Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Restricted Personal Values and Attitudes Towards Corporate Sustainability: An Analysis of Saudi Arabian Business School Students(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Alabdulwahab, Bashair Sami S; Jun, HannahThis dissertation addresses the urgent need to understand how sustainability education and personal values shape the future workforce in Saudi Arabia, a key player in global business and energy markets. As sustainability becomes increasingly critical for international businesses, it is vital to examine how universities are preparing students and how personal values impact perceptions of sustainability – particularly in a country with massive global operations like Saudi Arabia. From an academic perspective, this research fills a critical gap as (to the best of the author’s knowledge) no previous studies have explored the integration of corporate sustainability (CS) into Saudi Arabian business curricula or analyzed students’ values and attitudes toward CS. This is especially the case when it comes to understanding whether and to what extent gender-based differences in values and attitudes exist. From a practitioner’s standpoint, understanding these dynamics is essential for businesses aiming to align corporate sustainability initiatives with the values of their future employees, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of sustainability programs on a global scale. This study focuses on two sets of analyses. First, this dissertation provides an analysis of Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) curricula in Saudi universities to assess the integration of CS-related courses. Second, this dissertation focuses on a survey of 236 students from King Saud University to investigate personal values and attitudes toward CS. The curriculum analysis revealed that CS-related courses made up 15.73% of BBA major requirements, focusing on business ethics, sustainable business, and environmental studies. The survey results showed a gendered distinction: female students prioritized a broader set of values, such as achievement, hedonism, benevolence, and universalism, while male students emphasized achievement, security, and tradition. These differences shaped their attitudes toward economic and environmental sustainability, with both groups deeming social sustainability less of a priority. This research contributes to academic literature by highlighting the intersection of gender, personal values, and sustainability education in a rapidly developing context. It also provides practical insights for international businesses on how to tailor their sustainability initiatives to align with the diverse values of future graduates. Moreover, it agrees that gender differences in value attitudes toward sustainability tend to be rooted in Gender Socialization Theory, Social Identity Theory, Values Theory, and Moral Foundations Theory.13 0Item Restricted A Qualitative Interview Study of Respiratory Therapists' Perceptions and Attitudes Toward APRV in Western Saudi Arabia(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Algurashi, Raneem; Zimmerman, Ralph ChipBackground: Airway Pressure Release Ventilation (APRV) is an advanced mechanical ventilation mode with demonstrated benefits for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), including improved oxygenation and alveolar recruitment. Despite decades of global evidence, its adoption in Western Saudi Arabia remains limited. Respiratory therapists (RTs) face challenges in its clinical application, including insufficient training, physician hesitancy, and lack of standardized protocols. Understanding RTs’ perceptions is essential to improving APRV integration and enhancing critical care practices in non-Western healthcare settings. Purpose: This study aimed to explore RTs’ perceptions and attitudes toward APRV in Western Saudi Arabia, with a focus on identifying perceived benefits and disadvantages, implementation barriers, and the influence of clinical experience and training on APRV utilization. Methods: A qualitative design using semi-structured, in-depth interviews was employed. Eight RTs from various hospitals in Western Saudi Arabia participated in virtual interviews guided by 14 open-ended questions covering demographic background, APRV perceptions, and implementation experiences. Face validity of the interview guide was established by three respiratory therapy faculty members from Georgia State University. Data were analyzed thematically using NVivo 14, following Braun and Clarke’s six-phase framework. Results: All eight RTs completed the interviews. Thematic analysis yielded 14 focused codes, which were organized into 7 sub-superordinate themes and 4 overarching superordinate themes: (1) Perceptions of APRV, (2) Barriers to Use, (3) Impact of Training and Experience, and (4) Proposed Solutions. While RTs acknowledged APRV’s benefits for oxygenation and lung protection, its use was frequently described as a last-resort strategy. Barriers included physician control over ventilator modes, lack of protocols, limited exposure, and fear of misapplication. RTs reported that confidence in using APRV improved with hands-on experience, mentorship, and simulation training. Conclusion: APRV remains underutilized in Western Saudi Arabia due to a complex interplay of institutional, educational, and experiential factors. Findings highlight the need for standardized protocols, simulation-based training, and national efforts to promote APRV literacy among both RTs and physicians. Addressing these barriers could enhance the safe and confident use of APRV in critical care.24 0Item Restricted Predictors of Cybersecurity Knowledge, Attitude, and Behaviours among Nurses in Saudi Arabia(Saudi Digital Library, 2025-05-21) Alanazi, Abdulhamid Khalifah; Khalifeh, AnasBackground: Cybersecurity is becoming increasingly critical in healthcare, as nurses frequently access sensitive patient data through electronic health records (EHRs) and other digital platforms. Despite