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For a Saudi woman living in times of rapid socioeconomic transformation, working in a low-paid job may feel both obligatory and shameful. This paper argues that Saudi women – torn between traditionalism and modernity – are deeply impacted, though in ambivalent ways, by the recent empowerment discourse. It examines how the corporate world adopts the empowerment narrative to promote progress, modernity, and openness at the expense of women's needs, preferences, and values. Through interviews with a diverse cohort of 20 employed women aged 20–45 years, this study seeks to unravel the motivations that drive women to pursue work in a patriarchal society where the conventional role of men entails assuming financial responsibility for women. Through an exploration of the motivations underlying women's decisions to work – a few of which are the desire for recognition, financial independence, and self-worth – this paper investigates issues of visibility, space, and social responsibility. These key issues emphasize the struggles encountered by working women in attaining empowerment, autonomy, and self-worth despite their participation in the labour market and their financial independence. By examining low-skilled sectors in which women struggle with challenging working conditions, this paper aims to give voice to disadvantaged women who, in the empowerment plans, are left unheard and their future obscured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Does the way in which people do gender influence their career advancement strategies? Based on semi-structured interviews with Saudi women senior managers and drawing from the postcolonial feminist theory, we discover in this study that it does. We show that Saudi women choosing to do gender well, the Sailing Through cohort, achieve career advancement by amplifying their commitment to family responsibilities, enacting respectful femininity, and invoking family associations to build winning alliances. We describe this form of resistance as crafty agency. In contrast, Saudi women choosing to do gender differently, the Trailblazing cohort, achieve their advancement goals by acting in a serious, composed, and competitive manner, investing in their human and professional capital, and effectively using self-promotion and self-advocacy. We describe this form of resistance as determined agency. Overall, our study demonstrates that Saudi women's agency is not fixed, or definite, or passive but rather it is fluid, multifaceted, and transformational. This article contributes to gender studies by showing how different stances on doing gender drive the reinvention of gender identities and pursuit of alternative career advancement strategies. It also provides a nuanced understanding of how Saudi women attain senior management positions as they navigate the messiness and contradictions of gender roles and gendered contexts, agency, doing gender well and doing gender differently, and career advancement strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

: Wisdom holds that healthy and fit citizens ensure more successful national development plans. In its transition to a knowledge-based economy (Vision 2030), Saudi Arabia is depending on women's contributions and leadership. But Saudi females have historically lacked access to physical education or sports as evident in their compromised health status (44% obesity rate) compared to the national average (35.4%), which is nearly three times as high as the global average (13%). : This study demonstrated the benefit of soliciting health and sports-related academic specialists' voices to address the paucity of research that could inform policy and curricular decisions around healthy lifestyle, physical education, and sports access for Saudi women. : This exploratory qualitative study (2020–2021) involved N = 11 semi-structured interviews (purposive sampling) with Saudi faculty members (kinesiology, sports, physical education, and related specializations). The eight, mostly open-ended interview questions were inspired by existing work on international women's health issues. A thematic analysis revealed participants' learned insights and opinions about this issue. : Four themes emerged. Participants opined that (a) education should be used to improve women's health, (b) everyone's lifestyle can be improved through educating women, (c) policymakers must be held accountable for ensuring access to relevant curricula and infrastructure, and (d) gender health equality must be in place to ensure women's healthy lifestyles. : Exploratory research is beneficial when little is known about a phenomenon. It helps researchers better clarify the nature of the problem, and findings often serve as groundwork for future studies. Participants supported physical education curricula and a fitness infrastructure for Saudi women. A focus on healthy lifestyles through physical education classes and sports engagement via related infrastructure is strongly recommended as an important action for Saudi policymakers. This would help create a cultural imperative of healthy citizens for national development especially through women's health and physical fitness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study used a capability approach to investigate Saudi women's empowerment experiences and their capabilities in decision-making regarding choosing their university majors. Further, the study explored what capabilities women required to make decisions regarding their majors at university. Qualitative data were collected through interviews with 26 women, comprising graduates, students, and faculty members. Results revealed that new legislation and regulations in Saudi Arabia have positively influenced sociocultural transformation. However, in small cities and nonurban settings, women may struggle to reject traditional social norms despite their empowerment. The findings indicate that encouraging students' voluntary work and their membership in groups and organisations, as well as ensuring diverse hiring practices are in place in rural areas and small cities, could support a more general acceptance of women's empowerment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Humanities & Educational Sciences Journal is the property of Humanities & Educational Sciences Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Arts for Linguistic & Literary Studies is the property of Thamar University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Participation in sports represents a potent means of empowerment and social inclusion. Nevertheless, women with physical impairments encounter specific challenges in accessing Para sports. The main aim of this study is to present the experiential participation and achievements in sports of women with physical impairments in Saudi Arabia. Methods: Twenty women athletes with physical impairments who engaged in competitive Para sports in Saudi Arabia were interviewed. Interpretive phenomenological analysis was employed to extract themes elucidating the experiences of women athletes with physical impairments in Para sports. Results: Four dimensions were identified: (i) Exploring participation in sports; (ii) The positive impact of participation in sports; (iii) obstacles in participation in sport; and (iv) hopes and aspirations to improve participation in Para sports. Conclusion: In Saudi Arabia, participation in Para sports functions as a powerful tool for empowering and socially integrating women with physical impairments. However, these women encounter challenges in accessing sports. Achieving empowerment in Para sports necessitates the establishment of an inclusive ecosystem that celebrates diversity and equality. Collaborative efforts from governments, sports organizations, communities, and individuals are indispensable in creating an environment where women with impairments can flourish in sports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated the influence of environmental conservation on climate intervention and explored how women empowerment mediates between the both. Using survey questionnaire, 246 responses were collected from Saudi women. To understand these associations, Smart PLS-SEM version 4 was employed for data analysis. This study significantly supported