SACM - United Kingdom
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://drepo.sdl.edu.sa/handle/20.500.14154/9667
Browse
32 results
Search Results
Item Restricted Visual Public Health Communication Strategies: A Case of The Saudi Ministry of Health During The COVID-19 Pandemic(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Omar, Afnan; Osman, IdilThis study investigates the visual public health communication strategies employed by the Saudi Ministry of Health (MoH) during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on how cultural elements such as traditional Saudi values and collective cultural norms influenced the interpretation of visual messaging. It also examines the impact of Saudi Arabia’s broader national development Vision 2030 on these visual communications. This study explores how the MoH’s strategies not only addressed the immediate health crisis but also conveyed cultural and political messages. It analyses how visual representations of COVID 19 messages reflected and interacted with prevailing cultural norms and ideological perspectives. The study relies on two main data sources: content from the official Twitter account of the Saudi MoH, and semi-structured interviews with key MoH personnel, including decision-makers, elites, and designers. A qualitative research methodology was adopted. The multimodal social-semiotic (MSS) approach was applied to the visual Twitter content, while thematic analysis was used for the interview data. The dataset comprised nine visual Twitter posts and interviews with 20 Ministry of Health participants. Findings reveal that the MoH used visual communication not only for public health messaging but also to promote sociocultural values such as tradition, social responsibility, and community cohesion supporting Saudi Arabia’s collectivist cultural framework. Political figures were prominently featured as “role models” visually reinforcing hierarchical state authority and limiting the emphasis on participatory public engagement. Additionally, the study uncovers the strategic use of imagery associated with modernisation and social reform, particularly gender representation and women’s empowerment, reflecting alignment with Vision 2030’s goals for national transformation. The study concludes that sociocultural visual elements were deliberately employed during the pandemic to advance both health awareness and broader national agendas, contributing to an understanding of visual public health communication in a sociocultural context.20 0Item Restricted The application of the Necessity-Concerns Framework in understanding inappropriate demand for antibiotics in upper respiratory tract infections and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy(Saudi Digital Library, 2024) Almeshal, Nouf; Horne, Rob; Chan, Amy; Foot, HollyThe National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Medicines Adherence Guidelines recommend personalised support to address both practical issues, enhancing patients’ abilities and perceptions that influence motivation to engage with, and adhere to treatment. The perceptions and practicalities approach (PaPA) operationalises key adherence-related beliefs through the Necessity-Concerns Framework (NCF). The NCF proposes that adherence is influenced by patients’ perceptions of their personal need for medication relative to concerns about adverse consequences. Studies across diseases, cultures, and healthcare systems have demonstrated the validity of the NCF in explaining variation in treatment engagement. This PhD thesis aims to examine the application of the NCF to address two behavioural challenges related to respiratory illnesses: vaccine hesitancy and demand for antibiotics to treat upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). The research includes a scoping review of determinants influencing patients’ demand for antibiotics, a qualitative study involving patients with URTIs, a cross-sectional survey investigating beliefs about antibiotics and AMR, a review of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy literature, a cross-sectional cohort survey examining differences in beliefs between COVID-19-vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, and an exploratory analysis of the antecedents of beliefs about COVID-19 vaccine necessity and concerns. The scoping review identified patient demand as an important driver of unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions, influenced by factors that shape the perceived need for antibiotics and are associated with low concerns regarding their use. The qualitative study (n=32) identified determinants influencing perceived need for antibiotics (e.g., type and severity of symptoms) and concerns (e.g., frequent administration of antibiotics), impacting inappropriate demand for and unnecessary use of antibiotics. The cross-sectional study (n=1105) found that intention to request antibiotics was significantly predicted by beliefs about antibiotic necessity (β=0.475, p<0.001), and concerns (β=-.133, p<0.001). The COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy literature review was suggestive of the applicability of the NCF as an effective framework to understand and address this public health issue. The following cohort cross-sectional survey (n = 1012) reported that beliefs about vaccine necessity outweighed concerns about the vaccine and strongly predicted vaccination decisions [OR=1.616, 95% CI (3.001, 8.440)]. This research highlighted the adaptability of the NCF as a theoretical framework for comprehending inappropriate demand for antibiotics and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. The findings indicate the potential applicability of a reverse NCF approach in understanding and addressing inappropriate antibiotic demand. It further identified that COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy demonstrated patterns commonly observed in medication non-adherence, specifically characterised by low perceived necessity and increased concerns regarding treatment. The thesis findings potentially laid the foundation that the NCF can effectively inform the design of interventions targeting vaccine hesitancy and patients’ inappropriate demand for antibiotics in the management of URTIs.12 0Item Restricted The application of the