this, gaps in nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors (KAB) regarding cybersecurity pose risks to data security, especially in Saudi Arabia, where healthcare digitization is expanding rapidly. Research in this area remains limited. Aim: The aim of this study is to explore the predictors of cybersecurity knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among nurses in Saudi Arabia. Methodology: This cross-sectional, descriptive correlational study was conducted in three hospitals in northern Saudi Arabia: King Khalid Hospital, Prince Abdulaziz Bin Musaed Hospital, and Qurayyat General Hospital. A total of 190 nurses were selected using a convenient sampling method, and then they were surveyed using the Human Aspects of Information Security Questionnaire (HAIS-Q) to assess their cybersecurity knowledge, attitude, and behavior (KAB). Sociodemographic, work-related, and organizational variables were analyzed using multiple regression to identify significant predictors of cybersecurity KAB. Results: Overall, 190 nurses participated in the study, with a mean age of 30.69 years (SD = 7.96). The results showed moderate levels of cybersecurity knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among nurses in Saudi Arabian hospitals. The highest-scoring domain was mobile device usage, while password management scored the lowest. Significant differences in cybersecurity knowledge were found based on educational level (F = 3.626, p = .029) and monthly income (F = 3.196, p = .043), with nurses holding master’s or doctoral degrees and those earning higher salaries showing better knowledge scores. A statistically significant difference in knowledge scores was also observed based on the clarity of cybersecurity policies (F = 3.179, p = .044). No significant differences were found in attitudes or behaviors based on these variables (p > .05). Cybersecurity knowledge was strongly and positively correlated with both attitude and behavior (p < .001). Similarly, cybersecurity attitude was positively associated with behavior (p < .001). No significant correlations were found between the main variables and demographic factors such as age or years of experience. Cybersecurity attitude (β = .696, p < .001) and behavior (β = .231, p < .001) were significant predictors of cybersecurity knowledge. In turn, cybersecurity knowledge (β = .605, p < .001) and behavior (β = .358, p < .001) significantly predicted attitude. Finally, cybersecurity knowledge (β = .333, p < .001) and attitude (β = .571, p < .001) significantly predicted behavior. Conclusion: The study highlights moderate cybersecurity KAB among nurses, influenced by education, policy clarity, and work-related factors. Strong correlations exist between knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors, emphasizing the need for targeted training and institutional cybersecurity reinforcement15 0Item Restricted PREDICTORS OF CYBERSECURITY KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND BEHAVIOURS AMONG NURSES IN SAUDI ARABIA(Saudi Digital Library, 2025-05-21) Alanazi, Abdulhamid Khalifah; KHALIFAH, ANASAbstract Background: Cybersecurity is becoming increasingly critical in healthcare, as nurses frequently access sensitive patient data through electronic health records (EHRs) and other digital platforms. Despite this, gaps in nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors (KAB) regarding cybersecurity pose risks to data security, especially in Saudi Arabia, where healthcare digitization is expanding rapidly. Research in this area remains limited. Aim: The aim of this study is to explore the predictors of cybersecurity knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among nurses in Saudi Arabia. Methodology: This cross-sectional, descriptive correlational study was conducted in three hospitals in northern Saudi Arabia: King Khalid Hospital, Prince Abdulaziz Bin Musaed Hospital, and Qurayyat General Hospital. A total of 190 nurses were selected using a convenient sampling method, and then they were surveyed using the Human Aspects of Information Security Questionnaire (HAIS-Q) to assess their cybersecurity knowledge, attitude, and behavior (KAB). Sociodemographic, work-related, and organizational variables were analyzed using multiple regression to identify significant predictors of cybersecurity KAB17 0Item Restricted DENTAL PRACTITIONERS' KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICE (KAP) IN CAIRO AND RIYADH REGARDING CARIES RISK ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT (A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY)(Cairo University, 2024) Almuatiri, Waleed Saqer; Abuelniel, Gihan MohammedObjective: The study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of dental practitioners regarding caries risk assessment (CRA) and management, focusing on the influence of demographic factors such as gender, nationality, years of experience, and practice sector. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 174 dental practitioners in Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The survey included questions to evaluate participants' knowledge of caries risk factors, attitudes towards CRA, and their practices in caries management. