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The inappropriate prescribing of antimicrobials increases antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which poses an appreciable threat to public health, increasing morbidity and mortality. Inappropriate antimicrobial prescribing includes their prescribing in patients hospitalized with COVID-19, despite limited evidence of bacterial infections or coinfections. Knowledge of current antimicrobial utilization in Saudi Arabia is currently limited. Consequently, the objective of this study was to document current antimicrobial prescribing patterns among Saudi hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study included patients with or without COVID-19 who were admitted to five hospitals in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Data were gathered using the Global PPS methodology and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Out of 897 hospitalized patients, 518 were treated with antibiotics (57.7%), with an average of 1.9 antibiotics per patient. There were 174 culture reports collected, representing 36.5% of all cases. The most common indication for antibiotics use was community-acquired infections, accounting for 61.4% of all cases. 'Watch' antibiotics were the most commonly prescribed antibiotics, with the cephalosporins and carbapenems representing 38.7% of all antibiotics prescribed, followed by the penicillins (23.2%). Notably, Piperacillin/Tazobactam and Azithromycin were prescribed at relatively higher rates for COVID-19 patients. These findings highlight the need for continuous efforts to optimize the rational use of antibiotics through instigating appropriate antimicrobial stewardship programs in hospitals and, as a result, reduce AMR in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbal medications are being widely used as dietary supplements worldwide. A large percentage of the population uses medicinal herbs to treat certain diseases or symptoms. This study is aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the general population. This cross-sectional study was carried out in Makkah Province from November 30th to December 31st, 2021. Data were collected and analyzed using an online questionnaire, and the survey questionnaire was validated. Response to questions was analyzed with the SPSS program. A total of 391 participants participated. Most participants were male (54.7%), and the average age was between 35-44 years old. 78.6% had college or higher education, and 66% of the participants were from Makkah. Only 13.9% of the participants said they have very good knowledge of herbal medicine. In terms of attitude, more than 91% of the respondents agreed that herbal drugs have some value in treating diseases. 65% of the participants get their knowledge from social media and the internet; the rest are about friends, TV, the medical journal, and others. the study showed that most respondents had low experience in herbal medicine and relied heavily on the internet for information. On the other hand, there was a positive attitude toward using herbal medicine. The government and Food and Drug Administration must encourage institutions to devote functionally dedicated programs and activities to enhance public awareness of herbal medicine use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Objectives: Clinical pharmacists are now playing a significant role in hospitals aiming to reduce medication errors, adverse drug reactions, and healthcare costs. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to assess the interventions provided by a clinical pharmacist in the intensive care unit at the King Faisal Hospital in Taif city. (2) Methods: For this single-center retrospective study, patients were included from December 2021 to May 2022. In the present study, all the interventions of clinical pharmacists made over six months were included. The Intensive care unit (ICU) ward was covered by three clinical pharmacists, and the interventions made were categorized into four groups: (1) interventions related to indications; (2) interventions regarding safety; (3) interventions regarding dosing, and (4) miscellaneous. Descriptive statistics was applied to evaluate the results in the form of frequencies and percentages. Analysis was performed using the statistical package SPSS 20.0. (3) Results: Overall, a total of 404 interventions were recommended for 165 patients during the six- month period of study. Among them, 370 interventions (91.5%) were accepted by physicians. Among all the interventions, the majority were suggested regarding 'indication' (45.7%), including the addition of drugs, drugs with no indications, and duplication. The acceptance rate of clinical pharmacist intervention was 98.5%. (4) Conclusions: This retrospective study shows that clinical pharmacists played a critical role in optimizing drug therapy which could subsequently help to prevent drug-related issues and lower drug costs. More research is needed to do a thorough cost-benefit analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to document the quality of work life (QWL) among healthcare staff of intensive care units (ICUs) and emergency units during COVID-19 outbreak using the WHOQoL-BREF. A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted for two months (May – June 2020) among healthcare staff working in intensive care units (ICUs) and emergency units of the hospitals under the National Guard Health Authority (NGHA) across five cities of Saudi Arabia. The study used the WHOQoL-BREF instrument to document the QWL through an electronic institutional survey. The data was analyzed through IBM SPSS version 23. The study was approved by an ethics committee. A total of 290 healthcare professionals responded to the survey. The mean overall quality of life score was 3.37 ± 0.97, general health = 3.66 ± 0.88, domains, i.e., physical = 11.67 ± 2.16, psychological = 13.08 ± 2.14, social = 13.22 ± 3.31 and environment = 12.38 ± 2.59. Respondents aged > 40 years, male gender, married status, being a physician and, having a work experience > 15 years and no extra working hours, had higher mean scores for several domains of Quality of life (QoL), overall QoL and general health (p < 0.05). The QWL among healthcare staff during COVID-19 pandemic was low. Demographic factors were mainly the determinants for a higher QWL while the variable of extra working hours was a determinant of lower QWL. Despite the pandemic, no COVID-19 related variables affected the work life of healthcare staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the immune response to Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is crucial for disease prevention and vaccine development. We studied the antibody responses in 48 human MERS-CoV infection survivors who had variable disease severity in Saudi Arabia. MERS-CoV-specific neutralizing antibodies were detected for 6 years postinfection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary objective was to assess beverage consumption pattern and calorie intake among undergraduate students on weekly and daily basis. Secondary objectives were to determine the relationship between demographic variables and beverage intake, assess mean differences in calorie intake between students' groups and, report the predictors of beverage consumption. A cross-sectional study was conducted for 3 months (January–March 2019) among currently enrolled undergraduate students studying in 8 colleges of a public sector university in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The study used the Arabic version of Beverage Frequency Questionnaire (BFQ) and collected data through purposive stratified sampling. Total intake in ml and calories in kcals were calculated. Data was analyzed through SPSS version 23 and the study was approved from ethics committee of the university (IRB‐2019‐05‐021). A total of 507 students responded to the survey. The average volume of sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs), caffeine containing beverage (CCBs) and carbonated beverages (CarBs) consumed was 4.2 L, 4 L and 1.5 L per week and 650.6 ml, 575.2 ml and 224.6 ml per day, respectively. Average daily calorie intake from SSBs, CCBs and CarBs was 187.6 kcals, 87.6 kcals and 52.5 kcals, respectively. Body mass index (BMI) was significantly related to CCB (ρ = 0.130) and CarBs (ρ = 0.100) intake (mL) (p < 0.05). Mean difference in calorie intake was mostly significant (p < 0.05) when accounted for students' demographics, gender, BMI, residence, illness and, examination time, in case of SSBs, CCBs, CarBs and, all beverages. Averge % contribution towards total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) for SSBs, CCBs and CarBs were 10.2%, 6.3% and 2.8%, respectively. Year of study, BMI, residence and illness were predictors of SSBs consumption while BMI, residence and examination time were predictors of CCBs consumption. Gender and BMI were predictors of CarBs intake. There was a high consumption of beverages in students that was related to their demographic characteristics. There is a need to create awareness among the students regarding the detrimental effects of chronic consumption of these beverages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) are collaborative efforts to optimize antimicrobial use in healthcare institutions through evidence-based quality improvement strategies. The general administration of pharmaceutical care in the Saudi ministry of health (MOH) is putting outstanding efforts in implementing antimicrobial stewardship in Saudi health care settings. Several surveys have been conducted globally and reported many types of antimicrobial stewardship strategies in health institutions and their effectiveness. This study aims to identify ASPs in Makkah region hospitals and their perceived level of success. We administered a regional survey to explore current progress and issues related to the implementation of ASPs in Makkah region hospitals at the pharmacy level (n = 25). Among responding hospitals, 19 (76%) hospitals, the most commonly reported ASP were as following: formulary restrictions (90%) for broad-spectrum antimicrobials and use of prospective feedback on antimicrobial prescribing (68%), use of clinical guidelines and pathways (100%), and use of automatic stop orders (68%) to limit inappropriate antimicrobial therapy. The study outcomes will also be of pivotal importance to devise policies and strategies for antimicrobial stewardship implementation in other non-MOH settings in the Makkah region. Based on our results, all