Necessity-Concerns Framework in understanding inappropriate demand for antibiotics in upper respiratory tract infections and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy(Saudi Digital Library, 2024) Almeshal, Nouf; Rob, Horne; Amy, Chan; Holly, FootThe National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Medicines Adherence Guidelines recommend personalised support to address both practical issues, enhancing patients’ abilities and perceptions that influence motivation to engage with, and adhere to treatment. The perceptions and practicalities approach (PaPA) operationalises key adherence-related beliefs through the Necessity-Concerns Framework (NCF). The NCF proposes that adherence is influenced by patients’ perceptions of their personal need for medication relative to concerns about adverse consequences. Studies across diseases, cultures, and healthcare systems have demonstrated the validity of the NCF in explaining variation in treatment engagement. This PhD thesis aims to examine the application of the NCF to address two behavioural challenges related to respiratory illnesses: vaccine hesitancy and demand for antibiotics to treat upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). The research includes a scoping review of determinants influencing patients’ demand for antibiotics, a qualitative study involving patients with URTIs, a cross-sectional survey investigating beliefs about antibiotics and AMR, a review of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy literature, a cross-sectional cohort survey examining differences in beliefs between COVID-19-vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, and an exploratory analysis of the antecedents of beliefs about COVID-19 vaccine necessity and concerns. The scoping review identified patient demand as an important driver of unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions, influenced by factors that shape the perceived need for antibiotics and are associated with low concerns regarding their use. The qualitative study (n=32) identified determinants influencing perceived need for antibiotics (e.g., type and severity of symptoms) and concerns (e.g., frequent administration of antibiotics), impacting inappropriate demand for and unnecessary use of antibiotics. The cross-sectional study (n=1105) found that intention to request antibiotics was significantly predicted by beliefs about antibiotic necessity (β=0.475, p<0.001), and concerns (β=-.133, p<0.001). The COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy literature review was suggestive of the applicability of the NCF as an effective framework to understand and address this public health issue. The following cohort cross-sectional survey (n = 1012) reported that beliefs about vaccine necessity outweighed concerns about the vaccine and strongly predicted vaccination decisions [OR=1.616, 95% CI (3.001, 8.440)]. This research highlighted the adaptability of the NCF as a theoretical framework for comprehending inappropriate demand for antibiotics and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. The findings indicate the potential applicability of a reverse NCF approach in understanding and addressing inappropriate antibiotic demand. It further identified that COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy demonstrated patterns commonly observed in medication non-adherence, specifically characterised by low perceived necessity and increased concerns regarding treatment. The thesis findings potentially laid the foundation that the NCF can effectively inform the design of interventions targeting vaccine hesitancy and patients’ inappropriate demand for antibiotics in the management of URTIs.2 0Item Restricted Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on labour market outcomes in the UK(University of Leeds, 2025-03) Abugamza, Amwaj; Howdon, Daniel; Martin, Adam; Charlwood, AndyThis thesis investigates changes in labour market outcomes and their links to physical and mental health. It uses the exogenous nature of the COVID-19 pandemic as a unique opportunity to compare pre- and post-pandemic periods through four studies. Study One, a systematic review, assessed international literature up to January 2022 on COVID-19's effects on employment. It critically evaluated the methodological tools used in prior research and provided recommendations for improved study design. The review identified key moderators, mediators, and confounders using a theoretical diagram (DAG). Following these recommendations, Study Two employed Interrupted Time Series analysis using UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) data (up to June 2023) to investigate changes in key labour market outcomes following two policy interventions: the COVID-19 lockdown and the final stage of easing lockdown restrictions. The results show that the initial disruption caused by the lockdown was followed by a recovery in employment as restrictions were lifted, but a persistent rise in economic inactivity, which became the focus of the two final studies. Study Three used the UK Household Longitudinal Study (UKHLS), showing that being aged 50–66 (OR= 2.18, 95% CI: 1.53, 3.10) and reporting long-standing illness (OR= 1.44, 95% CI: 1.12, 1.84) were statistically significant predictors of transitioning from pre-pandemic employment to post-pandemic economic inactivity. This transition was associated with higher psychological distress. Study Four focused on individuals aged 50–66 and explored why economic inactivity has risen. It found that the prevalence of reported poor health increased among this age group post-pandemic, suggesting that rising economic inactivity is driven by deteriorating health rather than changes in propensities of healthy or unhealthy people leaving the labour force after the pandemic. It also compared ONS and UKHLS data to explore concerns about the reliability of government statistics. This thesis identified key drivers of economic inactivity in the UK post-COVID-19 and their links to health, highlighting policy interventions to support people in remaining in or returning to work.10 0Item Restricted RISK MANAGEMENT IN THE HOSPITALITY SECTOR DURING TIMES OF CRISIS.