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Background Post-traumatic intracranial hemorrhage is a life-threatening condition, and early detection and response can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality rates. The aim of this study was to assess public awareness of the alarming signs of intracranial bleeding after trauma in adults in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methodology From August 2023 to April 2024, a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a five-scale structured questionnaire: demographics, risk factors for road traffic accidents, alarm signs and symptoms, ability to recognize these signs, and participants who experienced head trauma. The study focused on people aged 18 and over living in Jeddah. Results A total of 584 participants were included, with 34.2% males and 65.8% females. Findings revealed that 57% recognized the critical need for medical help after head trauma. Furthermore, only 45% of the population were unaware that low levels of awareness or wakefulness indicate bleeding, reflecting a low awareness level in the adult population. Among children, only 34% recognized changes in eating and lactation habits, and 54% identified continuous crying and irritability. Furthermore, 66% of participants identified loss or change in consciousness as a symptom that required hospital admission, while 60% recognized chronic headaches as a critical sign. Conclusion This study revealed the critical need for public health campaigns to improve awareness and understanding of signs of intracranial post-traumatic bleeding. The results highlighted the importance of early medical interventions to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with this condition.
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Background Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is relatively common in childhood and is characterized by repeated partial or complete blockages of the upper airway during sleep. Children affected by OSA can experience various symptoms including snoring, restless sleep, and behavioral issues such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, and aggression, which interfere with their quality of life. Additionally, OSA can result in serious conditions such as cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. This study aims to determine the level of knowledge and awareness of OSA among parents in the Jeddah region. Methodology An observational cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the level of awareness of OSA among all parents in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Participants were recruited through social media platforms. The online survey assessed the knowledge regarding the OSA definition, risk factors, associated symptoms, and treatment. Results A total of 462 participants were included. Only 16% of participants had a good level of knowledge of OSA, while the remaining 84% had a poor level of knowledge. The mean knowledge score was 15.39 ± 5.8, with a significant difference between occupations (P=0.039). Conclusion Our study reveals that parents in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia have a low level of knowledge about pediatric OSA, with only 16% demonstrating good knowledge and less than half recognizing the definition of OSA. This lack of knowledge could lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment, negatively impacting children's health and academic performance. Common symptoms of OSA reported by parents were restless sleep, mouth breathing, and snoring, but bedwetting and hyperactivity were poorly recognized. Adenoids, allergic sinusitis, enlarged tonsils, asthma, and obesity were identified as risk factors for OSA. Improving parental awareness of OSA through public campaigns, doctor consultations, and education programs is crucial. Further studies are needed to assess the effectiveness of these interventions.
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BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by chronic, recurrent episodes of partial or complete airway obstruction during sleep. It has a negative impact on quality of life and behavior and can lead to adverse neurological and cardiovascular outcomes if left untreated. This study aims to assess the awareness and knowledge of pediatric OSA among parents attending a general pediatric clinic in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2022 to December 2022, on parents who attended the pediatric clinic at Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital in Jeddah. Participants were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire, either using a tablet or a paper-based survey. The questionnaire consisted of sociodemographic information and questions assessing the parents' knowledge and awareness of pediatric OSA. RESULTS: The study included 146 participants. The mean knowledge score was 15.38 ± 6. Only 20% of the participants had a good knowledge level, while 80% had a poor level of knowledge. Furthermore, regarding the definition of OSA, 60 out of 146 participants answered correctly. Enlargement of adenoids was the most recognized risk factor, and restless sleep was the most recognized symptom. The majority of participants agreed that consulting an expert doctor was the best method to raise awareness about childhood OSA. CONCLUSION: The result of our study reveals the low level of awareness and knowledge of pediatric OSA among parents attending a pediatric clinic in Jeddah. This highlights the need for health education programs and sensitization campaigns to improve awareness of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea.