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Background The common chronic condition known as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) lacks any visible anatomical, biochemical, or pathogenic cause. IBS significantly strains healthcare systems by sending a considerable number of patients to gastrointestinal clinics. Objective The present study investigated the knowledge, awareness, and prevalence of IBS among a sample of the Saudi community. Methods The current cross-sectional investigation was carried out from January 2, 2024, to March 15, 2024, using an electronically distributed questionnaire. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26 (Released 2019; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States) was employed for statistical analysis. Results The study included 1,008 participants (655, 65% females and 353, 35% males). Most individuals (421, 42%) were from the age group of 18-30 years. Among participants, the prevalence of IBS was 31.8% (n=320). Regarding IBS knowledge, 42.2% (n=425) had low knowledge scores, 38.6% (n=389) had moderate knowledge scores, and only 19.2% (n=194) had high knowledge scores. The majority of respondents (886, 87.9%) believe that IBS affects QoL. Most participants (885, 87.8%) had good knowledge of the common symptoms of IBS. Additionally, 85.1% (n=858) of respondents recognized the psychological and emotional effects associated with IBS. Younger participants (under 20 years old) and single participants had significantly lower knowledge scores than their comparable groups (p<.001). Female participants had a higher percentage of high knowledge scores (13.4%) than males (5.9%) (p=.002). Conclusion The current study's findings showed that participants' knowledge of IBS was inadequate. Around one-third of the participants suffered from IBS. Younger, unmarried individuals and females had different knowledge scores than their counterparts. The study's findings imply that further education and awareness campaigns are needed to improve understanding of IBS.
RESUMEN
Background End-of-life care is essential for individuals with advanced illness and their families, providing comfort, symptom control, and dignity in the final year of life. Additionally, physician competence requires the ability to communicate, make decisions, and create relationships in end-of-life care. This study assesses family physicians' knowledge and attitude regarding end-of-life care in Taif, Saudi Arabia. Methods This descriptive cross-sectional study conducted between October and November 2021 assessed the knowledge and attitudes of 163 family physicians in Taif City, Saudi Arabia, regarding end-of-life care. Using a convenient sampling technique, an adapted and validated questionnaire was administered electronically, collecting sociodemographic information and assessing participants' knowledge and attitudes. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics in Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS, version 28) (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY). Results Findings included that 41.1% of residents believed the patient and family should be informed about diagnoses and prognoses in advanced diseases. At the same time, attitudes varied, with 45.4% agreeing that discussing such information could lead to patient depression and 42.9% believing it held no privilege for patients. Additionally, 57.7% recognized that grief reactions would occur, but patients would eventually adjust, and 44.8% agreed that discussing diagnoses would decrease patient anxiety. However, limited awareness of advance directives was evident, with 12.3% reporting being well aware and 45.4% having never heard of them. There was uncertainty and hesitancy regarding Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) decisions, with 39.9% being well aware and 46% having heard of it without a strong understanding. Conclusion The findings revealed a mixed landscape, with physicians demonstrating awareness of the importance of transparent communication but needing more knowledge in areas such as advance directives and complex decision-making. The study highlighted the need for targeted education to address these gaps and promote a more informed and consistent approach to end-of-life care.