Background: Hypertension imposes a significant public health burden. An increased awareness of hypertension complications within a population can positively impact patient care and prevent complications. This study seeks to assess the awareness of hypertension complications among the population of Bisha in Saudi Arabia in 2020. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020. A validated self-administered online-based questionnaire was sent to a sample of the adult population of Bisha to measure their awareness of hypertension complications. Results: Almost three-quarters of the population (72.2%) were aware of hypertension complications. The awareness level was significantly higher among male participants (p < 0.001), those aged 31–40 years, those who were married, those working as police officers or in civilian jobs, those living in urban areas (p = 0.04), those with a university-level education (p = 0.03), those with a medium family income (SAR 5000–14,999) (p = 0.001), and those with a history of hospitalization because of causes other than hypertension (p = 0.05). Marital status was independently predictive of awareness (B = 0.851, Wald test = 12.179, p = 0.000) among the respondents. Conclusion: The study concludes that the awareness of hypertension complications among the Bisha population in Saudi Arabia was deemed acceptable. Factors such as marital status, age, gender, a family history of hypertension, the duration of hypertension, and medication adherence positively influenced this awareness and served as predictors of hypertensive awareness. The findings highlight the importance of health authorities in ensuring the widespread awareness of hypertension complications, particularly among hypertensive individuals.

This review explores the influence of stigma on infectious diseases like tuberculosis and sexually transmitted infections and its implications for public health efforts. A comprehensive search of peer-reviewed articles provided data on stigma concepts, contributing factors, cultural and social contexts, and health outcomes. Using tools like the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and CASP checklists, we assessed study quality and calculated odds ratios (ORs), confidence intervals (CIs), and P values to measure stigma’s impact. Among 35 included studies, findings reveal stigma in Saudi Arabia is deeply entrenched in cultural and social frameworks, contributing to delayed diagnosis (ORs 1.5–3.0, CIs 1.2–4.0, P < 0.01), reduced healthcare utilization, and poor outcomes. Key factors include misinformation, cultural beliefs, and fear of social rejection. Effective interventions such as public education, community engagement, and policy reforms are crucial. Addressing stigma through culturally sensitive public health strategies and policy advocacy is vital for improving disease prevention and control.

Background and aims This research investigates COVID-19 awareness among primary school teachers and staff in Bisha City. It aims to enhance safety protocols by examining knowledge, awareness levels, and demographic associations. Despite school reopening, concerns linger. The study promotes informed decision-making, fostering a safer school environment and contributing to the well-being of the educational community. Methods In an institutional-based cross-sectional study among primary school teachers and administrative staff in Bisha City, our research aimed to comprehensively evaluate awareness regarding specific measures for minimizing COVID-19 risks. With a sample size of 348 participants, we employed a robust methodology, including online questionnaires addressing sociodemographic characteristics and knowledge about COVID-19 risks. The data collection period spanned from March 2022 to December 2023, providing a temporal context for responses. A pilot test ensured questionnaire clarity, and efforts were made to enhance reliability and validity, incorporating validated scales and iterative adjustments based on feedback. Non-response or incomplete responses were handled transparently, with sensitivity analyses to assess potential impact. The awareness level was measured using 17 Likert scale questions, and predefined categories (poor, moderate, and good) facilitated result interpretation. Researcher influence was minimized through training and inter-rater reliability checks. Confidentiality and anonymity were rigorously maintained, adhering to ethical considerations. Statistical analyses employed frequency tables, percentages, mean, standard deviations, and the chi-square test. Dissemination included academic publications, reports to the educational directorate, and presentations at conferences. This holistic approach contributes to the robustness and societal impact of our study, offering insights into COVID-19 awareness among educators in Bisha City. Results In this study assessing awareness among teachers and administrative staff in Bisha City regarding COVID-19 risk minimization, data from 348 respondents revealed key bio-demographic characteristics. The majority demonstrated good knowledge of environmental (83%) and personal hygiene risks (84%). The chi-square test indicated no significant associations between bio-demographic factors and awareness levels. Specifically, for age groups, χ²(4, N = 348) = 5.46, p = 0.707; for gender, χ²(1, N = 348) = 1.95, p = 0.744; for educational levels, χ²(4, N = 348) = 2.13, p = 0.995; for residency, χ²(1, N = 348) = 1.11, p = 0.892; and for job types, χ²(3, N = 348) = 8.30, p = 0.404. The absence of significant associations underscores the potential universality of successful awareness campaigns, suggesting that future efforts can maintain an inclusive approach without tailoring messages. These results emphasize the importance of sustained awareness efforts across the diverse demographic spectrum of the educational community. Conclusion This study reveals robust COVID-19 awareness among primary school teachers and staff in Bisha City, with no significant demographic associations. Successful, inclusive awareness campaigns can further enhance safety measures and promote well-being in the educational community.

