Taif University Research Articles

Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward weight reduction among polycystic ovary syndrome women at Taif city

Objective: The aim of this study is to identify the knowledge, attitude, and practices related to weight reduction among women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) of reproductive age group. Materials and Methods: The descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2017 to July 2018 in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Abdul Aziz Specialists Hospital, Taif, Saudi Arabia. One hundred participants were recruited from the outpatient clinic having satisfied the eligibility criteria through nonprobability consecutive sampling. Through closed-ended questions, participants were inquired about sociodemographic conditions, marriage, presenting complaints, knowledge, awareness of symptoms, and attitude and practices of weight reduction related to PCOS. The study is approved by the Ethical Review Committee of Taif University. Written informed consent was obtained from all the participants prior to enrollment in this research. The data were analyzed using Computer program SPSS Version 22 for Microsoft Window (Statistical Package for Social Science; SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results: A total of 100 study participants completed the pro forma with the mean age as 31.29 years. Majority (89%) had heard about the ovarian cyst before, with around 34% had received knowledge through health education. Moreover, 81% were aware about the problems of the disease, with around 69% reported delay of pregnancy and 31% informed menstrual problems as problems of PCOS. Importantly, 63% were aware about the methods of treatment, with treatment options as weight reduction (44.44%). Two-third (66%) of the study participants believed that weight reduction is an effective treatment. Among those, 21 (31.8%) believed improving ovulation, 2 (3.04%) improving psychological condition and both (60.61%) were improved by weight reduction. Conclusion: The current level of awareness among Saudi women with PCOS about the beneficial effects of weight reduction as the first line of therapy was poor.

Prevalence of self-medication with analgesics among medical students of Taif University

Background: Analgesics are commonly available at homes and over the counters in pharmacies. Although analgesics can be useful for relieving acute pain, overuse of analgesics or misuse of self-medication can lead to harmful adverse effects, especially among university students who commonly use analgesics. This survey analysis aims to explore the prevalence of self-medication with analgesics among medical university students in Taif city, Saudi Arabia. Methodology: A self-administered structured questionnaire was sent to the public through online “Google forms,” including questions on the frequency of analgesics’ use, common indications, and side effects, as well as attitude of students toward the use of analgesics, in addition to socio-demographic data. Results: The use of analgesics among medical students is widespread (92.7%). However, 50.7% of the participants used them rarely. Females are more frequent users for analgesics compared to males (p-value < 0.001) and more common to get side effects (p-value = 0.003). Also, abdominal pain was the common side effect of analgesics (2.5%), while headache was the most common reason for using analgesics (63.7%). Conclusion: Medical students do not frequently use analgesics; however, their level of knowledge toward self-medication with analgesics needs to be improved. Future studies on knowledge of the general public and their behavior toward the use of analgesics on a self-medication basis are also mandatory.

Diabetic foot care knowledge among Taif University students in Saudi Arabia

Diabetic foot care knowledge among Taif University students in Saudi Arabia

A Gender-based Investigation of the Perception of English Language Teachers at Saudi Universities Regarding the Factors Influencing Learner Autonomy

Learner autonomy has been a focus of attention in the realm of English Language Teaching (ELT) research nowadays and the study in hand is an attempt to investigate learner autonomy in theory and practice from the perspective of English language teachers. It aims to identify gender-based perceptions of English language teachers from a Saudi university regarding the role of the textbooks, study material, support of English language teachers, the students’ learning strategies, students’ motivation and self-evaluation in enhancing learner autonomy. This empirical survey has involved 30 male and 30 female (n=60) English language teachers from English language center of Taif University, Saudi Arabia to record their insights and views about their perceptions and prospects of these pedagogical constructs in their teaching practices. The participants of the study responded to a 35-point Likert-scale modified questionnaire to generate data. Independent-samples T-test has been run to calculate percentages of their responses as well as to identify any statistically significant gender-based differences. The results revealed that only six items out of the total 35 have shown significant gender-based differences in the perceptions of the participants of the survey. The findings have revealed that the participants of this study bear extremely positive attitudes towards the pedagogical significance of learner autonomy and have exhibited encouraging trends about the implementation of this construct in the classrooms. Recommendations have been forwarded based on the results of this survey.

