Salah Elsafi - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Salah Elsafi
Diabetes, metabolic syndrome and obesity, 2024
The objectives of this study are to identify the prevalence and the factors behind overweight and... more The objectives of this study are to identify the prevalence and the factors behind overweight and obesity among the healthcare profession's students. Methods: A well-structured and validated questionnaire was distributed to a heterogeneous purposive sample of the healthcare profession's students in Saudi Arabia. Results: About 21.0% and 15.5% were overweight and obese, respectively. The average knowledge score was 70.6% and increased with age and among obese participants. The average attitude score was 74.8% with no variation within age, body mass index (BMI), and gender. The average practice score was only 36.7%. There was a significant variation of the practice within the different age groups (P = 0.021). There was a significant association between the participant's knowledge and attitude, and practice. Conclusion: The average practice score was poor. Despite their good knowledge and positive attitude, the students are exposed to heavy junk food marketing, which encourages overconsumption by instilling positive emotional associations with the junk food. They are mostly physically inactive, anxious and sleep deprived, which can lead to poor eating habits. For this group, various strategies and motivators will likely be needed.
Clinical and Experimental Gastroenterology, Sep 1, 2015
To study the performance of a single test using two fecal occult blood tests with colonoscopy for... more To study the performance of a single test using two fecal occult blood tests with colonoscopy for the detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) for the first time in Saudi Arabia to determine possible implications for the anticipated colorectal screening program. Materials and methods: We compared the performance of guaiac and immunochemical fecal occult blood tests for the detection of CRC among patients of 50-74 years old attending two hospitals in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia. Samples of feces were collected from 257 asymptomatic patients and 20 cases of confirmed CRC, and they were tested simultaneously by the guaiac-based occult blood test and monoclonal antibody-based immunoassay kit. Colonoscopy was performed on all participants and the results were statistically analyzed with both positive and negative occult blood tests of both methods. Results: Of the 277 subjects, 79 tested positive for occult blood with at least one method. Overall, the number of those with an occult blood-positive result by both tests was 39 (14.1%), while for 198 (71.5%), both tests were negative (P,0.0001); 40 (14.4%) samples showed a discrepant result. Colonoscopy data were obtained for all 277 patients. A total of three invasive cancers were detected among the screening group. Of the three, the guaiac test detected two cases, while the immunochemical test detected three of them. Of the 20 control cases, the guaiac test detected 13 CRC cases (P=0.03), while the immunochemical test detected 16 of them (P,0.0001). The sensitivity of guaiac and immunochemical tests for the detection of CRC in the screening group was 50.00% (95% confidence interval [CI] =6.76-93.24) and 75.00% (95% CI =19.41-99.37), respectively. For comparison, the sensitivity of the guaiac fecal occult blood test for detecting CRC among the control group was 65.00% (95% CI =40.78-84.61) while that of FIT was 80.00% (95% CI =56.34-94.27). The specificity of the guaiac and immunoassay tests was 77.87% (95% CI =72.24-82.83) and 90.12% (95% CI =85.76-93.50), respectively. The positive likelihood ratio of guaiac and immunochemical tests for the detection of CRC was 2.26 (95% CI =0.83-6.18) and 7.59 (95% CI =3.86-14.94), whereas the negative likelihood ratio was 0.64 (95% CI =0.24-1.71) and 0.28 (95% CI =0.05-1.52), respectively. The positive predictive values of guaiac and immunochemical tests were 3.45% (95% CI =0.426-11.91) and 10.71% (95% CI =2.27-28.23), respectively. There was no marked difference in the negative predictive values for both methods. The sensitivity of the fecal occult blood test by FIT was significantly higher for stages III and IV colorectal cancer than for stages I and II (P=0.01) and it was insignificant for the guaiac fecal occult blood test (P=0.07). Conclusion: In areas where other advance screening methods of CRC are not feasible, the use of FIT can be considered.