reported institutions have at least one antimicrobial stewardship program in a process with a high success rate. A multidisciplinary ASP approach, active involvement of drug & therapeutic committee, formulary restrictions, and availability of education & training of pharmacists and physicians on ASP are the primary elements for perceived successful antimicrobial stewardship programs in the Makkah region hospitals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to translate and validate the Arabic version of General Medication Adherence Scale (GMAS) in Saudi patients with chronic diseases. A multi-center cross sectional study was conducted for a month in out-patient wards of hospitals in Khobar, Dammam, Makkah, and Madinah, Saudi Arabia. Patients were randomly selected from a registered patient pools at hospitals and the item-subject ratio was kept at 1:20. The tool was assessed for factorial, construct, convergent, known group and predictive validities as well as, reliability and internal consistency of scale were also evaluated. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were also evaluated. Data were analyzed using SPSS v24 and MedCalc v19.2. The study was approved by concerned ethics committees (IRB-129-25/6/1439) and (IRB-2019-05-002). A total of 282 responses were received. The values for normed fit index (NFI), comparative fit index (CFI), Tucker Lewis index (TLI) and incremental fit index (IFI) were 0.960, 0.979, 0.954 and 0.980. All values were >0.95. The value for root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) was 0.059, i.e., <0.06. Hence, factorial validity was established. The average factor loading of the scale was 0.725, i.e., >0.7, that established convergent validity. Known group validity was established by obtaining significant p-value <0.05, for the associations based on hypotheses. Cronbach's α was 0.865, i.e., >0.7. Predictive validity was established by evaluating odds ratios (OR) of demographic factors with adherence score using logistic regression. Sensitivity was 78.16%, specificity was 76.85% and, accuracy of the tool was 77.66%, i.e., >70%. The Arabic version of GMAS achieved all required statistical parameters and was validated in Saudi patients with chronic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the association between disease knowledge and medication adherence in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted for three months, in patients with type 2 diabetes who visited three community pharmacies located in Khobar, Saudi Arabia. Patients' disease knowledge and their adherence to medications were documented using Arabic versions of the Michigan Diabetes Knowledge Test and the General Medication Adherence Scale respectively. Data were analyzed through SPSS version 23. Chi-square test was used to report association of demographics with adherence. Spearman's rank correlation was employed to report the relationship among HbA1c values, disease knowledge and adherence. Logistic regression model was utilized to report the determinants of medication adherence and their corresponding adjusted odds ratio. Study was approved by concerned ethical committee (IRB-UGS-2019-05-001). Results: A total of 318 patients consented to participate in the study. Mean HbA1c value was 8.1%. A third of patients (N = 105, 33%) had high adherence and half of patients (N = 162, 50.9%) had disease knowledge between 51% - 75%. A significantly weak-to-moderate and positive correlation (ρ = 0.221, p < 0.01) between medication adherence and disease knowledge was reported. Patients with >50% correct answers in the diabetes knowledge test questionnaire were more likely to be adherent to their medications (AOR 4.46, p < 0.01). Conclusion: Disease knowledge in most patients was average and half of patients had high-to-good adherence. Patients with better knowledge were 4 to 5 times more likely to have high adherence. This highlights the importance of patient education and awareness regarding medication adherence in managing diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Medication adherence is defined as taking medications as advised and prescribed by health care professionals for stated duration. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common chronic illnesses in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to document medication adherence in Saudi patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi out-patients with type 2 DM in the city of Khobar, Saudi Arabia. The study used the General Medication Adherence Scale (GMAS) to document medication adherence in this population. Data was analyzed through SPSS version 23. Study was ethically approved. Results: Data was collected from 212 patients. Few patients (35.8%) had high adherence to anti diabetic medications. The correlation between HbA1c level and adherence score was negative and significantly strong (ρ = -0.413, p < 0.0001). Most patients (N = 126, 59.4%) modified their medication therapy during month of Ramadan and on Eid occassion. Education level was not a determinant of adherence in this population. Conclusion: This study highlighted that medication adherence is influenced by religious and social factors. Patient counseling is required to improve patient beliefs and increase awareness of adhering