Saudi Females Research Articles

Awareness of professional fluoride application and its caries prevention role among women in KSA

ObjectivesConsidering the high caries prevalence among Saudi females, spreading knowledge on caries prevention modalities such as high-concentration professional fluoride (PF) applications could decrease their risk of dental caries. However, little is known about the current level of female awareness on the important caries prevention role of PF applications. Therefore, this study assessed the level of awareness of female adults in the KSA regarding PF application and its role in caries prevention. MethodsAn electronic self-administered anonymous questionnaire was distributed among women in Almadinah Almunawwarah, KSA using social media groups. It consisted of four sections: demographic data, caries experience, knowledge regarding fluoride and caries prevention, and knowledge regarding PF application and caries prevention. For the statistical analyses, simple descriptive statistics as means and frequency distributions were calculated, whereas comparisons were performed using the chi-squared test. ResultsA total of 405 females participated in the study. Participants were mostly married non-working Saudi women aged between 18 and 55 years. The education level of the majority of participants was at least a bachelor's degree. Most of the participants reported a high caries experience indicated by the presence of cavities (69.1%), fillings (87.2%), and missing teeth due to cavities (64.7%). Regarding PF questions, 34.8% knew the role of PF in caries prevention and 35.6% responded correctly to forms of PF. Only 14.5% reported receiving PF, whereas 57.3% did not know the frequency of PF application. A significant relationship was found between a lack of knowledge regarding the role of PF application and the presence of cavities (p = 0.003). Only 30.4% of participants reported receiving advice from their dentists regarding PF application. ConclusionMost female adults in Almadinah Almunawwarah, KSA have limited knowledge of the importance of PF application in caries prevention, which could contribute to their caries experience.

Perceptions of barriers to cervical cancer screening among Saudi women: A cross-sectional study.

In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Cervical Cancer (CC) ranked fourth in incidence and associated mortality among all cancers, with a mean age incidence of 61 years. This study evaluates the perceived barriers to CC screening among Saudi women in Najran city, KSA. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Najran/ KSA, involving 1085 females. The data collection instrument comprised three main parts: basic data questionnaire, women's knowledge regarding CC screening, assessment of health belief model scale for CC, and Pap smear test. Data collection started through an online survey from the beginning of October 2021 till the end of January 2022. Data analyses were performed using the Statistical IBM software, version 23 (IBM Corp., Armonk, N.Y., USA). The results showed that fear of bad results (68.9%), cost of treatment (58.8%), embarrassment (59.9%), and preference for female physician (47.4%) among several others were the barriers to CC screening identified by women Over 61% of the participants had a moderate barrier to CC screening, and 24.8% had high perceived barriers. Ordinal logistic regression shows that age, higher education, high monthly income, positive family history for CC, and adequate CC screening knowledge are positive predictors of low CC screening barriers (p˂0.05). Increasing number of deliveries and parities was a negative predictor for low CC screening. CC screening barriers are still high among Saudi females. Some demographic variables may predict low CC screening barriers, and health care providers should consider these variables during CC preventive and educational programs.

Silence behind the Veil: An Exploratory Investigation into the Reticence of Female Saudi Arabian Learners of English

AbstractThis study explores the complexity of language learner silence in the female Saudi Arabian university English as a foreign language (EFL) classroom. To this end, a combination of two methodologies was used. First, a total of 296 students from 12 EFL classrooms were observed using the COPS structured observation scheme (King, 2013a, b) to measure the extent of silence and to identify relevant patterns of learner reticence. Second, to gain deeper insights into the participants' attitudes and feelings about silence in the EFL classroom, we used two complementary qualitative methods: semi‐structured interviews and stimulated recall sessions. The results suggest the existence of three interrelated groups of factors associated learner silence in the study's research context —(i) factors related to prevailing EFL teaching styles in Saudi Arabia; (ii) socio‐psychological factors; and (iii) underlying cultural factors associated with the value of silence and the role of women in Saudi society. The findings highlight the complexity of Saudi Arabian female students' silence and emphasize the need to view language learner silence as a multi‐dimensional phenomenon.