Transplantation Proceedings
Public Health in Practice
International Journal of Infection Control, 2019
Hand hygiene is the most effective way to control healthcare-associated infections. The aim of th... more Hand hygiene is the most effective way to control healthcare-associated infections. The aim of this study is to measure the hand hygiene awareness and practices in relation to various variables among the healthcare students. A structured validated questionnaire was completed by the participants to assess their awareness and compliance with hand hygiene. The average knowledge score of 500 students was 6.24/10 with a significant difference between various departments (p = 0.001). Knowledge significantly increased by advanced years of study. The average attitude and practice scores were 6.96 and 5.13, respectively with significant differences only in practice between various departments but not within other variables. Despite an overall good knowledge and attitude, the compliance of hand hygiene was generally poor. These findings suggested that other factors than knowledge and attitude might play a role in compliance. Although there appears to be a direct correlation with knowledge and...
Pediatrics in review / American Academy of Pediatrics, 2010
You are seeing a previously healthy 5-year-old girl in your office for a complaint of sore throat... more You are seeing a previously healthy 5-year-old girl in your office for a complaint of sore throat and fever. Her mother explains that the child does not have a cough, but she has had a decreased appetite and unusual fatigue over the past 1 to 2 days. Physical examination reveals a slightly illappearing child who has an erythematous oropharynx, mild cervical adenopathy, and a temperature of 37.5°C. A white blood cell (WBC) count from the previous evening was 9.2ϫ10 3 / mcL (9.2ϫ10 9 /L). According to the mother, her daughter had similar symptoms last year, but she is sure it was not a streptococcal throat infection, and the symptoms resolved without treatment. She asks you whether the current presentation is a streptococcal throat infection that requires antibiotic treatment. Based on the history and physical examination findings, you decide on the basis of your experience that there is about a 30% chance of bacterial pharyngitis. You recall an article discussing the effectiveness of the Breese clinical scoring system for the diagnosis of group A betahemolytic Streptococcus (GABHS) pharyngitis. (1) You consider whether the results of this study are valid and relevant to your current patient. (2)
The Journal of tropical medicine and hygiene, 1985
The effects of Gambusia affinis on some suspected predators of mosquitoes were studied for a peri... more The effects of Gambusia affinis on some suspected predators of mosquitoes were studied for a period of 12 months. A list of such predators was given. The most abundant invertebrate predators were Odonata, followed by Hemiptera and Ephemeroptera and the least common were Coleoptera. The population density of mosquito predators, with exception of Notonectidae and the fish Oreochromis niloticus, was markedly reduced in the presence of G. affinis. Application of aerial pesticides reduced the population of both G. affinis and O. niloticus fish. However it had no effect on the numbers of all invertebrate predators.
The Journal of tropical medicine and hygiene, 1985
The food of both Gambusia affinis and Oreochromis niloticus was studied. Organisms eaten by both ... more The food of both Gambusia affinis and Oreochromis niloticus was studied. Organisms eaten by both species of fish are tabulated, together with the amounts eaten during the various months of the year. G. affinis larger than 25 mm are carnivorous and become more so with age. Food selection by G. affinis depends on the availability of food items rather than choice. It showed a marked preference for mosquito larvae. O. niloticus smaller than 150 mm were markedly carnivorous, but this decreased with age. Only small fish of this species are useful for the biological control of mosquitoes. Fish larger than 150 mm showed a marked preference for higher aquatic macrophytes.
Biosciences Biotechnology Research Asia, 2012
BMC Veterinary Research, 2012
Background The impact of food animals as a possible reservoir for extended-spectrum beta-lactamas... more Background The impact of food animals as a possible reservoir for extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Enterobacteriaceae, and the dissemination of such strains into the food production chain need to be assessed. In this study 334 fecal samples from pigs, cattle, chicken and sheep were investigated at slaughter. Additionally, 100 raw milk samples, representing bulk tank milk of 100 different dairy farms, 104 minced meat (pork and beef) samples and 67 E. coli isolates from cattle E. coli mastitis were analyzed. Results As many as 15.3% of the porcine, 13.7% of the bovine, 8.6% of the sheep and 63.4% of the chicken fecal samples yielded ESBL producers after an enrichment step. In contrast, none of the minced meat, none of the bulk tank milk samples and only one of the mastitis milk samples contained ESBL producing strains. Of the total of 91 isolates, 89 were E. coli, one was Citrobacter youngae and one was Enterobacter cloacae. PCR analysis revealed that 78 isolates (85....
