Reema M. Almutairi

The proper use of child restraint systems (CRS) in cars can significantly reduce the risk of injury. This study aimed to assess Saudi parents' knowledge related to CRS use and examined the association between CRS adherence and travel distance. A cross-sectional study of Saudi parents with at least one child ageds0-10 years was conducted using a validated electronic questionnaire distributed at public venues throughout Riyadh, using a convenience sampling technique for recruitment. The survey evaluated demographics, knowledge of CRS, and road-safety measures, using a score system and driving patterns related to travel. A total of 385 Saudi parents participated in the study. The average age of participants was 37.69 years (SD ± 7.44), 82.6% were women, and 88.8% of participants were aware of the Saudi CRS policy. Booklets and user manuals as sources of CRS information and an increased number of CRS information sources were associated with significantly higher adherence to CRS while traveling in a vehicle (p = 0.040 and p = 0.037, respectively). Participants who always used their seat belts also consistently used CRS for their children (70.7%), significantly different from those parents who sometimes/never used a seat belts (p < 0.001). CRS knowledge was significantly higher for parents who always wore seat belts (p = 0.006). Driving speed was a significant factor associated with adherence to CRS and higher speed (> 100 km/h) associated with lower adherence (p = 0.024). Increasing parental awareness and providing detailed guidance on the correct installation and usage of CRS in vehicles could help ensure children's safety and well-being.

Background: Mood disorders (MDs) rank among the most common psychiatric illnesses and frequently co-occur with sleep disturbances that worsen prognosis, impair functioning, and reduce quality of life. This study examines sleep disturbances in patients with MDs at a tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia (King Khalid University Hospital) and aims to identify the factors correlated with sleep disturbances. Methods: Researchers conducted a cross-sectional study using convenience sampling with 306 participants. The assessment tool included a questionnaire developed by the research team to capture sociodemographic, psychiatric, medical, and sleep-related information, as well as the Arabic versions of the Sleep Hygiene Index (SHI) and the Glasgow Sleep Effort Scale (GSES). Results: Nearly one-third (31.1%) of the participants reported a diagnosed sleep disorder, with insomnia being the most common (80.0%). Univariate analysis revealed that higher SHI scores were significantly associated with younger age (P = 0.024), single marital status (P = 0.002), and smoking (P = 0.006). In the multivariable model, only smoking remained significantly associated with higher SHI scores. Regarding the GSES, unemployment and chronic diseases were linked to higher scores in univariate analysis (P = 0.048 and P = 0.001, respectively). The multivariate analysis indicated that younger age and chronic diseases were significantly associated with higher GSES scores (P = 0.021 and P < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: Sleep disturbances occur at high rates among patients with MDs and are associated with behavioral, psychosocial, and medical factors. Targeted interventions addressing smoking, chronic-disease management, and age-specific vulnerabilities may improve sleep quality and overall outcomes.