An Observational Cross-Sectional Study on Cancer Awareness and Beliefs about Carcinogens among Saudi Women

Public knowledge about the risk factors of cancer is essential to ensure an effective prevention program. This study aims to explore the knowledge of the general Saudi population about cancer and carcinogens and to determine the misconceptions about carcinogens to help create appropriate evidence-based prevention awareness programs. A questionnaire of 63 questions related to biographic data, source of knowledge, risk factors, and the burden of cancer was distributed online. The internet was the most sought source for cancer-related information (75.2%). The inclusion of cancer-related subjects in the educational curriculum was believed to be the best way to educate children about cancer (48.4%). Knowledge about cancer risk factors was good overall for 10 out of the 27 risk factors assessed in the study, with cigarette smoking being the most well-known risk factor (91.5%), followed by hookah smoking (85.6%), and nuclear waste exposure (80%). However, only 16.3% of participants were aware of the risk associated with Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs), and less than half of the participants knew the risk associated with poor physical activity. About 45% (44.9%) believed that envy and spiritual causes are associated with cancer. Most of the study participants (70%) considered cancer to be a significant health issue in Saudi, mainly due to the increasing incidence rate (44%). Conclusion: This study showed a good level of awareness regarding cancer risk factors and environmental carcinogens, which could serve as a roadmap for future awareness programs and studies targeted at the knowledge of other risk factors for cancer.</jats:p

An Observational Cross-Sectional Study on Cancer Awareness and Beliefs about Carcinogens among Saudi Women

Public knowledge about the risk factors of cancer is essential to ensure an effective prevention program. This study aims to explore the knowledge of the general Saudi population about cancer and carcinogens and to determine the misconceptions about carcinogens to help create appropriate evidence-based prevention awareness programs. A questionnaire of 63 questions related to biographic data, source of knowledge, risk factors, and the burden of cancer was distributed online. The internet was the most sought source for cancer-related information (75.2%). The inclusion of cancer-related subjects in the educational curriculum was believed to be the best way to educate children about cancer (48.4%). Knowledge about cancer risk factors was good overall for 10 out of the 27 risk factors assessed in the study, with cigarette smoking being the most well-known risk factor (91.5%), followed by hookah smoking (85.6%), and nuclear waste exposure (80%). However, only 16.3% of participants were aware of the risk associated with Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs), and less than half of the participants knew the risk associated with poor physical activity. About 45% (44.9%) believed that envy and spiritual causes are associated with cancer. Most of the study participants (70%) considered cancer to be a significant health issue in Saudi, mainly due to the increasing incidence rate (44%). Conclusion: This study showed a good level of awareness regarding cancer risk factors and environmental carcinogens, which could serve as a roadmap for future awareness programs and studies targeted at the knowledge of other risk factors for cancer

Intimate Partner Violence and Its Associations with Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy is a significant issue. Nevertheless, the prevalence of IPV and its adverse outcomes in pregnant women in Saudi Arabia are not well documented. This study examines the prevalence of IPV, its relationship with women’s background characteristics, and its effect on adverse pregnancy outcomes. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenience sample of 684 women who were either pregnant or in the first six weeks postpartum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. IPV severity was measured using the Composite Abuse Scale. The results showed that 28.9% of the women included in this study experienced IPV. Smoking habit, income, polygamous marriage, presence of chronic diseases and sexual dysfunction, and number of children were significantly associated with IPV severity. In each one-unit increase in total IPV severity, the possibility of the occurrence of preterm labor, vaginal bleeding, dehydration, gestational diabetes, urinary tract infection, spontaneous abortion, and intrauterine growth retardation significantly increases. Furthermore, regarding the types of abuse, we found that for each one-unit increase in verbal abuse, the possibility of the occurrence of preterm labor, dehydration, urinary tract infection, and intrauterine growth retardation significantly increases. Moreover, for each one-unit increase in physical abuse and one-unit increase in controlling behavior, the possibility of the occurrence of intrauterine growth retardation significantly increases. The current results highlight the importance of paying substantial attention to IPV and its types as a health issue that increases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in women. A clinical assessment during pregnancy is needed to identify and manage cases of IPV survivors and ultimately reduce their risk of IPV. </jats:p

Cervical Cancer and Human Papillomavirus Awareness among Women in Saudi Arabia

Background and Objectives: Cervical cancer (CC) is the eighth most common cancer among Saudi women of all ages. With limited national data, we aimed to evaluate the public awareness of cervical cancer, CC risk factors, HPV infection, and HPV vaccines in different regions of Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: This was a survey-based cross-sectional study that encompassed 564 Saudi women over a period of a month. A self-administrated questionnaire was distributed through different social media platforms. Results: The collected data included sociodemographic variables and questions assessing awareness of CC, and the attitudes toward CC screening and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. Most respondents were aware of CC (84.0%), although their primary source of information was the internet. However, only 45 females (8.0%) had a history of cervical screening. Furthermore, most females did not know that HPV was transmitted sexually (78.9%), or that it caused genital warts (81.7%) and CC (81.9%). Regarding the HPV vaccine, 100 females (17.7%) had heard about it, but only 11 (2.0%) took the vaccine, although more than half of the respondents (54.1%) were willing to take the vaccine after being informed about it. Conclusions: We noticed a remarkable lack of awareness among the respondents regarding HPV’s clinical implications; and the HPV vaccine, and its importance and availability. The main source of information for most of the Saudi women in this study was the internet, which may be an unreliable source, or provide misleading information that may delay screening or discourage vaccination. Thus, organized campaigns by the Ministry of Health or other health-advocating agencies, in addition to screening and vaccination programs, are strongly encouraged.</jats:p

