Objectives: To investigate the level of awareness, sources of knowledge, and beliefs about the influenza vaccine in people ≥65 years in central Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study that used self-administered questionnaires conducted in 3 primary healthcare centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between May 2018 and August 2018. Results: There were 496 Saudis participants (70.2% male) were included, of whom, 47.8% had been vaccinated against influenza at least once. Of unvaccinated individuals, 46% believed that the vaccine was unnecessary. The majority of participants (70.2%) preferred to receive medical information on vaccination from doctors and health workers. Participants with higher levels of education were significantly more likely to have been vaccinated (p<0.05). Compared to the vaccinated participants, unvaccinated individuals were significantly less likely to be aware of the Ministry of Health campaign against influenza, believe that influenza vaccine does not weaken the immune system, know that elderly people and people with long-standing health problems should be regularly vaccinated against influenza, and believe that the influenza vaccine was the best way of prevention. Approximately 40% of the participants considered the influenza vaccine to be very effective and safe. Conclusions: There is a need for further programs in order to increase the awareness level of influenza vaccination. Also, health workers need to make more effort to educate patients because they are the preferred source of information.

Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate the awareness of Saudi population in Riyadh regarding cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and their risk factors. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that used self-administered questionnaires conducted in universities, primary care centers, and electronic copies distributed in social media websites. Results: Overall, 47.1% of the respondents had a good awareness of CVD and associated risk factors. However, awareness of the symptoms of stroke and heart attack was low. Pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis were the most commonly identified types of CVD, with 39.2% aware of these conditions. The most well-known symptom of heart attack was shortness of breath (known by 54.4% of the respondents). In relation to stroke, the most commonly recognized symptom was “sudden dizziness, trouble walking, or loss of balance” (45.4%). Respondents’ awareness of CVD risk factors was moderate. The most common factors—identified by over two-thirds of participants—were unhealthy diet, smoking, dyslipidemia, and physical inactivity. Independent predictors of good CVD awareness were age 35–44 years, living in the north of Riyadh and following a healthy diet. Conclusions: The awareness of CVD and associated risk factors is insufficient among Saudis in Riyadh City. This study emphasizes the necessity for effective education to increase the awareness about CVD in Saudi Arabia. High awareness may lead to early recognition of the risk factors and lead to early implementation of primary prevention which the cornerstone of family medicine practice.

Objective: To assess awareness of diabetic retinopathy (DR) for Saudis with diabetes mellitus (DM) type 2 in Riyadh City. Methods: A cross-sectional study that used self-administered questionnaires conducted in primary healthcare centers in Riyadh City between October and December 2019. Results: There were 267 Saudi participants with diabetes mellitus type 2 visiting primary healthcare clinics. (52.4%) were aged 40 years or above at time of diagnosis with diabetes. (73%) had diabetes for at least 5 years. Most of the participants have a good blood glucose control and they do home measurements. In regard to DR, (64.4%) of participants had no subjective or objective indicators of retinopathy, and (70%) had visited ophthalmology clinics. Majority of the participants were advised about DR or referred to an ophthalmologist by their primary physician, with the percentages being (64.8%) and (59.6%), respectively. Regarding other risk factors of DR, (19.5%) had a family history of DR, (23.2%) of participant are smokers and (41.6%) were hypertensives. Majority of the participants were aware about all the aspects of DR, its consequences, and appropriate management except the laser therapy. In terms of area of living and education respondents, who lived in the center of Riyadh City and the secondary level or less educated participants had the lowest level of education. Conclusions: Awareness of DR is acceptable but should not lead this information to reduced awareness and educational programs. Outreach researchers' efforts should cover other directions instead awareness of DR.