A Gender-based Investigation of the Perception of English Language Teachers at Saudi Universities Regarding the Factors Influencing Learner Autonomy

Learner autonomy has been a focus of attention in the realm of English Language Teaching (ELT) research nowadays and the study in hand is an attempt to investigate learner autonomy in theory and practice from the perspective of English language teachers. It aims to identify gender-based perceptions of English language teachers from a Saudi university regarding the role of the textbooks, study material, support of English language teachers, the students’ learning strategies, students’ motivation and self-evaluation in enhancing learner autonomy. This empirical survey has involved 30 male and 30 female (n=60) English language teachers from English language center of Taif University, Saudi Arabia to record their insights and views about their perceptions and prospects of these pedagogical constructs in their teaching practices. The participants of the study responded to a 35-point Likert-scale modified questionnaire to generate data. Independent-samples T-test has been run to calculate percentages of their responses as well as to identify any statistically significant gender-based differences. The results revealed that only six items out of the total 35 have shown significant gender-based differences in the perceptions of the participants of the survey. The findings have revealed that the participants of this study bear extremely positive attitudes towards the pedagogical significance of learner autonomy and have exhibited encouraging trends about the implementation of this construct in the classrooms. Recommendations have been forwarded based on the results of this survey.

Learning Styles: Preferred Learning Choices and Behaviors of Saudi Male and Female EFL Learners

<p>Learning styles are the differences in personal characteristics, strengths and<br />preferences, describing how individuals acquire, process and store information.<br />Learners approach information differently from each other due to their different<br />instincts and natural dispositions. In the pretext of learning styles what is being<br />taught has least importance than how’s being taught as in current scenario, teachers adapt their teaching techniques according to the learners preferred learning styles. Based on the review of previous context(s), the present study aims at investigating the learning style preferences of 200 Saudi male and female EFL learners at Taif University. For this purpose, a questionnaire was developed with closed ended questions by employing Likert’s five point scale to collect the data from 100 male and 100 female Saudi EFL learners that represents quantitative dimension of the work. The study probed into how different learners took in information by using their senses, intellect, force and physical movements. Furthermore, the research investigated what special measures teachers should take during teaching to develop the learners’ awareness about their dominant learning styles coupled with designing the strategies to promote learning according to their unique dispositions. The findings manifest significant differences in the learning style of Taif University’s male and female EFL learners because of the learners’ physical and biological differences as well as their diverse social and cultural norms.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Keywords</strong>: choices and behaviors, English language learners, learning styles</p>

Instructors’ Perceptions of English for Academic Purposes Textbooks at University Level

The present paper aims to investigate EFL instructors’ perceptions of Cambridge English Unlimited (CEU) textbooks taught at Taif University English Language Center (TUELC) in the Academic year 2017-2018. To achieve this purpose, the researcher attempted to answer three questions. The first investigates instructors’ perceptions of the textbooks. The second question aims to find out the features that add to the strengths of the textbooks. The third question is an attempt to reveal the shortcomings of the textbooks from the instructors' perspectives and their suggestions to overcome these drawbacks. A questionnaire of 4- Likert scale was used to gather data from ninety two instructors to answer the first two questions, and content analysis was used to answer the third question. The collected data were analyzed in the form of descriptive statistics, using means, standard deviation and percentages. The results showed that instructors have a very positive attitude towards the textbooks in terms of the criteria and features investigated in the first two sections of the study tool. These answer the first two questions. However, they had certain concerns and suggestions in aspects other than those included in the study tool. These have been summarized according to their frequency of occurrence in the instructors' responses. Based on the results, the researcher drew a number of conclusions and recommendations.

Assessing Excellence Management in the Light of the European Excellence Model at Taif University

This study assessed the excellence management at Taif University by considering the European Model of Excellence (EFQM) in terms of the following dimensions: (1) leadership, policies and strategies, (2) human resources, (3) processes, (4) partnerships and resources, (5) products and services, (6) human resource results, (7) society results and (8) key performance results. The study followed a descriptive (survey and comparative) approach. Data were collected using a questionnaire administered to a random sample of faculty members (n=284) of Taif University. The results indicated statistically significant differences in the score of management of excellence for Taif University in the light of the EFQM from the point of view of the sample members in reference to the following variables: gender, academic rank, and years of experience. No statistically significant differences were observed in the total score for the practice of excellence management at Taif University considering the EFQM from the point of view of the study sample members in reference to the following variables: type of college and number of training programs. The main recommendation of the study was to urge the university to increase efforts to attain a higher level of excellence management practice considering the EFQM.