Cervical Cancer and Human Papillomavirus Awareness among Women in Saudi Arabia

Background and Objectives: Cervical cancer (CC) is the eighth most common cancer among Saudi women of all ages. With limited national data, we aimed to evaluate the public awareness of cervical cancer, CC risk factors, HPV infection, and HPV vaccines in different regions of Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: This was a survey-based cross-sectional study that encompassed 564 Saudi women over a period of a month. A self-administrated questionnaire was distributed through different social media platforms. Results: The collected data included sociodemographic variables and questions assessing awareness of CC, and the attitudes toward CC screening and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. Most respondents were aware of CC (84.0%), although their primary source of information was the internet. However, only 45 females (8.0%) had a history of cervical screening. Furthermore, most females did not know that HPV was transmitted sexually (78.9%), or that it caused genital warts (81.7%) and CC (81.9%). Regarding the HPV vaccine, 100 females (17.7%) had heard about it, but only 11 (2.0%) took the vaccine, although more than half of the respondents (54.1%) were willing to take the vaccine after being informed about it. Conclusions: We noticed a remarkable lack of awareness among the respondents regarding HPV&rsquo;s clinical implications; and the HPV vaccine, and its importance and availability. The main source of information for most of the Saudi women in this study was the internet, which may be an unreliable source, or provide misleading information that may delay screening or discourage vaccination. Thus, organized campaigns by the Ministry of Health or other health-advocating agencies, in addition to screening and vaccination programs, are strongly encouraged

Awareness, Knowledge, Perceptions, and Attitudes towards Familial and Inherited Cancer

Background and Objectives: In 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported 9.9 million deaths from cancer, with a mortality rate of 10.65%. Early detection of cancer can decrease mortality and increase the chance of cure. In Saudi Arabia, multiple studies were performed for awareness and attitudes toward cancer, but few studies evaluated the awareness of familial and inherited cancers. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional observational survey of the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes of Saudi women toward familial and inherited cancers. The estimated sample size was 385. Questionnaires were distributed through social media platforms from 1 January 2021 to 22 January 2021. Results: Of the 385 participants, the majority have a bachelor&rsquo;s degree. More than half (68.9%) know that family history is related to cancer, and approximately 57.2% are aware of genetic testing. The most common indication of genetic testing is premarital testing (18.5%). An inverse relationship is noted between the awareness of familial and inherited cancers and age (p = 0.003, CI = 0.723&ndash;0.938). However, awareness of inherited and familial cancer is positively associated with awareness of the association of genetic mutation to cancer (p = 0.013, CI = 1.080&ndash;1.921) and knowledge about genetic testing (p &gt; 0.000, CI = 2.487&ndash;8.426). Conclusions: Our results reveal that Saudi women, especially older adults, have suboptimal knowledge about inherited and familial cancers, and poor attitudes toward genetic screening. We recommend increasing public awareness regarding risk factors and screening for inherited and familial cancers

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination modelling for safe surgery to save lives: data from an international prospective cohort study

Background: Preoperative SARS-CoV-2 vaccination could support safer elective surgery. Vaccine numbers are limited so this study aimed to inform their prioritization by modelling. Methods: The primary outcome was the number needed to vaccinate (NNV) to prevent one COVID-19-related death in 1 year. NNVs were based on postoperative SARS-CoV-2 rates and mortality in an international cohort study (surgical patients), and community SARS-CoV-2 incidence and case fatality data (general population). NNV estimates were stratified by age (18-49, 50-69, 70 or more years) and type of surgery. Best- and worst-case scenarios were used to describe uncertainty. Results: NNVs were more favourable in surgical patients than the general population. The most favourable NNVs were in patients aged 70 years or more needing cancer surgery (351; best case 196, worst case 816) or non-cancer surgery (733; best case 407, worst case 1664). Both exceeded the NNV in the general population (1840; best case 1196, worst case 3066). NNVs for surgical patients remained favourable at a range of SARS-CoV-2 incidence rates in sensitivity analysis modelling. Globally, prioritizing preoperative vaccination of patients needing elective surgery ahead of the general population could prevent an additional 58 687 (best case 115 007, worst case 20 177) COVID-19-related deaths in 1 year. Conclusion: As global roll out of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination proceeds, patients needing elective surgery should be prioritized ahead of the general population