E-cigarettes have gained enormous popularity, and their use has increased drastically worldwide. However, little is known regarding adolescents’ and adults’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices in Saudi Arabia. We conducted a cross-sectional study using a self-administered online-modified WHO GATS questionnaire on a convenience sample approach. Data were collected between January and March 2021 after the alleviation of COVID-19 lockdown measures in Saudi Arabia. Univariate and multivariate regression models were developed to identify independent factors associated with knowledge, attitude, and practice. Our sample (1335) had a mean age of 26.45 ± 10.5 years; nearly half of the participants had poor knowledge about e-cigarettes. The usage and positive attitude were reported by 18.6% and 19.4%, respectively. Around 43.5% of e-cigarette users reported starting or increased use during the COVID-19 pandemic, while 9.5% of participants would recommend it to others. Logistic regressions showed that older participants were more likely to have poor knowledge (OR = 1.02, 95% C.I. = 1.01–1.03) and positive attitudes (OR = 0.98, 95% C.I. = 0.91–0.96). Male participants and smokers (OR = 3.0, 95% C.I. = 2.3–3.8) were more likely to have a positive attitude. However, younger participants were less likely to go for e-cigarettes (OR = 0.95, 95% C.I. = 0.93–0.97), while males (OR = 2.53, 95% C.I. = 1.65–3.86) and smokers (OR = 4.63, 95% C.I. = 3.47–6.18) were more likely to use them. This study indicated a high level of poor knowledge about e-cigarettes. A considerable proportion of participants reported usage and a positive attitude towards them. Older age, male gender, and being a smoker were the main elicited predictors for e-cigarette use.

Purpose: Health literacy (HL) is the degree in which individuals are able to access, comprehend, and use publicly available health resources and services. A previous study was done in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) assessing the prevalence of HL, the study shows that almost half of KSA residents had limited HL. Most studies that show the level of HL and its relationship to emergency department (ED) utilization were conducted outside KSA. This study aims to assess the association between HL and utilization of ED services and to estimate the prevalence, factors, and outcomes of low HL in KSA. Patients and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 903 participants in KSA over a period of 2 months (April and May 2023) using an online survey. Participants were asked about sociodemographic characteristics (age, sex, nationality, marital status, education, work status, income), associated factors (chronic diseases, psychiatric disorders, Covid-19 infection, Covid-19 vaccination, ED visits), and Health Literacy (read, access, understand, evaluation, decision). A health literacy instrument for adults (HELIA), which consists of the previously mentioned five subscales, was used to estimate the level of HL and its association with the risk factors. Results: Almost 529 (58.58%) and 374 (41.42%) had limited HL and adequate HL, respectively. Participants with limited HL were mostly aged 35– 45 years (61.7%), men (p < 0.05) (68.9%), divorced (65.9%), non-Saudi (69.6%), and had elementary level of education (66.7%). Participants with adequate HL had master’s and PhD degree (48.1%), were healthcare students or graduates (62.8%, p < 0.05), had an income > 30 thousand riyals (55.6%, p < 0.05), were previously infected with COVID-19 (43%), and did not visit ED in the preceding year (42.3%). Conclusion: A high prevalence of low HL among KSA residents was observed. There was no significant difference in ED utilization between participants who had adequate and limited HL.

Background: As more people engage with online platforms, understanding the factors behind social media addiction is crucial for researchers and policymakers, particularly for vulnerable groups like students. This study investigates the prevalence of social media addiction among young adults in Saudi Arabia and explores the relationships between social media addiction, self-esteem, and loneliness. Materials and Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study of 2309 adults residing in Saudi Arabia using an electronic online self-administered questionnaire was conducted. The questionnaire assessed socioeconomic characteristics, the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the UCLA loneliness scale (ULS-8). Regression models were developed to determine the independent association between the study variables. Results: Females constituted 82.7% of the participants and utilized various social media platforms, including WhatsApp (87.1%), Twitter (85.5%), Snapchat (83.5%), Instagram (71.6%), and TikTok (62.4%). This online survey demonstrated that one-third of approached Saudis were social media addicts (35.9%, 297 out of 829), with 30.4% of them preferring online activities over sleeping, 23.3% neglecting household chores, and 21.6% choosing social media over family time. In addition, 18.7% (155 out of 829) of social media addicts acknowledged impairment in their work due to social media use, and 17.5% experienced feelings of depression, moodiness, or nervousness when offline, which alleviated on resuming online activity. Social media addiction was more prevalent among participants with low self-esteem compared to those with high self-esteem (44.1% vs. 30.5%). Conversely, as levels of loneliness increased, social media addiction exhibited an upward trend. The prevalence was lowest (16%) among those with the least loneliness and peaked at 59.8% among individuals experiencing the highest level of loneliness. The study found significant associations between social media addiction and physical inactivity (Odds ratios [OR] = 1.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.57–2.30), lower self-esteem scores (OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.86–0.94), and higher loneliness scores (OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.10–1.15). Conclusion: This study enhances understanding of social media addiction in young adults in Saudi Arabia, showcasing its high prevalence and links to low self-esteem, loneliness, and physical inactivity. This study advocates for targeted interventions promoting digital well-being, like encouraging physical activity and creating psychological support programs.