all the hypotheses; environmental conservation has a positive significant impact on climate intervention (β = 0.552; p = 0.003). The research verified that women empowerment plays a mediating role, with statistical significance (β = 0.267; p = 0.015), highlighting their crucial function as key drivers in advancing sustainable development. The study's conclusion highlighted the value of women's empowerment as a link between combating climate change and environmental preservation. Saudi women are found to have sufficient knowledge on environment and have mobility in resources, and be good decision-makers. By identifying and leveraging the unique talents of women, policymakers and practitioners may develop more inclusive and effective strategies for decreasing environmental challenges and building climate resilient communities, thereby helping to realize the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. This study contributes to the ongoing discourse regarding the interplay between gender, climate resilience, and environmental sustainability by endorsing all-encompassing approaches that empower women to be agents of change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the level of empowerment experienced by Saudi women through the vocational skills taught in educatedneighbourhood programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the research sought to determine whether there were statistically significant differences in empowerment levels based on marital status and the number of courses under-taken. The research uncovered the challenges faced by women during the pandemic, utilising descriptive statistics to collect data. The sample consisted of Saudi females enrolled in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The results indicated that Saudi women experienced empowerment through the vocational skills acquired in educated-neighbourhood programs. Furthermore, the findings revealed no statistically significant differences in empowerment levels among women based on marital status. However, there were statistically significant differences in the empowerment levels of the participants based on the number of courses taken. The results illustrated that the various challenges faced by women during the pandemic, included isolation at home, psychological coping, discontinued economic activities, adherence to safety precautions, and access to healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigations of social actor representations across media present a large and important body of research in corpus-assisted discourse studies (cads). However, most studies focus exclusively on one mode, the text, whilst other modes of communication (for example, visuals) are either considered partially or not at all. Whilst insights from textual analyses are invaluable in revealing salient and nuanced patterns of social actor representations in the media, visual accompaniments can reinforce particular 'angles' creating lasting perceptions for readers and viewers. Though some approaches exist to study considerable numbers of images, visual media data can be complex rendering them difficult to be studied alongside textual cads. This paper uses a triangulation of visual and textual cads analysis to explore social actor representations in media texts and images. It does so by focussing on the representations of Saudi women in the UK and Saudi news media within the context of evolving women's rights in Saudi Arabia. The study shows how such triangulation can be conducted in a doable and systematic way and how it can enrich cads research on discursive representations of social actors across contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is an increasing public health problem worldwide. Measuring the level of knowledge in a population at high risk for GDM will highlight the gaps and help in designing appropriate interventions. The objective of this study was to measure the knowledge about GDM and to identify the factors associated with it among pregnant women in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted with pregnant women seeking antenatal care services in two of the public sector tertiary care hospitals in Riyadh city. The study was performed using a self-administrated predesigned questionnaire. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS program. Results: More than 40% of the participants had poor knowledge about GDM complications, diagnosis and management. Women with lack of exercise [adjusted odds ratio 3.3 (95% CI 1.8, 6.1)]; having past histroy of GDM [3.2 (1.8, 5.7); primigravida [2.9 (1.6, 5.1)]; information on GDM received from doctors [2.0 (1.2, 3.4)] and those with low education level [1.8 (1.1, 2.9)] were more likely to have poor knowledge about GDM. Whereas, women with positive family history were 60 times more likely to have good knowledge about GDM. Conclusion: Primigravida mothers and those with low education level should receive specific information and awareness regarding GDM. Healthy lifestyle is important for the prevention and improvement in the diagnosis and management of GDM among pregnant women in Riyadh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundParticipation in sports represents a potent means of empowerment and social inclusion. Nevertheless, women with physical impairments encounter specific challenges in accessing Para sports. The main aim of this study is to present the experiential participation and achievements in sports of women with physical impairments in Saudi Arabia.MethodsTwenty women athletes with physical impairments who engaged in competitive Para sports in Saudi Arabia were interviewed. Interpretive phenomenological analysis was employed to extract themes elucidating the experiences of women athletes with physical impairments in Para sports.ResultsFour dimensions were identified: (i) Exploring participation in sports; (ii) The positive impact of participation in sports; (iii) obstacles in participation in sport; and (iv) hopes and aspirations to improve participation in Para sports.ConclusionIn Saudi Arabia, participation in Para sports functions as a powerful tool for empowering and socially integrating women with physical impairments. However, these women encounter challenges in accessing sports. Achieving empowerment in Para sports necessitates the establishment of an inclusive ecosystem that celebrates diversity and equality. Collaborative efforts from governments, sports organizations, communities, and individuals are indispensable in creating an environment where women with impairments can flourish in sports.

IntroductionPostpartum depression (PPD) is a serious disorder that affects women worldwide, making it a crucial public health concern and one of the most prevalent childbirth complications. Assessing the perspectives of Saudi women towards PPD is essential for addressing the issue and developing effective solutions. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude of Saudi women about PPD in King Abdulaziz Medical City, Western Region.MethodsThis study employed a descriptive cross-sectional research design and included 226 women recruited through convenience sampling at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Outpatient Department in King Abdul-Aziz Medical City, Jeddah. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire with 3 main sections: socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge regarding risk factors and symptoms of PPD, and attitude about PPD.ResultsThe mean score (SD) of the knowledge scale was 31.8 (6.2) with 53.5% of participants having a good level of knowledge about PPD. The mean score (SD) of the attitude scale was 27.1 (2.8) with 47.3% of participants having a positive attitude towards PPD. Significant differences were identified in the knowledge scale, where women who were postgraduates, working in the health sector and unpregnant scored higher in the knowledge scale compared to others (P = .008, P = .02, & P = .008, respectively).DiscussionThe findings of this study indicate that women's knowledge about PPD was generally good; however, many of them held negative attitudes towards PPD. These findings underscore the importance of proper education to improve mental health literacy and address prejudices and negative stereotypes related to PPD among Saudi women.