Potential Causes of Foreign Language Anxiety among Saudi Female Students in the United States

This study aims to answer the following main question: What are the possible factors that cause foreign language anxiety (FLA) among Saudi Arabian female students living and studying English as a foreign language in the US? Data were obtained from interviewing nine Saudi females learning English as a second language in the US. There has been increased research into foreign language learning and anxiety. Some studies have focused on Western students learning a foreign language in a Western setting, while others have involved Asian students, ignoring other perspectives. Due to the significant increase in Saudi women currently studying in the US, this study investigated FLA among this population accustomed to segregated classrooms. The results revealed that the participants exhibited some commonly cited FLA types (e.g., communication apprehension, test anxiety, and the fear of negative evaluation). Still, the role of their Saudi cultural background may have been equally important in influencing their FLA. Future research might include a larger sample of students and teachers to investigate FLA and help elucidate students’ experiences.

Code-switching Versus Target-language-only for Saudi EFL Students

Selecting the medium of instruction to teach the target language in EFL classrooms has been controversial for several years. This study explores the impact of code-switching versus target-language-only teaching strategies on beginner students’ learning and affective sustenance of EFL reading comprehension based on their perceptions. It also explores whether there are significant differences between the participants’ perceptions of these two teaching strategies’ possible impact on their learning and affective sustenance. Moreover, it examines whether they prefer their teachers to use code-switching or target-language-only instruction in the classroom and the reasons for their preferences. A questionnaire and follow-up interviews were used to collect the data from 52 female Saudi college participants. The results indicate that the participants had positive perceptions about the impact of CS on their learning and affective sustenance in the EFL reading classes as opposed to negative perceptions about TL-only instruction. The results also show significant differences between their perceptions of TL-only instruction and code-switching, indicating that they prefer code-switching to TL-only instruction in their EFL reading classes. The study recommends that code-switching is used as a facilitating instructional strategy for EFL beginners to give them affective support and make the input more comprehensible.

Perception of Smile Aesthetics and Attractiveness among Saudi Females

Smile aesthetic, known as the static and dynamic relationship of the dentition and supporting structures to the facial soft tissues, is one of the most important elements of facial attractiveness. The objective of the study was to assess the perception of smile aesthetics and attractiveness through digital image manipulation of aesthetic variables and to compare those perceptions according to diverse sociodemographic data among female Saudi laypeople attending the dental clinic. A crosssectional study of 193 female Saudi participants were randomly selected and consented to answer the study questionnaire. Nine smile photograph images were created to compare different smile aesthetic perceptions. Two groups were recruited: 120 participants in the first group (under 30 years old) and 73 participants in the second group (30 years old or above). All participants in both groups were asked to choose the attractiveness of each smile image using multiple-choice options. A statistically significant finding showed that normal buccal corridors were chosen as the most attractive smile by 42.5% of the participants in the younger group and by a significantly higher ratio of the participants with a bachelor’s degree or higher level of education at 49% (p < 0.05). Laypeople’s preferences regarding smile attractiveness vary, but a normal appearance was the ideal choice for the majority. Orthodontic treatment should consider the general sociocultural understanding of smile perception.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Saudi Arabia: A Web Based Questionnaire Based Study

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common condition that is prevalent among males. Though less is known about its prevalence among females. Furthermore, STOP-BANG score test is a self-reported survey that is widely used for diagnosing risks of obstructive sleep apnea. Due to the lack of determining the prevalence of OSA among females and its risk factors using STOP-BANG score test, the study was brought off. 
 
 METHODS: A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted using modified STOP-BANG questionnaire that was distributed through WhatsApp, Twitter, Snapchat, and Telegram to determine the prevalence and associated factors of OSA among Saudi females in comparison to males. 
 