Journal of Healthcare Leadership
Background: There has been a significant concern that total automation can decrease the need for ... more Background: There has been a significant concern that total automation can decrease the need for laboratory personnel at all levels. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of total laboratory automation on the clinical laboratory workforce. Methods: A one-year data including the demographical features of laboratory workforce and technical productivity of laboratory tests were provided by two medical laboratory departments of similar profile and different equipment setup; one adopting a total automation system and the other utilizing discrete analysis system. The technical productivities of the two laboratories were compared and statistically tested. Results: A similar technical productivity per single laboratory worker was noted in the hematology section in each of the two sites with no significant difference (average odd radio = 0.9, p = 0.79). However, with total automation, the number of tests performed per single worker has increased to an average of 1.4 and 3.7 times with total automation in the clinical chemistry and serology sections, respectively (p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: Total laboratory automation improves the productivity of the laboratory, leading to a decreased laboratory workforce. The laboratory workload has increased steadily therefore, the existing laboratory workforce, in the absence of automation, could not have been able to maintain the current volume of service. Adoption of automation reduces repetitive manual labor, thereby allowing the redefinition of the job roles of the laboratory workforce. TLA is ideal for laboratories that suffer from workforce shortages or managing high volume testing with less staff.
Background: Although MAIT cells regulate the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases, their... more Background: Although MAIT cells regulate the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases, their roles in the development of colorectal cancer are still unclear. The objectives of this study is to investigate the level of circulating MAIT cells and the level of expression of the membranous KIRs receptors among CRC patients and control subjects. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolate and of MAIT cells were phenotypically identified by flow cytometry using various monoclonal antibodies. The presence of HLA-C1 and HLA-C2 groups were typed by PCR. Results: The result showed that the percentage of MAIT cells was slightly higher in the control subjects than in in all stages of CRC patients. Stratification analysis of 46 CRC patients indicated that the percentages of circulating MAIT cells were lower in stage II and higher in stages III, and IV. A higher frequency of HLA - C2 among patients with CRC (87%) compared with control subjects (74.4%) was detected. The protein ex...
PLOS ONE, 2021
Community face masking is possibly of great value in reducing COVID-19 transmission, especially w... more Community face masking is possibly of great value in reducing COVID-19 transmission, especially when universally adopted with high compliance. The aim of this study is to investigate the knowledge, common misconceptions, barriers, and the compliance of the community with the use of face masks for the prevention of COVID-19. A validated questionnaire was administered to the participants through a web link by using various social media. The collected data were statistically analyzed for significant differences according to demographic variables. The average knowledge of face masks and their role in preventing COVID-19 transmission was 95.64%, with no differences among most of the demographical factors. Older groups and females demonstrated a better attitude towards wearing face masks than other groups did (p<0.001). Another significant difference in the participant’s attitude was noticed between the various educational levels, employment, and nationality (p<0.001). Of the total ...
Transplantation proceedings
There has been an increase in the number of patients waiting for organ transplantation. A questio... more There has been an increase in the number of patients waiting for organ transplantation. A questionnaire on knowledge and attitude toward organ donation was completed by 434 allied health students. Overall knowledge about the various aspects of organ donation was adequate and was higher among women and clinical students. Although the majority were willing to be living donors for their families, very few students supported deceased organ donation, and even fewer of them had thought about an organ donation card. Despite the good knowledge, an overall positive attitude toward deceased donation was held by only 44% of the students. In contrast, the attitude toward directed living organ donation to family members was favorable in 83.1% of the respondents, which seems to be influenced by cultural and sociodemographic factors. Our findings indicate that the most frequent cause of refusal to donate organs among students with negative attitudes was the mistrust of medical staff regarding brai...
