Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Study of Breast Cancer and Breast Self-Examination among Females in Jazan, Saudi Arabia

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer in females in Saudi Arabia and its incidence is steadily increasing. Late discovery and diagnosis leads to poor outcomes. This study aims to measure the knowledge and level of awareness about breast cancer among the females in Jazan and their knowledge, attitude and practice of breast self examination (BSE). A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among 440 women in the age group (20-60 years) randomly chosen from 5 health facilities. Data was collected through interview using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of four parts: socio-demographic characteristics, Knowledge about breast cancer and associated factors, practice of breast self examination (BSE) and the attitude seeking medical advice. Results show knowledge of studied women about breast cancer was low (35.6%), only 23% know about the relation of breast cancer with family history and genetic link. Educational level was significantly associated with knowledge of BSE, when to practice it and mammograms. Although 38.6% of females in the sample know how to practice BSE, only 8.4% practice it regularly and 32.2 % not regularly. Attitude about seeking medical help and practice of BSE was high (94.6%)

Knowledge, Attitudes and Perception toward COVID-19 Vaccines among Adults in Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia

Background: Saudi Arabia is one of the countries that initiated early vaccination programs despite the global challenges concerning the availability of COVID-19 vaccines. Massive vaccination campaigns have been undertaken in the country; however, negative perception and hesitancy toward vaccines may exist which could reduce public response to vaccination. Further, studies evaluating the current perception and attitude toward COVID-19 vaccines are scarce. Thus, this study aims to assess the community attitudes and perceptions toward COVID-19 vaccines in Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional, retrospective study using an online questionnaire was conducted among the public in Jazan, the southern region of Saudi Arabia. General and demographic data were collected, and perception and attitude toward COVID-19 vaccines were evaluated. Results: Most participants in this study were female (67%) with a median age of 23 years. The majority held a bachelor’s degree, and they trusted the Saudi healthcare system. Our survey showed that 67% of the study participants had positive perceptions toward COVID-19 vaccines, a finding that is significantly associated with receiving the influenza vaccine in the past, the existence of trust on the current healthcare system and holding positive beliefs toward the effectiveness of the current COVID-19 vaccines in reducing the risk of infection, complication, and mortality. Conclusions: The proportion of the public in Jazan who believed in the COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness is not inferior from similar international reports. Thus, national awareness programs toward the effectiveness of the vaccine could be enhanced to accelerate vaccination coverage. Further, nationwide surveys are warranted to include larger populations from different communities to assess the overall perception toward COVID-19 vaccines in the whole country