Background: Maternal outcomes are closely associated with birth satisfaction, and the Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (BSS-R), a concise, multidimensional self-report measure, has undergone translation and validation internationally. However, research on birth satisfaction in Saudi Arabia is scarce. The absence of valid Arabic-language tools for the Saudi population may impede critical research on this topic, necessitating the translation and use of psychometrically sound instruments for measuring birth satisfaction in Saudi women. Objective: This study aimed to translate and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Saudi Arabian version of the BSS-R (SA-BSS-R). Methods: A total of 218 Saudi women participated in the study, and psychometric analysis of the translated SA-BSS-R involved confirmatory factor analysis, divergent validity analysis, and known-group discriminant validity assessment within a cross-sectional study design. Results: The three-factor BSS-R measurement model displayed poor fit, and internal consistency fell below the threshold value. Additionally, it was observed that women undergoing an episiotomy had significantly lower overall SA-BSS-R scores. Conclusion: The SA-BSS-R manifested atypical measurement properties in this population. Despite insightful observations related to episiotomy, the identified measurement shortcomings highlight the need for a more robust and culturally sensitive translation to enhance measurement characteristics.

IntroductionNon-diabetic women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) often have abnormal insulin regulation. Calpain 10 (CALP10) is a biomarker of type 2 diabetes mellitus, with some of its single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) influencing PCOS development.MethodsIn this case-control study on 90 women each with and without PCOS, we explored the molecular role of five CALP10 SNPs using biochemical parameters and Sanger sequencing analyses.ResultsDifferent genetic models, genotypes, and allele frequencies were significantly associated with UCSNP-19 (rs3842570; p=0.01), UCSNP-44 (rs2975760; p=0.009), UCSNP-56 (rs2975762; p

AbstractThis paper exercises a multimodal discourse analysis approach to explore the visual representation(s) of Saudi women in a small cartoon corpus published on a global online platform, Cartoon Movement. More specifically, the present study aims to identify the visual communicative functions, thematic foci and discursive practices adopted by caricature producers when representing SW issues in the post-driving era. Ten caricature drawings published online between 2017 and 2020 have been purposively selected for semiotic analysis. Applying social-semiotic approach to multimodality reveals that understanding the three aspects of meaning—representational, interactive, and compositional—is a prerequisite to grasping the cartoonists’ implicit messages. There are three thematic foci that emerge in representing SW in the selected caricature images: male guardianship, the end of the driving ban, and dress code. These themes are used to depict a typical and negative image of Saudi society and SW. Official Saudi efforts to empower women, such as ending the driving ban and allowing women to vote in elections, are depicted as being superficial and controlled by the male guardianship system. Furthermore, the discursive strategies manipulated in the visual compositions are applied in accordance with the cartoonists’ tacit ideologies to represent SW, including visual metaphor, stereotyping, victimisation, comparison, exaggeration, and normalisation.

This article explores the relationship between personality traits and entrepreneurial intention among Saudi women during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study reveals that personality traits such as risk-taking, need for achievement, and locus of control have a positive impact on the entrepreneurial intention of Saudi women. The research offers valuable insights for promoting female entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia and fills a gap in understanding the role of personality traits in entrepreneurial intention. The study suggests that fostering these personality traits can encourage more Saudi women to engage in entrepreneurial activities. However, the findings may not be applicable to other countries, and future research should investigate entrepreneurial intention in different regions and nations. The article also recommends considering additional personality traits and examining the actual actions and outcomes of entrepreneurs in future studies. [Extracted from the article]

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a complex disorder defined by the Rotterdam criteria. Insulin resistance is a common factor for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus among women with PCOS. The SLC2A2 gene has been identified as a T2DM gene by genome-wide association studies in the rs8192675 SNP. This study aimed to investigate the rs8192675 SNP in women diagnosed with PCOS on a molecular level and further for T2DM development in the Saudi women. In this case-control study, 100 PCOS women and 100 healthy controls were selected. Among 100 PCOS women, 28 women showed T2DM development. Genotyping for rs8192675 SNP was performed by PCR-RFLP analysis. Additionally, Sanger sequencing was performed to validate the RFLP analysis. The obtained data were used for a statistical analysis for the genotype and allele frequencies, logistic regression, and ANOVA analysis. The clinical data confirmed the positive association between FBG, FI, FSH, TT, TC, HDLc, LDLc, and family histories (p < 0.05). HWE analysis was associated in both the PCOS cases and the control individuals. Genotype and allele frequencies were associated in PCOS women and strongly associated with women with PCOS who developed T2DM (p < 0.05). No association was found in the logistic regression model or ANOVA analysis studied in women with PCOS (p > 0.05). A strong association was observed between the rs8192675 SNP and women with PCOS who developed T2DM using ANOVA analysis (p < 0.05). This study confirms that the rs8192675 SNP is associated with women with PCOS and strongly associated with women with PCOS with developed T2DM in Saudi Arabia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aimed to identify the relationship between personality style, ostentatious consumption behaviour and family compatibility among Saudi women. The study sample consisted of 526 respondents and the results revealed that the most common personality type among the participants was sensory/intuitive (mean 37.52), followed by decisive/automatic (mean 23.90) and open/conservative (mean 32.44). The level of ostentatious consumption behaviour was 84.21. Regarding the dimensional levels of the family compatibility scale among Saudi women, the social environment was the highest with an arithmetic average of 25.13, followed by the compatibility of spouses - children with an arithmetic average of 36.82 and the compatibility of children - children with an arithmetic average of 22.02. The arithmetic average of the scale as a whole was 115.21 with a relative weight of 79.46%. These results demonstrated a statistically significant positive relationship (p=0.01) between all dimensions of the personality style scale and the family compatibility scale and the total degree, except for the family compatibility dimension - social environment and the total score of the boasting consumption behaviour. There were differences in personality style according to several demographic variables (age, number of children, economic income, duration of marriage, educational