In the fall of 2022, the number of influenza-like illnesses (ILIs) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARIs) in Saudi Arabia had significantly increased compared with the corresponding period in previous years. Concerns regarding the population’s seasonal influenza vaccine (SIV) uptake rates have emerged. In particular, the SIV uptake rates may have dropped post the COVID-19 pandemic compared with rates prior to the COVID-19 era. In this study, we aimed to estimate the prevalence and predictors of SIV uptake in Saudi Arabia post the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a cross-sectional study utilizing an online survey platform. We mainly collected sociodemographic information and determined whether the respondent was a healthcare professional or had a chronic disease. The overall SIV uptake prevalence was 31.8%. A lower SIV uptake was observed among those aged 55 years or older, females, residents of the central region, non-health practitioners, and those without chronic diseases. Several factors were associated with SIV uptake. Those aged 35–44 were over three-fold more likely to receive an SIV than those aged 55 years or older (OR: 3.66; 95% CI: 1.33–10.05). In addition, males had 73% higher odds of SIV uptake than females (OR: 1.73; 95% CI: 1.18–2.55). Health practitioners were more likely to receive an SIV than non-health practitioners (OR: 2.11; 95% CI: 1.45–3.06). Similarly, those with chronic diseases had 86% higher odds of SIV uptake than those without chronic diseases (OR: 1.86; 95% CI: 1.18–2.95). These findings can provide insights into the low prevalence and predictors of SIV uptake in Saudi Arabia. Future studies should be conducted to further explore the potential factors associated with such a low prevalence of SIV uptake post COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Congenital anomalies, representing structural or functional abnormalities present at birth, pose a substantial global health challenge, affecting 8 million newborns annually. With 3.3 million succumbing before age five and 3.2 million facing physical or mental disability, their diverse causes necessitate comprehensive understanding for effective healthcare planning. This study explores the prevalence of congenital anomalies among newborns in the Abha Maternity and Children Hospital (MCH) in Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional record-based study was conducted on newborns born between 2018 and 2022. Data were gathered in 4 months from September to December 2023. Purposive sampling was employed to select the case records of newborns with congenital anomalies after careful screening and considering inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data was acquired through a self-designed study tool, and the data were entered into Google Forms. Results: Congenital anomalies’ five-year prevalence was 3.21%, and one year, in 2022, the prevalence was 4.02%. Female neonates exhibited higher anomalies (59.3%), and preterm births accounted for 39.6%, emphasizing their vulnerability. The findings indicate that consanguineous marriages are linked to 63.3% of anomalies, notably neural tube defects (25%) and congenital heart diseases (19.7%). Anomalies are not significantly associated with consanguinity or birth order, but maternal age, education, employment, and antenatal maternal medical issues are associated considerably. Conclusions: These study insights contribute to health planners planning targeted interventions and awareness programs that are crucial to mitigate risks associated with preterm births and consanguineous marriages. The promotion of 100% antenatal screening and prophylactic medication for high-risk women and couples is necessary to prevent inherited deformities. In future the Ministry of Health must plan large-group prospective research to better understand the associated risk factors that will help public health initiatives minimize congenital-associated neonatal mortality and improve pregnancy outcomes.

Cervical cancer is the ninth most common cancer among women in Saudi Arabia, with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection being the primary risk factor. One of the major strategies for prevention is vaccination, and parental consent is crucial for HPV vaccination, particularly for girls aged 9 to 14. However, studies on parental acceptance and the barriers to HPV vaccination for minors in Asir, Saudi Arabia, are limited, indicating the need for further research. This cross-sectional study utilized an online questionnaire platform from March 2023 to November 2023 in Asir, Saudi Arabia, collecting data from 539 parents of daughters under 18. Various demographic variables were assessed to determine their impacts on vaccine acceptance. The study aimed to evaluate parental acceptance, knowledge, and barriers related to HPV vaccination in the region. The findings revealed an acceptance rate of 65.9% for the HPV vaccine among parents. Significant factors influencing acceptance included age, with 45–54 age group exhibiting the lowest acceptance rate of 54.4% (p = .007). Additionally, healthcare worker status impacted acceptance, with a higher rate of acceptance among healthcare workers (76.7%) compared to non-healthcare workers (62.3%) (p = .002). The study also uncovered considerable knowledge gaps, as evidenced by a mean knowledge score of only 24.18%. Acceptance rates appeared to increase with higher education levels (OR = 2.68, 95% CI: 1.08–6.63, p = .033), having a single daughter under 18 (OR = 2.25, 95% CI: 1.16–4.35, p = .016), receiving recommendations from the Ministry of Health (OR = 6.07, 95% CI: 2.43–15.20, p < .001), and knowing friends or relatives who have been vaccinated (OR = 6.75, 95% CI: 3.72–12.24, p < .001). In conclusion, this study found that education and the source of information regarding the HPV vaccine significantly influence parental acceptance. The results support the need for targeted education intervention programs to promote HPV vaccination among parents.

Psychological health and physiological health are crucial issues for educational institutes. However, bullying in universities remains a significant social issue that requires a deep understanding from the bully’s perspective. This qualitative study investigated students with lived experiences of bullying in two medical colleges at King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia. Nine male students participated in this study through semi-structured group discussions using open-ended questions. The discussions were transcribed, and the data were thematically analyzed. Four themes were identified: (i) the prevalence of bullying, (ii) bullying experiences, (iii) the institutional policy of bullying, and (iv) factors contributing to bullying. Findings showed that students lacked knowledge of their colleges’ anti-bullying policies, and verbal bullying was the prevalent form of bullying in interactions among students and between students and lecturers. In addition, cyberbullying was extended to digital platforms, as indicated by a number of participants. The participants also highlighted the significance of anti-bullying policies, believing that better awareness would empower students to address bullying more effectively. Recommendations were made for universities to implement anti-bullying policies and ensure their visibility to assist students in dealing with bullying situations.