of the job market which is enriching and enjoyable for the students. Moreover, 17% have no preference and believe that the mode of learning depends on the instructors’ competence, teaching techniques used, integration of technologies, and online resources, interaction, engagement, and students’ participation. Participants’ views and recommendations are given in detail.

SUSTAINABILITY ASSESSMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS: FACULTY MEMBERS PERSPECTIVE IN SAUDI UNIVERSITIES

Sustainability in higher education involves the integration of sustainable principles, practices, and values into the fundamental functions of educational institutions, addressing environmental, social, and economic dimensions. This study aims to evaluate sustainability practices in Saudi higher education institutions, focusing on faculty members' perceptions. The primary objective is to assess the extent of sustainability implementation across academic, research, social, and environmental dimensions in Saudi universities. By leveraging faculty members' insights, the study seeks to identify areas of strength and weakness in current sustainability practices. The research adopts a descriptive and analytical approach, utilizing an electronic questionnaire as the primary data collection tool. A random sample of 275 faculty members from diverse Saudi universities actively participates in the study. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods are applied for data analysis and hypothesis testing. The findings indicate a limited implementation of sustainability practices within Saudi universities across various dimensions, as perceived by faculty members. Weaknesses are identified in academic, research, social, and environmental spheres. The study recommends that universities prioritize sustainability by establishing dedicated committees and drawing inspiration from successful institutions in the field. A clear strategic vision for sustainability is crucial for advancing these practices within higher education institutions in Saudi Arabia.

Perceptions of Novice and Experienced Instructors of Translation at Selected Saudi Universities Toward Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge for Teaching Professional Development

Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) is considered one of the most significant models for presenting teachers’ capabilities and proficiencies in effectively using technology to teach. This study was conducted to explore the perceptions of both novice and experienced instructors of translation from selected Saudi universities toward the use of technological pedagogical content knowledge in teaching professional development. To achieve the three objectives of the study, the two authors employed the descriptive survey method because of its suitability. For gathering data, a 20-item questionnaire was distributed to a purposive sample containing 100 novice and experienced male and female instructors of translation who were randomly selected from some several universities in Saudi Arabia during the first semester of 2023. The findings of this study revealed very many that of the selected translation instructors had positive attitudes toward the use of technological applications for teaching English as a foreign language (EFL). Moreover, many of the selected translation instructors showed that they had an average level of knowledge regarding TPACK. The findings also revealed that the selected instructors’ perceptions toward TPACK were considerable. Furthermore, the results of the study also proved that educational background in digital technologies plays a significant role in the professional development of novice and experienced translation instructors at Saudi universities. The implications of the study’s results were discussed, and recommendations were suggested for providing all universities in Saudi Arabia with educational software, e-learning platform, teaching software and novice and experienced instructors of translation with new digital skills session, cybersecurity workshop and innovative digital skills training.

Stigmatization Through Positioning and Interpretative Repertoires: The Case of Honor Crimes in the Arab World

ABSTRACT In the context of “honor” crimes in the Arab world, victims are subjected to stigmatization for deviating from societal norms by perpetrators seeking to assuage their culpability. Understudied is stigma as constructed by the Arab world’s general public to establish different positions in relation to these cruel acts. Taking a critical discursive psychological approach, this research analyzed comments posted on a YouTube video reporting the killing of the Saudi university student Nada Al-Qahtani. The study identified three positions through which the different individuals practiced stigmatization: 1) alignment with the perpetrator; 2) alignment with the victim; and 3) a partial alignment position involving avoidance to commit oneself to the crime. These positions were framed through an array of conflictual psychological, cultural, and religious interpretive repertoires. The study concluded that there is a shift in the discourse of HCs in the Arab world, where certain individuals position themselves and influence the positioning of others toward a more individualistic, self-centered, and autonomous approach for problem solving. It also suggested that social media platforms are a venue through which muted voices condemning such crimes should be promoted.

