Despite the increasing number of pharmacy schools and their graduates, the healthcare workforce shortage has increased in Saudi Arabia's pharmacy sector, especially with the opening of new retail pharmacies, industries and pharmaceutical companies, which means that more pharmacist positions have been created with expanded working hours. However, very limited data are available regarding the views and preferences of pharmacy students regarding their future job choices in Saudi Arabia, which may create concerns for licensing organizations, employers and institutions and also gaps between what students want and the vacancies for pharmacists. Therefore, this study aims to identify pharmacy students' career choices and examine the factors that influence their choices across different pharmacy schools in Saudi via a cross-sectional survey. A cross-sectional survey was carried out of undergraduates at all education levels at different colleges of pharmacy across Saudi Arabia from October 2017 to March 2018. The questionnaire gathered students' characteristics and covered the importance of general job considerations for students, their choices and the factors influencing their future career choices and finally the students' opinions regarding different work settings. The data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Hospital pharmacies were the preferred area of practice (n = 212: 51.6%), followed by academia and research centres (n = 102: 24.8%), while the pharmaceutical industry and community pharmacies were the least preferred, at 7% and 2%, respectively. Based on the respondents' characteristics and preferred future career, a multivariate logistic regression revealed that the pharmD students were 4 times more likely to prefer hospital pharmacy posts (odds ratio (OR) = 4.554, p = 0.033) compared with the B-pharm students. Among the factors that influenced the students' choices were personal interest, in addition to training experience and organizational reputation. The most important job considerations, according to the students, was moving up the job ladder (n = 346; 84.2%), and job openings in a certain field (n = 341; 83%). The Kruskal-Wallis test for nonparametric ordinal data declared detected several significant differences among different pharmacy settings for each item measuring the pharmD and B-pharm students' attitudes and opinions. By identifying these gaps and pharmacy students' goals and needs, we aim to draw the government's attention to these to ensure a future balance between supply and demand and effective pharmacy workforce planning, which is mandatory.

Purpose: This study aimed to assess medication adherence strategies among users in Saudi Arabia, explore the prevalence and effectiveness of behavioral, technical, and organizational tools, and identify key predictors of adherence related to demographic, health, and medication characteristics. Patients and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 Saudi residents aged ≥ 18 who regularly take prescription/non-prescription medications. The questionnaire was developed through a literature review, validated by academic pharmacists, and refined based on pilot testing feedback. A convenience sampling method, complemented by snowball sampling, was employed to recruit participants. Limitations like sampling bias and self-reported data emphasize the need for broader studies. Quantitative analysis was performed using IBM SPSS. Results: Participants were predominantly young adults (84%) and females (84%), with 54% reporting being healthy and 46% managing chronic conditions. Behavioral strategies, such as time-based reminders, were the most commonly used (40%), followed by technical tools (33%), including mobile applications. Employment status significantly influenced adherence, with employed individuals (adjusted OR: 3.274, p = 0.028) and those working > 8 hours daily (adjusted OR: 9.838, p = 0.049) exhibiting higher adherence. Fieldwork negatively impacted adherence (adjusted OR: 0.052, p = 0.007). While other demographic and health factors showed no significant associations, trends suggested that complex medication regimens increased the likelihood of using adherence strategies. Conclusion: Behavioral strategies, such as time- and location-based reminders, and technical tools, like apps, effectively improved medication adherence. Healthcare providers should promote simple, cost-effective methods, such as pillboxes and mobile reminders, tailored to patient needs. Addressing adherence barriers for individuals with demanding/unexpected schedules or complex regimens through targeted interventions and awareness campaigns is essential. Future research should explore these strategies’ scalability and long-term impact in diverse healthcare settings.

