Saud N. Alwadani

Background: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening acute complication of diabetes mellitus that requires prompt recognition and timely management to reduce morbidity and mortality. Public awareness of DKA remains suboptimal in many settings, particularly among individuals with direct exposure to diabetes. This study aimed to assess DKA awareness and identify factors associated with appropriate DKA awareness among adults with personal or familial exposure to diabetes in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among adults in the Jazan region between October 2024 and May 2025. Respondents with a personal diagnosis of diabetes or a family member diagnosed with diabetes were included. The questionnaire assessed sociodemographic characteristics, reported diabetes-related characteristics, and DKA awareness across multiple domains, including disease recognition, risk factors, precipitating factors, complications, prevention, and emergency management. Awareness was evaluated using a predefined scoring system, with scores ≥ 6/10 (≥60% of the maximum score) classified as appropriate DKA awareness. Factors associated with appropriate awareness were examined using chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression. Results: A total of 417 respondents were included in the analysis, of whom 150 (36.0%) reported a personal diagnosis of diabetes and 267 (64.0%) reported having a family member with diabetes. Overall, 138 respondents (33.1%; 95% CI, 28.7–37.7%) demonstrated appropriate DKA awareness. Awareness varied across individual domains, with particularly limited recognition of DKA precipitating factors and preventive measures. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, age < 45 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.08, 95% CI: 1.47–6.48; p = 0.003), student status (aOR = 2.40, 95% CI: 1.18–4.90; p = 0.016), monthly household income > 15,000 SAR (aOR = 4.14, 95% CI: 1.83–9.37; p = 0.001), and a personal diagnosis of diabetes (aOR = 2.20, 95% CI: 1.29–3.75; p = 0.004) were independently associated with higher odds of appropriate DKA awareness. Reporting type 1 or type 2 diabetes, compared with an unknown diabetes type, was also independently associated with appropriate awareness. Educational attainment was not independently associated with awareness after multivariable adjustment. Conclusions: Overall DKA awareness among adults with personal or familial exposure to diabetes in the Jazan region was suboptimal. Appropriate DKA awareness was independently associated with younger age, student status, higher household income, and respondent relationship to diabetes. The association with reported diabetes type should be interpreted cautiously, as it may reflect greater familiarity with diabetes rather than an effect of diabetes subtype itself. These findings support the implementation of targeted educational strategies that include both individuals living with diabetes and their family members to improve recognition of DKA and promote timely healthcare seeking during acute diabetic emergencies. However, the findings should be interpreted in light of the non-probability, social-media-based recruitment strategy, which may have disproportionately represented younger and more highly educated individuals and limits population-level generalizability.

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: Disc herniation, also termed herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP), is a common spinal disorder affecting approximately 10% of the global population, associated with pain, neurological complications, and diminished quality of life. Despite its global burden, regional variations in public awareness and sociodemographic determinants remain inadequately characterized, particularly in Middle Eastern populations. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, public awareness, and sociodemographic determinants of HNP among adults in Saudi Arabia at a nationwide level. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2024 to July 2025. Using a convenience sampling approach via social media platforms, an online questionnaire was distributed nationwide across Saudi Arabia. Data from 1112 participants were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression. The questionnaire comprised two sections: sociodemographic characteristics and knowledge and awareness of HNP. Results: The prevalence of disc herniation was 8.9%, consistent with global estimates. Overall awareness was relatively high at 67.6%, though knowledge of specific risk factors varied considerably. Most participants recognized obesity (88.0%), poor sitting posture (85.8%), history of lower back trauma (86.2%), and work requiring physical effort (88.8%) as risk factors, while fewer acknowledged smoking (46.4%), diabetes (51.2%), sleeping on a soft bed (36.9%), and increased height (35.9%). Multiple logistic regression, adjusted for all sociodemographic, lifestyle, and health-related covariates, identified significant independent predictors of HNP including marital status (married OR = 2.90), current smoking (OR = 2.91), hyperlipidemia (OR = 1.86), family history (OR = 8.95), and prior knowledge of the condition (OR = 2.28). Knowledge of HNP was significantly associated with university education (OR = 1.70), higher income levels (OR = 2.23 for ≥15,000 SAR; OR = 2.07 for 5000–9999 SAR), and family history (OR = 4.70), while those in low and medium workload jobs demonstrated lower knowledge. Conclusions: Although overall public awareness of HNP is relatively high in Saudi Arabia, substantial gaps persist in knowledge of modifiable risk factors, particularly smoking and diabetes mellitus. Targeted smoking cessation campaigns, diabetes awareness programs, and ergonomic education initiatives delivered through primary healthcare centers, workplaces, and schools are recommended.