level) but not in the family pattern according to educational level. There were also statistically significant differences in family compatibility according to the number of children, economic income, duration of the marriage, and nature of housing but no differences in the family style according to age and educational level, in relation to proud consumption behaviour (age, number of children, economic income, duration of marriage) or consumption behaviour according to nature of housing and educational level. Finally, the study results showed the possibility of predicting family compatibility through personality style with 25.5% of the variation explaining the dimensions of the personality style scale, and 12.2% of variance explaining the predictive behaviour of ostentatious consumption among Saudi women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite considerable social, economic, and organizational advancements that Saudi women have achieved in the past two decades, research on Saudi women in leadership continues to focus on the structural, organizational, and societal challenges the women face. Often missing from analyses are the micro ways in which the women resist and negotiate with/against organizational challenges. Using a postcolonial feminist lens, we asked: how do Saudi women leaders resist power in the workplace? This question was posed to reinsert the value of Saudi women within organizational narratives, generate deeper understanding of a marginalized group of women, and understand resistance as located within socio-political-ethical structures. Our contributions are threefold: (1) this study advances the literature on Saudi women in organizations by focusing on resistance as a point of entry and analysis; (2) we add a less antagonistic relationship between power/resistance, and reconceptualize agency/resistance as one inclusive of subtle and individual forms of resistance, and one that moves beyond the limits of the liberal imaginary; (3) our study also adds to the burgeoning scholarship on workplace resistance in non-Western contexts, which advocates for situated knowledge and the decolonization of management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a landmark Fatwa , Saudi Arabia's highest religious authority—The Council of Senior Scholars—declared the Islamic permissibility of oocyte cryopreservation. The fatwa sanctioned the retrieval, preservation, and future use of oocytes, ovarian tissue, and whole ovaries from cancer patients receiving gonadotoxic interventions. Although momentous, the fatwa's specification of cancer patients effectively rendered this technology unavailable to others to whom it may be similarly beneficial, including patients with other medical conditions or patients seeking elective cryopreservation. This article argues in favor of widening reproductive choices through expanded access to oocyte cryopreservation in Saudi Arabia—regardless of the underlying cause of infertility—on three grounds: the technology's compliance with Islamic law, as a matter of fairness in medical practice, and as a means to support the well-being and flourishing of Saudi women within the context of a national societal and economic transformation strategy closely linked to their success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetes (hyperglycemia) is defined as a multifactorial metabolic disorder in which insulin resistance and defects in pancreatic β-cell dysfunction are two major pathophysiologic abnormalities that underpin towards gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). TCF7L2, KCNQ1, and KCNJ11 genes are connected to the mechanism of β-cell dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to investigate the genes associated with β-cell dysfunction and their genetic roles in the rs7903146, rs2237892, and rs5219 variants in Saudi women diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus and GDM. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, 100 women with GDM and 100 healthy volunteers (non-GDM) were recruited. Genotyping was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), followed by restriction fragment length analysis. Validation was performed using Sanger sequencing. Statistical analyses were performed using multiple software packages. Results: Clinical studies showed a β-cell dysfunction positive association in women with GDM when compared to non-GDM women (p < 0.05). Both rs7903146 (CT vs. CC: OR-2.12 [95%CI: 1.13–3.96]; p = 0.01 & T vs. C: (OR-2.03 [95%CI: 1.32–3.11]; p = 0.001) and rs5219 SNPs (AG vs. AA: OR-3.37 [95%CI: 1.63–6.95]; p = 0.0006 & G vs. A: OR-3.03 [95%CI: 1.66–5.52]; p = 0.0001) showed a positive association with genotype and allele frequencies in women with GDM. ANOVA analysis confirmed that weight (p = 0.02), BMI (p = 0.01), and PPBG (p = 0.003) were associated with rs7903146 and BMI (p = 0.03) was associated with rs2237892 SNPs. Conclusions: This study confirms that the SNPs rs7903146 (TCF7L2) and rs5219 (KCNJ11) are strongly associated with GDM in the Saudi population. Future studies should address the limitations of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the effect of social media features and national culture on online purchasing behaviour of luxury beauty products. The objective of this research is to explore the impacts of the social media' dimensions (connectedness, openness, speed, accessibility, and participation) and national culture (measured through collectivism and uncertainty avoidance) on online purchasing behaviour. A research model was proposed and empirically tested through a quantitative methodology. A total of 280 responses were collected from Saudi women who are purchasers of luxury beauty products. The data were analysed through PLS-SEM method. The findings indicate that social media through their different dimensions is a crucial driver of online purchasing behaviour of luxury beauty products. However, national culture was found to have no influence on customer purchasing behaviour. The findings provide useful insights and appropriate online purchase behaviour guidelines for social commerce practitioners regarding luxury beauty products to increase visibility on the e-marketplace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foodborne illnesses are responsible for about half a million deaths annually, of which 30% occur among kids. This study aimed to assess the current food safety knowledge and practice level of Saudi women in Al-Ahsa region, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted through personal interviews among 239 Saudi women. The questionnaire consisted of close-ended questions covering different aspects of food safety knowledge and practices at home and during shopping. Descriptive analyses were used to identify the level of participant's awareness, and the scores were shown in three categories (good - fair - poor) based on their food safety knowledge and practice awareness. The effect of socio-demographic characteristics and their correlation to food safety knowledge and practices was conducted using Chisquare analysis. The results about food safety knowledge showed that around 50% of participants achieved a good score, and 37.5% achieved a fair score, while 12.5% achieved a poor score. In comparison, the participants achieved 75% good score, whereas 12.5% achieved both fair and poor in food safety practices. The results also highlighted a significant correlation (P<0.05) between level of food safety knowledge, practices of participants and their age, marital status, work status, and educational level, while there's no correlation with their family size and total income. Although, the overall result showed good level in food safety