(Saudi Digital Library, 2025-07-17) Alanazi, Abdulrahman; Samaradheera, AmaThis research explores how the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Saudi Arabia managed risks during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study investigates the effectiveness of health and safety protocols, identifies operational challenges, and evaluates risk management strategies implemented during the crisis. Using a qualitative methodology based on interviews with hotel managers, the study highlights the role of emergency response teams, digital innovations, and employee welfare in maintaining operational resilience. Key findings emphasize the importance of crisis communication, proactive scenario planning, and mental health support in the hospitality sector. Recommendations are made to enhance future preparedness and sustainability in hotel operations during crises.16 0Item Restricted comparative study of the framing of COVID-19 by the BBC and Al Arabiya(University of Leicester, 2024) Shbber, Saud; Qian, GongThe COVID-19 pandemic required public service media (PSM) outlets to respond swiftly and adapt their communication strategies. This thesis examines how two major PSM organisations—BBC in the UK and Al Arabiya in Saudi Arabia—framed the COVID-19 crisis, focusing on eight key news frames identified in the study: human-interest, vaccination safety/hesitancy, war, commitment and transparency, uncertainty, economic consequences, government handling; criticism vs. firm state control, and authority-centric frames. This thesis uses corpus linguistic analysis (CLA) to assist the framing analysis process, building two corpora from tweets and the attached full news articles on X (formerly Twitter) from both outlets. This method allows for a detailed comparison of how COVID-19 was communicated in the different political, social, and media contexts of the UK and Saudi Arabia. The findings show that BBC’s coverage often highlighted public engagement, transparency, criticism and economic impact, while Al Arabiya focused more on government authority and firm state control. The thesis also tracks how these frames changed over time, noting both similarities and differences between the two outlets. Early coverage in both media focused on uncertainty and health risks but later shifted to issues such as vaccination, economic recovery, and government handling. However, the degree to which each outlet emphasised these frames varied, reflecting the differences in media landscapes and political environments. This change shows how PSM adapted their messages as COVID-19 progressed. This thesis offers new academic contributions by providing fresh insights into the role of PSM in risk communication and how PSM frames health crises and demonstrates the value of integrating CLA with framing analysis. It provides valuable lessons for policymakers on how to effectively manage public health messaging during future global emergencies.4 0Item Restricted A comparative study of the framing of COVID-19 by the BBC and Al Arabiya(University of Leicester, 2024) Shbeer, Saud; Qian, GongThe COVID-19 pandemic required public service media (PSM) outlets to respond swiftly and adapt their communication strategies. This thesis examines how two major PSM organisations—BBC in the UK and Al Arabiya in Saudi Arabia—framed the COVID-19 crisis, focusing on eight key news frames identified in the study: human-interest, vaccination safety/hesitancy, war, commitment and transparency, uncertainty, economic consequences, government handling; criticism vs. firm state control, and authority-centric frames. This thesis uses corpus linguistic analysis (CLA) to assist the framing analysis process, building two corpora from tweets and the attached full news articles on X (formerly Twitter) from both outlets. This method allows for a detailed comparison of how COVID-19 was communicated in the different political, social, and media contexts of the UK and Saudi Arabia. The findings show that BBC’s coverage often highlighted public engagement, transparency, criticism and economic impact, while Al Arabiya focused more on government authority and firm state control. The thesis also tracks how these frames changed over time, noting both similarities and differences between the two outlets. Early coverage in both media focused on uncertainty and health risks but later shifted to issues such as vaccination, economic recovery, and government handling. However, the degree to which each outlet emphasised these frames varied, reflecting the differences in media landscapes and political environments. This change shows how PSM adapted their messages as COVID-19 progressed. This thesis offers new academic contributions by providing fresh insights into the role of PSM in risk communication and how PSM frames health crises and demonstrates the value of integrating CLA with framing analysis. It provides valuable lessons for policymakers on how to effectively manage public health messaging during future global emergencies.16 0Item Restricted Objective and Subjective Long-Term Cognitive Outcomes in COVID-19 Survivors Managed with ECMO: A Case Series(Royal Holloway, University of London, 2024) Alanazi, Abeer; Crabtree, AnnaCOVID-19 has been associated with significant health complications, including cognitive impairments, particularly among patients requiring intensive care interventions. A subset of these patients, especially those needing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), face heightened vulnerability due to prolonged Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay and extended ECMO duration, placing them at an increased risk of developing post intensive care syndrome (PICS), a multifaceted condition that affects cognitive and psychological functions among other health- related domains. This study aims to investigate the cognitive screening outcomes and characteristics of cognitive impairments among COVID-19 survivors managed with ECMO, enhancing our understanding of cognitive outcomes in this high-risk group. Eighty-five COVID-19 patients who had been treated with ECMO were contacted after their ICU admission. The Telephone Montreal Cognitive Assessment (T-MoCA) was employed to detect cognitive impairment. Neuropsychological assessment was completed with ten survivors. A case series design was employed to characterise the cognitive profile of these ten COVID-19 survivors. The mean T-MoCA score