 RESULTS: A total of 1377 participants completed the survey, total of 819 (59.4%) were females. The results showed that Prevalence of OSA among females is much less and the number of who had whether mild or moderate risk of OSA was 44 (3.9%) while 78 (14%) were males. Among the survey variables, the only significant factors were Smoking, Snoring, Body mass index, and tiredness. 
 
 CONCLUSION: OSA is a common sleeping disorder among men. Contrastingly, its prevalence is much less among females. STOP-BANG score is a good, cheap, and easy to use for diagnosing risk of OSA. Finally, OSA is associated with smoking, BMI, tiredness, and snoring.

Saudi female paramedics’ perceptions of challenges in the workplace: A qualitative study

BackgroundIt is immensely important that Saudi women become involved in the field of paramedicine in larger numbers; however, anecdotally they continue to experience significant challenges that limit their opportunities for recruitment and deployment in the field. This study set out to explore working female paramedics’ perceptions of challenges in their workplace in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). MethodsThis study utilised a descriptive qualitative approach. Fifteen Saudi female paramedics were recruited to attend one of four focus groups in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data were assessed using thematic analysis. ResultsThree themes emerged from the focus groups that described the perceptions of Saudi female paramedics: personal factors, social factors and employment-related factors. They faced several challenges that could affect their family responsibilities, workplace duties and capacity to work in the field of paramedicine. Saudi society also challenged female paramedics, as the culture and traditions of the KSA limited their participation in the paramedicine workforce. Furthermore, they reported experiencing many employment issues related to recruitment to pre-hospital settings, resulting from organisational policies and procedures. ConclusionThis study investigated the perceptions held by a cohort of female Saudi paramedics of the personal and professional challenges they faced in the workplace in the KSA. The study findings and their implications for female paramedics suggest further research is required to understand the unique challenges they face and to develop various strategies to manage them.

The Effectiveness of Using Color-Coding in Teaching Grammar for Female Saudi EFL Learners in KSA

This study explores the effect of using color-coding teaching techniques on L2 learners’ accuracy of using English articles and quantifiers by employing a mixed method research design. The study aims to answer two research questions. The first research question explores the effect of color-coding grammar instruction on Saudi EFL learners’ accuracy of article and quantifier use. The second question explores the perception of Saudi EFL learners towards color-coding grammar instruction. To answer the first question of the study, a classroom experiment was conducted. To answer the second research question, interviews were conducted. The sample consisted of 82 Saudi female intermediate level students who are preparatory year students and taking general English language courses at the English Language Institute, King Abdulaziz University. The classroom experiment showed that there is a statistical significate in that the experimental group outperformed the control group which suggests that color-coding is effective for teaching English articles and quantifiers. Moreover, it was found that all the participants seem to prefer to learn by using colors more than black and white colors scheme. Based on these findings, it is recommended that English instructional material is better learned when presented or enhanced using color-coding techniques compared with black and white color scheme.

Exploring Female Saudi EFL Teachers’ Instructional Practices in Using Authentic Texts for Teaching Reading Comprehension

This research study explored EFL teachers’ instructional practices (e.g., adaptation, selection, elaboration, and simplification) in using authentic texts for teaching reading comprehension. In fact, a considerable amount of research has been devoted to investigate the use of authentic texts in teaching reading comprehension. However, there is an academic and professional need to explore how teachers exploit authentic texts while teaching reading comprehension. The study employed a mixed method research design. Teachers’ instructional practices were explored through a self-reported questionnaire. Also, the study examined teachers’ perspectives on these practices and how their Personal Practical Knowledge (PPK) affects their practices by conducting semi-structured interviews. From two Saudi universities, 50 female EFL teachers responded to the questionnaire, while additional five teachers were interviewed. The questionnaire results revealed that EFL teachers adapt authentic texts for advanced students more than beginners. In contrast, most of the teachers in the interviews highlighted that authentic texts are applicable in teaching beginners with the use of technology. The quantitative and qualitative results showed that teachers select authentic texts that match students’ language level, their cultural background, and course book objectives. It was also found that the aspects of PPK knowledge affected teachers’ instructional practices in using authentic texts. Based on the research findings, several suggestions and recommendations were presented to enhance the effectiveness of authentic texts in the EFL classrooms.