knowledge and slightly less in food safety practices among Saudi women living in Al-Ahsa region, continuous education, training, awareness, and motivation are highly recommended to improve women's knowledge and practices to higher levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Humanities & Educational Sciences Journal is the property of Humanities & Educational Sciences Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death in women. Along with the effect of age on the risk of CVD, the reproductive profile of women can influence cardiac health among women. Objectives: The objective of this study is to investigate the influence of age and reproductive stages on the development and progression of cardiovascular disease risks in Saudi women. Methods: For this study, we included 1907 Saudi women from the Heart Health Promotion Study. The study cohort was divided into five age groups (less than 40 years, 40–45 years, 46–50 years, 51–55 years, and ≥56 years). The cohort stratification was meant to correspond to the social and hormonal changes in women's life, including reproductive, perimenopausal, menopausal, and postmenopausal age groups. The groups were compared with respect to the prevalence of metabolic, socioeconomic, and cardiac risks, and the age group of less than 40 years was considered as the reference group. The World Health Organization stepwise approach to chronic disease risk factor Surveillance-Instrument v2.1 was used in this study to collect the anthropometric and biochemical measurements and the Framingham Coronary Heart Risk Score was used to calculate the cardiovascular risk (CVR). Logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the independent effect of age on CVD risks after adjustment of sociodemographic factors. Results: Metabolic and CVR increased progressively with the increase in age. There was a sharp increase in obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, from the age group <40 years to 41–45 years and then again between the age groups of 46–50 and ≥56 years. A similar noticeable increase in metabolic risk factors (high cholesterol, high triglyceride, high Low-Density Lipoprotein) was observed between the age group <40 years and 41–45 years, but with a steady increase with the increase in age between the other age groups. The high and intermediate Framingham Coronary Heart Risk Scores showed a progressive increase in prevalence with the increase in age, where the proportion doubled from 9.4% at the age group 46–50 years, to 22% at the age group 51–55 years. It doubled again at the age group ≥56 years to 53%—these sharp inflections in the risk of CVD correspond to the women's reproductive lives. Conclusions: In Saudi women, CVR increases with the increase of age. The influence of pregnancy and menopause is apparent in the prevalence of increased risks for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Infertility may also describe the inability to conceive whether a woman continues to have miscarriages. Female infertility is a complex condition which can suffer from a range of conditions and one-third of all infertility cases occur in women. Obesity is correlated by various complex pathways with infertility among women. Paraoxonase (PON) is an antioxidant and oxidant enzyme that plays an important role in a variety of conditions, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and lipid metabolism. Paraoxonase1 (PON1) gene variants can influence oxidative stress and thus female infertility susceptibility. However, no molecular studies have been conducted in Saudi infertile women and the Q192R polymorphism. The purpose of this study was to investigate into the relationship between the Q192R polymorphism in the PON1 gene and the risk of infertility in Saudi women. Study design: This case-control study was carried out with 122 female infertile women and 100 fertile women. Genomic DNA was extracted from 222 participants, quantified performed polymerase chain reaction, agarose gel run, and RFLP analysis. Finally, Sanger sequencing was validated in 10% of the samples obtained. Excel was used to collect clinical and genomic data, which was then analyzed statistically. Results: Anthropmetric and clinical data was assessed using both the cases and control women (p

Foodborne illnesses are responsible for about half a million deaths annually, of which 30% occur among kids. This study aimed to assess the current food safety knowledge and practice level of Saudi women in Al-Ahsa region, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted through personal interviews among 239 Saudi women. The questionnaire consisted of close-ended questions covering different aspects of food safety knowledge and practices at home and during shopping. Descriptive analyses were used to identify the level of participant's awareness, and the scores were shown in three categories (good – fair – poor) based on their food safety knowledge and practice awareness. The effect of socio-demographic characteristics and their correlation to food safety knowledge and practices was conducted using Chi-square analysis. The results about food safety knowledge showed that around 50% of participants achieved a good score, and 37.5% achieved a fair score, while 12.5% achieved a poor score. In comparison, the participants achieved 75% good score, whereas 12.5% achieved both fair and poor in food safety practices. The results also highlighted a significant correlation (P

There is a growing women's rights advocacy movement in Saudi Arabia—much of which explicitly targets the male guardianship system. In this system, Saudi women are restricted by the male-dominated culture and face obstacles that hold them accountable to their male guardians. Recent changes in this system have become crucially important to women's lives, but still, leave women lacking full freedom. This exploratory study provides a thematic analysis of 16 Saudi women's advocacy perspectives by focusing on the deeper meanings of their expressed attitudes toward the male guardianship system in Saudi Arabia. Analysis revealed conflicting attitudes toward women's advocacy for women's rights. Women who were hurt by the system raised concerns about being labeled as advocates. They feared being socially judged and having their families shamed for advocating against social norms and principles of Islam. These concerns led them to use fake social media accounts to support advocates. Those who supported the male guardianship system expressed their worries about the next generation being influenced by outside ideologies and abandoning their Islamic values. This paper concludes with recommendations for future social work practice and scholarship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Association and pathogenesis of antiphospholipid antibodies (APAs) in patients with Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) as well as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) suffering from unexplained spontaneous abortions is controversial. Moreover, the majority of the published evidence is based on the patient histories rather than the study groups. The main objective of the present study is to do a comparative analysis of the high levels of antiphospholipid antibodies (APAs) including anticardiolipin (ACA), anti-β2-glycoprotein-1 (β2 GP1), and Lupus anticoagulants (LA) and their association with the gestational age of abortion and duration past abortion in Saudi women. In this study, 100 women living in Makkah city, located in the Western region of Saudi Arabia, with a mean age of 30.5 ± 12.60 years (mean ± standard deviation), having a previous history of recurrent spontaneous abortions were enrolled as case group and 100 healthy pregnant women previously having one or more successful pregnancies were selected as control group. Based on the gestational age of the patient's miscarriages, our results revealed consistently and significantly high levels of ACA, β2 GP1, and LA, being greatest at more than 15 weeks when compared with 10 weeks and 11–15 weeks, respectively. Based on duration of past miscarriages, a slightly increased level was observed at ≤4 years after their first miscarriage. In addition, less or more equal levels of these antibodies were observed at 5–12 and more than 12 years in all the cases of miscarriages. We concluded an elevated pattern of APAs in these patients with an increase in the age of abortion. A comparison between the levels of ACA, β2 GP1, and LA further indicated a highly significant level of LA in all the cases of abortions (p < 0.0005). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Despite the health benefits of breastfeeding, Saudi women do not exclusively breastfeed their babies. The purpose of this article was to synthesize Saudi women's breastfeeding knowledge, attitude, and practices and identify the factors that women reported for their breastfeeding cessation. Methodology: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials and cross-sectional studies was undertaken. Results: Saudi women reported poor knowledge in managing breastfeeding challenges and had a positive attitude toward formula feeding. Giving premade formula and sugar water was a common practice. The breastfeeding initiation rate (31.5%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [22%, 41.8%]) and exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months were low (15.15, 95% CI: [8%, 24%]). Perceived low milk supply, returning to work, and using contraception were the main reasons for early breastfeeding cessation. Discussion: The integration of Islamic, political, and economic cultures in Saudi Arabia can influence women's breastfeeding practices. There is a need for culturally appropriate breastfeeding educational programs for Saudi women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research aimed to investigate the degree to which women's empowerment dimensions (social, economic, political, and women's issues) are addressed through English language books in Saudi secondary education. It raised a question on the extent to which women's empowerment dimensions are addressed in secondary English language books. The authors followed the descriptive analytical research design. The research utilized a checklist of (19) indicators describing women's empowerment dimensions (social, economic, political, and women's issues). The checklist was designed to measure women's empowerment dimensions in the content and activities in English language books by inferring them from the units of analysis considered in the current research - paragraphs and pictures. Results showed that in the first year of secondary school, political empowerment was ranked first, whereas economic empowerment was ranked last. Additionally, in the second year, women's issues were ranked first, followed by political empowerment, then economic empowerment was ranked last. In the third year, social empowerment came in the first rank meanwhile political empowerment came in the last rank. The study concluded a need to re-evaluate and update the curricula and textbooks regarding women in line with the national goals for women. It is a significant study because it addresses empowering Saudi women in EFL textbooks. It recommends including basic issues, especially woman-related ones, in EFL textbooks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a complex disorder defined by the Rotterdam criteria. Insulin resistance is a common factor for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus among women with PCOS. The SLC2A2 gene has been identified as a T2DM gene by genome-wide association studies in the rs8192675 SNP. This study aimed to investigate the rs8192675 SNP in women diagnosed with PCOS on a molecular level and further for T2DM development in the Saudi women. In this case-control study, 100 PCOS women and 100 healthy controls were selected. Among 100 PCOS women, 28 women showed T2DM development. Genotyping for rs8192675 SNP was performed by PCR-RFLP analysis. Additionally, Sanger sequencing was performed to validate the RFLP analysis. The obtained data were used for a statistical analysis for the genotype and allele frequencies, logistic regression, and ANOVA analysis. The clinical data confirmed the positive association between FBG, FI, FSH, TT, TC, HDLc, LDLc, and family histories (p < 0.05). HWE analysis was associated in both the PCOS cases and the control individuals. Genotype and allele frequencies were associated in PCOS women and strongly associated with women with PCOS who developed T2DM (p < 0.05). No association was found in the logistic regression model or ANOVA analysis studied in women with PCOS (p > 0.05). A strong association was observed between the rs8192675 SNP and women with PCOS who developed T2DM using ANOVA analysis (p < 0.05). This study confirms that the rs8192675 SNP is associated with women with PCOS and strongly associated with women with PCOS with developed T2DM in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is associated with substantial mortality as well as morbidity and is largely preventable among hospitalized obstetric women. However, thromboprophylaxis is underutilized in most hospitalized patients. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate VTE risk and adherence to local thromboprophylaxis protocol among hospitalized pre- and postnatal women. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted at East Jeddah Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in 2020. The electronic record database of the hospitalized pregnant Saudi women during the years 2018 and 2019 was reviewed. Based on the local hospital protocol, the risk stratification was reassessed by researchers, and the hospital adherence to the prophylaxis was reviewed separately for antenatal and postnatal women. RESULTS: One thousand and ninety-five electronic records (539 antenatal and 556 postnatal) were reviewed. The postnatal group showed a significantly higher risk compared with an antenatal group (62.2% vs. 11.7%) (P = 0.000). There was a highly significant difference between risk categories assessment by the physicians and the researchers in both groups (P = 0.000). Thromboprophylaxis was overutilized in the low risk (5% heparin and 41.4% heparin and mechanical devices for antenatal and 17.08% heparin and 6.1% heparin and a mechanical device for the postnatal group) and underutilized in intermediate groups (50% no prophylaxis in antenatal and 51.5% mechanical devices in the postnatal group). There was less adherence to documentation in postnatal as compared to antenatal group (83.6% vs. 95%, P = 0.000) for risk documentation and 85.3% versus 91.5% for physician signature (P = 0.001). Thromboprophylaxis was ordered for 21.3% of antenatal (12.2 heparin, 3.5% mechanical, and 5.6% both) and 23.7% of postnatal patients (16.5 heparin, 2% mechanical, and 5.2% both). There were no reported VTE events or bleeding complications. CONCLUSION: There was a considerable VTE risk among hospitalized obstetric patients which peaked during the postnatal period. Physicians showed good compliance to local VTE protocol with no reported VTE events or drug-induced bleeding. However, the implementation of prophylaxis is associated with both under and overutilization. There is a need for increasing the physicians' awareness of optimizing VTE risk assessment and documentation for hospitalized obstetric patients.

