Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Restricted Developing an evidence-based recommendation to communicate physical activity knowledge for disabled adults with various health statuses in Saudi Arabia.(Durham University, 2025) Alfaifi, Husam; Smith, BrettOne of the key challenges faced by disabled people in leading active lifestyles is the lack of access to physical activity (PA) information. This challenge is further exacerbated by the limited research on health status and impairments, which intersects with social and environmental barriers, making access to PA information even more difficult. The primary aim of this thesis was to develop evidence-based recommendations to communicate PA knowledge for disabled adults with various health statuses in Saudi Arabia (SA). To achieve the primary aim, research objectives were established to understand the preferences of disabled adults with various health statuses regarding knowledge (including message content), key messengers, formats, and delivery mechanisms to support inclusivity. The objectives were accomplished through the use of a sequential mixed-methods design. First, the preferences of adults with disabilities (n = 559) regarding PA knowledge communication were measured through a carefully designed questionnaire based on trends, disability type, and health status. The quantitative research used descriptive analysis and chi-square tests to reveal diverse preferences among disabled adults with various health statuses for knowledge (including message content), trusted messengers, formats, and delivery mechanisms. Subsequently, interviews were conducted with 56 disabled adults of varying health statuses and analysed using a deductive-inductive thematic analysis to explore the underlying reasons and rationales behind their preferences for specific PA knowledge communication. The findings demonstrated a preference for formulating national PA guidelines for disabled persons to mitigate personal, environmental, and social obstacles for PA. Additionally, it was preferable to adapt formats and channels to deliver culturally, contextually, and health-appropriate PA message content to disabled individuals with various health conditions. The best PA messengers for sustainability were coaches, whereas health professionals were favoured for health. The research concludes by outlining methodological, policy, and practical implications and recommendations for advancing PA communication among disabled adults.18 0Item Restricted Epidemiology of Cerebral Palsy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia(The University of Sydney, 2024-05-31) Mushta, Sami Mukhdari E; Khandaker, Gulam; McIntyre, Sarah; Rashid, Harunor; Badawi, NadiaBackground: Cerebral palsy (CP) is the primary cause of childhood physical disability and lacks comprehensive epidemiological data in Saudi Arabia and similar regions. This PhD thesis explores the epidemiological profile, clinical manifestations, and challenges of CP in Saudi Arabia, aiming for a better understanding and potential intervention strategies. Methods: This thesis utilised multiple research methods: - Narrative literature review to define the burden of CP in Arabic-speaking and Middle Eastern countries. - Systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and a hospital-based surveillance of children with CP in Saudi Arabia from 2020 to 2022 to assess epidemiology and nutritional status. - An online survey to examine the impact of COVID-19 on primary caregivers of children with CP in Saudi Arabia. - Designing and establishing a CP register in Saudi Arabia through multi-organisational collaboration. Results: Literature reviews indicate scant data on CP epidemiology in the Middle East, including a CP prevalence of 1.8/1000 live births in the region. Spastic CP is predominant (59.8%), with significant consanguinity-related risk (37.7%). In Saudi Arabia and similar regions, 71.5% of children with CP suffer from malnutrition. Surveillance of 442 children indicated a majority are over four years old, with birth asphyxia being a major cause (32.4%). Many children lacked rehabilitation services and were not current on immunizations. COVID-19's impact was notable but mostly non-hospitalised; however, telehealth was deemed inadequate by most families. Conclusions: CP epidemiology in Saudi Arabia is poorly defined despite being a high-income country. Significant gaps in population-based surveillance and research persist, underscoring the need for comprehensive studies to understand CP's aetiologies and improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Establishing a Saudi CP register is crucial for advancing research and healthcare strategies.43 0Item Restricted The implementation of inclusive education for EFL students with a disability at a Saudi Arabian university(The University of Sydney, 2023-12-23) Alsubaie, Alanoud Nasser; Evans, DavidIn Saudi Arabia, special education services have gained importance due to obligations associated with ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. While government policies support special education in schools, there's a lack of specific guidance for universities. Some universities offer special education services aiming for inclusive education, but students with disabilities often remain segregated. To address this gap, a mixed methods design was conducted at a Saudi Arabian university to explore challenges, attitudes, the role of assistive technology, and teachers' self-efficacy in implementing inclusive education. The study involved interviews with five EFL teachers and ten students with disabilities, revealing challenges related to administrative support, lack of training, peer attitudes, and unsuitable learning environments. Although participants were unfamiliar with the term 'assistive technology', they supported its use. Based on interview findings, a survey involving 35 teachers and 55 students was designed to gain further insights. The university aimed for inclusive education but leaned towards traditional special education practices, resulting in reservations about its practical implementation. Most participants had positive or neutral attitudes towards inclusive education, but administrative, cultural, academic, and social challenges remained barriers. The study suggests improving efforts towards inclusive education and language learning opportunities for students with disabilities, including the adoption of assistive technologies.79 0