Quality of services in higher education and its impact on student satisfaction and degree of their loyalty - A study on the students of the Faculty of Administrative and Financial Sciences at Taif University -: جودة الخدمات في التعليم العالي وأثرها على رضا الطلبة ودرجة ولائهم – دراسة على طلبة كلية العلوم الإدارية والمالية بجامعة الطائف –

The aim of this research is to identify the quality of services at Taif University and its impact on student satisfaction and degree of loyalty. The sample was used in the HEdPERF scale to collect data. The sample size was 534 students from the Faculty of Administrative and Financial Sciences at Taif University, 305 of whom were students and 229 female students. Structural Equation Models (SEM) Through AMOS software for data analysis, model evaluation and hypothesis testing. The results indicated that the quality of services in the college - from the point of view of the students - got a general average (3.2). The dimensions of the administration of the university and members of the teaching staff came (in second place and their average arithmetic (2.7), and all of which are of medium degree. The dimension of the university facilities obtained an average of (2.59) with a grade of (disagree) and the dimension of satisfaction of the students averaged (2.7). Finally, the dimension of the students' loyalty obtained the lowest average of (1.59), with a (very weak) grade, that there is no relationship between student satisfaction and loyalty. The study also showed that student satisfaction has a partial mediation on the quality of services offered by Taif University and students' loyalty (0.39-). In the light of the results of the study, a number of recommendations and proposals were presented to raise the quality of services, increasing their satisfaction and deepening their loyalty to their universities, their homeland and their nation.

The predictors of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease among University students: A cross sectional study in the western region of Saudi Arabia

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common health problems that cause a financial burden on healthcare systems worldwide. The prevalence of GERD in Saudi Arabia is steadily increasing. There is a paucity of data regarding GERD among University students. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted to assess the prevalence of GERD among male students of Taif University in the western region of Saudi Arabia in addition to determining the risk factors associated with the occurrence of GERD. Data were collected through a self-administration questionnaire. In addition, weight and height were measured to calculate the body mass index (BMI) of participating students. Results: Of 464 students who participated from different colleges of the University; More than half of the male students in Taif University (53.2%, 95% CI= 48.7% to 57.8%) suffer from GERD. There was higher prevalence among smokers, overweight and obese students, those who drink plenty of soft drinks. Students with hypertension, psychiatric diseases, diabetes mellitus, asthma or irritable bowel syndrome had higher prevalence of reflux. GERD was significantly present among students with history of psychological stress. Conclusion: Special consideration should be given to raising the awareness of about gastro esophageal reflux disease among the public and its controllable risk factors. The psychological stress among University students needs to be tackled to decrease reflux among them.

The predictors of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease among University students: A cross sectional study in the western region of Saudi Arabia

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common health problems that cause a financial burden on healthcare systems worldwide. The prevalence of GERD in Saudi Arabia is steadily increasing. There is a paucity of data regarding GERD among University students. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted to assess the prevalence of GERD among male students of Taif University in the western region of Saudi Arabia in addition to determining the risk factors associated with the occurrence of GERD. Data were collected through a self-administration questionnaire. In addition, weight and height were measured to calculate the body mass index (BMI) of participating students. Results: Of 464 students who participated from different colleges of the University; More than half of the male students in Taif University (53.2%, 95% CI= 48.7% to 57.8%) suffer from GERD. There was higher prevalence among smokers, overweight and obese students, those who drink plenty of soft drinks. Students with hypertension, psychiatric diseases, diabetes mellitus, asthma or irritable bowel syndrome had higher prevalence of reflux. GERD was significantly present among students with history of psychological stress. Conclusion: Special consideration should be given to raising the awareness of about gastro esophageal reflux disease among the public and its controllable risk factors. The psychological stress among University students needs to be tackled to decrease reflux among them.

دور جودة حياة العمل في العلاقة بين رأس المال النفسي ومستوى الالتزام التنظيمي لدى أعضاء هيئة التدريس بكلية التربية في جامعة الطائف بالمملكة العربية السعودية

دور جودة حياة العمل في العلاقة بين رأس المال النفسي ومستوى الالتزام التنظيمي لدى أعضاء هيئة التدريس بكلية التربية في جامعة الطائف بالمملكة العربية السعودية

"Dictionary contains the most accurate computer terminology "Online

The translation is a requirement of all individuals, and through our study in the bachelor's IT department stage information (college of computers and information technology in Taif University), there were many students who suffer in their studies Computer English- language translation of computer terminology through (google search engines) is correctly and is compatible with the translation used in computer books. Hence the idea of the project was launched Dictionary of Computer Terms, based on research and not based on the order of the alphabet, which includes computer terms translated into Arabic to make it easier to understand the terminology during the study. And can add some of the characteristics of this dictionary to make it a competitor to other dictionaries.