to prescribed anti diabetic pharmacotherapy. A pharmacist can play constructive role of a disease educator and patient counselor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim was to validate the General Medication Adherence Scale (GMAS) (English version) in Saudi patients with chronic disease. Methods: A month-long study was conducted in the out-patient department of tertiary care hospitals in three cities of Saudi Arabia that collected data from a randomized sample of Saudi patients with chronic disease. The study aimed to achieve an item-to-subject ratio greater than 1:10. Factor analyses were conducted and fit indices calculated. Convergent, discriminant, known group, and concurrent validities were analysed. Internal consistency was determined using test–retest reliability using Cronbach's alpha (α), McDonald's coefficient omega (ω t), and Pearson's correlation coefficient (ρ). Sensitivity analysis was conducted. Data were analysed through Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. The study was ethically approved (i.e., IRB-129-26/6/1439). Results: The survey gathered responses from 171 patients with a response rate of 85.5%. An item-to-subject ratio of 1:15 was achieved. Factor analysis revealed a three-factor structure with acceptable fit indices (i.e., normed fit index (NFI) = 0.93, Tucker–Lewis index (TLI) = 0.99, and comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.99), i.e., greater than 0.9. The value of root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) was 0.01, i.e., less than 0.08. The tool established construct validity, i.e., convergent and discriminant validities. Known group and concurrent validities were also established. An α value of 0.74 and ω t value of 0.92 were reported. Test–retest reliability ρ = 0.82, p < 0.001. The tool had high sensitivity (>75%) and specificity (>80%). Conclusion: The GMAS-English was successfully validated in Saudi patients with chronic disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To assess Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) students’ interprofessional perceptions about the pharmacy profession in Saudi Arabia. Method A 26-item questionnaire was used to attain the aims of the study. The contents of the study tool were adapted and modified from The Interdisciplinary Education Perception Scale (IEPS) . Factor analysis was performed as mentioned by Luecht, Madsen, and Taugher. Data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 13 ® . Results The response rate to this survey was 89.7%. Overall, the female respondents were found to have lower interprofessional perception scores than male students, 13.4 ± 2.17. Overall, the final-year (fifth year) students had a better perception regarding professional competence and autonomy (14.1 ± 2.06), followed by the first-year students. In terms of the perceived need for professional cooperation, significant differences were noted based on motivation to choose pharmacy as a profession and participation in any workshop or conference in the last six months. Regarding the perception of actual cooperation/resource sharing within and across professions, significant differences were seen in terms of academic years. Previous job experience, attendance at a workshop, and hospital/community pharmacy training in the last six months were found to significantly affect the students’ perceptions of Factor 4. Conclusion Final-year students have better interprofessional perceptions than their juniors do. In addition, motivation to enter the pharmacy profession, participation in recent scientific conferences, and practice exposure were found to significantly affect the interprofessional perceptions of students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess the clinical effectiveness of Hydroxychloroquine-based regimens versus standard treatment in patients with the coronavirus disease admitted in 2019 to a hospital in Saudi Arabia. A comparative observational study, using routine hospital data, was carried out in a large tertiary care hospital in Al Baha, Saudi Arabia, providing care to patients with COVID-19 between April 2019 and August 2019. Patients were categorized into two groups: the Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) group, treated with HCQ in a dose of 400 mg twice daily on the first day, followed by 200 mg twice daily; the non HCQ group, treated with other antiviral or antibacterial treatments according to protocols recommended by the Ministry of Health (MOH) at the time. The primary outcomes were the length of hospital stay, need for admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), time in ICU, and need for mechanical ventilation. Overall survival was also assessed. 568 patients who received HCQ (treatment group) were compared with 207 patients who did not receive HCQ (control group). HCQ did not improve mortality in the treated group (7.7% vs. 7.2%). There were no significant differences in terms of duration of hospitalization, need for and time in ICU, and need for mechanical ventilation among the groups. Our study provides further evidence that HCQ treatment does not reduce mortality rates, length of hospital stay, admission and time in ICU, and need for mechanical ventilation in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]