Saudi Medical Journal, 2016
Objectives: To study age specific rates of hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriage in the eastern region... more Objectives: To study age specific rates of hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriage in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia following a 24 year immunization program. Methods: Hepatitis B surveillance data between January 2004 and December 2013 were analyzed in a retrospective study, which included 24,504,914 patients. Seropositive cases of hepatitis B were reported by laboratory personnel as part of various investigations. Hepatitis B cases including acute and chronic carriers were identified upon serological positivity of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Results: The study shows that the overall prevalence rate decreased from 18.8 to 9.9/100,000 population between 2004 and 2013 (p=0.01). It was also found that the prevalence rate increased with age. For instance, the highest prevalence of hepatitis B was seen among patients >15 years of age and the lowest was seen among children <15 years of age. Over the period, the prevalence rate decreased in all age groups with the greatest decline among the age groups <4 years old. However, this was statistically insignificant (p>0.05). Another significant reduction in the prevalence rate occurred among age groups 5-14 years old (p=0.00). An insignificant decrease in the rate by 43% was also seen among older patients of 15-44 years old and 35% in >45 years old. The overall prevalence of hepatitis B is significantly higher in men than in women (p=0.00). Conclusion: There is a particular decreased trend in the prevalence of HBV infection in different age groups over a decade of surveillance following more than 20 years of the universal HBV vaccination program.
Pathogens and global health, 2015
The epidemiological importance of the different routes of Toxoplasma gondii transmission is not k... more The epidemiological importance of the different routes of Toxoplasma gondii transmission is not known and depends largely on population behaviour and knowledge. This study was conducted to assess toxoplasmosis seropositivity and the related knowledge and preventive practices that are necessary for the prevention of the disease among pregnant women. All pregnant women attending antenatal clinic were tested for T. gondii immunoglobulins followed by a survey questionnaire that tested their knowledge and preventive practice. Statistical comparisons were made between the seropositive and negative ones. We determined a low to moderate seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among pregnant women in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia as compared to many other parts of the world. The overall positivity rates of IgG and IgM against T. gondii among 400 pregnant women were 28.5 and 3%, respectively. 75.5% of the participants had never heard about toxoplasmosis and the associated risk factors. Lack of knowledge was ...
ISBT Science Series, 2015
Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences, 2014
Diabetes, metabolic syndrome and obesity, 2024
The objectives of this study are to identify the prevalence and the factors behind overweight and... more The objectives of this study are to identify the prevalence and the factors behind overweight and obesity among the healthcare profession's students. Methods: A well-structured and validated questionnaire was distributed to a heterogeneous purposive sample of the healthcare profession's students in Saudi Arabia. Results: About 21.0% and 15.5% were overweight and obese, respectively. The average knowledge score was 70.6% and increased with age and among obese participants. The average attitude score was 74.8% with no variation within age, body mass index (BMI), and gender. The average practice score was only 36.7%. There was a significant variation of the practice within the different age groups (P = 0.021). There was a significant association between the participant's knowledge and attitude, and practice. Conclusion: The average practice score was poor. Despite their good knowledge and positive attitude, the students are exposed to heavy junk food marketing, which encourages overconsumption by instilling positive emotional associations with the junk food. They are mostly physically inactive, anxious and sleep deprived, which can lead to poor eating habits. For this group, various strategies and motivators will likely be needed.
