JOURNAL OF TAZEEZ IN PUBLIC HEALTH

Association Between Sleep Quality, Body Mass, And Health Risk Factors in University Students

Nora Alafif — 2025-02-08

Background: Obesity and sleep disorders can adversely affect the quality of life. It is important to recognize the risk factors associated with obesity and sleep disorders to minimize their effects on health. This study aimed to identify the relationship between sleep quality (SQ), body mass index (BMI), and associated health factors such as body composition (fat-free mass (FFM), fat percentage), sex, diet patterns (meal timing, vegetable intake, and caffeine consumption), and unhealthy behaviors (smoking and physical activity) among King Saud University students (KSU). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at KSU University, and 184 students were included. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire, including sociodemographic information, physical activity, Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). In Body 770 was used to measure body composition. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software. Results: A significant association was observed between SQ and weight gain or loss (p= 0.034). Health-related factors were not associated with SQ. Conclusion: The results of this study added to our knowledge of the association between SQ and BMI and increased public awareness of the importance of maintaining a good sleeping quality to achieve healthy body weight, as doing so helps to prevent future health issues brought on by unhealthy body weight.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Obstacles to Hand Hygiene Practices in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A Preliminary Cross-Sectional Study

Abdulrahman S. Alfadhli — 2025-02-08

Background: As a primary objective, this study aims to assess healthcare workers' knowledge and attitudes about hand hygiene (HH) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A secondary objective is to identify barriers to HH implementation. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, a total of 203 employees worked at different departments, such as Intensive Care Unit, hospital wards, and surgery, of both genders were recruited from King Khaled University Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Employees’ knowledge, attitude, and obstacles to adequate HH practice were assessed using an anonymous electronic questionnaire. Results: the mean percentage of the ideal answers of the knowledge and attitude questions was 46.8% (standard deviation (SD): 15.5), 49.6% (SD: 21.4) respectively. Department was the only socio-demographic variable significantly associated with knowledge (p=0.028). on the other hand, department and shift time were significantly associated with attitude (p= 0.005 and 0.030, respectively). No clear dominant obstacles were reported among participants. Conclusion: This study revealed that knowledge and practice of HH among Saudi health providers are currently insufficient. Further study involving a larger sample size with different sociodemographic characteristics is needed to explore the reasons for non-compliance.

Effectiveness of Gloves and Infection Control in Dentistry: Student and Provider Perspective

Assaf Alassaf — 2025-02-08

Background: Dentistry is the most sensitive field of treatment. As there are many chances of infection, that can be spread-out in body through oral treatments. For this reason, it is always recommended to take precautions and other safety measures to keep human healthcare safety. Among these measures, use of gloves is most effective and necessary one. The primary aim is to assess the effectiveness of glove utilization in preventing infection transmission in dental settings, providing insights that can inform policies and educational programs. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative design involved 200 participants, including dental healthcare providers and students. Data were collected through a self-administered survey, exploring perceptions and practices related to glove use in English and Arabic. Results: Significant findings include a non-significant association between different glove types in providing protection (χ² = 39.763, df = 30, p = 0.110). Perceived effectiveness did not consistently align with actual protective capabilities. A significant association was identified between the duration of gloves' adequate protection and the need for clear guidelines (χ² = 35.350, df = 18, p = 0.009). Double gloving demonstrated a substantial impact on reducing infection transmission (χ² = 57.263, df = 6, p < 0.001). Furthermore, a significant association was found between the use of products and glove integrity (χ² = 31.247, df = 6, p < 0.001). Conclusion: These findings underscore the nuanced nature of glove use in dental settings, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based guidelines. The impact of double gloving and the influence of certain products on glove integrity highlight areas for targeted interventions.