Assessment of the knowledge beliefs and associated factors among Saudi adults towards blood donation in Saudi Arabia

Evaluating strategic blood donor recruitment initiatives: Insights from King Fahd armed forces hospital experience

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Ensuring a safe and sufficient blood supply requires effective recruitment strategies, particularly in post-pandemic contexts. This study examines the transition at King Fahd Armed Forces Hospital (KFAFH) from a predominantly patient-related donor base to a focus on volunteer-based mobile and app-facilitated donations. It evaluates key factors influencing this shift and explores the potential for applying this model nationally.

METHODS

A quasi-experimental retrospective analysis was conducted using KFAFH donation records from 2014 to 2024. Donors were categorized by recruitment type (patient-related, military, mobile, app-based, staff, and other) and compared based on age, gender, first-time vs. repeat status, donation frequency, and infectious disease testing (IDT) outcomes. Donor eligibility criteria and donation intervals were also analyzed. A SWOT analysis evaluated the operational aspects of mobile campaigns, including recruitment strategies, collection sites, and incentive usage.

RESULTS

From 2021-2024, mobile and app-based campaigns significantly increased voluntary donations, while patient-related donations decreased by over 50 %. Mobile donors were predominantly repeat donors aged 25-40, with a higher male participation rate. IDT reactivity rates were lower in mobile donors compared to patient-related donors. Mobile drives-held at businesses, schools, and community centers-were supported by targeted outreach, recurring events, and non-monetary incentives. The program demonstrated operational strengths but encountered logistical and resource challenges.

CONCLUSIONS

Mobile and technology-driven recruitment significantly increased voluntary donations and reduced dependence on patient-related donations at KFAFH. This model shows promise as a replicable strategy for building a more resilient and sustainable national blood supply system.

Exploring the Impact of Digital Health Tools in Enhancing Quality of Life and Psychological Adjustment in Long-term Blood Donors: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Blood donation plays a critical role in public health, yet long-term donors (donating at least twice per year, for at least three years) often face challenges related to psychological adjustment and quality of life. Digital health tools could offer innovative solutions to address these issues by providing personalized support, tracking, and mental health interventions.

AIM

This study investigates the impact of digital health tools on the quality of life (QoL) and psychological adjustment of long-term blood donors in Saudi Arabia, with attention to demographic factors influencing engagement and perceptions.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 498 long-term blood donors aged 18-60, recruited from blood donation centers across Saudi Arabia. Participants were recruited through social media platforms, university networks, and professional organizations to ensure a diverse sample in terms of background, long-term donation history (more than 10 times), and daily digital usage habits. Participants completed an online questionnaire incorporating the WHO Quality of Life-Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) and Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory (Brief-COPE) inventory to assess QoL and coping mechanisms. Descriptive statistics, two-sample t-tests, and ANOVA analyses were performed to examine differences in perceptions based on age, gender, and educational level.

RESULTS

The findings indicate a generally positive perception of digital health tools, with mean QoL scores for self-distraction (Mean ± SD: 3.33 ± 0.97), active coping (3.29 ± 0.97), and psychological well-being (3.31 ± 0.82). Significant differences were observed across age groups, with older participants reporting higher perceived benefits ( p < .0001). Gender differences were also significant, with females showing higher mean scores in psychological adjustment factors such as active coping (3.75 ± 0.62) compared to males (2.8 ± 0.81), p < .0001.

CONCLUSION

Digital health tools are perceived as beneficial for supporting QoL and psychological adjustment among blood donors, particularly for emotional and health management. Demographic factors such as age, gender, and education play a significant role in shaping these perceptions, highlighting the need for tailored interventions. Further research should explore longitudinal impacts to inform the design of more effective, culturally aligned digital health solutions for donor support.

Factors associated with blood donation among college and university students in Wuhan, China: structural equation model

BACKGROUND

College and university students were an important population group of blood donors, especially in the current situation of tight blood supply. This study aimed to investigate the current status and determinants of blood donation among this population group in Wuhan using a structural equation model.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 12 colleges and universities in Wuhan, China, including 5168 students. Sociodemographic characteristics, health status, knowledge about blood donation, and attitude toward blood donation were treated as latent variables, with blood donation as the observed variable. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted using the Mplus 8.0 statistical software application, followed by the establishment of a structural equation model to assess the relationships that exist between these variables.

