Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations

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    PARENTS’ KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF ORAL HEALTH AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH THE ORAL HEALTH STATUS OF ARABIC PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN IN KLANG VALLEY, MALAYSIA
    (Saudi Digital Library, 2025-07-22) Mohammed, Alsharif; Mohd, Nazan Ahmad Iqmer; Suriani, Ismail
    Oral health diseases among pre-school children such as tooth decay is a global public health problem and influence the overall health of children. Parental oral health knowledge, attitude and practice have a direct effect on pre-school children, since the pre-school children may not be able to fully express their emotions orally. This study aimed to determine the level of parents’ knowledge, attitude and practice of oral health and its association with the oral health status of pre-school children in Arabic pre-schools in Klang Valley, Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among pre-schoolers with proportional stratified sampling from selected five Arabic pre-schools. 400 self-administered questionnaires in Arabic language were distributed among the Arabic parents. The questionnaire included five sections on sociodemographic characteristics, socioeconomic characteristics, parental oral health knowledge, attitude and practice, eating and oral hygiene habits of children and accessibility of dental services. The questionnaire had acceptable internal consistency (α=0.82). In this study, the internal consistency value was (α=0.78) and the test-retest reliability correlation coefficient showed a good reliability level (84%). SPSS version 23 was used to conduct Chi-Square test, Fisher’s exact test and binary logistic regression analysis for data analysis. Completed questionnaires were returned with a response rate of 95%. Among a total of 363 children with a median age of 4 years, 54.8% were females. Overall, 42.4% of the children had dental caries, 9.6% of them had gingivitis and 19.6% reported to have halitosis. Marital status, monthly income, accessibility to dental services, the gender of children, name of schools, start to brush the teeth and the number of times of brushing every day, visit the dentist regularly were factors significantly associated with the oral health status of children (p<0.05). Besides, parental knowledge, attitude and practice of oral health were significantly associated with the parent-reported oral health status of children (p<0.05). In conclusion, this study established that more than 50 % of the children found to have poor oral health. In order to mitigate these problems, effective oral health programs designed to change dietary habits and dental screening of children in this age group are necessary.
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    Predictors of Cybersecurity Knowledge, Attitude, and Behaviours among Nurses in Saudi Arabia
    (Saudi Digital Library, 2025-05-21) Alanazi, Abdulhamid Khalifah; Khalifeh, Anas
    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 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 reinforcement
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    PREDICTORS OF CYBERSECURITY KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND BEHAVIOURS AMONG NURSES IN SAUDI ARABIA
    (Saudi Digital Library, 2025-05-21) Alanazi, Abdulhamid Khalifah; KHALIFAH, ANAS
    Abstract 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 KAB
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    Development and Evaluation of an Educational Resource to Promote Skin-to-Skin Contact between Mother and Neonate in Saudi Arabia
    (The University of Newcastle, 2024-12) Hawsawi, Abeer; Fernandez, Ritin; Mackay, Maria; Alananzeh, Ibrahim; Al Mutair, Abbas
    Introduction Skin-to-skin contact is crucial for both the baby and the mother for a better health outcome but the low practice rate in Saudi Arabia is a national concern. Consequently, there was an urgent need to develop an educational intervention to improve the uptake of skin-to-skin contact. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of educational resources to promote skin-to-skin contact in Saudi Arabia. Methodology and methods A multi-method design, grounded in the Knowledge to Action framework, included a scoping review, surveys, and a clinical controlled trial followed by a mixed-methods approach incorporating semi-structured interviews and surveys. The educational resources, available in both English and Arabic, consisted of a pamphlet, a PowerPoint presentation, and a short video. These resources were developed through co-creation, involving healthcare providers, mothers, and university researchers. An online consensus development conference involving 14 participants ensured the cultural and linguistic appropriateness of the resources. A total of 383 participants were recruited from two Saudi hospitals (control, n=192 and intervention, n=191) using a convenience sampling method to test the effect of the educational resource. Data analysis Data were collected using online surveys before and after the educational intervention. Semi structured interviews with eight mothers in the intervention group further explored their experiences with the intervention. The data were analysed using SPSS version 29. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including Chi-square and T-tests, were used to compare outcomes between the control and intervention groups. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Qualitative data from interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Results The online consensus development conference effectively guided the development and implementation of the educational intervention. The rates of correct skin-to-skin practice and breastfeeding within an hour after birth were significantly higher in the intervention group. Mothers reported a highly positive experience with the educational intervention. Conclusion The online consensus development conference facilitated the design and implementation of an effective intervention, significantly improving adherence to optimal skin-to-skin and early breastfeeding practices, with high maternal satisfaction.
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    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 Mohammed
    Objective: 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.
