Background: Saudi Arabia has taken unprecedented and stringent preventive and precautionary measures against COVID-19 to control its spread, safeguard citizens and ensure their well-being. Public adherence to preventive measures is influenced by their knowledge and attitude toward COVID-19. This study investigated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the Saudi public, toward COVID-19, during the pandemic. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, using data collected via an online self-reported questionnaire, from 3,388 participants. To assess the differences in mean scores, and identify factors associated with knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward COVID-19, the data were run through univariate and multivariable regression analyses, respectively. Results: The majority of the study participants were knowledgeable about COVID-19. The mean COVID-19 knowledge score was 17.96 (SD = 2.24, range: 3–22), indicating a high level of knowledge. The mean score for attitude was 28.23 (SD = 2.76, range: 6–30), indicating optimistic attitudes. The mean score for practices was 4.34 (SD = 0.87, range: 0–5), indicating good practices. However, the results showed that men have less knowledge, less optimistic attitudes, and less good practice toward COVID-19, than women. We also found that older adults are likely to have better knowledge and practices, than younger people. Conclusions: Our finding suggests that targeted health education interventions should be directed to this particular vulnerable population, who may be at increased risk of contracting COVID-19. For example, COVID-19 knowledge may increase significantly if health education programs are specifically targeted at men.

Objective: This study examines the 2022 distribution of primary healthcare centers across Saudi Arabia’s 20 regions, focusing on disparities and healthcare accessibility. Methods: A quantitative analysis of the Ministry of Health’s data was conducted. Primary healthcare centers distribution was evaluated by calculating the number of primary healthcare centers per 100,000 population across different administrative regions. Results: The study uncovered regional disparities, with the PHCs-per-100,000-people ratio showing significant variance. Regions like Riyadh had an above-average ratio with 7.5 PHCs-per-100,000-people, while Jeddah lagged behind with a concerning 3.2 PHCs-per-100,000-people despite being a populous city. The PHC-per-capita ratio declined to 6.6 in 2022 from 8.0 in 2017. The data also revealed that the Eastern Province showed an increase in the number of primary healthcare centers. Conclusion: Disparities in the distribution of primary healthcare centers in 2022 highlight a critical need for equitable healthcare access across Saudi Arabia. Many regions require increased primary healthcare center allocation to match population needs. The findings underscore the urgency of integrating these insights into policy frameworks to achieve the goals of Vision 2030, emphasizing the development of a sustainable and equitable healthcare system. Implications: Policymakers need to consider these disparities to guide the strategic placement of primary healthcare centers and ensure an equitable healthcare system. This study provides a basis for targeted policy interventions to improve healthcare equity and prepare the health system for future demographic and epidemiological transitions.

KMAP-O framework for care management research of patients with type 2 diabetes

The global nursing shortage is a growing concern, particularly in regions experiencing rapid population growth and healthcare transformation. This study examines trends and regional inequalities in Saudi Arabia's nursing workforce distribution from 2019 to 2023 within the context of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Health Sector Transformation Program. Data from the Ministry of Health's 2023 Statistical Yearbook were used for this study. Nurse-to-1 000 population ratios were calculated across 20 health regions. Inequality in the nursing distribution was assessed using Gini coefficients and Lorenz curves, disaggregated by sector (Ministry of Health vs. private health sector) and nationality (Saudi vs. non-Saudi). The national nursing workforce increased by 9% from 2019 to 2023, reaching 213 110 nurses. However, nurse-to-population ratios varied significantly across regions, ranging from 3.13 to 9.89 per 1 000 people. The overall Gini coefficient was 0.48, indicating a relatively unequal distribution of nurses across regions. Inequalities were more pronounced in the private health sector (Gini coefficient = 0.69) and among non-Saudi nurses (Gini coefficient = 0.59). While Saudization efforts led to a modest increase-Saudi nationals comprised 44.22% of the nursing workforce in 2023-localization remained uneven across regions and healthcare sectors. Despite workforce growth and increased localization, Saudi Arabia continues to face considerable regional inequalities in nursing distribution. These disparities require targeted workforce policy interventions, including expanding nursing education opportunities, optimizing working conditions, and implementing strategic workforce plans to distribute nursing resources more equitably. Additionally, offering incentives for deployment in underserved regions will be critical.

Equitable geographical distribution of health resources, such as hospital beds, is fundamental in ensuring public accessibility to healthcare services. This study examines the distribution of hospital beds across Saudi Arabia's 20 health regions. A secondary data analysis was conducted using the 2022 Saudi Ministry of Health Statistical Yearbook. The study focused on calculating the hospital beds-per-1,000-people ratio across Saudi Arabia's 20 health regions. The analysis involved comparing regional bed distributions using the Gini index and Lorenz curve to assess the distribution of hospital beds. The national average beds-per-1,000-people ratio was 2.43, serving a population of approximately 32.2 million. The calculated mean Gini index for bed distribution was 0.15, which indicates a relatively equitable distribution. Further analysis revealed some regional disparities, with health regions like Makkah and Jeddah displaying critically low bed-to-population ratios. In contrast, others like Al-Jouf and the Northern region reported higher ratios. The study also identified the need for an additional 17,062 beds to meet international standards of 2.9 beds per 1,000 people. The findings revealed a national average beds-per-1,000-people ratio of 2.43, with some regional disparities. The study highlights the critical need for targeted healthcare planning and policy interventions to address the uneven distribution of hospital beds across Saudi Arabia. Not applicable.

Background: Work engagement in nursing is pivotal for quality care and workforce stability. Under the healthcare goals of Vision 2030, understanding and improving the engagement of nurses is critical in Saudi Arabia. Yet, the current literature on the work engagement of Saudi nurses is scant, presenting a knowledge gap. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate work engagement levels among Saudi nurses at King Abdulaziz Hospital, Jeddah, and identify key contributing factors. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study design was utilized. A structured questionnaire assessing demographic information, work-related characteristics, and levels of work engagement using the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale was distributed electronically to 466 Saudi nurses at the hospital in November, 2019. Two hundred twenty-four nurses responded. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and Spearman's correlation and linear regression analysis to examine relationships between engagement and factors. Results: The mean engagement score was 66.16%, with absorption scoring the highest. Work engagement was significantly associated with years of experience, work position, and employment status. Engagement was higher in nurses with over 20 years of experience and managers. Income level approached a significant relationship with engagement. Demographic factors did not correlate significantly with engagement. Conclusion: The study found that work engagement among Saudi nurses was significantly influenced by experience, work position, and employment status. These findings highlight the need for a strategic focus on career development and job satisfaction to boost engagement. Future research should explore interventions that enhance engagement and their effects on healthcare outcomes.