Rabies remains a fatal yet preventable zoonotic disease, and understanding population-level knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) is essential to guide national elimination strategies. This nationwide cross-sectional study assessed rabies-related KAP among 2116 residents across all major regions of Saudi Arabia. An online validated questionnaire measured sociodemographic characteristics and KAP indicators. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including logistic regression, were used to identify predictors of good KAP outcomes. Overall, more than half of participants demonstrated poor knowledge (54.9%), particularly regarding rabies etiology, transmission, and essential post-exposure wound care, while attitudes toward prevention were overwhelmingly positive (92%). Despite this, several unsafe practices persisted, including interaction with stray animals and use of traditional remedies. Good knowledge was significantly associated with higher income, pet ownership, and residency in the Central region, whereas younger age and Northern residency predicted poorer practices. Mediation analysis suggested that knowledge may partly explain (mediate) the association between sociodemographic characteristics and reported preventive practices; however, causal inference is limited by the cross-sectional design. These findings demonstrate substantial knowledge and behavioral gaps despite favorable attitudes and highlight the need for culturally tailored educational interventions, improved access to post-exposure prophylaxis, and strengthened One Health strategies to support rabies elimination in Saudi Arabia.

Background and objective: The growing global popularity of rhinoplasty underscores the need to better understand public opinions and choices about the procedure. This study examines how acceptance of cosmetic surgery, concerns about nose appearance, and peer influence are associated with the decision to consider rhinoplasty among Saudi adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study of 1591 participants used a self-administered online questionnaire. Data on considering or undergoing rhinoplasty, sociodemographic characteristics, and whether friends or family members had undergone the surgery were collected. The Acceptance of Cosmetic Surgery Scale (ACSS) and nose-related appearance concern scale were used. Perceived reasons for and against considering rhinoplasty, as well as perceived seriousness of postoperative complications, were examined. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS v27. Results: The mean age was 35.7 ± 13.2 years, with a majority being females (70%). Of the 1591 participants, 74% were not considering rhinoplasty, while 26% were considering the procedure or had already undergone it. The most common perceived reason for undergoing rhinoplasty was to enhance appearance, while religious concerns were the most common perceived reason for refusing it. Participants identified the mismatch between the nose and the face (20.1%) as the most serious complication. The ACSS was a key factor associated with higher odds of considering rhinoplasty at all stages, from exploring options to undergoing surgery. During the exploration stage, those with financial constraints were more likely to explore rhinoplasty options, whereas wealthier participants were 67% less likely to do so (OR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.16–0.71). Greater nose concerns and having a peer who had undergone surgery increased the odds of exploration and preparation. Older age was associated with higher odds of not considering rhinoplasty (OR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.03–1.19). Being female was linked to higher odds of undergoing rhinoplasty (OR = 7.76, 95% CI: 1.73–34.75). Conclusions: More than a quarter of the sample was willing to or had already undergone rhinoplasty. Factors associated with higher odds of considering rhinoplasty included female gender, young age, limited financial resources, having a friend or family member who had the surgery, concerns about nose appearance, and the acceptance of cosmetic surgery in general.

Background: Curriculum analysis involves unpacking the curriculum into its component parts and evaluating how these parts fit together. The aim of this study is to analyze the curriculum of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kordofan (FM-UK), Sudan, using Harden’s 10 questions of curriculum development framework. Methods: This is a mixed qualitative and quantitative descriptive purposive study. The qualitative descriptive study is based on documents analysis. All necessary documents of the college were reviewed. Intensive interviews were performed with the leading administration personnel in the College, Regional Ministry of Health, Teaching Hospital and Community Leaders. Focus Group Discussions were conducted separately for representatives of the students and representatives of the nonacademic staff. Thematic analysis was then used to categorize the findings. This quantitative study used a self-administered questionnaire for fifth-year students’ perceptions of the educational environment including Likert scale and open-ended questions. The quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS. Results: The curriculum is built to meet the needs of the local community. The objectives are clear, and the content is adequate. The educational strategies, teaching methods, student assessment, and study organization need to be updated. There are deficiencies in the learning environment, delivery of the curriculum, and how it is communicated. Conclusion: Harden’s 10 questions are all addressed by the curriculum of the FM-UK. There is a need for establishment of the school in this community and the curriculum supports the mission and objectives. There are areas identified for improvement.