EFL Teachers&amp;#39; and Learners&amp;#39; Perceptions of Code-switching: The Role of Learners&amp;#39; L2 Proficiency Levels

Code-switching (CS) is a complex linguistic phenomenon in bilingual environments, such as English as a second language (ESL) and English as a foreign language (EFL). In recent years, CS has been viewed as a meaningful linguistic phenomenon in ESL and EFL contexts. This research investigates EFL teachers&amp;#39; and learners&amp;#39; perceptions of the use of CS in Saudi universities. Also, this research aims to investigate the relationship between learners&amp;#39; perceptions of CS and their L2 proficiency levels. A quantitative approach is utilised in this research to collect data from 40 Saudi EFL teachers and 50 Saudi undergraduate EFL learners to investigate their perceptions of CS used in their EFL classrooms. Further, the researcher uses two modified Likert-type questionnaires adopted from Alkhudair (2019) to elicit teachers&amp;#39; and learners&amp;#39; perceptions of CS used in their EFL classrooms. In addition, the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to determine the frequencies, percentages, and mean scores. The learners took Oxford Online Placement Tests to investigate the role of L1 in EFL classrooms. Also, SPSS was used to calculate the Pearson Correlation Coefficient to investigate a correlation between learners&amp;#39; L2 proficiency levels and their perceptions of using L1 in EFL classrooms. As a result, both teachers and learners showed positive attitudes towards CS in EFL classrooms. Moreover, upon investigating the relationship between learners&amp;#39; English language proficiency level and their perceptions of L1 use, the results suggest positive and negative correlations.

A Comparison between Saudi and Jordanian University Students' Warmth of Feelings in Reporting the Death News of a Friend to Their Bereaved Parents

This study investigated how Saudi and Jordanian university undergraduates reported the death news of a friend to their bereaved parents. The sample of the study consisted of 64 volunteer students; 35 Jordanian students majoring in English Language, and 29 Saudi students majoring in Tourism Guidance. The researcher used a DCT to collect the data necessary for the study. Mean scores and t-test were used to analyze the data and answer the questions of the study. The findings of the study revealed that both Saudi and Jordanian undergraduates employed nine strategies to report the death news of a friend. The researcher ascribed the employment of such strategies to various factors which might help report the death news successfully. Keywords: Death, religious, Jordan, Saudi, greetings, news, arabic, university.

Exploring the perspectives of cross-cultural instructors on integrating 21st century skills into EFL university courses

Integrating 21st century skills, including communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking, into English as a Foreign Language (EFL) university courses is imperative. This study adopts a tripartite focus: (1) investigating cross-cultural EFL instructors’ perspectives on challenges linked to infusing 21st century skills into Saudi EFL university courses; (2) identifying contributory factors underpinning these challenges; and (3) elucidating proposed strategies for embedding 21st century skills in selected Saudi EFL university classrooms. Using narrative inquiry as a research method, empirical data was garnered through semi-structured interviews involving thirty EFL instructors representing mixed-gender and eight nationalities across multiple Saudi universities. The findings underscore instructors’ affirmative disposition towards incorporating 21st century skills in EFL classes, despite entrenched academic, institutional, collegial, and student-centered obstacles. Furthermore, the findings spotlight diverse factors exacerbating these challenges, encompassing technological underpinning, temporal constraints, and the absence of robust assessment frameworks, dwindling student engagement, conventional pedagogic paradigms, and administrative complexities. Addressing these challenges necessitates a comprehensive approach characterized by faculty development, curricular realignment, seamless technology integration, collaborative learning ecosystems, student-centric pedagogies, and judicious evaluation mechanisms. Through adopting this holistic approach, educational stakeholders can effectively surmount the intricacies linked with 21st century skill integration, fostering an enriched educational milieu aligned with evolving global imperatives.