Clinical and Experimental Gastroenterology, Sep 1, 2015
To study the performance of a single test using two fecal occult blood tests with colonoscopy for... more To study the performance of a single test using two fecal occult blood tests with colonoscopy for the detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) for the first time in Saudi Arabia to determine possible implications for the anticipated colorectal screening program. Materials and methods: We compared the performance of guaiac and immunochemical fecal occult blood tests for the detection of CRC among patients of 50-74 years old attending two hospitals in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia. Samples of feces were collected from 257 asymptomatic patients and 20 cases of confirmed CRC, and they were tested simultaneously by the guaiac-based occult blood test and monoclonal antibody-based immunoassay kit. Colonoscopy was performed on all participants and the results were statistically analyzed with both positive and negative occult blood tests of both methods. Results: Of the 277 subjects, 79 tested positive for occult blood with at least one method. Overall, the number of those with an occult blood-positive result by both tests was 39 (14.1%), while for 198 (71.5%), both tests were negative (P,0.0001); 40 (14.4%) samples showed a discrepant result. Colonoscopy data were obtained for all 277 patients. A total of three invasive cancers were detected among the screening group. Of the three, the guaiac test detected two cases, while the immunochemical test detected three of them. Of the 20 control cases, the guaiac test detected 13 CRC cases (P=0.03), while the immunochemical test detected 16 of them (P,0.0001). The sensitivity of guaiac and immunochemical tests for the detection of CRC in the screening group was 50.00% (95% confidence interval [CI] =6.76-93.24) and 75.00% (95% CI =19.41-99.37), respectively. For comparison, the sensitivity of the guaiac fecal occult blood test for detecting CRC among the control group was 65.00% (95% CI =40.78-84.61) while that of FIT was 80.00% (95% CI =56.34-94.27). The specificity of the guaiac and immunoassay tests was 77.87% (95% CI =72.24-82.83) and 90.12% (95% CI =85.76-93.50), respectively. The positive likelihood ratio of guaiac and immunochemical tests for the detection of CRC was 2.26 (95% CI =0.83-6.18) and 7.59 (95% CI =3.86-14.94), whereas the negative likelihood ratio was 0.64 (95% CI =0.24-1.71) and 0.28 (95% CI =0.05-1.52), respectively. The positive predictive values of guaiac and immunochemical tests were 3.45% (95% CI =0.426-11.91) and 10.71% (95% CI =2.27-28.23), respectively. There was no marked difference in the negative predictive values for both methods. The sensitivity of the fecal occult blood test by FIT was significantly higher for stages III and IV colorectal cancer than for stages I and II (P=0.01) and it was insignificant for the guaiac fecal occult blood test (P=0.07). Conclusion: In areas where other advance screening methods of CRC are not feasible, the use of FIT can be considered.
Transplantation Proceedings
Public Health in Practice
International Journal of Infection Control, 2019
Hand hygiene is the most effective way to control healthcare-associated infections. The aim of th... more Hand hygiene is the most effective way to control healthcare-associated infections. The aim of this study is to measure the hand hygiene awareness and practices in relation to various variables among the healthcare students. A structured validated questionnaire was completed by the participants to assess their awareness and compliance with hand hygiene. The average knowledge score of 500 students was 6.24/10 with a significant difference between various departments (p = 0.001). Knowledge significantly increased by advanced years of study. The average attitude and practice scores were 6.96 and 5.13, respectively with significant differences only in practice between various departments but not within other variables. Despite an overall good knowledge and attitude, the compliance of hand hygiene was generally poor. These findings suggested that other factors than knowledge and attitude might play a role in compliance. Although there appears to be a direct correlation with knowledge and...
Pediatrics in review / American Academy of Pediatrics, 2010
You are seeing a previously healthy 5-year-old girl in your office for a complaint of sore throat... more You are seeing a previously healthy 5-year-old girl in your office for a complaint of sore throat and fever. Her mother explains that the child does not have a cough, but she has had a decreased appetite and unusual fatigue over the past 1 to 2 days. Physical examination reveals a slightly illappearing child who has an erythematous oropharynx, mild cervical adenopathy, and a temperature of 37.5°C. A white blood cell (WBC) count from the previous evening was 9.2ϫ10 3 / mcL (9.2ϫ10 9 /L). According to the mother, her daughter had similar symptoms last year, but she is sure it was not a streptococcal throat infection, and the symptoms resolved without treatment. She asks you whether the current presentation is a streptococcal throat infection that requires antibiotic treatment. Based on the history and physical examination findings, you decide on the basis of your experience that there is about a 30% chance of bacterial pharyngitis. You recall an article discussing the effectiveness of the Breese clinical scoring system for the diagnosis of group A betahemolytic Streptococcus (GABHS) pharyngitis. (1) You consider whether the results of this study are valid and relevant to your current patient. (2)
The Journal of tropical medicine and hygiene, 1985
The effects of Gambusia affinis on some suspected predators of mosquitoes were studied for a peri... more The effects of Gambusia affinis on some suspected predators of mosquitoes were studied for a period of 12 months. A list of such predators was given. The most abundant invertebrate predators were Odonata, followed by Hemiptera and Ephemeroptera and the least common were Coleoptera. The population density of mosquito predators, with exception of Notonectidae and the fish Oreochromis niloticus, was markedly reduced in the presence of G. affinis. Application of aerial pesticides reduced the population of both G. affinis and O. niloticus fish. However it had no effect on the numbers of all invertebrate predators.
