Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Unknown ALongitudinal Study of Physical Activity and Psychological Distress During COVID-19: Examining Between- and Within-Person Effects and the Moderating Role of Gender in the Physical Activity–Distress Relationship- Evidence from Understanding Society(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Alotaibi, Eelaf; Jo, Knight; Ushakova, AnastasiThe COVID-19 pandemic profoundly disrupted daily life, leading to declines in physical activ ity (PA) and increased psychological distress. Understanding how PA relates to mental health during such crises is crucial for informing public health responses. This study examined the association between PA and psychological distress in the UK during COVID-19, using three waves (1, 5, and 7) of the Understanding Society COVID-19 Study. Data were analysed from 18,660 participants, contributing 42,605 repeated observations. Psychological distress was mea sured with the GHQ-12, while PA was derived from the International Physical Activity Ques tionnaire (IPAQ). Covariates included age, gender, financial strain, loneliness, caring responsi bilities, and employment status. To address the research questions, longitudinal models were applied that separated between-person and within-person effects and tested gender as a potential moderator of the PA–distress relationship. Results showed that individuals with higher average PA reported significantly lower psychological distress across waves, even after adjustment for covariates. Within-person analysis further revealed that increases in PA relative to an individ ual’s own usual level were associated with reductions in distress at that time point. Gender moderated these associations: the protective effect of PA was stronger for men at the between person level, while within-person improvements were more evident among women. This study concludes that PA functioned both as a long-term protective factor and as a short-term coping mechanism for psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results highlight the importance of promoting PA within public health strategies, particularly through gender sensitive approaches that recognise structural barriers to activity. Addressing loneliness and employment insecurity alongside PA promotion may yield the greatest mental health benefits in times of crisis. paragraphs5 0Item Unknown Misinformation Narratives in The Covid-19 "Infodemic"(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Albahar, Nawwaf; Hassan, MahmudalPublic health crises rarely unfold as purely biomedical events. They are also information crises in which risk signals compete with rumours, conspiracies, and “miracle cures” (Cinelli et al., 2020). During COVID‑19, Twitter functioned as both an early warning system and a megaphone for misinformation: highly emotive frames travelled faster than measured guidance (Batzdorfer et al., 2022) This dissertation compares two emblematic narratives that circulated on the platform: (a) the claim that 5G mobile networks caused or aggravated COVID‑19; and (b) promotion of “Miracle Mineral Solution” (MMS)—chlorine dioxide—as a prevention or cure. The study proceeds from Entman’s framing model—define the problem, diagnose causes, make moral judgements, and suggest remedies (Entman, 1993). Using the coded workbook derived from the Kaggle corpus, I describe the distribution of stance and frames, then read these patterns against reputable evidence on 5G safety and chlorine dioxide toxicity as well as state of the art infodemiology. The result is a comparative narrative map that clarifies not only what misinformation claimed, but how those claims were made persuasive.25 0Item Unknown NHS Communication Strategies through Twitter ( X ) during the Covid-19 Pandemic in the UK(Saudi Digital Library, 2023) Alrashid, Saad; Wu, YanThis study evaluates Twitter engagement and crisis communication strategies, particularly emphasising the National Health Service (NHS) and the Covid-19 epidemic. The study intends to shed light on the NHSUK Twitter account as a crucial medium for spreading lockdown and government announcements during Covid-19. The research opens by noting the exceptional difficulties that public health organisations globally had during the epidemic and the critical role that NHSUK played in informing the public. It examines how the account handled different pandemic phases, including preventive measures, lockdowns, and reopening efforts. The study prepares the ground for analysing user replies and sentiments on Twitter by providing a theoretical framework encompassing crisis communication theories, theoretical approaches to social media analysis, and Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) model. It digs into the methodology, which includes data processing, sentiment analysis, and Twitter data acquisition. Key findings highlight the wide range of user responses, from thanks for timely information to discussions on governmental decisions and the lack of two-way communication. The research strongly emphasises the value of clear and prompt communication during crises, the necessity of combating false information and the difficulties of balancing optimism and caution while engaging the public. The research report highlights the importance of this study in boosting crisis communication strategy, raising public confidence in sources of health information, and teaching essential lessons for handling future health emergencies. It fills a vacuum in the literature addressing the precise effect of crisis communication on Twitter during medical emergencies, providing advice for practitioners