Saudi Arabia Research Articles

The Prevalence of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Infection in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

The prevalence of Tuberculosis (TB) serves as a pivotal metric, reflecting the TB burden within a specific demographic. It quantifies the number of individuals affected by either active TB disease or latent TB (LTBI). Such data is crucial for assessing the efficacy of TB control interventions and determining the demand for diagnostic and treatment services. This study aims to consolidate data on TB infection prevalence in Saudi Arabia from existing literature. Additionally, we stratify this prevalence based on age, professional involvement in healthcare, gender, and region. Our search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases to determine relevant studies. The pooled prevalence of TB infection among the total population residing in Saudi Arabia was estimated using a random-effect meta-analysis approach and Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. The protocol was registered in the PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews, No: CRD42023400984. We included 21 studies, 11 of which were pooled in the analysis. The overall prevalence was 17%.Regarding the specific population, we found that the prevalence of TB in Saudi Arabia was 9.8% and 26.7% in the general population and the healthcare workers, respectively. Stratifying by age, the highest prevalence was observed in individuals over 50 years (33.0%), while the lowest was in the 10-19 age group (6.4%). In terms of gender, men had a higher prevalence (12.0%) compared to women (9.4%). The prevalence of TB in Riyadh was 6.4%, and 3.6% in Mecca and Medina. Among healthcare workers, nurses and physicians had a prevalence of 14.7% and 15.0%, respectively. Our study found a TB prevalence of 17.0% in Saudi Arabia, higher than the worldwide average of 12.0%. Men had a higher prevalence than women, and healthcare workers had a relatively low prevalence compared to other countries. Age was a significant risk factor, with the highest prevalence in individuals above 50 years. Standardized protocols for screening and diagnosis and targeted interventions are needed to combat TB effectively in the country.

Industry 4.0 technologies: an examination of benefits, challenges and critical success factors for implementation in the Saudi construction industry

Purpose The construction industry is witnessing a paradigm shift as a consequence of the fourth industrial revolution (IR 4.0). The implementation of IR4.0 technologies is, however, elementary in emerging economies such as Saudi Arabia. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to carry out an examination of benefits, challenges and critical success factors for IR4.0 implementation in the construction industry in Saudi Arabia. Design/methodology/approach The methodology entailed a thorough review of the extant literature and consultation with experienced construction professionals in Saudi Arabia through questionnaire surveys. The data collected was further analyzed using the relative importance index approach and the confirmatory factor analysis. Findings The most important benefits, challenges and critical success factors established by this study include “Improved Communication and Coordination,” “Cost of implementation (initial investment and maintenance)” and “Clear goals and objectives,” respectively. Confirmatory factor analysis established a theoretical model to serve as a foundation for IR4.0 adoption in the Saudi construction industry. Research limitations/implications The limitations may be perceived in terms of the local context of the research, as well as the sample size. This prevents the potential for generalization of the study’s results. Practical implications It is of practical value to the Saudi construction industry in facilitating the successful implementation of technology through policies, frameworks and best practice guidance. Originality/value The study advances the theoretical knowledge of technology implementation in the construction industry. Emerging economies such as Saudi Arabia seeking to leverage the capabilities of digital technologies will find the results of this to be of crucial value.

Seawater desalination of arid regions: comparing the policy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Indonesia

Problems with clean water in coastal areas alongside an increase in population and community economic activities have diversified community activities. Coastal settlements bordering the high seas are characterized as arid areas with a lack of clean water. Here, the use of the range groundwater supply against seawater intrusion means that the water consumed by the community tastes salty and brackish. The availability of abundant seawater, processed through desalination technology, can be used to meet the daily clean water needs of coastal communities. Sustainable development goal (SDG) 6 Water and Sanitation is concerned with ensuring that everyone has access to clean water and sanitation. In this regard, desalination technology is considered viable to achieve the SDGs in the environmental sector. Some countries have focused on using desalination technology to achieve target 6.4 by 2030. This goal aims to improve the efficiency of water use to reduce the number of people experiencing clean water scarcity by ensuring a sustainable supply of fresh water. The objective of this study is to examine the application of seawater desalination technology for clean water in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and Indonesia, and identify the implications of desalination policies in these countries. Comparative studies were conducted using secondary data and literature studies on transforming seawater into clean water with technology. KSA applies seawater desalination technology to meet water needs. However, in Indonesia, policymaking has not holistically examined the potential of using seawater desalination technology for clean water. Until now, unlike in the KSA, Indonesia has not addressed the importance of the use of desalination technology in state policy.