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    Knowledge and Acceptability of HPV Vaccination in Countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: A Systematic Review
    (University College London, 2024) Aboalaz, Amirah; Sonnenberg, Pam
    Background: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a significant cause of cervical cancer and may cause other cancers, including anal and penile cancers. Despite the availability of effective vaccines, the level of knowledge and acceptability of HPV vaccination varies widely across different regions. This systematic review focuses on the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) to evaluate the current state of awareness and vaccine acceptability. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, with a comprehensive search across Embase, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science for studies published between January 1, 2008, and March 30, 2024. Inclusion criteria were cross-sectional studies conducted in the EMR that included questions on HPV awareness, vaccine awareness, the link between HPV and cervical cancer, and vaccine acceptability. Studies were assessed for quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist. Results: A total of 815 studies were identified and after screening and quality appraisal, a total of 36 studies from 14 countries in the EMR were included. The review revealed low levels of awareness about HPV and its vaccine, with median awareness levels at 35.05% for HPV infection and 31.8% for the HPV vaccine. The median acceptability level for the HPV vaccine was higher, at 54.05%. Knowledge about HPV was found to be correlated with higher vaccine acceptability. Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for targeted public health interventions to improve HPV vaccination knowledge and acceptability in the EMR. Strategies may include robust educational campaigns, integration of HPV education into school curricula, community engagement, and training of healthcare providers. Policy interventions to make the vaccine more accessible and affordable are also crucial. Addressing these challenges through comprehensive and multi-faceted approaches can significantly enhance vaccine uptake and reduce the burden of HPV-related diseases in the region.
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    Knowledge, attitude and practice of health and safety guidelines among laboratory staff in Saudi Arabia
    (Newcastle University, 2024-11) Aldhamy, Haifa Omar; McCune, Victoria; Pearce, Mark S; Maniatopoulos, Gregory
    Background Medical laboratories are required to follow health and safety regulations to minimise occupational risks to laboratory staff. Without knowledge of and adherence to appropriate controls and procedures, laboratory acquired infection (LAIs) can result in morbidity and mortality to staff. The prevention and reduction of LAIs is a key priority for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) healthcare system as part of its infection prevention and control (IPC)/biosafety programme. This mixed-methods study aimed to explore the implementation of the IPC/biosafety programme from the laboratory staff viewpoint and to assess knowledge, attitude and practice of recommended polices and procedures. Methods A mixed-methods study design, combining quantitative (survey) and qualitative (semistructured interviews) methods was employed. The study was conducted in three hospitals (two public, and one private in KSA. Participants included laboratory staff, allied health professionals and infection control specialists. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential analysis. Qualitative data were analysed using the Normalisation Process Theory (NPT) framework. Results King Abdulaziz Medical City participants had the highest mean knowledge scores (9.81). Hayat National Hospital participants had the highest median attitude scores (53.5). Participants who received training had the highest median practice scores (52.0). There was a positive correlation between the knowledge and practice scores (r= 0.32, p= 0.003). Several themes regarding the implementation of safety guidelines were identified using NPTs four constructs, such as; awareness and risk perception of LAIs; valuing the benefits of guidelines; compliance with implementing guidelines; assessment and monitoring of guidelines implementation and facilitators of guidelines implementation. Conclusion Although the majority of participants had high scores on knowledge, attitude and practice, there were some differences between hospitals, confirming the need for standardisation among hospitals and continuous education and training. Staff were also aware of the risk of LAIs, and value of implementing guidelines to minimise occupational risk. However, factors such as lack of organisational support and lack of resources affected the implementation process. The need for a comprehensive action plan from the Ministry of Health and the General Directorate for Infection Prevention and Control in Healthcare Facilities to facilitate the implementation of the IPC program was regarded as critical to the uptake of safety guidelines.