Background: Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use has become increasingly popular worldwide, including in Saudi Arabia, especially among younger individuals. This study investigates the patterns, motivations, and perceptions of e-cigarette use to inform public health interventions and policy.Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study surveyed traditional cigarette smokers and ex-smokers above 18 in Saudi Arabia using an online questionnaire distributed via social media with convenience and snowball sampling. The tool, adapted from validated sources and refined through expert review and pilot testing, captured demographic data, smoking behaviors, perceptions, motivations, and patterns of e-cigarette use. Closed-ended questions ensured consistency in responses. A power analysis was conducted to determine the required sample size. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, one-way ANOVA, correlation analyses, and multinomial logistic regression were applied (p ≤ 0.05).Results: Findings revealed that e-cigarette use was significantly higher among younger males (p = 0.028), with 86% of participants being male and 63% aged 18–28. Socioeconomic factors such as lower income and education levels were associated with higher usage rates (p = 0.001 and p = 0.030, respectively). Dual users of e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes made up 47% of participants, while 31% were ex-smokers, and 22% were exclusive e-cigarette users. A preference for high nicotine content (≥16 mg) was noted among 26% of participants, and 44% reported adverse effects like shortness of breath and chest pain. Key motivations included smoking cessation (45%), flavor variety (35%), and perceived safety (29%). Retailers (43%) and online stores (27%) were the primary sources. Notably, 61% of participants supported government regulation of e-cigarettes. Gender, region, marital status, and education were significant predictors of usage patterns (p < 0.05).Conclusions: E-cigarette use is widespread among younger males in Saudi Arabia, driven by socioeconomic factors and perceptions of safety. Despite these perceptions, adverse effects like shortness of breath and chest pain were frequently reported. Comprehensive public health measures, including nicotine regulation, sales restrictions, taxation, and education, are urgently needed. Collaboration between the health and education sectors, along with continuous monitoring and research, is crucial for guiding effective national strategies.

BACKGROUND: Numerous preventive measures and regulations including electronic health (e-health) services were implemented during the coronavirus pandemic. Despite their importance, very little is known about their use. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the use of e-health application by healthcare providers (HCPs), and assess their awareness, perceptions, and practices of such services. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted during July to September 2024 using online self-administered questionnaires. Participants were selected using convenient sampling technique supplemented by snowball sampling. The calculated sample size was 218 participants. Data was collected through an online pretested English-language questionnaire. SPSS version 26 was used to analyze data; Chi-square test was used to examine the associations between HCPs’ responses regarding perceived benefits, risks, and needs related to e-health tools. RESULTS: Of the 471 survey participants who started filling out the survey, 64% (n=300) reported using e-health services since coronavirus disease and were included in the final analysis. Female HCPs used e-health applications twice as often as males, and a decline in e-health use was seen with increasing age of participants. Most common purpose for using e-health services were treatment (61%), consultations (60%), and follow up with patient (54%). The most used e-health tools were telephones or cell phones (69.0%) and WhatsApp applications (64.0%) followed by Zoom application (50.0%) and Sehhaty application. Technical problems such as poor internet connection and automatic updates of applications were reported by more than half of the users (52%). Participants reported perceived risks regarding privacy and data protection, and clinical risks associated with using e-health tools. CONCLUSION: HCPs’ positive experiences with e-health services in Saudi Arabia, valued for their cost-effectiveness and efficiency. However, patient misinterpretation, privacy risks, and clinical errors persist. Growing demand underscores the need for more explicit e-health regulations and broader professional involvement to enhance e-health service.

Purpose: The growing use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for infection prevention across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries raises important concerns regarding patient safety and the lack of evidence-based regulation. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of CAM use, identify associated demographic factors, and explore public perceptions to support healthcare policy development. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted over a three-month period among GCC residents aged 18 years and older. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed via social media platforms (eg Facebook, WhatsApp, and Twitter) using a convenience sampling approach, supplemented by snowballing. Although the calculated target sample size was 385, a total of 340 participants completed the survey. The questionnaire included items related to demographics, CAM practices, knowledge, and beliefs. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 26, and chi-square tests were used to explore associations between CAM use frequency and participant characteristics. Results: Herbal products (62%) and spiritual healing (14%) emerged as the most commonly used CAM practices, with ginger, Curcuma longa, and garlic being the most frequently used herbs. More frequent CAM use was significantly associated with education level (χ²(3) = 19.01, p < 0.001, Cramér’s V = 0.160), country of residence (χ²(5) = 35.28, p < 0.001, Cramér’s V = 0.217), and prior infection experience (χ²(2) = 35.14, p < 0.001, Cramér’s V = 0.217). Higher usage was reported among Saudis, individuals with higher education, and those previously ill. No significant associations were found with age, health status, or fear of infection. Although 85% of users reported no side effects, reliance on informal sources and limited provider consultation raised safety concerns. Conclusion: Widespread CAM use highlights the urgent need for regulatory oversight, provider education, and culturally sensitive public health strategies to ensure safe integration into infection prevention efforts.