Creating Culture of Thinking in Language Classrooms: An Interpretive Inquiry Into Saudi University EFL Instructors’ Beliefs and Practices

Guided by sociocultural theory (SCT) perspectives, this mixed-methods study investigated Saudi university EFL instructors' beliefs and teaching practices regarding the creation of culture of thinking (CoT) in language skills classrooms, and the factors affecting this process. Research data were gathered from 169 EFL university instructors through a self-report questionnaire. Among the participants, 12 instructors participated in a semi-structured interview. Additionally, classroom observations were conducted in seven classrooms. Questionnaire data were analyzed quantitatively using descriptive statistics while interview and classroom observation data were analyzed qualitatively. Instructors’ beliefs were examined in terms of their conceptions of thinking skills, and their perceptions of the importance of creating and sustaining a CoT in EFL classrooms. Their beliefs and reported practices were then compared to their actual classroom practices. Data analysis revealed several key findings. Firstly, there was an obvious incongruence between instructors' stated beliefs, reported practices, and actual classroom teaching practices. Though most instructors were favorable toward the CoT, they did not apply it to their classrooms. Secondly, several factors were identified to have mediated instructors' beliefs and practices pertaining to the CoT. These factors were related to cultural values (e.g., individual thinking, obedience, and respect for adults) as well as institutional and classroom contexts (e.g., workload, examination system, students’ thinking habits, and language proficiency). Finally, instructors lacked the strategies necessary to effectively implement CoT. Based on these findings, pedagogical implications and future research studies are proposed.

Drug Abuse Educational Program for Saudi University Students: A Pre-test and Post-test Design.

Background and objective Designing a consistent preventive drug abuse program and evaluating the educational needs of diverse target groups, school curricula, and new instructional materials customized to a country's socioeconomic and cultural characteristics should be used. This research aims to assess the influence of an educational program on university students' awareness of drug abuse. Methodology A cross-sectional study using a pre-test questionnaire with predetermined questions was conducted with 102 participants. The educational program about drug abuse prevention measures was subsequently implemented. After the program was completed, a post-test was administered to the students, and the results were compared to the pre-test results. The data were collected from male and female Saudi students at a university in the western area of Saudi Arabia. Results The pre-test findings indicate that the students had already received some information on drug use and abuse, but the post-test results show that their awareness rose as a result of the drug abuse educational program. Conclusion Drug abuse is a major problem all across the world, including in Saudi Arabia. However, educational programs will help to increase knowledge and awareness of this issue.

Awareness of Common Eye Diseases Among College Students at A Saudi University

Introduction: Many eye conditions, including cataract, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy, are among the major causes of blindness in the world. There were many studies on the subject worldwide but fewer in the Middle East; hence, the subject needs more investigation. This research is significant as it fills the gap in the literature on the awareness of common eye diseases in Saudi Arabia. This study was carried out to assess the awareness of common eye diseases among college students at a Saudi University. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study, including college students at Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University (PSAU), Saudi Arabia. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire and was analyzed using the SPSS program. Results: Our study included 579 participants. 62.7% of participants reported no family history of eye diseases, and among those who did, dry eye was the most frequently mentioned condition, with 27.8%. Cataract, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy had lower reported family histories at 12.3%, 5.9%, and 3.5%, respectively. Concerning awareness, 60.3% of participants were aware of dry eye, followed by cataract (38.7%) and glaucoma (33.3%). However, 26.9% reported no awareness of any eye disease. The internet emerged as the most significant source of information (46.7%), while family, friends, and relatives were also prominent sources (35.4%). Regarding knowledge of specific eye diseases, there were varying awareness levels. For example, 58.4% recognized cataract as treatable, and 42.5% knew glaucoma could cause blindness. Conclusion: A significant proportion of participants exhibited awareness of conditions like dry eye, cataract, and glaucoma; there is room for improvement. Study findings underscore the importance of educational interventions aimed at enhancing awareness, especially for students in non-medical disciplines.