Mashael Solan Mahnashi

Background/Objectives: Personal listening devices (PLDs) have become ubiquitous in modern daily life, raising growing concerns about their cumulative impact on auditory health. This study examined the prevalence and patterns of PLD use and the independent predictors of perceived hearing handicap among Saudi adults. Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted between November 2025 and January 2026 among 2018 adults (aged 18 years or older) residing in Saudi Arabia. Participants completed a self-administered online questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, PLD usage patterns, and hearing handicap measured by the Revised Hearing Handicap Inventory (RHHI-18). Results: Participants had a mean age of 29 ± 12 years, 54.0% were female, and 93.9% were Saudi nationals. Earphones and headphones were used by 51.1% and 47.7% of participants, respectively, and 68.1% reported current use of at least one personal listening device. The mean RHHI-18 total score was 10 ± 18, and 23.0% of participants scored within the hearing handicap range (mild-to-moderate: 16.2%; significant: 6.8%). All PLD use categories were independently associated with higher RHHI-18 scores relative to non-use: headphones only (beta = 4.58; p < 0.001), earphones only (beta = 3.29; p = 0.002), and combined use (beta = 2.87; p = 0.005). Further independent correlates of higher RHHI-18 scores were stroke (beta = 21.51; p < 0.001), diabetes mellitus (beta = 8.64; p < 0.001), hypertension (beta = 4.84; p = 0.006), non-Saudi nationality (beta = 3.92; p = 0.014), male sex (beta = 3.09; p < 0.001), and older age (beta = 0.16; p = 0.002). Conclusions: PLD use is highly prevalent among Saudi adults and is independently associated with greater perceived hearing handicap. These findings support public health efforts promoting safe listening practices at the population level.

Background/Objectives: Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD) is a prevalent condition affecting middle ear pressure regulation, yet nationwide epidemiological data in Saudi Arabia remain limited. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of ETD and identify its associated factors among Saudi adults using a validated screening tool. Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted between June 2024 and March 2025 among 1124 Saudi adults (aged ≥ 18 years) across five geographic regions. ETD was assessed using the validated Arabic version of the seven-item Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire (ETDQ-7), with scores ≥ 14.5 indicating dysfunction. Data on demographic, anthropometric, clinical, and lifestyle characteristics were collected via an online questionnaire. Multiple linear regression analysis identified independent predictors of ETDQ-7 scores, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of ETD was 33.9% (95% CI: 31.1–36.8%), substantially higher than the 7% self-reported rate. Of affected participants, 29.6% had mild-to-moderate ETD and 4.3% had severe dysfunction. Multivariable regression analysis identified four significant independent predictors: higher body mass index (BMI) (β = 0.08; 95% CI: 0.03–0.16; p = 0.049), family history of hearing loss (β = 1.87; 95% CI: 0.90–2.83; p < 0.001), prior bariatric bypass surgery (β = 14.37; 95% CI: 3.33–25.41; p = 0.011), and allergies (β = 3.19; 95% CI: 2.30–4.07; p < 0.001). No significant associations were found with demographic factors, smoking, or other comorbidities. Conclusions: ETD affects approximately one-third of Saudi adults, with significant underdiagnosis. Obesity, genetic predisposition, bariatric surgery, and allergic conditions represent key modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. These findings support implementing routine ETDQ-7 screening in primary care and targeted interventions for high-risk populations.

Background and objective: Antibiotics (Abs) are a class of medication generally prescribed for bacterial infections. Abs misuse, caused by either medication non-compliance or self-medication, may lead to Abs resistance, a problem that is trending around the globe. In 2018, dispensing Abs without a prescription became prohibited in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to evaluate knowledge and attitude toward Abs use and resistance in Jazan Province. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the population of Jazan, using a self-administered electronic questionnaire to assess the knowledge and attitude toward Abs use and resistance and its related factors. Results: According to our findings, 543 participants responded and most of the participants use Abs with a prescription (n = 280; 75%). About 40% identified correctly that Abs can treat only bacteria, not viruses, and 44% denied that Abs can treat all coughs and common cases. Then, regarding the knowledge about resistance, we found that those who had heard about Abs resistance represented more than half of the participants (56%), and had better knowledge about Abs use. Further, more than half of those who have heard about Abs resistance correctly defined the antibiotic susceptibility test, and about two-thirds were able to answer the related questions about Abs resistance. Conclusion: To conclude, a positive correlation was found between knowledge about Abs resistance and Abs use. Thus, national Abs regulations and policies with continuous education and awareness must be continued to ensure a better understanding of Abs use.