RESULTS

The overall blood donation rate among college and university students was 24.71%. The established model indicated that sociodemographic characteristics, health status, knowledge about blood donation, and attitude toward blood donation showed significant positive effects (0.135, 0.056, 0.321, and 0.389, respectively) on blood donation, among them, the direct effects were 0.076, -0.110, 0.143, and 0.389, respectively (P < 0.01). Additionally, sociodemographic characteristics, health status, and knowledge about blood donation had indirectly affected blood donation through the mediating effect of attitude towards blood donation. Their effects on attitude towards blood donation were 0.099, 0.243, and 0.468, respectively. (P < 0.01). The model could explain explained 22.22% of the variance in blood donation behavior among college and university students in Wuhan.

CONCLUSION

Blood donation among college and university students in Wuhan was associated with sociodemographic characteristics, health status, knowledge about blood donation, and attitude towards blood donation, with attitude being the primary influencing factor. Tailored recruitment strategies for blood donation among students should prioritize initiatives aimed at enhancing knowledge about blood donation and fostering positive attitudes toward it.

Understanding migraine in Saudi society: An assessment of public knowledge and attitudes: A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to assess the knowledge and perceptions of the public toward migraine in Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

This cross-sectional survey assessed the knowledge and perceptions of migraine among Saudi Arabian individuals. The study was conducted over three months in 2023 (1st of June 2023 to 31st of August 2023) using a prevalidated online questionnaire divided into four sections.

RESULTS

A total of 1,975 adults aged between 18 and 64 completed the web-based survey. Of these, over half were male (n = 1,268; 64.2%). The main causes of migraine identified by the participants were genetic disease (n = 540, 27.3%), followed by physical disease (n = 341, 17.3%), head trauma (n = 274, 13.9%), and psychiatric disease (n = 157, 7.9%). The main symptoms identified by the participants were photophobia (21%), followed by inability to control urine (14.1%), vomiting and nausea (13.8%), and vision loss (8.3%). The majority of the participants in this study had a good knowledge of migraines, while 49% had poor knowledge. The migraine knowledge score was significantly associated with the participants' gender (p = 0.002), age (p = 0.0001), educational level (p = 0.001), employment status (p = 0.001), monthly income (p = 0.0001), region (p = 0.0001), and history of migraine (p = 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Although one-third of the participants exhibiting good knowledge, deficiencies existed in certain clinical aspects, emphasizing the need for targeted educational interventions to enhance public awareness and understanding of migraines.

Assessment of the Mental, Social, and Educational Impact of the COVID-19 Quarantine and Predictors: A Survey-Based- Study from Saudi Parents

Background

Quarantine has had a powerful effect on parents and children in Saudi Arabia in different aspects, namely, educational, mental, and social. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the mental, social, and educational impact of the COVID-19 Quarantine and its predictors among Saudi parents.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out over 6 months in 2020 using structured questionnaires with 42 items, detailing pre-quarantine assistance with childcare, followed by mental, educational, and social challenges answered using a 5-point Likert scale and the factors affecting their children's learning at home during the COVID-19 quarantine. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27.

Results

A response rate of 79.5% (n=831) was obtained. Mental challenges were experienced the most, and 68.1% of the parents worried about their children being infected with COVID-19. This was followed by the educational challenges related to their children's online learning, with 61.2% of the parents attributing it to their children's low motivation towards online learning. The mean score for the education domain was 31.14(±7.02). Similarly, the mean score for the mental impact and social impact was 33.13(±7.82) and 12.81(±2.98). The results of the multiple linear regression analysis revealed participants' gender was found significantly associated with the mean score of the educational domain (p = 0.010).

Conclusion

Social challenges were experienced the least, and parents confirmed that quarantine had helped them strengthen their family relations. Most participants agreed that they had fun spending time with both their partners and children. It is recommended to implement online remote activities and services that assist students and professionals in addressing pandemic concerns, such as virtual group exercise, virtual movie nights, and virtual office hours.