Electrocardiography misreading among sixth-year medical students and interns in Taif University

Background: The electrocardiogram (ECG) is the most important procedure to examine the cardiac rhythm and conduction system abnormalities. The common problem of ECG misinterpretation can lead to inappropriate diagnoses and clinical decisions. There is a limited number of studies identifying the size of the problem in Saudi Arabia. We aimed to assess the frequency of ECG misreading, address the nature of errors, and analyze the determinants of ECG interpretation accuracy among sixth-year medical students and interns of Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia.Methods: Participants were given a quiz of 10 multiple-choice questions of commonly encountered ECG interpretations. Each correct answer was given a 1-point score. The overall score for each participant was calculated out of 10 points.Results: A total of 297 participants took part in this study and achieved a median (IQR) overall score of 6.0 (4). The most frequent score was 9 (13.5%), followed by 8 (12.8%) and 4 (12.5%). Second degree AV block, type II was misread by 60.6% of the participants, 2nd-degree AV block, type I was misread by 50.2% while other abnormalities were less frequently misread. Academic year and gender showed no significant influence on ECG interpretation. On the other hand, interest in ECG reading and previous participation in ECG courses were associated with significantly better performance (p<0.001 and p=0.001, respectively).Conclusions: Overall performance of medical students and interns was moderate. Self-learning and providing organized educational courses on ECG can positively improve ECG interpretation and allow adequate diagnosis and management of heart diseases.

Study habits and academic achievement among medical students: A comparison between male and female subjects

Purpose: Study habits of medical students contribute to better understanding learner achievement and success. This study examines the relationship between study habits, including gender and nonacademic factors that affect learning, to investigate their relationship with performance outcomes.Methods: This study was conducted in March 2015 at the College of Medicine and Applied Medical Science at Taif University. A survey was administered, measuring study habits such as study time, study partners, source of study, breaks, study interruptions, difficulty concentrating, study activity, and delayed study. Comparisons were examined by high and low grade point average (GPA) and by gender.Results: A total of 257 students completed the questionnaire (59% high GPA and 41% low GPA; 50% males and 50% females). Results indicated significant differences for time of study, study materials, study interruptions, study enjoyment between students of high and low GPAs. Gender differences were found for study time, study methods, study breaks, student activity, and delayed study time.Conclusions: This study found that study habits differ by gender and also have significant impact on performance outcomes of learners. Given that students’ academic success is an important outcome for medical schools, these findings call for implementing these results to enhance curricular changes and promote better learning outcomes.

" The impact of strengthening the culture of combating administrative corruption for sustainable development and the elimination of unemployment "From the point of view of students" Taif University Branch of Rania: أثر تعزيز ثقافة مكافحة الفساد الإداري من أجل التنمية المستدامة والقضاء على البطالة "من وجهة نظر طلاب جامعة الطائف فرع رنية"

The administrative and financial corruption is a global phenomenon and a serious disease that suffers from both the developed and the late world countries. It has negative effects on development and society. It impedes the official work systems, the spread of disguised unemployment and the loss of decision-making. Governments make efforts to eliminate it. The problem of research is that administrative and financial corruption hinders economic and social development, increases unemployment among young people and other groups, wastes resources and weakens both society and the State. The importance of this study lies in the knowledge of the manifestations and forms of administrative corruption and the methods of eliminating it and the study whose importance stems from the importance of the subject which it deals with in general, and from the points dealt with in the study in particular. The aim of this study is to identify the effect of strengthening the culture of administrative corruption for sustainable development and eliminating unemployment from the point of view of students (Taif University, Rania Branch). A sample of the students was investigated and the study reached the results of the most important administrative corruption hinders development and increases the severity of unemployment and made recommendations, most important of which is the need to spread the culture of anti-corruption and control methods to eliminate it.

Perceptive Determination of Motivating and Demotivating Factors in Learning EFL Among Saudi Freshmen Studying at Taif University

This empirical survey aims at exploring Saudi freshmen students’ instrumental and integrative motivational orientation to learn English as a foreign language as well as to identify what demotivational factors negatively affect their language learning. A 38-item self-developed strongly-agree to strongly-disagree Likert-scale questionnaire was administered to 133 Saudi freshmen students from a Saudi university to generate data related to their motivational and demotivational factors. Data analyses were done to calculate percentages and means through descriptive analyses to measure the participants’ preferences for various questionnaire items. The results of this quantitative investigation have revealed that Saudi freshmen students bear stronger instrumental motivation along with a reasonably high integrative motivation and have demonstrated mild negative effect towards learning English caused by various demotivational factors. Among the primary instrumental motivational orientations of Saudi freshmen, the role of English language to enable them to better understand their textbooks and reference material, effectively interact with foreigners during their international travels and enhanced chances to secure better job have been ranked the highest. The results of this survey have disclosed an interesting fact that the participants of this study have exhibited extremely positive attitude towards the target language. The descriptive analyses also suggest that Saudi freshmen have moderate inhibitory factors against learning the target language related to understanding English language teachers, difficult English textbooks, difficult English grammar and vocabulary and lack of chances of practicing the target language outside the university setting. The participants have mentioned that no major hinderances are caused by inappropriate behavior of their teachers and peers as well as lack of teaching aids. Some pedagogical implications and suggestions have been drawn based on the findings of this empirical survey.