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20®, Graph Pad Prism®, and Microsoft Excel 2016 to explore associations between KAP and demographic factors. Chi-square tests were used to determine the significance of these associations. Results: The study revealed that while the overall knowledge of dental practitioners regarding caries prevention is high, significant gaps exist in understanding the impact of socioeconomic factors and the effectiveness of preventive measures like xylitol. Attitudes towards CRA were generally positive, with most practitioners recognizing its importance in clinical practice. However, time constraints were identified as a major barrier to the consistent application of CRA. The study also found significant variability in caries management practices, with government sector practitioners more consistently using preventive measures compared to those in private practice. Gender, nationality, and practice sector were significant predictors of differences in knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Conclusion: The study concludes that while dental practitioners have a strong foundation in caries prevention, addressing the identified knowledge gaps and practice variability is crucial. Continuing education programs focusing on the socioeconomic determinants of caries and the benefits of preventive measures like xylitol are recommended. Streamlined CRA processes are needed to overcome practical barriers and improve the consistency of caries management across different practice settings.6 0Item Restricted Gender Identity and Hyperbole Use in Saudi Arabic: A Production and Perception Study Exploring the Influence of Social Factors on Hyperbolic Expressions and Attitudes Towards their Use.(University of York, 2024-09) Aljuberi, Najla Ali; Bailey, GeorgeLanguage is not merely a tool for communication but a mirror reflecting intricate human interactions, culture, social norms, and identity. While extensively studied in rhetorical and literary contexts, hyperbole has received relatively little attention in everyday contexts, particularly in Saudi Arabic. This study explores the influence of social factors—namely gender, age, and region—on the use of ten hyperboles frequently observed among Saudis. The research incorporates both production and perception approaches. In the production study, the frequency of hyperboles was examined over 9 hours and 24 minutes of natural speech collected from 24 Saudi influencers, stratified by age, gender, and region, on Snapchat. The perception study, conducted through an online survey, implicitly investigated Saudis’ perceptions and attitudes towards the use of hyperboles. The results of both studies were largely consistent. They demonstrated that gender is the strongest factor influencing the use of hyperboles, with Saudi females producing 71 hyperboles per hour compared to only 7 hyperboles per hour by males. The findings also revealed that the ten hyperboles carry varying degrees of femininity: six hyperboles were found to be highly feminine, while the others exhibited both feminine and masculine connotations. Two hyperboles also revealed a regional pattern, showing high salience in the speech of Najdi speakers. In the first section of the perception study, Saudis demonstrated heightened awareness of these expressions according to age, gender, and region. The study also uncovered a correlation between femininity, age, and formality: the more feminine a hyperbole, the younger and more informal it was perceived. In the second section, Saudis’ attitudes towards the use of hyperboles were generally positive. However, male respondents expressed slightly negative attitudes towards hyperboles when used by other men.55 0Item Restricted Exploring Gender Differences in Saudi EFL Learners' Attitudes and Comprehensibility Towards American and British English.(University of Reading, 2024-09-13) Asiri, Shamah; Setter, JaneAbstract This study was an attempt to explore how Saudi EFL learners feel about American and British accents and how well they understand these accents, with a focus on exploring differences between male and female learners. A number of 84 participants, both males and females, took part in the research, allowing for a balanced look at gender perspectives. Using a combination of questionnaires to assess attitudes and a verbal guise technique to assess how understandable these accents are, the study sheds light on how gender can shape accent preferences and comprehension. The insights gained from this research are valuable for educators and linguists who work in diverse, and in educational settings.12 0Item Restricted Factors Influencing Critical Care Nurses’ Attitudes to Patient Safety: A Systematic Review(QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY, BELFAST, 2024-09-08) Alduways, Saleh; Claire, KerrBackground: Ensuring patient safety continues to be a key aspect in the health sector. Negligent practices concerning health, hygiene and diet are among the top killers in modern society. The attitudes and practices of critical care nurses concerning patient safety culture are of significant importance. Safety culture refers to the safety beliefs, values and attitudes adopted by health care providers, as well as the processes of practising them and the dedication to creating a riskless health care system. Aim: This systematic review seeks to summarise the attitudes and practices of critical care nurses towards patient safety in ICUs and their adherence to international safety goals, and factors that affect their attitudes and practices towards patient safety practices. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in four online databases – CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed and Scopus – of publications spanning September 2014 to 2024. The PICo framework was employed in the formulation of the research question. Specific criteria were set for the inclusion of studies. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Appraisal tool for Cross-Sectional Studies (AXIS). Results: Ten studies were included in this systematic review. These studies employed cross-sectional design to investigate critical care nurses’ attitudes, perceptions and practices about patient safety, compliance with international safety goals, and factors that may influence them in critical care settings. In general, critical care nurses reported significant negativity in safety culture, and the management perception scores were low overall. Organisational commitment and job satisfaction had the highest means of positive scores as did teamwork. Nurses likewise confirmed a perspective of International Patients Safety Goals (IPSGs) as a reliable framework for patient safety; individual factors affecting patient safety culture included fatigue, workload and emotional exhaustion. Nurses aged 31–35 were