Background and Objectives: Sciatica is a common condition associated with significant pain and reduced quality of life (QoL). However, its impact and associated determinants remain underexplored in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, this study aimed to examine determinants of quality of life among Saudi adults with sciatica. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia between February and March 2024 using an online Arabic questionnaire disseminated via social media. Participants (n = 927) aged ≥18 years completed a 50-item questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, clinical history, lifestyle factors, and the Short Form-12 (SF-12) QoL scale. Results: Of the 927 adults (mean age 30 ± 11 years), 76% (n = 706) were female and 24% (n = 221) male; 10% (n = 92) reported sciatica. Overall, 57% (n = 531) reported good QoL. Multivariate analysis revealed that increasing age (Odds ratio (OR) = 1.04; 95% CI: 1.01–1.07), urban residence (OR = 1.49; 95% CI: 1.11–2.00), and higher income (>15,000 Saudi Arabia Riyal (SAR); OR = 1.53; 95% CI: 1.03–2.27) were associated with better QoL. Conversely, diabetes (OR = 0.42; 95% CI: 0.22–0.79), arthritis (OR = 0.52; 95% CI: 0.32–0.83), and sciatica duration >1 year (OR = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.12–0.69) were associated with poorer QoL. Gender, body mass index (BMI), smoking, and physical activity showed no significant associations. Conclusions: Sciatica, prolonged symptom duration, and comorbidities such as diabetes and arthritis negatively affect QoL in Saudi adults, whereas socioeconomic and demographic factors contribute positively. The results underscore the importance of early intervention and tailored support for sciatica patients with long-standing symptoms or specific comorbidities to improve health outcomes. Longitudinal studies are warranted to assess causality and the impact of interventions.

Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) pose a significant public health challenge in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the Jazan region. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding VBDs among the population of Jazan and to identify factors associated with these variables. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 642 adult residents of Jazan using a convenience random sampling technique. The survey tool consisted of 6 domains: demographics, knowledge of VBDs, preventive practices, care-seeking behavior, knowledge of specific VBDs, and attitudes towards VBDs. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, t tests, ANOVA, and multivariable logistic regression. The majority of participants (60.0%) had high knowledge scores, while (75.5%) and (77.7%) had high attitude and practice scores, respectively. However, knowledge gaps were identified in specific areas, such as the transmission of leishmaniasis and Rift Valley fever. Gender was a significant predictor of both knowledge and practice scores, with males having higher knowledge and females demonstrating higher levels of preventive practices. Age, education, income, and working status were also associated with knowledge scores. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions and educational campaigns to address the identified gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Future research should focus on exploring the effectiveness of different intervention strategies and investigating the integration of VBD prevention and control measures into existing healthcare systems. By employing a multi-disciplinary approach, evidence-based strategies can be developed to prevent and control VBDs, ultimately improving public health outcomes in Jazan and other endemic regions worldwide.

Background: Physical activity guidelines recommend that adults engage in aerobic exercise and activities that preserve or increase muscle mass. The primary aim of this study was to assess the awareness and knowledge of these guidelines among adults in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia. A secondary objective was to examine the role of awareness and knowledge in the adherence to physical activity guidelines. Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study, 1018 participants were recruited through a self-administered online survey. Participants’ awareness and knowledge about physical activity guidelines were assessed using a prompted questionnaire. Physical activity levels and weekly energy expenditures were evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Results: The proportion of the participants who reported being aware of the guidelines was approximately 48%, whereas the proportion of the participants who correctly identified the guidelines for moderate-intensity physical activity was 38%. However, only 23% correctly identified the muscle strength guidelines. Those who were aware of the guidelines were most likely to meet the physical activity recommendations (OR = 2.03; 95% CI = 1.55–2.65). Participants who reported being aware of the guidelines exhibited a significantly higher energy expenditure, measured in MET minutes per week (p < 0.01). Similarly, participants who correctly identified the guidelines had greater energy expenditure (p = 0.03). Conclusions: We found that adults in Jazan have a moderate level of awareness and knowledge of PA guidelines and that awareness is a predictor of adherence to these guidelines. Individuals who are aware of PA guidelines or have knowledge of them tend to have higher levels of physical activity. These findings suggest that public health campaigns that promote awareness and knowledge of the physical activity guidelines may accelerate the progress in engaging the Saudi population with these guidelines.