AimTo assess the knowledge and attitude of senior medical, dental, nursing and pharmacy students toward Middle East respiratory syndrome-corona virus (MERS-CoV) in Saudi Arabia.Subjects and methodsA cross-sectional survey using a 21-item questionnaire was conducted for a 3-month period from November 2015–January 2016 in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire was designed to evaluate students’ understanding and perception of MERS-CoV. An ANOVA test was used to determine the association of study discipline and academic year with the student knowledge score on MERS.ResultsA total of 364 students were assessed during the study. The majority (62%) of the participants were in the 20–22-year age group. More than half (53%) were pharmacy students followed by (22%) medical students. More than two thirds (71%) of the participants were aware that MERS is caused by the coronavirus. More than half (59%) of the participants believed that MERS can be transmitted through direct or indirect contact with infected camels. A statistically significant association was reported between the study discipline and mean knowledge score (p < 0.0001) with medical students achieving an overall better knowledge score compared with students from other study disciplines.ConclusionOverall, students had good knowledge about MERS epidemiology, transmission and the recommended protective measures. However, students expressed their reluctance to work in healthcare facilities with inadequate MERS infection control isolation policies.
Introduction: In general practice, approximately two-thirds of antibiotic prescriptions are for respiratory tract infections. Acute respiratory tract infections, which include acute uncomplicated bronchitis, pharyngitis, rhinosinusitis and the common cold, are often common reasons for acute outpatient visits to physicians and antibiotic prescriptions for adults. The improper treatment of acute respiratory tract infections is now an urgent public health threat, as it is an important contributor to antibiotic resistance. In developing countries, including Saudi Arabia, antibiotics are prescribed excessively and are often obtained without prescription. Aim: The aim of this study was to gather information on current antibiotic prescribing rates for respiratory tract infection in Hera General Hospital Makkah Almukarramah, Saudi Arabia. Method: A cross-sectional study, incorporating systematic sampling on clinical data from antibiotic prescriptions in hospitalised and emergency departments at Hera General Hospital, was conducted. From September 2017 to April 2018, approximately 500 prescriptions were collected from each hospitalised and emergency pharmacy for patients with respiratory tract infections. Results: The most prescribed antibiotics for respiratory tract infections came from the penicillin group and ciprofloxacin. The prescribing of antibiotics for respiratory tract infections was more prevalent amongst males than females. Potential over-prescribing of antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infections specially patients with otitis media especially in children without proper lab investigations.
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