Background: Adherence to behavioral respiratory hygiene practices is essential in preventing the transmission of COVID-19, especially given the appearance of new variants of the COVID-19 virus. This study estimated the pre- and post-vaccination levels of adherence to COVID-19 preventive behavioral measures among vaccinated people. Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed the sociodemographics and preventive behavioral measures, and pre- and post-vaccination data, via a questionnaire. Paired t-tests and Chi-squared tests were used to assess the variation in adherence levels. Results: Of the 480 participants, 57.9% were male, and 30.4% were aged between 30 and 39 years of age. After vaccination, there was a statistically significant decline in adherence to all the assessed behavioral protective measures (p < 0.05). Being 50 years old or older, female, a healthcare worker, and a smoker were associated with higher adherence levels compared with other groups in the same categories. Conclusions: A change in the behavior of the community members regarding COVID-19 after receiving the vaccination and a reduction in adherence to respiratory hygiene practices was observed. This indicates the importance of raising awareness about the possibility of reinfection with COVID-19 despite the vaccination, and the importance of behavioral respiratory hygiene for the prevention and control of COVID-19.
Background/Objectives: Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD) is a prevalent condition affecting middle ear pressure regulation, yet nationwide epidemiological data in Saudi Arabia remain limited. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of ETD and identify its associated factors among Saudi adults using a validated screening tool. Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted between June 2024 and March 2025 among 1124 Saudi adults (aged ≥ 18 years) across five geographic regions. ETD was assessed using the validated Arabic version of the seven-item Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire (ETDQ-7), with scores ≥ 14.5 indicating dysfunction. Data on demographic, anthropometric, clinical, and lifestyle characteristics were collected via an online questionnaire. Multiple linear regression analysis identified independent predictors of ETDQ-7 scores, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of ETD was 33.9% (95% CI: 31.1–36.8%), substantially higher than the 7% self-reported rate. Of affected participants, 29.6% had mild-to-moderate ETD and 4.3% had severe dysfunction. Multivariable regression analysis identified four significant independent predictors: higher body mass index (BMI) (β = 0.08; 95% CI: 0.03–0.16; p = 0.049), family history of hearing loss (β = 1.87; 95% CI: 0.90–2.83; p < 0.001), prior bariatric bypass surgery (β = 14.37; 95% CI: 3.33–25.41; p = 0.011), and allergies (β = 3.19; 95% CI: 2.30–4.07; p < 0.001). No significant associations were found with demographic factors, smoking, or other comorbidities. Conclusions: ETD affects approximately one-third of Saudi adults, with significant underdiagnosis. Obesity, genetic predisposition, bariatric surgery, and allergic conditions represent key modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. These findings support implementing routine ETDQ-7 screening in primary care and targeted interventions for high-risk populations.
Background and Objectives: Adult uptake of hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination and screening in Saudi Arabia is poorly characterized. This study estimated both behaviors among working-age adults without a previous HBV diagnosis and identified their independent determinants. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between November 2024 and April 2025. After exclusion of participants with a previous HBV diagnosis, 1243 adults aged 18 to 64 years were analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression estimated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Overall, 324 participants (26.1%) reported HBV vaccination and 169 (13.6%) reported screening, whereas 873 (70.2%) reported neither. Good knowledge was associated with vaccination (aOR = 4.77; 95% CI: 3.48–6.55) and screening (aOR = 4.59; 95% CI: 2.97–7.09). Healthcare work (aOR = 5.24 and 3.55) and educational program participation (aOR = 2.77 and 3.38) were also associated with both outcomes. A family history of HBV was associated with vaccination only (aOR = 2.49; 95% CI: 1.49–4.16). Vaccination odds were lower among men (aOR = 0.69; 95% CI: 0.49–0.96) and declined with age (aOR = 0.959 per year). Sickle cell disease was associated with screening (aOR = 3.88; 95% CI: 1.38–10.90). Attitude was not associated with either outcome. Conclusions: HBV vaccination and screening uptake was low in this sample and was concentrated among healthcare workers and adults with good knowledge or previous health education. Building on existing premarital, antenatal, and occupational screening, routine offers of testing and vaccination in primary care could reach groups that current services miss, particularly older adults, men, and household contacts of people with HBV.
Background: Neck and/or shoulder pain (NSP) represents a significant public health burden worldwide. However, nationally representative data from Saudi Arabia remain limited as most existing studies have focused on specific occupational groups or localized populations. This study examines the prevalence, determinants, and risk factors of NSP among Saudi adults. Materials and Methods: A cross‐sectional study was conducted between May and September 2024 among 2171 adults across Saudi Arabia. Data were collected from participants aged ≥ 18 years using a structured, validated questionnaire assessing NSP prevalence, sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Result: Among 2171 participants (mean age of 29 ± 12), 54% were females. The overall point prevalence of neck pain was 39.1%, while shoulder pain affected 38.6% of participants. Higher odds of neck pain were associated with use of electronic devices (OR = 1.82, p = 0.003), occupational tasks with extended standing (OR = 1.53, p = 0.003), and history of trauma (OR = 2.52, p < 0.001). Shoulder pain was associated with prolonged use of electronic devices (OR = 2.14, p < 0.001) and history of trauma (OR = 4.77, p < 0.001). Notably, regular exercise and male sex were protective against both neck pain and shoulder pain compared to females. Conclusion: NSP is common among Saudi adults and linked to modifiable lifestyle and work‐related factors, underscoring the need for prevention, ergonomic measures, and regular pain management. Long‐term studies are needed to evaluate its impact and treatment outcomes.