for the 49 cohort was 16.20 (SD = 2.93), indicating cognitive impairment among COVID-19 survivors managed with ECMO. T-MoCA scores for the ten patients who completed neuropsychological assessments ranged from 10 to 19, with a mean score of 16.2 (SD = 2.94). The case series analysis demonstrated impairments across domains of attention, working memory, processing speed, and memory. Cognitive impairments are evident in COVID-19 survivors managed with ECMO, presenting cognitive profiles similar to those documented in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients (non-COVID-19). Key words: ICU, COVID-19, ECMO, Cognitive Impairment, PICS13 0Item Restricted Intensive Care Nurses' Experiences of Burnout During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia: A Constructivist Grounded Theory Study(King's College London, 2024) Alzailai, Nawal; Xyrichis, Andreas; Barriball, LouiseBackground: Burnout amongst healthcare staff, particularly amongst intensive care unit (ICU) nurses, is a critical issue that intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. Previous research, especially within the Saudi context, has identified significant levels of burnout in ICU nurses. However, a notable gap exists in the use of qualitative methodologies to deepen our understanding of ICU nurses’ burnout in the Saudi context. Moreover, comprehending the experiences of nurses who suffered from burnout during the pandemic, focusing on the factors that contributed to their stress, has been essential for identifying developmental needs and for shaping interventions aimed at mitigating burnout amongst nurses. Despite this, the existing literature lacks a reliable theory or model that adequately captures the phenomenon of burnout within highly demanding environments like ICUs, particularly under the unpredictable and greatly challenging circumstances of disasters. Aim: To construct a theory grounded in burnout experiences of ICU nurses in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic, intended to act as a foundation for future research that explores burnout in high-stress environments for nurses or other healthcare staff working in similar contexts. Methods: Building from one scoping review and one systematic review, a constructivist grounded theory design was employed for this study, as proposed by Charmaz (2014a). Conducted in four distinct adult ICU departments of a tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia, the research involved 22 ICU nurses experienced in caring for COVID-19 patients and 10 decision-makers, recruited through initial purposive sampling and subsequent theoretical sampling until theoretical saturation was reached. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews. Field notes and a reflexive methodological journal were maintained throughout the research process. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and translated into English where necessary. The analysis followed “Charmazian” principles, which include initial, focused and theoretical coding; constant comparison; theoretical sampling and sensitivity; memo writing; and diagramming. Ethical approval was secured from King’s College London and from the relevant Institutional Review Board in Saudi Arabia. Results: The theory generated by this investigation suggests burnout is a process, resulting from multiple interrelated factors within and beyond an individual’s working environment. This process occurs in three dynamic stages affected by the coping and supportive resources that the nurse has used/received. The core category that emerged, ‘we fought and now we need to be healed’, encapsulates the essence of the nurses’ experiences with perceived burnout and their vital need for recovery and support. This finding led to the development of the BuRN-ICU19 model, a comprehensive framework representing the ICU nurses’ experiences with burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic and informed by results from two fundamental reviews: a scoping review and a systematic review. Conclusion: This thesis offers novel insights into the experiences of burnout among ICU nurses in Saudi Arabia during a disaster situation. It highlights the critical need for targeted interventions and policy reforms to alleviate burnout in, improve the well-being of and effectively support ICU nurses in demanding situations. The BuRN-ICU19 model presents a valuable framework for future research and practical application in ICU nursing, with potential implications extending beyond the Saudi context.48 0Item Restricted Evaluating Reported Patient Perspectives of Teledentistry Use for Dental Care Provision During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia: A Scoping Review(University of Exeter, 2024) Althabit, Thabet; Carrieri, DanieleBackground: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted dental services, increasing interest in teledentistry as an alternative. In Saudi Arabia, dental clinics' temporary closure in March 2020 made teledentistry crucial for maintaining dental care. Despite advanced technology, teledentistry use was low. Understanding patient perspectives is key to improving its adoption. Objective: This review synthesizes evidence on patient perspectives, satisfaction, and perceived outcomes of teledentistry during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia to guide future strategies and research. Methods: Following a scoping review methodology, we searched multiple databases from 2020 to 2024, identifying studies involving Saudi patients using teledentistry during the pandemic. Data were extracted and analyzed thematically. Results: Eleven studies from 2020 to 2023 were included. Key themes were accessibility, convenience, patient satisfaction, and security concerns. Teledentistry improved access and reduced costs, with high satisfaction for minor issues. However, data privacy concerns and limitations in handling complex cases were noted. Conclusion: Teledentistry offered significant benefits during the pandemic, enhancing accessibility and patient satisfaction for minor issues. Yet, managing complex cases and ensuring data security remain challenges. A hybrid model of teledentistry and in-person visits is recommended. Further research on long-term effects, cost-effectiveness, and data security is needed.53 0