Relationship between cyberbullying, anxiety, and depression among university students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

Cyberbullying is online aggressive behavior that involves insulting or threatening others, and can cause severe psychological issues, particularly in students. This is often attributed to the frequency and anonymity of the bullying behaviors. Given the lack of research on this issue in Saudi Arabia, the current study sought to evaluate the prevalence of cyberbullying and its relationship with anxiety, depression, and stress among university students in Jeddah. This cross-sectional study involved administration of an online questionnaire to 877 university students in Jeddah. Cyberbullying and cybervictimization were assessed using the Revised Cyberbullying Inventory scale (RCBI-II) and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale - 21 Items (DASS-21). The majority of students had the experience of being a cyberbully (73%), while 54% had been a victim of cyberbullying. No significant association was found between gender and cyberbullying, with both males and females reporting high rates of cyberbullying. The majority of participants (n = 498) also reported significant depressive symptoms. A significant positive association was found between cyberbullying/cybervictimization and depression, anxiety, and stress. A considerable number of university students were found to be victims of cyberbullying, with a strong correlation between cyberbullying and anxiety, depression, and stress, indicating a potential impact on the psychological well-being of students. To address this issue, increased awareness of cyberbullying is needed, along with implementation of preventive measures such as educational campaigns and empathy-building activities among students.

Assessment of Oral Health Conditions Among Physically Disabled Patients in Saudi Arabia

ObjectivesThis study was undertaken to assess the oral health status among physically disabled Saudi patients. MethodsRecruitment took place in the Armed Forces Centre for Health Rehabilitation in Taif, Saudi Arabia. 124 patients living with a physical disability were enrolled and divided into three groups: hemiplegia, paraplegia and quadriplegia. Data was collected on demographics and different oral indices, including the Decayed Missing Filled Teeth (DMFT) index, the Mean Decayed Teeth score, the Community Periodontal Index (CPI), the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN), and the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S). ResultsHigh DMFT was observed among the hemiplegia group (mean = 22.61; P-value = .008) with no difference in the Mean Decayed Teeth. All groups showed signs of gingivitis in the form of gingival bleeding. The most compromised periodontal health in the form of pockets 6 mm or deeper was found in the hemiplegia group (53.7%; P-value = .001). This was also reflected in the CPITN (39.0%; P-value = .001), indicating the need for complex treatments in the same group. Regarding oral hygiene, all groups showed a “fair” oral hygiene condition (OHI-S < 3.0), with significantly poorer hygiene (mean = 2.49; P-value = .042) and greater debris accumulation (mean = 1.52; P-value = .024) among the quadriplegia group. In the regression analysis, both age and gender had significant effects on some indices, while disability type showed borderline effects. ConclusionThe findings indicate poor oral health in these individuals, mainly due to physical limitations, hindering effective self-care practices. Clinical significanceOral health is a critical aspect in people with physical disabilities, as it is intrinsically linked to overall health and well-being. Recognizing the clinical importance of oral health among physically disabled patients is essential to improve access and affordability of dental care for this vulnerable group of the population.

Factors Affecting Consumer Intention to Use E-Grocery Shopping in Saudi Arabia

Factors Affecting Consumer Intention to Use E-Grocery Shopping in Saudi Arabia

Oral Health-related Quality of Life of Children with Special Health Care Needs in Riyadh: A Cross-sectional Study.

