Leenah Tawfiq Almanea

Bio: Leenah Tawfiq Almanea is an academic researcher from Princess Nora bint Abdul Rahman University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Surgery & Vaccination. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 2 publications receiving 5 citations.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of bariatric surgery among adult Saudi community, Saudi Arabia, 2019.

Abstract: The prevalence of overweight and obesity is higher in developed countries than in developing countries of all ages (data from 2013) This study is aimed at assessing the knowledge and attitudes of people in Saudi Arabia toward bariatric surgery To do this, the specific objectives sought to determine the satisfaction of people who underwent bariatric surgery and to determine the importance of bariatric surgery among the community Methods: The study is a cross-sectional, community-based study conducted among the Saudi adult population The final sample size was 891 respondents from different regions of Saudi Arabia Data collection was through online questionnaires that consisted of 26 questions to assess the perceived knowledge and attitudes toward obesity and bariatric surgery adopted from Abouhamda (2016) Results: More than 70% of the study participants were aged between 18 and 25 years There were more males than there were females 760% versus 240%, while most of the respondents were living single The proportion of respondents across listed regions of Saudi Arabia significantly varied at a 5% level (P = 0000) Sixty percent of the study respondents were within the normal weight range (BMI 185–25), 9% were marked as obese (BMI >30) Age group was not significantly associated with knowledge of quantization and perceived the knowledge that quantization can cause death (P > 005 in both cases) Conclusion: The knowledge about obesity in Saudi Arabia is generally good and most Saudis would rather take the approach of proper diet as opposed to surgery, with the bigger percentage being in the normal range (BMI 185–25)

Conservative Management of Giant Pyogenic Granuloma Post Strabismus Surgery: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract: Ocular pyogenic granuloma is a benign vascular tumor that occurs primarily in children. Treatment options for pyogenic conjunctival granulomas include topical steroids, topical timolol, surgery, cryotherapy, and electrocautery. Patients with giant pyogenic granulomas are usually treated with surgical intervention. In this case, a 13-year-old Egyptian girl developed a giant pyogenic granuloma after strabismus surgery. Topical steroids showed a poor response and failed to demonstrate any improvement. While on timolol, the granuloma completely regressed, with no signs of recurrence. Despite the usual surgical approach to the treatment of purulent giant granulomas, we believe that topical timolol can be the preferred option as a noninvasive alternative therapy since it is considered safe when compared to the potential risks of topical steroid therapy or surgical exposure.

Global COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance: A Systematic Review of Associated Social and Behavioral Factors

Abstract: COVID-19 vaccines have met varying levels of acceptance and hesitancy in different parts of the world, which has implications for eliminating the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this systematic review is to examine how and why the rates of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy differ across countries and continents. PubMed, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore and Science Direct were searched between 1 January 2020 and 31 July 2021 using keywords such as “COVID-19 vaccine acceptance”. 81 peer-reviewed publications were found to be eligible for review. The analysis shows that there are global variations in vaccine acceptance among different populations. The vaccine-acceptance rates were the highest amongst adults in Ecuador (97%), Malaysia (94.3%) and Indonesia (93.3%) and the lowest amongst adults in Lebanon (21.0%). The general healthcare workers (HCWs) in China (86.20%) and nurses in Italy (91.50%) had the highest acceptance rates, whereas HCWs in the Democratic Republic of Congo had the lowest acceptance (27.70%). A nonparametric one-way ANOVA showed that the differences in vaccine-acceptance rates were statistically significant (H (49) = 75.302, p = 0.009*) between the analyzed countries. However, the reasons behind vaccine hesitancy and acceptance were similar across the board. Low vaccine acceptance was associated with low levels of education and awareness, and inefficient government efforts and initiatives. Furthermore, poor influenza-vaccination history, as well as conspiracy theories relating to infertility and misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccine on social media also resulted in vaccine hesitancy. Strategies to address these concerns may increase global COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and accelerate our efforts to eliminate this pandemic.

Prevalence, risk factors, and interventions for obesity in Saudi Arabia: A systematic review

Abstract: Saudi Arabia (SA) has a reported obesity prevalence greater than the global average. Here, we systematically review firstly the prevalence and associated factors (59 studies) and secondly the pharmacological, lifestyle, and surgical interventions for obesity (body mass index, >30 kg/m2) in SA (29 studies) between December 2020 and March 2021 in PubMed, Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, and Cochrane. Peer‐reviewed articles in Arabic and English on human adults (aged >18 years) were searched. Among the eight largest studies with sample sizes over 10,000 people, the maximum‐reported obesity prevalence was 35.6%, with notable variations in gender and geographic region. Diet, specifically the move towards Western diet and heavy consumption of sugary beverages, and high levels of inactivity are major contributing factors to obesity. The reported obesity‐risk polymorphisms are not specific. Bariatric surgery is underrepresented, and in general, there is a lack of nationally coordinated studies on weight loss interventions. In particular, the systematic review did not find a body of research on psychological interventions. There is no trial data for the use of GLP‐1 analogs in SA, despite their widespread use. These findings can help policymakers, and practitioners prioritize future research efforts to reduce obesity prevalence in SA.

A systematic literature review to clarify the concept of vaccine hesitancy.

Abstract: Vaccine hesitancy (VH) is considered a top-10 global health threat. The concept of VH has been described and applied inconsistently. This systematic review aims to clarify VH by analysing how it is operationalized. We searched PubMed, Embase and PsycINFO databases on 14 January 2022. We selected 422 studies containing operationalizations of VH for inclusion. One limitation is that studies of lower quality were not excluded. Our qualitative analysis reveals that VH is conceptualized as involving (1) cognitions or affect, (2) behaviour and (3) decision making. A wide variety of methods have been used to measure VH. Our findings indicate the varied and confusing use of the term VH, leading to an impracticable concept. We propose that VH should be defined as a state of indecisiveness regarding a vaccination decision.

China's COVID-19 Vaccination Strategy and Its Impact on the Global Pandemic.

Abstract: Public health crises are challenging for governments and health systems. Vaccines are a key solution to viruses, and immunization has always played a critical role during public health crises in the past century. In the context of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), we explore China's vaccination strategies and challenges. Accordingly, we identify the causes of the high vaccination rate in China, including technical and nontechnical factors. Considering the impact of China's high vaccination rate on the global pandemic, we argue that it has strengthened China's opportunities and capabilities to participate in global development, enhanced the equity of vaccines and given the world community more choices.

Perception of Heath Care Providers About COVID-19 and Its Vaccination in Saudi Arabia: Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract: Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the perception of health care providers about the COVID-19 and its vaccine in Saudi Arabia. Patients and Methods: In this study, we used a quantitative, cross-sectional and descriptive design. We recruited healthcare providers (HCPs) from social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter and emails that was distributed from March 15, 2021, to April 14, 2021. Chi-square tests were used to compare categorized data between health care workers. Results: A total of 390 health care providers from different regions of the country began the online survey. A total of 298 respondents (77.8%) accepted the COVID-19 vaccine, whereas 85 (22.2%) HCP disapproved. There was a significant difference in the degree of acceptance of COVID-19 immunization among health care providers (P<0.001). Moreover, the results showed 200 females (52.63%) were more likely to accept the COVID-19 immunization; 97 (25.5%) males were planning on getting one as soon as possible. Conclusion: As shown in the results, 77.8% of health care providers agreed to receive the vaccine. Since COVID-19 is still ongoing, we must increase the number of HCPs who get vaccinated. In addition, a comprehensive immunization campaign is necessary to achieve maximum acceptance by the general public.