Objectives: Adolescent depression is a major public health concern with important psychosocial and educational implications. This study examined the distribution of a depressive-symptom-risk/general-distress composite and its psychosocial correlates among secondary school students in Bisha Province, Saudi Arabia, and explored teachers' perspectives on how depressive symptoms or distress affect students in school settings. Methods: A school-based cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted during the 2024–2025 academic year. Quantitative data were analyzed from 425 secondary school students using a self-administered questionnaire containing a 17-item depressive-symptom-risk composite and psychosocial stressor items. Composite items were coded from 0 to 7 (theoretical total range 0–119; observed range 0–84). For descriptive purposes, four sample-specific, non-diagnostic score bands were used (0–24, 25–38, 39–67, and ≥68), and the primary logistic-regression outcome was dichotomized as 0–24 vs. ≥25. Analyses included chi-square tests, Spearman correlation, Kruskal–Wallis tests, and multivariable logistic regression, with p -values corrected for multiple comparisons using the Benjamini–Hochberg procedure. Qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with 42 teachers and analyzed thematically. Ethical approval was obtained from the University of Bisha Institutional Review Board. Results: Overall, 47.1% of students had an elevated composite score (≥25). In the 425-student analytical sample, family conflict (aOR = 5.47) and emotional or physical violence (aOR = 3.40) remained significantly associated with elevated scores after correction for multiple comparisons; bullying showed a positive uncorrected association (aOR = 1.68) that did not survive correction. Health-related conditions, smoking, and family history of mental illness were also associated with higher score bands in bivariate analyses. Gender-stratified analyses showed that, after correction, family conflict remained significant among male students, while family conflict and emotional/physical violence remained significant among female students; associations for bullying among males and sexual harassment among females were positive but did not survive correction and should be interpreted as suggestive. Composite scores were not significantly associated with academic performance (CGPA). Teachers reported emotional withdrawal, behavioral changes, reduced classroom engagement, and limited training in identifying and supporting affected students. Conclusions: Elevated depressive-symptom-risk composite scores were common among secondary school students and were strongly associated with modifiable psychosocial stressors, particularly family conflict and exposure to violence. Because the instrument and its score bands are not diagnostic thresholds, the findings should be interpreted as relative psychosocial/depressive-symptom risk rather than prevalence of clinical depressive disorder. Given the cross-sectional design, these associations are correlational rather than causal. Findings highlight the need for validated school-based mental health screening, teacher training, and family-centered interventions.

Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of adult individuals regarding type 2 diabetes screening. Method: The community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2023 to June 2024 after approval from the ethics review committee of Bisha College of Medicine, Saudi Arabia, and comprised adult residents of Bisha province regardless of gender. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and relationships between categorical variables and sociodemographic factors were explored. Data was analysed using SPSS 26. Results: Of the 512 respondents, (61.7%) were male, (74.8%) lived in Bisha city, (58.4%) were married, and (44.7%) were aged 18-30 years. Overall, 288(56.3%) subjects showed good knowledge of type 2 diabetes screening, 395(77.1%) had a positive attitude, and 391(76.4%) practiced screening well. Knowledge was linked to marital status (p=0.011), and attitude to education level (p=0.037), while practice had a significant association with age (p<0.001), education level (p=0.001) and marital status (p31 years had lower odds of good practices than those aged 18-30 years. Conclusion: Knowledge of and attitudes towards type 2 diabetes screening were consistent across demographics, but practices varied. Improving community screening may require addressing behavioural and structural barriers, particularly for older adults, rather than just increasing awareness. Key Words: Diabetes mellitus, Type 2, Mass screening, Health knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Adult, Cross-sectional studies.