To assess children's OHRQoL and associated factors among a sample of children with special needs in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A sample of 6- to 12-year-old children was obtained using convenience sampling from rehabilitation centers. Data were collected through a questionnaire and dental examination. The questionnaire included items related to the children's and their families' characteristics, oral health-related quality of life scales (Parental-Caregivers Perceptions Questionnaire [P-CPQ] and Family Impact Scale [FIS]), perceived health status, and dental care utilisation. Clinical examination was performed by a trained and calibrated dentist. The data were analysed using SPSS; descriptive and inferential data analyses were also performed using SPSS. The mean P-CPQ was 1.10 ± 0.74, and the mean FIS was 1.39 ± 0.88. There was a statistically significant correlation between P-CPQ and caries (r = 0.36, p = 0.02). After controlling for confounders, caries was associated with poor P-CPQ (B = 0.06, p = 0.024). Compared to low-income families, higher-income families had better P-CPQ (4000-8000 SAR: B = -1.36, p = 0.001). Poor oral health-related quality of life in Saudi children is associated with caries and low income. Preventive measures addressing social determinants are vital to control caries and promote oral health in children with special health-care needs.

The clinical utility of handgrip strength as a malnutrition screening tool in hospitalized older adults: a cross-sectional study in Saudi Arabia

The clinical utility of handgrip strength as a malnutrition screening tool in hospitalized older adults: a cross-sectional study in Saudi Arabia

Mangroves trend and their impact on surface temperature in Al-Wajh Lagoon: a study aligned with Saudi Arabia's vision 2030

Mangroves trend and their impact on surface temperature in Al-Wajh Lagoon: a study aligned with Saudi Arabia's vision 2030

Tracking the epidemiological trends of female breast cancer in Saudi Arabia since 1990 and forecasting future statistics using global burden of disease data, time-series analysis

BackgroundFemale breast cancer stands as the prime type of cancer in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), with a high incidence and mortality rates. This study assessed the burden of female breast cancer in KSA by analyzing and forecasting its incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs).MethodsWe retrieved data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) about female breast cancer from 1990 to 2021. Time-series analysis used the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model to forecast female breast cancer statistics from 2022 to 2026.ResultsFrom 1990 to 2021, KSA reported 77,513 cases of female breast cancer. The age groups with the highest number of cases are 45–49 years, followed by 40–44 years, 50–54 years, and 35–39 years. The analysis also showed fewer cases in the younger age groups, with the lowest number in the less than 20-year-old age group. From 1990 to 2021, KSA reported 19,440 deaths due to breast cancer, increasing from 201 cases in 1990 to 1,190 cases in 2021. The age-standardized incidence rate/100,000 of breast cancer increased from 15.4 (95% confidence interval (CI) 11.2–21.0) in 1990 to 46.0 (95%CI 34.5–61.5) in 2021. The forecasted incidence rate of female breast cancer will be 46.5 (95%CI 45.8–46.5) in 2022 and 49.6 (95%CI 46.8–52.3) in 2026. The age-standardized death rate per 100,000 Saudi women with breast cancer increased from 6.73 (95%CI 6.73–9.03) in 1990 to 9.77 (95%CI 7.63–13.00) in 2021. The forecasted female breast cancer death rate will slightly decrease to 9.67 (95%CI 9.49–9.84) in 2022 and to 9.26 (95%CI 8.37–10.15) in 2026. DALYs increased from 229.2 (95%CI 165.7–313.6) in 1990 to 346.1 (95%CI 253.9–467.2) in 2021. The forecasted DALYs of female breast cancer will slightly decrease to 343.3 (95%CI 337.2–349.5) in 2022 reaching 332.1 (95%CI 301.2–363.1) in 2026.ConclusionsFemale breast cancer is still a significant public health burden that challenges the health system in KSA, current policies and interventions should be fashioned to alleviate the disease morbidity and mortality and mitigate its future burden.