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    ANTENATAL EXERCISE AND ITS ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG SAUDI PREGNANT WOMEN
    (George Mason University, 2024) Alhajiri, Donna Nassir; Oh, Kyeung Mi
    Background: Regular physical exercise during pregnancy can help reduce the risk of complications for both the mother and the fetus. Globally, women’s exercise during pregnancy is low and decreases as pregnancy progresses. In Saudi Arabia, women’s antenatal exercise practices are understudied. There is an increase in women’s obesity and pregnancy-related weight gain, a lack of health counseling, and a lack of antenatal exercise guidelines. There is a need to explore the level of antenatal exercise and its associated factors. The findings can be used to develop culturally appropriate antenatal exercise education and counseling programs for Saudi pregnant women. Purpose of the study: To assess antenatal exercise adherence to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) exercise during pregnancy guidelines and its associated factors among Saudi pregnant women. Method: This is an exploratory, cross-sectional, and descriptive study. Data was collected using a self-reported questionnaire. The target population of this study was Saudi pregnant women. A convenient sampling method was used to include women 18 to 45 years old, living in the eastern province with a single, alive fetus and a normal pregnancy, naturally conceived, and who can read and write in Arabic. Exclusion criteria were women with a high-risk pregnancy, a medical problem except for diabetes mellitus, a psychological condition, or a mental or physical disability. In an exploratory manner, facilitators, and barriers as independent variables on intrapersonal, interpersonal, environmental, organizational, and policy levels were included to assess their associations with antenatal exercise. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the study sample’s characteristics, women’s levels of knowledge, attitude, and adherence to the ACOG antenatal exercise guidelines, in addition to antenatal exercise facilitators, and barriers on intrapersonal, interpersonal, environmental, organizational, and policy levels. Bivariate relationships between antenatal exercise and its associated factors were assessed using the independent t-tests and Chi-square tests. Finally, the associations of demographic characteristics, women’s knowledge, attitude, antenatal exercise facilitators, and barriers on intrapersonal, interpersonal, environmental, organizational, and policy levels factors with antenatal exercise were assessed using logistic regression analyses after assessing the assumptions. Statistical significance was tested at p ˂0.05.
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    Knowledge, Use, and Confidence in Artificial Intelligence Applications Among Orthodontists in the UK and Ireland
    (The University of Edinburgh, 2024) Sabbagh, Abdulrahman; McGuinness, Niall
    Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) has been applied in orthodontics using different applications, including cephalometric tracing, remote and initial assessment, remote monitoring of treatment progress, and extraction decision-making. This study aims to assess knowledge, usage, confidence, and future interest in AI applications amongst orthodontists in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted amongst orthodontists in the United Kingdom and Ireland. A self-reported questionnaire was used. Data was collected on participant demographics, as well as knowledge, usage, confidence, and future use of different AI applications. Pearson chi-square tests were used to assess if demographics, region of work, sector of work, and years of experience influenced responses. Results: A total of 331 responses were received. There was a general awareness that AI can be used in orthodontics in 80.4% of respondents. In addition, the overall mean knowledge, usage, and confidence levels of the examined AI applications were 51.3%, 16.6% and 18.7% respectively. Knowledge, usage, and confidence levels for specific AI applications differed, with the greatest familiarity, usage, and confidence observed in AI applications for cephalometric tracing and remote monitoring. Alternatively, the lowest awareness, usage, and confidence were attributed to AI applications that assisted in identifying the need for extractions. Additionally, most orthodontists (81%) consider AI to be beneficial for future use and the majority (96.7%) were open to learning about it. Statistically Significant associations (P >0.05) were discovered between knowledge, usage, and confidence in various AI applications and between multiple factors including healthcare sectors, practice regions, and gender. Conclusion: This study revealed differing levels of knowledge, usage, and confidence in various AI applications among practitioners in the UK and Ireland. The findings suggest a knowledge-implementation gap that might be beneficial to be targeted by educational means to increase the adoption of AI technology in the orthodontic practice.
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    Assess Perspective and Knowledge of Healthcare Providers Towards Telehealth in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review
    (Saudi Digital Library, 2023-11-28) Mulayhi, Badriah Mousa; George, Jomin
    Background and Objective: Telehealth has become a well-known tool for the delivery of health care in Saudi Arabia, and the perspective and knowledge of healthcare providers are influential in the implementation, adoption and advancement of the method. This systematic review was conducted to examine the current literature base regarding telehealth and the related healthcare professional perspective and knowledge in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: This systematic review was conducted by searching seven databases, including MEDLINE, CINHAL, Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, PsycINFO and ProQuest Central. Inclusion criteria designated studies that were published in the English language from 2000 to 2023 in Saudi Arabia, full-text available and assessed the perspective or knowledge of healthcare providers towards telehealth. This systematic review was guided by Boland's guidance. All related studies were individually assessed by the researcher using the AXIS tool, which assesses the quality of cross-sectional studies in a systematic review. Data were extracted into a table, and a narrative synthesis was carried out to summarise and report the findings. Results: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria out of the 1840 search results. Positive perspective and low levels of knowledge among providers were observed across the studies. Frequent reasons for a positive attitude toward telehealth among healthcare providers were improving healthcare quality, access and delivery, saving time and money and its effective use. In addition, age, gender, profession and work experience were identified as factors associated with health professionals' knowledge level. The major challenges facing healthcare providers in practicing telehealth in Saudi Arabia are insufficient expert support, patient privacy, internet connection issues, lack of training courses, lack of knowledge of telehealth usage and high cost. Conclusions: This systematic review highlighted the existing perception and knowledge of health care providers towards telehealth. As a compilation of the varied personal attitude and knowledge of concerned professionals, it will assist in the better implementation of telehealth in Saudi Arabia, improve its advancement as a health care delivery option and reduced common challenges to its use.
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