The Journal of tropical medicine and hygiene, 1985
The food of both Gambusia affinis and Oreochromis niloticus was studied. Organisms eaten by both ... more The food of both Gambusia affinis and Oreochromis niloticus was studied. Organisms eaten by both species of fish are tabulated, together with the amounts eaten during the various months of the year. G. affinis larger than 25 mm are carnivorous and become more so with age. Food selection by G. affinis depends on the availability of food items rather than choice. It showed a marked preference for mosquito larvae. O. niloticus smaller than 150 mm were markedly carnivorous, but this decreased with age. Only small fish of this species are useful for the biological control of mosquitoes. Fish larger than 150 mm showed a marked preference for higher aquatic macrophytes.
Biosciences Biotechnology Research Asia, 2012
BMC Veterinary Research, 2012
Background The impact of food animals as a possible reservoir for extended-spectrum beta-lactamas... more Background The impact of food animals as a possible reservoir for extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Enterobacteriaceae, and the dissemination of such strains into the food production chain need to be assessed. In this study 334 fecal samples from pigs, cattle, chicken and sheep were investigated at slaughter. Additionally, 100 raw milk samples, representing bulk tank milk of 100 different dairy farms, 104 minced meat (pork and beef) samples and 67 E. coli isolates from cattle E. coli mastitis were analyzed. Results As many as 15.3% of the porcine, 13.7% of the bovine, 8.6% of the sheep and 63.4% of the chicken fecal samples yielded ESBL producers after an enrichment step. In contrast, none of the minced meat, none of the bulk tank milk samples and only one of the mastitis milk samples contained ESBL producing strains. Of the total of 91 isolates, 89 were E. coli, one was Citrobacter youngae and one was Enterobacter cloacae. PCR analysis revealed that 78 isolates (85....
Journal of Healthcare Leadership
Background: There has been a significant concern that total automation can decrease the need for ... more Background: There has been a significant concern that total automation can decrease the need for laboratory personnel at all levels. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of total laboratory automation on the clinical laboratory workforce. Methods: A one-year data including the demographical features of laboratory workforce and technical productivity of laboratory tests were provided by two medical laboratory departments of similar profile and different equipment setup; one adopting a total automation system and the other utilizing discrete analysis system. The technical productivities of the two laboratories were compared and statistically tested. Results: A similar technical productivity per single laboratory worker was noted in the hematology section in each of the two sites with no significant difference (average odd radio = 0.9, p = 0.79). However, with total automation, the number of tests performed per single worker has increased to an average of 1.4 and 3.7 times with total automation in the clinical chemistry and serology sections, respectively (p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: Total laboratory automation improves the productivity of the laboratory, leading to a decreased laboratory workforce. The laboratory workload has increased steadily therefore, the existing laboratory workforce, in the absence of automation, could not have been able to maintain the current volume of service. Adoption of automation reduces repetitive manual labor, thereby allowing the redefinition of the job roles of the laboratory workforce. TLA is ideal for laboratories that suffer from workforce shortages or managing high volume testing with less staff.
Background: Although MAIT cells regulate the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases, their... more Background: Although MAIT cells regulate the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases, their roles in the development of colorectal cancer are still unclear. The objectives of this study is to investigate the level of circulating MAIT cells and the level of expression of the membranous KIRs receptors among CRC patients and control subjects. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolate and of MAIT cells were phenotypically identified by flow cytometry using various monoclonal antibodies. The presence of HLA-C1 and HLA-C2 groups were typed by PCR. Results: The result showed that the percentage of MAIT cells was slightly higher in the control subjects than in in all stages of CRC patients. Stratification analysis of 46 CRC patients indicated that the percentages of circulating MAIT cells were lower in stage II and higher in stages III, and IV. A higher frequency of HLA - C2 among patients with CRC (87%) compared with control subjects (74.4%) was detected. The protein ex...