Evaluation of clinical knowledge of drugs causing addiction and associated social determinants among male pharmacy and nursing students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - A Cross-Sectional study

Drug abuse is a rising psychological concept in many countries, and its use among individuals is increasing. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the Knowledge and demographic factors associated with drug abuse among male pharmacy and nursing students at King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This study used a cross-sectional design targeting male entry-level pharmacy and nursing students in their first and second years of Bachelor of Nursing and Doctor of Pharmacy courses. Of them, 85.3 % of the pharmacy and 75.3 % of nursing students thought that cocaine causes drug addiction, followed by heroin (pharmacy 80.7 %; nursing students 71 %), and morphine (pharmacy 75.2 %; nursing students 59.1 %). In this study, 52 % (n = 105) claimed low awareness, whereas 48 % (n = 97) indicated good understanding regarding drug addictions. Furthermore, the mean knowledge score among pharmacy students was higher (7.073 ± 2.570) in comparison to nursing (5.806 ± 2.494) (t = 3.540; p = 0. 0001). In addition, the father's occupation was found to be significantly associated with the mean knowledge score of drug addiction (F = 2.667; p = 0.034). According to the findings, 52 % of male students had insufficient knowledge about drugs that cause addiction. Age, course of study, and father's occupation all had a substantial impact on knowledge scores. The knowledge score on the complications of addictive substances was not significantly associated with the characteristics of the students (p = 0.05). As a result, we advocate for the introduction of educational initiatives that educate students about the harmful consequences of drug addiction and how to avoid issues.

Validity and reliability of the Arabic version of knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward COVID-19 preventative behaviors (KAP COVID-19)

Background

Even though the innovation of COVID-19 vaccination effectively protects against the virus, practicing preventative behaviors is still essential. However, public adherence to preventive behaviors relies mainly on the individuals' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward COVID-19 preventative behaviors. Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate these aspects. Nevertheless, there is no validated scale that assesses KAP toward COVID-19 preventative behaviors. To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) preventative behaviors.

Methods

A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional design was used to develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of KAP through specific stages: item development, face, content, convergent and construct validity evaluation, and internal consistency. Data were collected online through "google forms" from June 2020 to July 2020. Both exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to assess the construct validity.

Results

A total of 1,363 participants completed the scale. The overall Cronbach's alpha was 0.83, indicating good internal consistency. Exploratory factor analysis supported structural validity for all the scale items with KMO 0.78, 0.60, and 0.81, respectively, and Bartlett's Test of Sphericity = (p < 0.05). Convergent validity was confirmed by a moderate correlation between the KAP scale items, knowledge ranging from r = 0.11 (p < 0.01) to r = 0.62 (p < 0.01), attitude ranging from r = 0.158 (p < 0.01) to r = 0.584 (p < 0.01), and practice ranging from r = 0.383 (p < 0.01) to r = 0.774 (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

The psychometric properties of the scale indicate that the KAP is a valid and reliable scale that can be utilized to evaluate the level of KAP toward COVID-19 preventative behaviors among the population in Saudi Arabia.

Evaluation of Headache Trends among Undergraduate First Responders for Medical Emergencies at Saudi University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Background and objective: Headache is more common among students and may be a crucial indication of mental health; it can have a detrimental impact if left untreated, especially on students, and may affect their academic performance. Thus, this study aimed to assess the headache trends among undergraduate first responders for medical emergencies at Saudi University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Method: A cross-sectional study was undertaken over three months in 2023 to analyze headache patterns among emergency medical services (EMS) students using prevalidated questionnaires. The data were collected via convenience sampling and processed with the IBM SPSS Statistics 26 program (IBM Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results: The current findings show that the majority 90.6% (n = 164) of the participants had at least one episode of headache in the last week. With regard to the number of days students had a headache during the last week, 21.5% (n = 39) of them reported 2 days, while 18.8% (n = 34) reported 1 day only. About slightly less than half (48.6% (n = 88)) of students reported that the usual site of the headache was frontal, followed by temporal 27.1% (n = 49), and 23.3% (n = 42) reported orbital. When students were asked whether a headache aggravates their routine activity, 40.3% agreed with this statement, and 44.2% of students reported that a headache causes them to avoid their routine activity (reading writing, attending college). The majority of the students considered taking analgesics (60.8%), followed by sleeping (26.5%), caffeine (14.4%), and herbal and alternative remedies (7.7%) for the relief of headaches. Although headache episodes were significantly associated with routine activities (reading writing, attending college) (p = 0.018, t = 2.282) daily activities (walking, running) (p = 0.022, t = 2.307). The findings showed that fourth-year EMS students were found to have higher headache pain intensity scores compared to other students (p = 0.046). Similarly, the pain intensity was significantly higher among the students between 1-3 and >7 episodes of headaches (p = 0.001) Conclusion: The findings of this study revealed that Saudi emergency medical services students suffer from headaches. However, the current findings revealed variation in the headache pain intensity scores concerning the year of study.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of community pharmacists toward the management of acne vulgaris in Saudi Arabia