The prevalence and consequences of workplace violence among psychiatrists in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

Background and objectiveThere has been increasing concern globally about the rise in workplace violence (WPV), which is considered a persistent problem generally overlooked by the public and professional organizations. WPV is a significant challenge faced by psychiatrists internationally, yet little is known about WPV among psychiatrists in Saudi Arabia. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of WPV against psychiatrists in Saudi Arabia and identify the types and sources of violence experienced as well as the associated risk factors that contribute to WPV.ResultsAmong 239 psychiatrists, the prevalence of WPV in Saudi Arabia was 56.3%. The prevalence was particularly high among those working in the central region (55.4%) and in Ministry of Health hospitals, Violent behavior was exhibited mostly by patients 133 (99.3%), and the most common type of violence was verbal abuse 75 (56.0%). Respondents reported that patients’ health conditions, denial of admission to the hospital, and staff shortages were the most common triggers for violence. More than two-thirds of the psychiatrists (74.6%) did not require medical intervention after incidents of violence. The majority of psychiatrists felt either stressed (39%) or angry (22.0%) after such incidents. Reasons for not reporting violent events included feeling that violence is part of the job (76.9%) and being unaware of the violence reporting system (50.8%).ConclusionThis study underscores the significant prevalence of WPV among Saudi Arabian psychiatrists, especially in the central region and in Ministry of Health hospitals, notably in emergency rooms. Perpetrators are primarily psychiatric patients and their relatives. The issue is compounded by staffing shortages. WPV poses physical risks and causes psychological stress, negatively impacting productivity. Underreporting persists due to a lack of awareness or violence being perceived as part of the job. Addressing these challenges through raising awareness, providing support mechanisms, and enforcing regulations is essential to bolster workplace safety and patient care for psychiatrists.

Epidemiological analysis of pulmonary tuberculosis and extra-pulmonary tuberculosis in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious disease that affects people worldwide, including in Saudi Arabia. The study analyzed the frequency of diagnosed TB cases, age-specific incidence rate, year of diagnosis, and prevalence of TB in Saudi Arabia from 2014 to 2020. Based on the National Tuberculosis Program (NTP) data, 21,120 patients were diagnosed with TB. The mean incidence rate of pulmonary TB and extra-pulmonary TB was approximately 6.92 and 2.33 per 100,000 population, respectively. The highest age-specific incidence rate was observed in the 25–35 year age group. The non-Saudi population (11,086 cases; 52.50%) was significantly more affected by both types of TB compared to the Saudi population (10,034 cases; 47.50%). The male population of Saudi and non-Saudi was significantly more affected by both types of TB. The highest overall mean incidence rate per 100,000 population was observed in the Jeddah and Jazan regions. The study's findings may have implications for supporting public health interventions and implementing a more effective TB control strategy program in Saudi Arabia. It suggests that immigrants from TB-endemic countries and religious visitors from high-risk countries should undergo pre and post-arrival screening for TB to reduce its incidence.

Impact of Inaccurate Clinical Coding on Financial Outcome: A Study in a local hospital in Najran, Saudi Arabia.

Background Coding in medical procedures is crucial for patients, and errors made by hospital administration during the coding process can have an impact on both the financial results and the course of therapy. The present study aims to assess the accuracy of diagnostic and procedural codes as recorded by the hospital’s coders and to also evaluate their impact on the hospital’s revenue. Methods In a local hospital in Najran, Saudi Arabia, a cross-sectional observational analysis was conducted on patients with a clinical coder. The percentage of precision and error following the re-coding of cases was calculated using a statistical analysis. Results Primary diagnosis was incorrectly coded in 57 (26 per cent) records, and secondary diagnosis was incorrectly coded in 21 (9.9 per cent) records. Inaccurate medical labelling has been seen in emergency rooms, operating rooms, and gynaecology facilities. Discussion The percentage of records with the most incorrect coding was found to be 16 (7.5 per cent) in the emergency room, 10 (4.7 per cent) in the surgical clinic, and 5 (2.3 per cent) in the gynaecology/OBS clinic. Six (2.8 per cent) records in the private clinic had inaccurate secondary diagnoses, followed by four (1.9 per cent) and two (1 per cent) records in nephrology. Conclusion The percentage of inaccurate clinical codes in primary diagnoses reached (26.8 per cent) and the percentage of incorrect clinical codes in secondary diagnoses reached (9.9 per cent).