Digital Learning, Life Satisfaction, and Perceived Stress Due to COVID-19 Emergency: Case Study Among Female Saudi University Students.

The paper explores the impact of the corona virus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic on the Saudi higher education system. The research focuses on the relationship between digital learning in COVID-19 time, life satisfaction, and stress among female students. The study discusses measures, practices, defense mechanisms, and coping strategies to face challenges. Using an online survey based on psychological effects and its role in defense mechanisms and coping strategies, findings show that digital learning provides flexibility in terms of time and offers resources at a lower cost compared to traditional learning. In addition, results show that the coping strategy perception is higher in obtaining a good score and succeeding than to get over the pandemic and recovering from the illness itself. Finally, results confirm that a positive attitude influences positively life satisfaction.

Patterns and Associations of Physical Activity, Screen Time, Sleep, and Dietary Habits among Saudi Females Participating in Fitness Centers.

This study was designed to investigate the level and associations of physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep, and dietary habits among Saudi women attending fitness centers in Riyadh. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out from 12 fitness centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A total of 460 participants answered a two-part survey self-administered questionnaire, which included information about the demographic characteristics and lifestyle. The analysis found significant differences between the two groups in terms of age, weight, BMI, and combined prevalence of being overweight and obese. Compared with less active females, high active females showed significantly more favorable dietary habits (p < 0.05). Significantly higher values were observed for the total physical activity energy expenditure in METs-min/week (p = 0.028). Moreover, females with high screen time (>3 h per day) were younger, less active, slept longer, and had higher intakes of fast foods and chocolates/candy intake (p = 0.001). Overall, the participants were highly active, exceeding the recommended physical activity needed to enhance health. The analysis also showed sufficient sleep duration (>7 h/night) was significantly associated with the diet and nutrition of the participants. Health education programs are needed to reduce the risks of sedentary behavior, sleep problems, and dietary habits.

Long-Term Effect of Gluten-Free Diets on Nutritional Status, Body Composition, and Associated Factors in Adult Saudi Females with Celiac Disease.

This cross-sectional study examines the influence of long-term gluten-free diet (GFD) consumption on nutritional status, body composition, and associated factors in adult Saudi females with celiac diseases (CD). Fifty-one patients who have been diagnosed with CD and have been on GFD for more than 1 year were included in this study where data regarding their dietary pattern, as well as a complete analysis of their anthropometric parameters, vitamins B12 and D levels, and complete blood count (CBC), were collected. Data have shown that all included patients showed a reduced intake in all micro and macro-nutrients, as well as vitamin D, folate, calcium, and iron. However, the vast majority of all measured hematological parameters and blood indices were within the expected reference range. In addition, 51%, 43.1%, and 60.8% of the patients showed low waist/hip ratio (WHR), decreased level of total body fat (BF), and decreased level of visceral fat (VF), respectively, whereas 33.3% were slim. The poor educational level and some psychosocial factors were associated with the poor nutritional status of the patients. In conclusion, the GFD-dependent intake by female patients with CD adversely affects their nutritional intake and anthropometric indices and leads to a deficiency in major nutrients, vitamins, and ions.

Knowledge, Awareness and Practice of Family Medicine Residents towards Lung Cancer Screening and Prevention