more knowledgeable about the IPSGs. Conclusion: The current study reveals that critical care nurses had negative perception towards safety culture and poor response on the management support and the implementation of some principles of patient safety. Although 8 nurses’ knowledge of specific goals is strong, a number of implementation challenges remain and thus require focused interventions to enhance safety culture.34 0Item Restricted Exploring Teachers’ Attitudes about Universal Design for Learning for Students with Learning Disabilities in Saudi Primary Schools(University of Exeter, 2024-06-03) Alsaadi, Nouf Mohammed; Fujita, Taro; Koutsouris, GeorgeDespite the growing prominence of inclusion, teachers still have varying attitudes about its implementation in general classes. Therefore, this study aims to explore primary teachers’ attitudes about Universal Design for Learning (UDL) for students identified with learning disability (LD) to inform decision- making in UDL implementation and foster inclusive education in Saudi Arabia. UDL was identified as a framework that consist of three principles and standards for curriculum improvement to give all students opportunities to learn. This means that all learners in a general education setting, including those with disabilities, can receive flexible instructional methods, materials, and assessments to meet their needs. However, in order to implement UDL, it is important to explore teachers’ attitudes towards UDL and their perceptions of its practical implementation. Due to the limited research on UDL in the Saudi context, this study focuses on gaining an in-depth understanding of the attitudes of general education teachers (GETs) including their beliefs, concerns and potential factors associated with using UDL when teaching students with LD in Saudi primary schools. This study used an explanatory sequential mixed-methods research design across two phases: Phase One collected survey responses from 153 teachers, of which only 40 reported that they had knowledge of UDL, to explore their beliefs and concerns about UDL. Followed by Phase Two obtained qualitative data via semi-structured interviews with 11 of these participants, selected purposively, to gain an in-depth understanding of their attitudes and experiences of UDL. In terms of beliefs, the study found that the majority of teachers held positive beliefs about UDL and believed it could be useful for learning, teaching and assessment. However, interview results found that although most teachers were positive towards UDL as an idea or concept, they were sceptical about its practical implementation in their classrooms. In terms of concerns, the quantitative results showed high level of concerns about UDL: teachers were generally interested in learning more about UDL; but were concerned about their ability to implement it and managing tasks associated with it; understanding the impact it had on their students’ learning outcomes; and how to collaborate and co-operate with others to implement it. The qualitative findings reinforced most of these findings as the majority of teachers expressed similar concerns related to UDL such as having limited information, professional concerns e.g., lack of appreciation, concerns about cooperation, implementation and training. In addition, there were several supportive factors (e.g., social media use and the influence of particular trainers) and hindering factors (e.g., curriculum and time pressures) that were reported to influence teachers’ experiences of UDL. The integration of both phases highlighted the difference between thinking that something (UDL in this case) is a good/ positive idea, and actually implementing it in practice. The findings can offer insights into the complex ways in which teachers understand and practice inclusion in their classrooms. The ecological model of human development by Bronfenbrenner (1979) was used to discuss the findings of this study and identify factors that can influence teachers’ attitudes towards the implementation of UDL. This study contributes to the existing theoretical and practical knowledge about UDL and inclusion. Even though some teachers supported the inclusion of students with LD in a general class, they could be negative towards implementing UDL or vice-versa (positive towards UDL, but not willing to have students with LD in a general class). It reveals a dynamic interplay in teachers' attitudes towards the inclusion of students with LD, and it was prone to change according to the circumstances. Implications for policymakers, schools, and teachers are discussed.40 0Item Restricted LEARNING ENGLISH IN THE TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING CORPORATION (TVTC) IN SAUDI ARABIA: PERSPECTIVES OF FIRST YEAR STUDENTS(Saudi Digital Library, 2023-12-12) Daqdaqi, Rashed Ahmed; Dietrich, SarahThis study examines the perspectives of 35 first year students enrolled in the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). In light of the development strategy of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which places significant emphasis on the acquisition of foreign languages to facilitate economic diversification and growth, this research examined the perspectives and drives of students in relation to the learning of English. The study found that the participants mostly showed positive and hopeful attitudes when it came to learning English. This study offers significant contributions to the understanding of the intricate dynamics involved in the process of learning the English language among students from Saudi Arabia. It illuminates the various obstacles and possibilities that arise as they strive to achieve proficiency in the language. The research emphasizes the necessity of adopting an innovative methodology for teaching English in vocational and technical education institutions in Saudi Arabia. This approach should aim to tackle motivational challenges and ensure that language acquisition is in line with the changing demands of the Saudi economy and society.66 0