Background and objectives

In Saudi Arabia, Acne vulgaris is a very predominant ailment and Pharmacists currently have standardized protocols at their disposal for the treatment of acne. Pharmacists often prescribe medications for minor cases of acne. Therefore, this study aimed to explore community pharmacists (CPs)' knowledge, attitudes, and practice toward acne management in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Methods

An online cross-sectional study was conducted among CPs working in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from January and April 2021, using a self-administered, questionnaire, was divided into four sections that collected information from the CP's Knowledge, attitudes, and practices and the management of acne vulgaris. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26 (SPSS).

Result

A total of 313 CPs were enrolled in the study who successfully returned the questionnaire. The mean score of knowledge on etiology, pathophysiology, and therapy for AV was 5.3 ± (SD = 1.5). However, the majority of CPs had a moderate level of knowledge (80.8%), followed by mild to moderate (12.8%). This study showed that CPs had an insufficient level of knowledge about ace management, about 6% of CPs have a high level of knowledge. Inadequate knowledge was revealed in their management practice, only 0.3% of CPs treated patients with acne on their own without a referral. In addition, CPs showed a positive attitude toward acne management.

Conclusion

There is a need to improve CPs' understanding of acne care and to contribute to participating in organized training sessions on the management of AV.

Assessment of Headache Characteristics, Impact, and Managing Techniques among Pharmacy and Nursing Undergraduates-An Observational Study

Background and Objectives: Many different forms of headaches can change or impact daily activity and quality of life, which increases the financial burden on society over time. Undergraduates who get headaches may be absent from attending lectures, perform less well on their daily tasks and academic achievement, as well as struggle to build and maintain relationships with peers and mentors. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the headache-related characteristics and managing approaches among Saudi pharmacy and nursing students at a Saudi university, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A survey questionnaire was administered in this cross-sectional study to participants at a Saudi university, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Participants included males. The sample size was calculated with Raosoft® software. Data analysis was executed using IBM Statistic SPSS, and the level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 236 participants completed the questionnaires. The majority, i.e., 218 (92.4%) of them, were male; in addition, 124 (52.5%) were aged between 26 and 30, 124 (52.5%) were pharmacy students, 112 (47.5%) were nursing students, and 134 (56.8%) were smokers. When asked about ever having at least one episode of headache during the week, 66.1% (n = 156) agreed that they had one episode of headache, although 57 (24.2%) of the students had a headache for five days during a week. With regard to the impact of headaches on everyday activities, only 34.7% of the students said that headache disrupted their regular activities. Almost 41% of the students agreed that headache impacted their academic performance. Nearly 34% of students (n = 79) who had headaches considered napping, while 33% (n = 64) took painkillers and anti-inflammatory medicines, and 25% (n = 59) considered taking caffeine. In this study, the participants’ ages and headache severity were strongly associated (p = 0.0001). More pharmacy students (66.1%) reported having severe headaches than nursing students (14.3%) (p = 0.0001). Conclusions: The current findings revealed that most of the undergraduates suffered from headaches, and the intensity of the pain was moderate; furthermore, one in four undergraduates reported that headaches impacted their academic performance. Caffeine and simple analgesics and anti-inflammatories were used for headache relief.

Al-Rawi M. Evaluation of knowledge of risk factors and warning signs of stroke - An observational study among future health care professionals

Background and objective

The role of healthcare professionals in society is unique since they are providers of health information and medication counseling to patients. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate Knowledge of Risk Factors and Warning Signs of Stroke among undergraduate health care Students (UHCS) at King Saud University (KSU), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Methodology

An online cross-sectional study was conducted among UHCS at KSU, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from September to November 2022, using self-administered 34-item questionnaires divided into five sections to assess participants' knowledge of stroke risk factors, warning signs, and management and source of information about the stroke. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26 was used to analyze the data (SPSS).