Background: Infertility has evolved into a worldwide reproductive health concern that is distinctively constituted within various socio-cultural contexts. Female infertility is a global health concern ailment in couples who have been unable to conceive for a year. Kisspeptin (KISS1) is a peptide hormone that is important in women's health difficulties such as infertility. Based on previous studies, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in KISS1 gene can be a cause for infertility. The objective of this study is to explore into the Q36R SNP in the KISS1 gene in Saudi infertile women. Methods: In this case-control study, 96 cases of female infertile and 96 control women was selected. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted to perform polymerase chain reaction and followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. All DNA products were run on 2% agarose and obtained data was imported into excel to perform the statistical analysis using SPSS software between cases and controls. Results: The anthropometric analysis (p > 0.05), genotype (OR-3.60; 95 %CI:0.96–13.55; p = 0.04), allele (OR-2.49; 95 %CI: 0.86–7.21; p = 0.08) and different genetic models (AG + GG vs AA; OR-1.00; 95 %CI: 0.01–7.02; p = 0.005) showed negative association and fertility histories showed significant association (p

Introduction: Contracting coronavirus disease (COVID-19) during pregnancy has been linked to an increased risk of severe maternal and fetal complications. Mass vaccination is considered a promising solution to successfully combat the COVID-19 pandemic. It includes vaccinating of pregnant and breastfeeding women. The success of a vaccine is determined not only by its efficacy, but also by its acceptability. Therefore, our study aimed to explore the acceptability and reluctance of pregnant and breastfeeding women to receive COVID-19 vaccination in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia from March 2022-beginning to June 2022-end. Using an online self-administered questionnaire with a convenience sampling technique, we assessed women for pregnancy, gravidity, parity, high-risk pregnancy, trimester of pregnancy, and current or planned breastfeeding. Furthermore, we assessed patients with preexisting chronic illnesses. The questionnaire comprised sociodemographic data and items drawn from Goncu Ayhan et al, including vaccination history, perception of risk related to the COVID-19 pandemic, impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and acceptance and attitude toward future COVID-19 vaccination. Results: A total of 854 women (615 pregnant and 192 breastfeeding women) were included. Predictors of COVID-19 vaccination acceptance were found in women with a high level of education, those who lived with an elderly family member, and had close contact with a COVID-19-positive person. The reasons for declining vaccination included COVID-19 diagnosis during pregnancy and concerns about side effects of COVID-19 vaccines. A total of 503 (58.9%) women believed that COVID-19 vaccines had the potential to harm their babies. Only 415 (48.6%) agreed they would take the COVID-19 vaccine if it were recommended for pregnant women. Conclusion: Pregnant and breastfeeding women fear COVID-19 vaccination due to safety concerns for their babies. COVID-19 vaccine acceptance varies among pregnant and breastfeeding women, regardless of whether they receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Our study underlines the importance of public education campaigns to improve the overall quality of information on COVID-19 vaccination, particularly among pregnant and breastfeeding women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existence of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) in the rectovaginal area during pregnancy and labor is linked to disease and even death in neonates. However, the extent of GBS colonization in pregnant women in Saudi Arabia has not been fully established. The goal of this study was to ascertain the prevalence of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonization in pregnant women in Saudi Arabia, where GBS screening is not routinely conducted. This retrospective study involved 1201 Saudi women at ≥28 weeks of gestation admitted in labor to King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Vaginal and rectal swabs were taken from these patients between January 2019 and December 2020. Neonatal outcomes were also documented. Out of the 1201 women participating in this study, 534 (44.5%) tested positive for GBS in either the vaginal or rectal sample or both. GBS was also identified as the most common microorganism present in the subjects’ cultures. Eleven instances of neonatal sepsis were recorded, three of which were early‑onset cases induced by GBS. There were no demographic distinctions between patients who were GBS-positive and those who were GBS-negative. Similarly, no differences in GBS status were found between women with preterm birth and ruptured membranes and those without. The presence of bacterial colonization in women during labor is one of the most problematic and common in the Western province of Saudi Arabia. This study observed an elevated rate of GBS colonization in Saudi women admitted to KAUH while in labor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This study describes that low bone density is prevalent in premenopausal Saudi women, especially women of normal weight and vitamin D deficiency. Although BMD is higher in obese young women, this may not be beneficial later in life in conjunction with persistent vitamin D deficiency. Introduction: Not attaining peak bone mass is one crucial factor contributing to the risk of developing osteoporosis and suffering fractures in later life. The objectives of this study were to describe the normal range of bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) in premenopausal Saudi women in relation to obesity and vitamin D insufficiency. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 312 healthy Saudi women aged 20–40. All women were clinically examined. BMD (g/cm2) and BMC (g) assessed at total body (TB), femoral neck (FN) and lumbar spine (LS) were performed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Obesity was defined as BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 and vitamin D deficiency defined as 25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L. Results: Almost half of the studied women were obese, and the majority (86.2%) were deficient in vitamin D. Mean BMD in TB 1.060 ± 0.091, FN 0.918 ± 0.153 and LS 1.118 ± 0.123 g/cm2, while TB-BMC 2077 ± 272 g. When classified by BMI, the proportion with low bone density was 2–3 times higher among the normal weight compared to the obese women, p < 0.001. In the cohort overall, ~ 19% of these young premenopausal women had osteopenia or osteoporosis at the femoral neck, but 26% in normal weight, vitamin D deficient women. Conclusion: This study shows low bone density in premenopausal Saudi women, particularly those with normal weight. While obesity appears to confer some protection against vitamin D deficiency at this age, this is assumed to change in later life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated the current Saudi traffic safety policies and how they are perceived by Saudi women in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study was based on using a survey to define and calculate two sets of specific indicators, namely the Perceived Effectiveness Index (PEI) and the Commendation Index (CI), representing, respectively, the perception and acceptance of road traffic safety. The survey, which was conducted on a sample of Saudi women in Riyadh, demonstrated a high level of support for the ongoing road safety policies amongst the respondents, bringing to the fore some country-specific indications such as the low relevance of pedestrian crossing policies. The study aimed to contribute to an understanding of the specific gender aspects of transportation policies and their perception amongst the female population in Saudi Arabia to enable an understanding of the entire context of ongoing reforms in the Kingdom at various political, cultural, and societal levels. Our study, therefore, reveals potential strengths and provides an interdisciplinary contribution by drawing on the relevant literature in the field of travel behaviour and traffic safety policies and their perception amongst women. Saudi women's attitudes towards 17 safety policies, including engineering, enforcement, education, and legislation policies, were examined. The policies were carefully designated to be practical and possible to implement. The analysis and assessment of the results obtained by the two indicators shed light on the participants' acceptance, and hence their willingness, to cope with road safety policies, should they be implemented. The findings of this study showed that Saudi women's attitudes to road safety policies were very positive; in particular, they showed sound support for enforcement policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post-menopausal osteoporosis (PMO) is a multifactorial bone disorder in elderly women. Various vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene variants have been studied and associated with osteoporosis in other populations, but not in a homogenous Arab ethnic group. Herein, the current study explores the association between VDR polymorphisms and susceptibility to osteoporosis in Saudi postmenopausal women. In total, 600 Saudi postmenopausal women (N = 300 osteoporosis; N = 300 control) were genotyped for VDR gene variants (rs7975232, rs1544410, rs731236) using TaqMan® SNP genotyping assays. Bone mineral density (BMD) for the lumbar spine and femur was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). The heterozygous frequency distributions AC of rs7975232, CT of rs1544410, and AG of rs731236 were significantly higher in the osteoporosis group than controls (p < 0.05). Heterozygous AC of rs7975232 (1.6; 95% CI 1.1–2.3; p < 0.023), CT of rs1544410 (1.6; 95% CI 1.1–2.4; p < 0.022), and AG of rs731236 (1.6; 95% CI 1.1–2.4; p < 0.024) were significantly associated with increased risk of osteoporosis, independent of age and BMI. In conclusion, VDR gene variants rs7975232, rs1544410, rs731236 had a significant effect on BMD and were associated with osteoporosis risk in Saudi postmenopausal women.

Media representations can have significant influence in shaping opinions and influence public response to certain communities or gender and ethnic representations around the world. Investigating semiotic representation in linguistic discourse as vehicles for meaning in culture has been a fruitful area of research over the past decades. This study explores how stereotypes of women feed into the representations of Saudi women in contemporary press in Britain and Saudi Arabia. The focus is on the newspaper genre. Data for this study have been gleaned from a particular set of British and Saudi newspapers. Using the Color Image Scale (CIS) as a research tool, this study yielded a number of findings, the main one of which is the discrepancy in Saudi women's representation in the journalistic discourse under study. In addition, variances in color choice and usage between the newspapers in the present study were apparent. The study provides an important opportunity to advance our understanding of Saudi women's representation in British versus Saudi newspapers. The present study also makes a major contribution to research on critical discourse analysis by demonstrating how power as well as orientalism impact Saudi women's representation. The findings of this study are important for scholars of gender, religion, media, and cultural diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death in women. Along with the effect of age on the risk of CVD, the reproductive profile of women can influence cardiac health among women. Objectives: The objective of this study is to investigate the influence of age and reproductive stages on the development and progression of cardiovascular disease risks in Saudi women. Methods: For this study, we included 1907 Saudi women from the Heart Health Promotion Study. The study cohort was divided into five age groups (less than 40 years, 40–45 years, 46–50 years, 51–55 years, and ≥56 years). The cohort stratification was meant to correspond to the social and hormonal changes in women’s life, including reproductive, perimenopausal, menopausal, and postmenopausal age groups. The groups were compared with respect to the prevalence of metabolic, socioeconomic, and cardiac risks, and the age group of less than 40 years was considered as the reference group. The World Health Organization stepwise approach to chronic disease risk factor Surveillance-Instrument v2.1 was used in this study to collect the anthropometric and biochemical measurements and the Framingham Coronary Heart Risk Score was used to calculate the cardiovascular risk (CVR). Logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the independent effect of age on CVD risks after adjustment of sociodemographic factors. Results: Metabolic and CVR increased progressively with the increase in age. There was a sharp increase in obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, from the age group Conclusions: In Saudi women, CVR increases with the increase of age. The influence of pregnancy and menopause is apparent in the prevalence of increased risks for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.