Occupational health risks among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia: preparing for the future pandemics

Background:This study aimed to assess the occupational risks encountered by Healthcare Workers(HCWs)in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was carried out from May to October 2021.Using a multi-stage stratified random sampling technique,an online questionnaire was sent to the recruited HCWs,across Saudi Arabia.Results:Of the 768 HCWs recruited,702 participated in the survey.A significant majority(over 80%)reported working beyond 8 hours daily.COVID-19 infection,confirmed via PCR,was identified in 25%of the participants.Notably,infection was significantly correlated with direct or close contact(p=0.0007).Psychological distress was reported by 81%,with anxiety being the most prevalent(33%),followed by stress(19%),depression(17%),and insomnia(12%).Around 20%experienced headaches post-PPE use,while 14%reported adverse skin reactions,predominantly allergy and dermatitis.A concerning one-third of respondents reported exposure to violence.Conclusion:High infection rate,physical and psychological risks among HCWs especially those in direct contact with patients,reflect the need for enhancing the entirety of outbreak preparedness and response,specifically training.Active surveillance system,is crucial to adequately monitor and support HCWs during pandemic scenarios.

Evaluation of blended internet and face-to-face continuous medical education for cupping providers in Saudi Arabia

Background:In regulating cupping therapy in Saudi Arabia,there was a need to develop a system for continuous medical and professional development for cupping practitioners.The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of blended-internet continuing-medical-education(CME)on knowledge,knowledge retention,and intellectual skills in cupping providers compared with conventional,face-to-face CME.Methods:Participants were recruited from a list of registered cupping providers(physicians,nurses,and physiotherapists trained and licensed to practice cupping therapy)for a randomized,open,controlled trial.After providing informed consent,participants were allocated into three groups(classes).Classes were randomized to(1)blended-internet CME(n=31);(2)conventional,face-to-face CME(n=31);and(3)control group receiving no intervention(n=32).Results:Posttest knowledge scores were increased to a greater extent by blended-internet CME training compared to conventional CME(P=0.002)or no training(P<0.001).Similarly,knowledge retention was significantly higher in the blended-internet CME group compared to the conventional CME group(P=0.011).Posttest skills scores immediately after the course were significantly higher in the blended-internet CME group compared to the conventional CME group(mean difference:1.408,95%confidence interval:0.728–2.088,P<0.001).Conclusion:Although the current study aimed to determine if blended-internet CME is as effective as conventional,face-to-face CME,the results showed that cupping providers who participated in blended-internet CME had significantly higher scores for posttest knowledge,knowledge retention,and posttest intellectual skills.