Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most prevalent endocrine concern among women of reproductive age. In Saudi Arabia, there is a lack of evidence to identify who is at higher risk of PCOS and what the potential risk factors are. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the associations of PCOS risk with demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, access to healthcare, health behaviors, and health status. This cross-sectional study was conducted among women in all different regions of Saudi Arabia to assess PCOS risk and related factors. Ethical approval was obtained, and data collectors distributed anonymous, self-administered questionnaires through social media platforms, with informed consent from participants. Sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviors, and perceived stress were measured, with stress assessed using the Arabic version of Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale. Data management and analyses included statistical description, bivariate analysis, and multinomial logistic regression analyses using SPSS, with significance set at p < 0.05. The majority were younger than 30 years old, single, educated, urban residents, employed or students, and non-smokers. Most participants reported no chronic illnesses, with an average stress level of 19.71 (± 6.68). Concerning the risk of PCOS, 41.3% were at low risk, 33.3% were at suspected risk, 2.9% were at high risk, and 22.5% were diagnosed with PCOS. Factors associated with PCOS risk included age, region of residence, income, weight status, smoking status, presence of chronic conditions, medication and herbal remedy use, and perceived stress. Adjusted findings indicated that younger age, lower income, and higher stress levels were linked to an increased risk of PCOS, while chronic conditions were significantly associated with PCOS diagnosis rates. The study suggested the need for tailored interventions addressing lifestyle, stress, and comorbid disease management to reduce the risk of PCOS and improve women’s health outcomes.

Self-medication among university students is becoming a health concern, especially during examinations and stress. This pattern of medication use among students could lead to adverse health consequences if it is not addressed and tackled. Thus, this study investigated the most associated factors with this practice among students. An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among university students in Northern Borders Province, Saudi Arabia. A total of 220 students were selected and took part in the survey. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire. The survey was distributed among participants to answer five sections: demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, health status problems, satisfaction with academic performance, and self-medication questions. The content validity was tested using a pilot sample of 30 students. The descriptive, univariate, and multivariate analyses were conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Science program. In the present sample of university students, the response rate was 100%. Approximately one-third reported using medications without prescriptions, and 83% of them have used medications three times at most during the past 12 months. Headache was the most common reason for use (59%), followed by fever (20%). Adjusted multivariate analysis showed that students who were 21-24 years of age (OR = 3.79, 95% CI = 1.21-11.82), female (OR = 2.43, 95% CI = 1.03-5.72), and living alone in private housing (OR = 3.62, 95% CI = 1.32-9.90) were at high risk of self-medication as compared to their counterparts. However, students in the last years of college (fourth (OR = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.03-0.62), fifth (OR = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.05-0.95), sixth (OR = 0.05, 95% CI = 0.01-0.35)) were at lower risk as compared to their counterparts. The study found that self-medication was common among university students, with higher rates among those who were 21-24 years old, female, and living alone in private housing, but lower rates among students in the later years of college. Educational programs and awareness campaigns should target students who are at higher risk of practicing self-medication to avoid misuse of over-the-counter medications.

Background/Objectives: Numerous national programs have been launched to enhance public health in Saudi Arabia, primarily aiming to promote healthy lifestyles through regular physical activity and a balanced diet. However, there is a lack of studies assessing the effectiveness and utilization of these initiatives. This study aimed to evaluate the perceived effectiveness and utilization of health promotion initiatives and identify the associated factors. Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted among adults (aged > 18 years) in Saudi Arabia using an online questionnaire through a convenient sampling approach. The questionnaire comprised three sections: sociodemographic data, medical history, and health promotion initiatives. An adjusted analysis was conducted using ordinary least squares (OLS) regression. Results: A total of 999 participants completed the survey. Walking paths emerged as the most perceived effective initiative, while labeled caloric menus were the most utilized. Perceptions of walking paths varied by age and health status; individuals aged 25–44 and lower-income groups viewed them less favorably. In contrast, those in good health found them more effective. Perceptions of calorie-related information on menus differed according to health status. Saudis perceived taxes on soft drinks less favorably than non-Saudis. Regionally, the western region favored fresh juice options compared to the East. The utilization of walking paths was higher among married individuals and those without chronic conditions, while the consumption of soft drinks was significant among younger and extremely obese individuals. Conclusions: The study revealed diverse perceptions and utilization patterns regarding health promotion initiatives among various demographic and socioeconomic groups, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies to enhance their effectiveness across populations.

This study estimated the cost-effectiveness of metformin to reduce the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in pregnant women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) from the US health care pa...

Background: The decline in fertility rates is a growing concern globally, impacting family dynamics and the economy. This study assesses women’s attitudes toward fertility and childbearing in Saudi Arabia and explored their associations with sociodemographic, medical, and psychological factors. Methods: This one-year cross-sectional study involved 2172 Arabic-speaking women aged 18–50 years in Saudi Arabia, with the data collected between December 2022 and January 2023. The online survey, distributed through posts on social media apps as WhatsApp, Twitter, Telegram, Snapchat, and Facebook, measured sociodemographic characteristics, medical and psychiatric history, childbearing preference, and the Arabic version of the Attitudes toward Fertility and Childbearing Scale (AFCS). Results: Item–total correlations ranged from r = 0.124 to higher, all significant at p < 0.01, supporting the scale’s validity. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) identified four emerging factors (eigenvalues > 1), and Bartlett’s test confirmed sample suitability (p < 0.001; Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin = 0.898). Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.898. Participants who were young (71.5%), unmarried (72%), and had psychiatric disorders (16.5%) were more likely to perceive childbearing as less important for their future. Nevertheless, these same groups, along with students (61%), frequently regarded childbearing as a present hindrance that necessitates preparation. Furthermore, participants who were undecided about having children (22.5%) exhibited lower scores in the female identity domain. Conclusions: The Arabic version of the Attitudes toward Fertility and Childbearing Scale appears to be psychometrically sound, encompassing four factors: importance for the future, hindrance at present, childbearing preparation, and female identity. This study found that younger women and those with psychiatric disorders showed lower scores regarding the importance of future childbearing, while college students exhibited more concerns about hindrance and preparation.