Inter-relation between diabetes mellitus and hypertension in terms of incidence and prediction in Saudi Arabia: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundHypertension (HTN) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are interconnected metabolic disorders with escalating global incidence and prevalence. However, no longitudinal studies have specifically examined the incidence of HTN and T2DM in the same study population. This study aimed to elucidate the association between HTN and T2DM and ascertain their respective roles in the development of each other.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study encompassed 809 Saudi patients from primary healthcare centers in Al Madinah Al Munawarah, Saudi Arabia. The sample was stratified into three cohorts: 226 patients with HTN but without T2DM, 274 patients with T2DM but without HTN, and 309 patients devoid of both T2DM and HTN. Over a retrospective follow-up period of approximately 5 years, incidence density rates (IDR) were computed for HTN in the T2DM cohort, T2DM in the HTN cohort, and both HTN and T2DM in the control cohort. Multiple logistic regression analysis was employed to identify predictors of HTN and T2DM.ResultsThe IDR of T2DM among patients with HTN stood at 73.9 (95% confidence interval [CI] 56, 92) per 1000 person-years, in contrast to 33.9 (95% CI 24, 44) per 1000 person-years in the control cohort (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 7.1, 95%CI 3.55, 14.13). Conversely, the IDR of HTN among patients with type-2 T2DM was 55.9 (95% CI 42, 70) per 1000 person-years, while in the control cohort, it was 20.8 (95% CI 13, 28) per 1000 person-years (adjusted OR = 5.8, 95% CI 3.11, 11.09). Significant predictors of HTN in the logistic regression model encompassed age, smoking status, family history of HTN, T2DM status, and body mass index (BMI). Similarly, significant predictors of T2DM in the logistic regression model included age, sex, family history of T2DM, HTN, and BMI.ConclusionThis study unveils HTN and T2DM as mutually significant risk factors. The IDR of each condition in the presence of the other significantly exceeded that among individuals devoid of HTN or T2DM.

Predicting the Orientation of Vehicle Drivers towards the Traffic and Speed Enforcement Surveillance System

Background A traffic and speed enforcement system in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia known as Saher employs traffic monitoring and speed enforcement around the clock using surveillance cameras. Vehicle drivers' attitudes towards this system vary due to several variables. Objective The study investigates the impact on the prediction of male vehicle drivers’ orientation towards the application of the Saher system and whether there is a difference in the vehicle drivers’ orientation toward the system over time (five years later). Methods The study sample consisted of 761 participants from Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University. The quantitative approach was a questionnaire titled “Vehicle Drivers’ Orientation towards the Application of the Traffic and Speed Enforcement Surveillance System (Saher)”, which was applied in 2016 and 2021. Results The psychometric characteristics of the study tool were ascertained, the data was quantitatively analyzed, and the results showed that vehicle drivers’ orientations toward the Saher system were positive, the nationality and number and type of violation contribute to predicting their orientation toward the system at varying rates, and the orientation of vehicle drivers toward the system improved five years later. Conclusion The study recommends conducting a study with wider societal segments, including women who started driving in Saudi Arabia in 2018, while also focusing on the qualitative aspect of the analysis of the study findings, taking testimonials of the groups that have been involved in accidents and families of groups who have suffered from deaths in order to determine their orientations towards the system.

Exploring the phytochemical profile and antioxidant evaluation: Molecular docking and ADMET analysis of main compounds from three Solanum species in Saudi Arabia