and academics.7 0Item Unknown Exploring Online Learning and the Digital Divide: Perceptions and Challenges Among Students at Saudi Universities Post-Covid-19(The university of Sheffield, 2024) Altuwaijri, Njoud; Wagg, SharonBackground: The digital divide limits opportunities for individuals with limited internet access and digital literacy. The COVID-19 pandemic's increased reliance on digital technologies meant that the pre-existing disparities in digital access and utilisation were exacerbated, especially for disadvantaged populations. Aims: This study aimed to establish the nature, extent, and impact of the digital divide on e- learning experiences among Saudi university students based on students’ perspectives. Methods: Through a mixed study approach, utilising a questionnaire with both open-ended and closed-ended questions data was collected via WhatsApp. Results: Findings reveal that, although most university students have access to digital devices, the quality of these devices varied, and the quality of access varied. Additionally, most students had a high digital literacy rate. However, despite the convenience of online learning, the respondents revealed that online learning was not as effective. Conclusion: To improve learning effectiveness, digital equality needs to focus not only on technology access but also on the quality of access. Overall, this study echoes concerns about the effectiveness of online education due to rapid digitisation during the pandemic, as successful online education depends on access, quality of access, and digital literacy.33 0Item Unknown The Role of e-leadership on Remote Decision Making: Key Learnings from the COVID-19 Pandemic(Cork University Business School, 2024) Alsqeah, Latifah; Adam, Frederic; Treacy, StephenThis thesis investigates the role of e-leadership competencies in decision-making processes within private businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic forced a rapid transition to remote work, necessitating a deeper understanding of how leaders adjust to virtual environments and employ e-leadership practices. Despite the growing relevance of remote work, empirical studies on e-leadership remain scarce, particularly in the context of decision-making—a core leadership responsibility. This research addresses this gap by exploring the importance and impact of e-leadership competencies on remote decision-making and the value propositions these competencies present. The primary objective of this study was to investigate how e-leadership competencies influenced decision-making among private-sector leaders in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 crisis. A qualitative field study was conducted through interviews with 19 leaders from various private sectors, including software development, logistics, oil mining, and training services. These interviews provided in-depth insights into how leaders faced the challenges of remote decision-making during the pandemic. The findings indicated that leaders recognised two key e-leadership competencies, e-communication and e-technology, as crucial for facilitating remote decision-making. These skills enabled managers to maintain clear and consistent communication with their staff, utilising advanced technology to manage remote work successfully. Critical competencies such as e-trust, e-team, and e-change were also recognised as essential, highlighting their significance in building trust, managing teams, and supporting change in a remote environment. Interestingly, 70% of participants considered e-social competency crucial, yet not all leaders agreed, indicating differing viewpoints on the role of social skills in e-leadership. Through this analysis, two theoretical models emerged from the findings: i.A preliminary model of e-leadership competencies’ impact on remote decision-making processes. ii.A preliminary model of the value propositions of remote decision-making. These models identified seven key impacts influencing decision-making in a remote work environment, alongside five primary value propositions related to remote decision-making. This research makes several significant contributions to the IS field and practice. Firstly, it empirically validates and extends Roman et al.'s (2019) e-competency framework by applying it to the context of remote decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic. This application resulted in the development of two preliminary models that explain the impact of e-leadership competencies on decision-making processes in remote work environments. Secondly, the study fills a significant gap in the literature by identifying new value propositions associated with remote decision-making. Lastly, the research broadens the understanding of e-leadership in the context of private businesses, offering practical implications for managing remote work during disruptions and contributing valuable insights to the literature on business continuity and e-leadership. This thesis provides a comprehensive analysis of how e-leadership competencies influence remote decision-making in a disrupted remote work environment. The findings highlight the essential role of e-competencies in navigating the challenges of remote work, offering both theoretical advancements and practical guidance for leaders facing similar situations in the future. As organisations continue to adapt to the evolving landscape of remote working, the insights from this study will prove valuable in understanding and enhancing the effectiveness of remote decision-making.35 0Item Unknown The Public's Perceptions of Covid-19 Vaccine Mandates in Saudi Arabia: trust, responsibility and the state Protection.