Teachers and Technology: Trends in English Language Teaching in Saudi Arabia

Technology has impacted the learning approaches and vice-versa with an aim to improve the standards of language teaching/learning process. The present study focuses on teachers’ preferences and use of technology in their language classrooms. A survey was conducted to seek opinion of EFL teachers both male and female at the English language center on technology-related competencies. The survey comprised four domains: planning and preparation, classroom management, instruction, and professional responsibilities (Danielson, 2007).The questionnaire was distributed to 100 English language teachers (50 males and 50 females) at Taif University English Language Centre. The responses revealed that most of the teachers thought aware of the technology and its uses in education don’t integrate technology in their teaching at planning and preparation stage. They use the available technological gadget in the classroom to exploit some of the activities. They must use the university LMS for uploading certain activities and assessment otherwise they hesitate to design technology-based activities for English language learners. They and the students need training in integrating technology with teaching and learning process.

Pedagogical Practices Employed in Teaching and Learning Speaking Skills at Taif University

The aim of instructing speaking skills is to help students develop better oral communication. That is possible if teachers employ better techniques to enhance the use of English in the class and motivate their learners to utilize important strategies for practicing speaking skills. The current study investigates pedagogical practices in use by English professionals to teach speaking skills to their students, and strategies and approaches applied by leaners to improve their speaking skills. Questionnaire survey was conducted by recruiting 184 male and female undergraduate students from different streams at Taif University. The data was analyzed through SPSS and presented with the help of descriptive tables. The results of this study reveal that teachers moderately employed important techniques and strategies in their teaching. Among the strategies and techniques which were not frequently employed by English professionals were: role-play, group work, pair discussion, picture description, dialogue, debating, and storytelling. Students also lacked in utilizing important strategies which hinder their progress in developing better speaking skills. The attitude of learners towards learning a foreign language was negatively affected by the level of difficulties faced by them. The study concluded that teachers’ role is very important to develop a favorable learning environment and involve students to practice English through various useful techniques and strategies necessary for the development of speaking skills.

Effect of Environmental Enrichment on Relapse to Methamphetamine Seeking

Relapse to drug use is the most critical challenge in treating addiction. Therefore, preventing relapse is the most important approach in managing addictive disorder. Psychostimulant use is a critical health issue in Saudi Arabia and worldwide. Of note, methamphetamine (METH) is one of the most commonly used psychostimulant worldwide. In this study, we investigated the relapse to METH seeking using conditioned place preference (CPP) in animal model. The CPP apparatus consists of two conditioning chambers which are distinguished by both visual and tactile cues. Of note, evidence showed the positive effects of environmental enrichment on neurogenesis and neurochemical measures. Surprisingly, there is no previous study investigated the role of environmental enrichment in relapse to METH seeking. Here, we tested the effects of environmental enrichment on the relapse to METH seeking in rat model of drug addiction. The CPP experiment consists of four distinct phases; the habituation, acquisition, extinction, and reinstatement phase. Rats were allowed to explore the entire CPP apparatus without any treatment during the habituation phase. Each animal then received either saline or METH (1 mg/kg, i.p.) for 8 days during the acquisition phase, followed by housing in either isolated or enriched environment for 30 days during the extinction phase. Finally, rats were tested for reinstatement produced by i.p. injections of METH (1 mg/kg, i.p.). METH treatment during acquisition phase has significantly increased time spent in METH‐paired chamber as compared to saline‐paired chamber. No significant changes in time spent in either saline‐ or METH‐paired chambers following the extinction phase. A priming dose of METH significantly increased time spent in METH‐paired chamber as compared to saline‐paired chamber in animals that were housed in isolated environment. Interestingly, enriched environment blocked the reinstatement effect of METH. This indicates the important role of environmental enrichment as a treatment strategy in drug dependence.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by Award Number 1‐438‐6013 from the Deanship of Graduate Studies and Research, Taif University, SA.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.