Globally, lung cancer is the number one kind of cancer in terms of mortality, which annually claiming 1.8 million lives. This makes it crucial to cope with this disease much more actively and meticulously. In Saudi Arabia, lung cancer is on the rise, and is causing loss of lives of all age groups and genders, its ranked 4th among Saudi males and 17th among Saudi females in a 2014 survey. The primary prevention of lung cancer includes screening patients for and smoking cessation intervention, whereas secondary prevention includes different screening methods screening used to detect lung cancer in patients. The primary and secondary prevention of lung cancer are very effective strategies in coping this cancer and saving precious lives. Furthermore, knowledge and awareness among physians are substantial factors for the timely and effective screening of lung cancer, and lack of awareness in this regard can have negative impacts on its prevention and treatment. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess knowledge, awareness and practice of family medicine residents in Makkah city towards lung cancer screening and prevention. Self-administered online questionnaire was designed, tailored and tested by the researcher and validated ?by 3 consultants of family medicine specialty. Participation in this research was optional and ?voluntary. The questionnaire composed of two parts, personal and demographic variables and practice of self-screening regarding different tests.? Due to COVID-19, the questionnaire was constructed as a Google form, and then it was distributed online among the trainees. In total 65 (41 male and 24 female) family medicine residents responded successfully, personal computer and SPSS were used for data entry and analysis. From these 65 trainees, 31 respondents (47.69%) strongly agreed and 25 of them (38.46%) agreed that LCS is beneficial for patients. However, many of them lacked in the practice of lung cancer screening through Low dose CT scan and chest X-ray. Moreover, 15 of them perceived financial cost; 36 perceived lack of counseling; 17 considered the lack of perceived benefit of screening; 26 considered fears of positive results; and 14 considered the perceived risk of screening as a major barrier of LCS among patients. This study concluded that most of the family medicine residents were aware about the importance of periodic medical examination. However, many of them lack in practice of the lung cancer screening. Efforts should be made by different stakeholders to educate family medicine residents on regular basis. From public health perspective health awareness should be raised amongst those who do not have awareness about regular medical examination to prevent illnesses and to improve the knowledge of medical professionals.

A Change in Saudi Attitudes From Use of Euphemism to Taboo: A Sociolinguistic Study

For this paper, we studied the use of linguistic taboo words in Saudi Arabian society. Three main taboo topics were addressed in the current study: the use of taboo words in social contexts, the use of taboo sex words, and the use of taboo swear words. A randomly chosen sample of 253 Saudi females from two different age groups participated in the study. A closed-ended multiple-choice questionnaire was used to collect the data. The findings provided considerable insights into the behavior of Saudi society. Saudi society rarely uses taboo words. The strategy people use to avoid using taboo language is euphemism; sex topics, for instance, which may be overtly discussed in some cultures, are prohibited in Saudi culture. The findings also revealed that Saudi society is too sensitive to the use of swear words because they are culturally and religiously prohibited, though they were occasionally used by younger female participants. In general, this study showed that although the Saudi society is a conservative society, the younger generations of Saudi females are moving slowly toward making linguistic changes in society.

The Socio-Economic and Cultural Factors Influencing Fast Fashion Consumerism Among Saudi Females

The Socio-Economic and Cultural Factors Influencing Fast Fashion Consumerism Among Saudi Females

Estimation of elemental concentrations in the toenail of young Saudi females with obesity.

Elemental homeostasis is essential for maintaining normal metabolic processes. Elements in the toenails are now considered in the diagnosis or screening and used as biomarkers of several metabolic disorders. The incidence of obesity is more prevalent in females than males globally. At the same time, females appeared more susceptible to elemental alterations than males. This study aimed to evaluate the variation in the levels of several elements in toenails as possible biomarkers of health conditions associated with obesity in young Saudi females. A cross-sectional study was performed, between February–November 2019. The study enrolled 79 young females divided into two groups: participants with obesity (n=39) and non-obese (n=40). The toenail was analyzed to estimate Fe, I, K, Na, Cd, Cr, Mn, Ca, Mg, Cu, Co, and Se levels. The study showed a significant elevation in the levels of Fe, Ca, K, and Na in the toenail sample of female participants with obesity compared to the non-obese group. The levels of Mn, Cd, Co, Cu, and Cr, were significantly decreased in the toenail of participants with obesity. Moreover, other elements (i.e., Mg, I, and Se) were not significantly lower in the female group with obesity. Our findings confirmed the alterations of several elements among Saudi females with obesity. The toenail elemental analysis may become a useful diagnostic technique in monitoring the nutritional status, predicting some metabolic disorders, and environmental exposure.