(king's Collage London, 2024-08-29) Baamour, Shikah; Rothstein, HenryThe imposition of COVID-19 vaccination mandates is commonly advocated as a measure to enhance vaccination coverage. However, the effectiveness of such mandates is contingent not only upon navigating potential legal, ethical, and psychological obstacles but also on the degree of public support and acceptance. This study employs a naturalist approach within the social sciences, utilizing self-administered online surveys as the primary data collection method. It examines public perceptions of COVID-19 vaccine mandates in Saudi Arabia, with a particular emphasis on how variables such as trust in government, cultural attitudes towards collective responsibility, and the perceived protective role of the state shape public attitudes towards these mandates. Data was collected from 22 July 2024 to 4 August 2024 through Outlook Forums survey platform utilizing nonprobability convince sampling to assess the sample level of agreement to statements related to attitudes toward vaccine mandate, trust, the state protective role, autonomy, and collective reasonability. The study results highlight that, in collectivist societies like Saudi Arabia, many view vaccination as a social obligation, aligning with Islamic teachings that prioritize communal welfare over individual autonomy. Additionally, trust in the government plays a crucial role in public acceptance of vaccine mandates, with higher levels of trust correlating with greater acceptance. This correlation is stronger than the influence of the perception of the state's protective role in supporting vaccine mandates.12 0Item Restricted Impact of the COVID-19 on the digital health transformation in Saudi Arabia(University of Strathclyde, 2024-08-13) Shafi, Lina; Smith, MarisaSaudi Arabia has implemented on an ambitious transformation of its healthcare system under Vision 2030 national development goals. This research investigated how the unexpected COVID-19 health crisis impacted and accelerated the adoption of digital health tools across Saudi healthcare facilities. An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was adopted to assess this emerging phenomenon. Secondary quantitative datasets from Saudi government reports provided objective adoption metrics indicating technology uptake before, during and after the pandemic, secondary qualitative analysis of academic literature and news articles offered contextual insights into user experiences, outcomes, and strategic responses. After collecting the data, findings revealed that while Saudi Arabia had made early investments in isolated digital health projects prior to 2016, efforts varied, and adoption rates were gradual. The Vision 2030 agenda recognised healthcare's centrality and made its digitisation a national priority. However, the 2020 COVID-19 outbreak became an unexpected inflection point that urgently catalysed innovation. New mobile health applications were rapidly developed and deployed for infection monitoring, sustaining virtual care access during lockdowns, and managing mass vaccination campaigns. Official statistics indicated over 20 million Saudi citizens registered on platforms like “Sehhaty” and “Tawakkalna” during the crisis. However, findings also highlighted persisting fragmentation between applications, interoperability issues impeding data exchange, physician readiness gaps limiting advanced analytics adoption, and ethical risks from swift digitisation without corresponding cybersecurity and privacy safeguards. As it enters post-pandemic recovery, progress is focusing on addressing these challenges by recommending unified governance frameworks, workforce upskilling programmes and localised regulations adapted from global best practices. In conclusion, COVID-19 accelerated Saudi Arabia's digital health transformation while revealing adoption challenges requiring concerted action. This research offers data-driven assessments of achievements, user outcomes, persisting limitations and forward-looking recommendations to inform ongoing strategic efforts to establish itself as a leading model of patient-centric, technology-enabled healthcare by 2030 in fulfilment of Vision 2030 goals.52 0Item Restricted LIKE PARENTS, LIKE CHILDREN? Investigating the Influence of Parental Vaccination Status on Children's Vaccination Uptake(New York Medical College, 2024) Abduljawad, Sahar; Knapp, KennethBackground: Enormous efforts have been made to manage the spread and consequences of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) through the creation of vaccines. Despite the availability of vaccines, the vaccination rate against COVID-19 for children remains low. Since parents play a major role in deciding whether to vaccinate their children, focusing on parental factors, such as the parents’ vaccination status, this study addresses a critical gap in comprehending the dynamics of children’s vaccination uptake. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted and the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data from 2021-2021 were analyzed. The sample had 5,433 respondents from the United States. Bivariate analysis and logistic regression were used to examine whether parental factors including parents' vaccination status influence their children's vaccination uptake. Results: The final logistic regression model showed that the odds of a child being vaccinated against Covid were 25 times greater if a parent was vaccinated as well as the odds were lower by 20% if a parent had previously tested positive for Covid; both were statistically significant (p-value < 0.001). Findings also revealed that children who received the Covid vaccine had statistically significant greater odds of having older ( ≥ 40), college-educated, high-income, and married parents. Hispanic or other non-Hispanic parents were more inclined to vaccinate their children compared to White non-Hispanic parents. Parents’ availability of health coverage and the presence of chronic health conditions were found to be not statistically significant.Item Restricted EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIAL CAPITAL AND VOLUNTEERING ACROSS CONTEXTS(The Pennsylvania State University, 2024-05) Nassif, Majda; Mallinson, DanielWith the decline in social capital and volunteering rates in the United States, there is a cause for concern, especially since the decline is evident in college-aged individuals. With limited government spending on social programs and recurring crises like natural disasters and novel disease outbreaks, the need for volunteers will continue to increase. This dissertation investigates how social capital can be utilized to promote volunteering. It studies the relationship between social capital and volunteering at both the institutional and community levels of analysis. The study begins with a comprehensive scoping review of the literature. Chapter 2 examines the relationship between social capital and volunteering. Substantial research examines the causal linkages between social capital and volunteering, but it is scattered across multiple academic disciplines and types of volunteering. Further, researchers consider social capital either as a cause of volunteering, or volunteering as a cause of the growth in social capital. This makes directionality a point of significant debate, which is captured in the review. It also examines the volunteering fields that have been studied, the methods and theories used for these studies, and the specific indicators for measuring social capital. The study finds that most studies confirm social capital is developed through volunteering. It concludes with future research directions addressing the gaps identified in the volunteer sector, theory, methods, and measures. Chapter 3 starts with a broad view of declining government spending and the associated increase in the overall need for volunteers over time. However, this contrasts with the fact that volunteering rates have been declining in recent years, especially among college-aged individuals. This study fills a gap in the literature by examining how social capital and various institutional factors influence volunteering rates among college students. The study utilizes multiple linear regression analysis using data from the Social Capital Atlas and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. The results show a positive association between two of the indicators used to measure social capital and volunteering rates. The results of the study shed light on the critical importance of social capital and other institutional factors on college student volunteering. These insights can guide interventions designed to promote volunteerism. Finally, Chapter 4 examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the relationship between social capital and volunteering. Most studies discuss community resilience, whereas others consider COVID-19 policies as a disruptor of social relations with the implemented measures such as masking and social distancing shutdowns. This chapter presents statistical analyses using Census data of US counties to test the relationship between social capital and volunteering before (2018-19) and during (2020-21) the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings show the change in the dynamics of the relationship as pre-COVID-19, where higher social capital was associated with lower volunteering rates, whereas during the pandemic counties with higher levels of social capital had higher levels of informal volunteering.Item Restricted LIVED EXPERIENCES OF SAUDI NURSES WORKING WITH COVID-19 PATIENTS: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL INQUIRY(Barry University, 2024-05-08) Alharbi, Bandar; Colin, JessieBackground: Nurses in Saudi Arabia who have worked with COVID-19 patients practice under highly stressful conditions which threaten their health and ability to work. The negative impacts will continue to occur and may result in an unsafe working environment without an understanding of the lived experience of Saudi nurses working in a clinical setting. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the lived experiences of Saudi nurses working with COVID-19 patients. Philosophical Underpinning: A transcendental phenomenological qualitative approach guided by an interpretivist paradigm was engaged to gain an understanding of the lived experiences of Saudi nurses working with COVID-19 patients. Methods: The target population for the study participants was Saudi nurses who work with COVID-19 patients in Al Madinah City, Saudi Arabia. Purposive and snowball sampling was used. Data analysis was guided by Moustakas’ 1994 model of transcendental phenomenology. Results: Four themes emerged from fifteen study participants: Fearing COVID-19, Lacking Resources, Supporting and Encouraging, and Being Socially isolated. Conclusions: This study revealed that Saudi nurses face many challenges while caring for COVID-19 patients. The findings of this study have the potential to assist healthcare institutions in understanding the challenges nurses face while providing care to infected patients. These will enable institutions to devise strategies that effectively tackle these challenges and enhance the overall quality of patient care.