PLOS ONE, 2021
Community face masking is possibly of great value in reducing COVID-19 transmission, especially w... more Community face masking is possibly of great value in reducing COVID-19 transmission, especially when universally adopted with high compliance. The aim of this study is to investigate the knowledge, common misconceptions, barriers, and the compliance of the community with the use of face masks for the prevention of COVID-19. A validated questionnaire was administered to the participants through a web link by using various social media. The collected data were statistically analyzed for significant differences according to demographic variables. The average knowledge of face masks and their role in preventing COVID-19 transmission was 95.64%, with no differences among most of the demographical factors. Older groups and females demonstrated a better attitude towards wearing face masks than other groups did (p<0.001). Another significant difference in the participant’s attitude was noticed between the various educational levels, employment, and nationality (p<0.001). Of the total ...
Transplantation proceedings
There has been an increase in the number of patients waiting for organ transplantation. A questio... more There has been an increase in the number of patients waiting for organ transplantation. A questionnaire on knowledge and attitude toward organ donation was completed by 434 allied health students. Overall knowledge about the various aspects of organ donation was adequate and was higher among women and clinical students. Although the majority were willing to be living donors for their families, very few students supported deceased organ donation, and even fewer of them had thought about an organ donation card. Despite the good knowledge, an overall positive attitude toward deceased donation was held by only 44% of the students. In contrast, the attitude toward directed living organ donation to family members was favorable in 83.1% of the respondents, which seems to be influenced by cultural and sociodemographic factors. Our findings indicate that the most frequent cause of refusal to donate organs among students with negative attitudes was the mistrust of medical staff regarding brai...
Saudi Medical Journal, 2016
Objectives: To study age specific rates of hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriage in the eastern region... more Objectives: To study age specific rates of hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriage in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia following a 24 year immunization program. Methods: Hepatitis B surveillance data between January 2004 and December 2013 were analyzed in a retrospective study, which included 24,504,914 patients. Seropositive cases of hepatitis B were reported by laboratory personnel as part of various investigations. Hepatitis B cases including acute and chronic carriers were identified upon serological positivity of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Results: The study shows that the overall prevalence rate decreased from 18.8 to 9.9/100,000 population between 2004 and 2013 (p=0.01). It was also found that the prevalence rate increased with age. For instance, the highest prevalence of hepatitis B was seen among patients >15 years of age and the lowest was seen among children <15 years of age. Over the period, the prevalence rate decreased in all age groups with the greatest decline among the age groups <4 years old. However, this was statistically insignificant (p>0.05). Another significant reduction in the prevalence rate occurred among age groups 5-14 years old (p=0.00). An insignificant decrease in the rate by 43% was also seen among older patients of 15-44 years old and 35% in >45 years old. The overall prevalence of hepatitis B is significantly higher in men than in women (p=0.00). Conclusion: There is a particular decreased trend in the prevalence of HBV infection in different age groups over a decade of surveillance following more than 20 years of the universal HBV vaccination program.
Pathogens and global health, 2015
The epidemiological importance of the different routes of Toxoplasma gondii transmission is not k... more The epidemiological importance of the different routes of Toxoplasma gondii transmission is not known and depends largely on population behaviour and knowledge. This study was conducted to assess toxoplasmosis seropositivity and the related knowledge and preventive practices that are necessary for the prevention of the disease among pregnant women. All pregnant women attending antenatal clinic were tested for T. gondii immunoglobulins followed by a survey questionnaire that tested their knowledge and preventive practice. Statistical comparisons were made between the seropositive and negative ones. We determined a low to moderate seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among pregnant women in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia as compared to many other parts of the world. The overall positivity rates of IgG and IgM against T. gondii among 400 pregnant women were 28.5 and 3%, respectively. 75.5% of the participants had never heard about toxoplasmosis and the associated risk factors. Lack of knowledge was ...
ISBT Science Series, 2015
Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences, 2014