Abstract This study aimed to comprehensively assess the phytochemical composition, employing gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) analyses, molecular docking, ADMET analysis, and antioxidant activity evaluation, of three Solanum species (Solanum forsskalii [SF], Solanum villosum [SV], and Solanum incanum [SI]) from the diverse flora of Saudi Arabia. Two solvents, hydro-methanolic (HME) and hydro-acetonic extract, were utilized for extraction, finding HME more efficient, especially for SV. GC–MS analysis identified diverse compounds, with palmitic acid, linoleic acid, methyl palmitate, cis-13-octadecenoic acid, and oleic acid as the main constituents. RP-HPLC quantified 12 phenolic compounds, identifying chlorogenic acid, rutin, and p-coumaric acid as abundant. Antioxidant assays showed HME extracts to be more effective in both diphenyl 1-picrylhydrazyl and ABTS assays, with SV exhibiting the strongest antioxidant effect, followed by SF and SI. Pearson correlation analysis indicated a positive correlation between phenolic content and antioxidant activity (r = 0.6067–0.8927). Molecular docking simulations demonstrated robust binding energies between predominant compounds and Cyt-c, underscoring their potential as effective antioxidants. ADMET analysis showcased varied profiles, suggesting promising pharmaceutical prospects. This study explores the phytochemical profiles of these Solanum species, emphasizing their strong antioxidant capacity as natural sources of phenolic compounds, advancing our understanding of their promising medicinal applicability.

The Influence of Digital Retail Environment on Consumer Purchasing Behavior: A Causal Study

As e-commerce continues to evolve, understanding consumer behavior in the context of online shopping becomes increasingly challenging. This study investigates the impact of purchasing attitudes among Saudi customers within the online clothing environment. By collecting 410 responses from residents of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the study emphasizes the convenience aspect of online and virtual markets and employs advanced statistical techniques, specifically SPSS-AMOS software, including confirmatory factor analysis, path analysis, and structural equation modeling. The findings reveal several key insights: perceived entertainment, perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness significantly and positively influence the user experience on websites. The research highlights the importance of website quality indicators, such as perceived entertainment, ease of use, and usefulness, in shaping the user experience within the online clothing environment. It confirms that website quality, encompassing indicators of the user experience, exhibits a significant positive association with online impulse buying behavior. Additionally, the flow experience, which refers to the immersive and enjoyable state when browsing a website, also demonstrates a statistically significant and positive effect on online impulse buying behavior. These findings offer valuable insights for businesses and marketers seeking to understand and adapt to the evolving landscape of e-commerce, specifically concerning online clothing purchases.

Barriers to Breast Cancer Screening in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Barriers to Breast Cancer Screening in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Academic Students' Awareness, Attitudes, and Preventative Measures Regarding COVID-19 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Background: Coronavirus is exceedingly contagious, and an effective treatment has yet to be identified. However, its transmission can be halted or slowed by employing preventative measures and remaining informed about the disease and its mode of transmission. Objectives: This study investigates the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of Riyadh schoolchildren regarding COVID-19. Method: From April to June of 2022, this cross-sectional research involved students between the ages of 12 and 18 from various schools in Riyadh. The information was gathered via an internet-based survey employing a pre-validated Arabic survey questionnaire. Results: A significant majority of 253 students (91.3%) exhibited a profound comprehension of the transmission of COVID-19. In addition, headache 87.7%, loss of taste and smell 92.5%, and fever 94.5% were the most frequently reported symptoms by students. The high knowledge score was predicted by secondary school students versus intermediate school students (OR=0.243, 95%CI: (0.072-0.819), p&lt;0.05) and elder versus younger students (OR=0.306, 95%CI: (0.092-1.024), p&lt;0.05). A majority of students (69.2%) express support for notifying health authorities of any symptoms they experience, while 71.9% consent to isolation should they come into contact with an infected individual. Preventive measures were practiced with greater zeal by female students compared to male students (P-value &lt;0.0001). Information was obtained primarily through social media. Conclusion: The majority of respondents were informed, held logical views, and took preventative measures against COVID-19. The fact that respondents became aware of COVID-19 through social media demonstrates the positive impact it has had on public health consciousness. Our research may not reflect the knowledge, attitudes, and preventative behaviors of Riyadh pupils regarding COVID-19. It furnishes vital data to aid health organizations in the development and execution of preventive initiatives.

Aeromagnetic Data Analysis of Geothermal Energy Potential of a Hot Spring Area in Western Saudi Arabia

Aeromagnetic Data Analysis of Geothermal Energy Potential of a Hot Spring Area in Western Saudi Arabia