SACM - United Kingdom
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://drepo.sdl.edu.sa/handle/20.500.14154/9667
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Item Restricted THE CURRENT PRACTICE OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS ON UPPER LIMB SPLINTING FOR STROKE PATIENTS IN SAUDI ARABIA: CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY(Saudi Digital Library, 2025-03-02) Almutairi, Laila; Purcell, CatherineBackground: Stroke is a major global cause of disability, with upper limb impairments significantly affecting daily function and quality of life. Occupational therapists play a crucial role in stroke rehabilitation, with splinting being a commonly used intervention. However, there is limited research on the splinting practices of occupational therapists in Saudi Arabia, leading to a gap in understanding how splinting is implemented in clinical settings. Aim: this study aimed to investigate the current practices of occupational therapists in Saudi Arabia regarding upper limb splinting for stroke rehabilitation. The objectives were to explore therapists’ knowledge and patterns of splinting practice, identify preferred splint types and regimes, identify occupational therapists’ clinical rationale for splinting and how occupational therapists view the effectiveness of splints, and examine factors influencing splinting decisions. Methodology: a cross-sectional survey was conducted among occupational therapists working with stroke patients in Saudi Arabia. A total of 82 participants completed an online questionnaire assessing their knowledge, splinting patterns, clinical rationale, and perceptions of effectiveness. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences v26 to identify trends and relationships between demographic variables and effectiveness and competence. Results: the findings revealed that most therapists had moderate competence in splinting, with university education and on-the-job training being the primary knowledge sources. Custom-made static splints were the most frequently preferred, while dynamic splints were rarely used. The primary clinical rationale for splinting was to reduce spasticity and prevent contractures. However, challenges such as limited resources, patient non-compliance, and financial constraints were reported as barriers to effective splinting. Despite these challenges, most therapists perceived splinting as a beneficial intervention for stroke rehabilitation. No significant differences in competence or perceived effectiveness were found based on education level or specialisation, though years of experience were positively correlated with higher competence. Conclusion: this study provides valuable insights into the splinting practices of occupational therapists in Saudi Arabia, highlighting areas for improvement in standardisation, training, and resource accessibility. The findings highlight the need for updated guidelines and professional development programmes to enhance splinting effectiveness. Future research should explore patient perspectives, adherence to splinting protocols, and long-term outcomes to further inform evidence-based practice in stroke rehabilitation.22 0Item Restricted An exploration of the knowledge and attitudes of Saudi occupational therapists (OTs) regarding people living with HIV\AIDS in Saudi Arabia(Saudi Digital Library, 2023-01-20) Bin Numay, Abdulelah; Sakellariou, DikaiosIntroduction: Relatively 38 million people are living with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in addition to the virus which causes AIDS, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). AIDS-related complications were responsible for the deaths of 35 million people globally between the beginning of the pandemic and the end of 2020, with the disease's prevalence continuing to rise across the Middle East and North Africa. Due to an early misunderstanding of HIV transmission patterns, many Muslims incorrectly think that only "sinners" may get HIV/AIDS. Consequently, stigma and prejudice are seen as the greatest challenges for persons with HIV/AIDS in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to get an understanding of and investigate the experience and knowledge of Saudi Arabian Occupational Therapists. Methodology: The researcher selected the framework qualitative design as the research's methodology to collect data from six participants, 4 male and 2 female Occupational Therapy practitioners. Semi-structured audio recorded interviews were conducted, recordings were transcribed digitally for data analysis. Then, the qualitative data were thematically analysed. Result: The analysis concluded four main themes and eight subthemes. Proceeded with the participants' general perception of HIV/AIDS, then move on to their knowledge development in relation to the virus, their clinical practise in the context of working with a person living with HIV/AIDS, and finally, the socio-cultural obstacles and future prospects from the perspective of the participants. Conclusion: Participants mentioned they lacked significant understanding about HIV/AIDS and the occupational therapy role with HIV+ patients. Their collective understanding of HIV/AIDS was derived from the theory they studied, movies, television programmes, chats with others, and books or articles, owing their lack of understanding to the incomplete HIV/AIDS education incorporated in the curriculum. In addition, while they would not mind working with an HIV- positive client, HIV/AIDS related discrimination in the study population was presented by altering the treatment approach, take extra contact precautions, minimize interaction between HIV positive patients with other patients13 0