Background: Thyroid hormones play a pivotal role in the metabolism of human body. Changes of the thyroid gland activity manifest in nearly all body systems. Appropriate knowledge of the public about thyroid disorders and their manifestations is essential for early detection. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess public knowledge regarding the differences between hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism in Tabuk city, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted on 300 randomly selected adult residents in Tabuk city. An Arabic self-administered questionnaire was filled by the participants through a link or softcopy. The questionnaire included questions about socio-demographic data of the respondents and other questions to assess knowledge about the type and functions of thyroid gland, its disorders, factors affecting thyroid disorders, and their common manifestations. Results: Respondents with good knowledge of thyroid gland and its disorders constituted 52%, while 45% had poor knowledge. Good knowledge was demonstrated in questions about the type of thyroid gland (71.4%), and the most susceptible individuals to have the disorder (90.4%). Manifestations of hypothyroidism were also recognized by most respondents, particularly weight gain (76%) as well as fatigability and sleepiness (74.9%). Inadequate and poor knowledge was found as regards the functions of thyroid gland, causes of thyroid hormonal disturbances, and symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Conclusion: The knowledge of respondents about thyroid disorders is poor. Inadequate knowledge can result in increased number of undetected cases. Health education should be launched by the health authorities and distributed through all available channels of information. Good knowledge of the general population about thyroid disorders is expected to decrease the incidence of preventable disorders and increase the detection of subtle undiagnosed cases.
Background: many types of cancer are easily prevented through screening that can detect the disease during its early stages, resulting in better prognosis and long-termsurvival. Moreover, compliance of cancer patients with treatment instructions is crucial for better prognosis. Little is known about the effect of sociodemographic factors on attitude and practice of cancer patients. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of sociodemographic status on the attitude and practice of adult patients with cancer towards the intent to start the treatment, the adherence to treatment regimen and the prognosis of the disease. Methods: this study was carried out inthe generalhospitals, Tabuk Region, Saudi Arabia. Participants were selected from the Oncology Center Outpatient Clinics. A questionnaire designed for cancer patients was used for data collection via direct interview. The questionnaire included questions to record sociodemographic factors, patient's attitude (towards early diagnosis, treatment, and follow up), practice and general health status. Results: attitude score was significantly higher in the married respondents (p = 0.015). Practice score was higher in those aged less than 20 and above 60 years-old (p = 0.016), those who were in early stages of cancer (p = 0.004) and respondents with positive family history of cancer (p = 0.019). The attitude and practice scores were found to have a significant positive and moderate correlation (r = 0.487; p <0.001). Conclusion: the overall attitude and practice of the respondents towards cancer was fair in most of the points. However, their attitude and utilization of screening methods was less than satisfactory. This calls for an action to encourage Saudi population, particularly those at high risk, to seek and receive screening services. Explaining the benefits and the access to free screening services is crucial. Barriers that are responsible for this attitude and practice should be explored and addressed.
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