Recognizing pediatric eye health issues at an early stage, along with ensuring that parents are well informed, is crucial. This study measures parents’ knowledge and perspectives on pediatric ophthalmic disease. The study utilized a cross-sectional design, and participants included Saudi parents of children residing in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a pre-validated self-administered questionnaire with a scoring system. Sociodemographic characteristics and factors associated with knowledge/attitude were collected and analyzed. Initially, 425 respondents participated in this study. Excluding the participants whose work was related to healthcare and those with incomplete data yielded 370 responses on which the subsequent analyses were performed. The analysis revealed that only half of the parents recognized the need for annual eye examinations for children. Most of them showed gaps in knowledge regarding the frequency of routine eye exams and indicators of visual problems. Notably, parents with good/excellent knowledge were more proactive in their eye care practices, such as adherence to recommended eye examination schedules and accepting corrective measures like glasses for common conditions such as refractive errors and amblyopia. However, parental willingness to permit surgical interventions did not correlate significantly with their level of knowledge, signaling the influence of other factors. In conclusion, this study underscores the need for enhanced public health education to improve parental awareness of pediatric eye diseases in Saudi Arabia. Given the link between knowledge and proactive eye health practices, targeted interventions should distribute comprehensive, culturally sensitive information accessible to all demographics.

Cataracts are a leading cause of visual impairment globally and significantly affect quality of life. In the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia, an area characterized by unique environmental and socioeconomic factors, the awareness of the cataract and its associated risk factors remain poorly understood. Therefore, assessing the knowledge about this problem in our region is the initial step to mitigate the impact of cataracts in the region. This descriptive cross-sectional study evaluated the prevalence of cataracts and the associated risk factors among adults in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia. The study employed an online questionnaire divided into the sociodemographic characteristics and cataract knowledge sections. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences for descriptive statistics. The study included 701 participants, predominantly young males (64.2%, aged 18–30 years). The participant profile included students (35.7%) and teachers (16.4%), and the majority held university degrees (69.2%). The preferred sources of information were TV and social media (23.8%), the Internet (23.3%), and academic studies (10.9%). Regarding cataract awareness, 57.6% correctly identified cataracts, 64.9% recognized blurred vision as a symptom, and 68.8% were aware of surgical treatment. Notable associations were found with sex (84.1% of females with higher education, P = .039), age (90.4% of those with >50 years of education, P = .002), and occupation (93.2% of students, P < .001). Overall, there were significant associations between the knowledge level and age (67.3%, P < .001) and occupation (77.6%, P < .001). This study revealed a moderate level of awareness of cataracts in Jazan, with significant variations based on sex, age, and occupation. These findings highlight the need for targeted educational interventions, particularly among certain demographic groups, to enhance understanding and management of cataracts in the region.

Hyperkalemia is prevalent among chronic kidney disease patients, and their knowledge and perceptions regarding a potassium-rich diet vary widely. In this study, we aim to evaluate the level of knowledge regarding potassium-rich diet Intake among chronic kidney disease patients in Jazan, Saudi Arabia, and to identify potassium-rich diet intake-related practices among them. We conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study using the convenient sampling method on CKD patients. The questionnaire was composed of 20 questions distributed over 3 domains. The data had been analyzed using SPSS software version 23. Frequency and percentages were used to display categorical variables. Mean and standard deviation was used to present numerical variables. The independent t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) test were both used to test for factors associated with knowledge and perception score. A total of 404 were involved in the study. Most were aged between 41 and 60 years 38.6%. The majority were male 57.2% and of Saudi nationality 76.7%. Regarding marital status, 64.6% were married and 4% were divorced. Regarding employment, 67.3% were unemployed, and 5% were students. As regards education, 60.9% had less than a high school education and 0.9% had a master’s degree/PhD or equivalent. The knowledge levels about potassium-containing diets show that 79.8% had low knowledge, 20% had moderate knowledge, and only 0.2% had a high knowledge level. Participants’ behaviors toward a potassium-rich diet show that 52.7% have considered lowering dietary potassium is essential, while 32.7% were unsure of its necessity. Only 16.1% indicated that salt quantity on nutritional labels influenced their shopping choices. A total of 53% of participants avoided or reduced consumption of potassium-rich foods. Additionally, 36.4% opted for low-potassium alternatives and 26% read potassium content on labels. Behavioral scores ranged from 0 to 5, with a mean of 1.84 ± 1.62. Lastly, A moderate positive correlation was found between knowledge and behavior scores. This study identifies significant gaps in knowledge and behavior regarding high-potassium meals among CKD patients in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. The results underscore the necessity for better patient education, customized treatment plans, and a multidisciplinary approach to nutrition management to enhance dietary adherence and clinical outcomes.

Background: Allergic conjunctivitis is a prevalent ocular condition characterized by inflammation of the conjunctiva due to hypersensitivity reactions to various allergens. Understanding its epidemiology and clinical characteristics is crucial for effective management and public health interventions. Methods: This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence, triggers, and associated factors of allergic conjunctivitis among residents of the Southern region of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered through Google Forms. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS, including descriptive statistics and bivariable/multivariable analyses. Results: A total of 693 participants were recruited through convenience sampling via online platforms. Among the participants, 73.9% reported ocular symptoms, while 26.1% did not. Dust emerged as the most common trigger for ocular symptoms (32.9%), followed by eye drops/contact lenses (8.7%), animal dander (6.9%), and chemicals (5.8%). Notably, 39.7% reported experiencing ocular symptoms throughout the year. Despite the prevalence of ocular symptoms, only 26.7% consulted an ophthalmologist. Multivariable analysis revealed that gender and seasonal variation in symptoms were associated with allergic conjunctivitis diagnosis. Females showed a lower odds ratio (OR) of being diagnosed with allergic conjunctivitis compared to males (OR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.29–1.31), and participants experiencing symptoms with no specific season had significantly lower odds of being diagnosed with allergic conjunctivitis (OR: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.11–0.72). A history of allergic rhinitis demonstrated a strong positive association with allergic conjunctivitis diagnosis (OR: 3.77, 95% CI: 1.83–7.75). Conclusion: The study highlights the considerable burden of allergic conjunctivitis and the underutilization of healthcare services among affected individuals in the Southern region of Saudi Arabia. Tailored interventions and increased awareness are essential for effective management and mitigation of allergic conjunctivitis’s impact on affected individuals and healthcare systems.