Results

Of the 300 questionnaires distributed, 205 students completed the questionnaires, giving a response rate of 68.3%. Of whom 63 (30.7%) were pharmacy, 81 (39.5%) were nursing and 61 (29.8%) were emergency medical services (EMS) Students. One hundred and eighty-two (88.8%) of the students agreed that stroke affects bodily movement. With regards to risk factors, students identified high blood pressure 182 (88.8%), followed by heart disease 175 (85.4%), advanced age 164 (80%), previous Stroke history 158(77.1%), and lack of physical activity 156 (76.1%). Difficulty in speaking or slurred speech 164 (80%), dizziness, and loss of balance 163 (79.5%) were identified as the warning signs of stroke. In this study, 41.3 % of the pharmacy students reported a good level of knowledge than nursing and EMS students. However, 32.2% (N = 66) of the healthcare undergraduates reported good knowledge. The knowledge score was significantly associated with the year of study, and educational degree (p = 0.0001). Furthermore, there were no differences between parents working in healthcare settings (p = 0.99).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the knowledge of stroke among healthcare students at King Saud University varied. The reported knowledge gap mostly relates to stroke risk factors and warning signs. Therefore, increasing public awareness of potential risk factors and stroke warning signs needs to receive more attention.

Evaluation of Young Adults' Physical Activity Status and Perceived Barriers in the Riyadh Region of Saudi Arabia

Background

Physical activity (PA) is any prolonged movement produced by muscular tissues that cause the muscles to exert force. Despite its beneficial effect, it is frequently neglected by individuals. The present study aimed to determine the PA among young adults living in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted among Saudi adults living in the Riyadh region of Saudi Arabia from June to August 2022 through a self-administered online survey. Global Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess the PA among participants. The data were analyzed using statistical software SPSS v. 26.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).

Results

Among the surveyed adult males were the predominant 67.8% (n= 240). Most of them were young, aged between 24 to 34 years 62.4% (n=221), and 37.6% (n=133) of them were between 35 and 44 years old. The current findings reported that 63% (n=223) of the adults had PA on weekly basis. Walking 45.2% (n=160) followed by bodybuilding 12.7% (n=45) was the most common type of PA identified among adults. The barriers identified for not practicing PA were lack of time 46.9% (n=166). With regard to a sedentary lifestyle, it was reported that 9.55 (SD= 4.887) hours per day are spent sedentary or in a constant sitting. The adults gender (p=0.046) employment (p=0.0001) and educational status (p=0.0001) was significantly associated with the type of PA engaged. Although being a female were shown more sitting behavior than males (p<0.047), similarly the nationality of the adults (6.67; SD=1.649) (p <0.001), education (p=0.028) and monthly household income (p =0.024) were significantly associated with the overall mean sitting behavior.

Conclusion

The findings of this study confirmed that Saudi adults yet posing highly sedentary behavior and physical inactivity, despite knowing the harmful outcomes of inactivity. Thus educating individuals about the importance of PA is warranted.

Prevalence and Self-Medication for Acne among Students of Health-Related Science Colleges at King Saud University in Riyadh Region Saudi Arabia

Background and Objectives: In Saudi Arabia, Acne vulgaris is a very predominant ailment among adolescents, especially female university students, and self-medication has become a trend to manage this condition. To determine the prevalence of Acne vulgaris among health care students and to access the scenario of its self-medication in light of students' knowledge, attitude, and practice towards it. Materials and Methods: This was an observational study conducted at King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from January 2022 to March 2022. The study was undertaken using a pre-structured questionnaire. Results: A total of 550 university students were recruited and the incidence of acne was observed to be 78.5% (432 out of 550) with a female predominance. A total of 56.0% (244 of 432) students used self-medications for acne without a prescription and the most used prescription drugs were topical and oral antibiotics (38.1%), followed by Isotretinoin (22.55), and topical adaplene (20.9%). Female students (n = 181, 63.5%) were significantly more likely to self-medicate compared to male students (n = 63, 42.9%, p ≤ 0.001). Almost 60% of medical students had proper knowledge of medication for acne. Conclusion: Acne vulgaris is a highly prevalent condition among university students of Saudi Arabia and use of self-medication among acne sufferers is high. Education programs should be made to raise awareness about acne and its treatment.