Factors Influencing E-Entrepreneurial Intention among Female Students in Saudi Arabia

Entrepreneurship has attracted enhanced attention in the twenty-first century. Entrepreneurial schemes vary the production and service sectors of a country's economy and lead it to increase its revenues and materialize speedy growth and development. However, the current Saudi regime has allowed enhanced social space to females, and a new social environment has paved the way for them to partake business opportunities actively. Thus, the aim of this study is to explore the direct impact of perceived social support towards e-entrepreneurial intention as well as the direct influence of perceived social support on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) components encompass attitude towards entrepreneurial, subjective norms, and self-efficacy of entrepreneurship. Also, this study examines the direct effect of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) components (attitude towards entrepreneurial, subjective norms, and entrepreneurial self-efficacy). Data were collected through questionnaires which were completed by 534 undergraduate female Saudi students have been selected randomly studying at various Saudi universities. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to test the model, and data analysis was carried out using Structural Equation Modelling – Partial Least Square (SEM-PLS). This study, therefore revealed that perceived social support has a positive impact on the e-entrepreneurship intention as well as the relationship between perceived social support and the components of the TPB (attitude towards entrepreneurial intention, subjective norms, and entrepreneurial self-efficacy) were statistically significant. Subsequently, the direct effect of the TPB components (attitude towards entrepreneurial and entrepreneurial self-efficacy) was significant, while the direct effect related to subjective norms and the e-entrepreneurial intention was insignificant. Therefore, this study offers theoretical and practical contributions to entrepreneurial studies.

The Role of Motivation and Gender in English Language Learning for Saudi Students

There are a variety of factors that affect the English language learning process such as motivation and gender. The present study highlights the importance of motivation and gender in the English language learning process. This study follows a mixed-method approach; qualitative and quantitative data were collected and analyzed. Qualitative data were collected through a self-determined motivation questionnaire and a self-assessment chart from fifteen male and fifteen female Saudi students. The participants were all studying English in the United States to continue their university-level education. Data were analyzed co-relationally, using statistics and descriptions, quantitatively. The results have revealed interesting findings, as the female participants tend to demonstrate more motivation towards learning the English language, further highlighting that participants of different genders had different perspectives about learning the English language. The conclusions, implications, and recommendations of this study provide a foundation for future investigations into the English language learners&amp;rsquo; motivation in Saudi Arabia and other similar settings, with the goal of identifying variances in students&amp;rsquo; orientations.

Skeleto-dental features among a sample of Saudi female children compared to British standards: A cephalometric study.

This cross-sectional observational retrospective study aimed at assessing the cephalometric skeleto-dental features of class I, II, and III skeletal relationship of Saudi female school children sample and comparing the results to the established British Caucasian cephalometric standards. The sample consisted of 205 retrospective lateral cephalometric radiographs of female school children. The age range of the subjects were between 10 and 13 years old with a mean age of 11 ± 1 years. Several cephalometric and constructed points were identified. Angular, linear, and proportional measurements were obtained and analyzed. The skeleto-dental features of class II and class III were compared to class I of this sample and then compared with the established British Caucasian population. Different angular, linear, and proportional variables were investigated. Descriptive statistics and Student's t-test were used for data analysis. The distribution of the skeletal relationship revealed that 68.3% of the sample showed class I relationship, 16.1% class II, and 15.6% class III. The result indicates significant differences among the different classes. A greater tendency towards class II facial pattern and more convex profile among Saudis were detected in the present study compared to Caucasians. Furthermore, The dento-alveolar relationship results showed more bi-maxillary protrusion among Saudi females compared to the British Caucasians. The results of the study can serve as a base-line for future investigations in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, the results obtained can also be of great value in distinguishing the various skeleto-dental features in the different skeletal classes among the Saudi females, and in the clinical diagnosis and treatment planning.