Introduction: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) continues to cause frequent outbreaks in hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Since healthcare workers (HCWs) have a higher risk of acquiring and spreading MERS-CoV, we aimed to evaluate the perceived risk and anxiety level of HCWs in Saudi Arabia regarding MERS. Methodology: An anonymous, self-administered questionnaire was sent online to HCWs at King Khalid University Hospital in Saudi Arabia. The total knowledge and anxiety scores were calculated. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify predictors of high anxiety scores. Results: Of 591 (70%) HCWs that responded, 284 (55%), 164 (32%), and 68 (13.2%) were physicians, nurses, and technicians, respectively. Physicians obtained a lower median knowledge score (6/9) compared to other professions (7/9). The mean anxiety score was similar for physicians and other HCWs (3/5); however, non-physicians expressed higher levels of anxiety toward the risk of transmitting MERS-CoV to their families, with an anxiety score of 4/5. The ability of the virus to cause severe disease or death was the most frequently reported reason for worry by physicians (89.7%) and non-physicians (87.2%). Overall, 80% of physicians and 90% of non-physicians reported improvement in adherence to hand hygiene and standard precautions while in hospital (p = 0.002). Concern over transmitting MERS-CoV to family members was the most predictive factor for anxiety among non-physician HCWs. Conclusion: A significant proportion of HCWs expressed anxiety about the risk of acquiring MERS-CoV infection. Healthcare institutions need to develop an integrated psychological response for HCWs to the occupational and psychological challenge of MERS-CoV outbreaks.

In 2016, the government of Saudi Arabia launched the National Transformation Program to ensure the realisation of Kingdom's Vision 2030. One of the strategic objectives is Health Promotion against Health Risks (Public Health System and Health Disasters Management). The new Institutional Transformation and Health Care Model involves actions focusing on diseases prevention and strengthening the primary health care system. Success of the new Health Care Model in Saudi Arabia is only possible when considering assessment of factors influencing national prevalence of health risk factors and early detection of chronic diseases. This notion mandates availability of national screening programs that are able to identify individuals at risk or asymptomatically suffering from chronic diseases. This review is aiming to provide an overall overview of current governmental national screening programs in Saudi Arabia, to assess utilisation and outcomes of screening services in Saudi Arabia and assessment of effectiveness of current national screening programs.

Development of a Saudi Food Frequency Questionnaire and testing its reliability and validity

Assessment of the environmental and genetic factors influencing prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Saudi Arabia

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of internet gaming disorder (IGD) and its associated factors among a sample of adolescents in the Faifa governorate in the south of Saudi Arabia. This was a cross-sectional study targeting intermediate and secondary school adolescent students in the Faifa governorate. Multistage sampling was performed to reach the required sample, where 9 schools were randomly selected, followed by the distribution of the questionnaire to all students at all levels. IGD was assessed using a validated Arabic version of the 20-item IGD scale. A chi-square test was used to evaluate the presence of statistical differences between sample demographic data and IGD. Four hundred and fifty students participated in the current study, where 132 (29.3%) of them were classified as having IGD. The prevalence of IGD was associated with gender, year of study, maternal education status, and the number of hours spent online and playing with friends (P values 0.05). Analysis of the IDG items among the current sample indicated that most were at the conflict stage of IGD. The IGD level identified in our sample is high compared to the published literature. Faifa is a mountainous region and, due to its geographical nature, there are limited public entertainment areas. Adolescents tend to spend more time at home, where they may be more exposed to IGD. This suggests the need for strategies to ensure early identification of those at risk of IGD and to provide preventive and treatment options for these students.

Purpose: This study aims to measure the knowledge and practices of adults in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia concerning routine medical checkups. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design that targeted adults in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia. The data was collected via self-administered questionnaires, with participants being approached in online settings. The questionnaires measured participant demographics, knowledge, and practice of routine medical checkups as well as their response to the Know Your Numbers campaign services initiative from the Saudi Ministry of Health. A chi-square test was used to detect statistically significant differences between the levels of knowledge and practice according to the measured demographic characteristics. Results: A total of 516 persons participated in this study. The mean age of the participants was 25 years; 54.7% were female. The median level of knowledge was 3 (out of 9), varying between 0 and 9. The recruited sample exhibited average knowledge of parameters used to classify levels of blood glucose, blood pressure, body mass index, and blood lipids, but low knowledge regarding the recommended age to begin screening for several chronic diseases. Factors associated with levels of knowledge were gender, age, education level, and employment (p value < 0.05). However, a history of chronic disease was the only factor associated with the practice of routine medical checkups (p value 0.023). Finally, less than 5% of this sample reported their participation in the Know Your Numbers campaign. Conclusion: Attending routine medical checkups is uncommon and only motivated by the existence of a diagnosed medical condition. Furthermore, this study found low utilization of the Know Your Numbers campaign services. This suggests a need for greater emphasis on increasing awareness of routine medical checkups among adults in the Jazan region.