Measurement of the awareness of venous thromboembolism in the Saudi population

Awareness, Knowledge, and Practices for Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis in Al Qunfudhah, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Assessing DVT prevention awareness in the Al Qunfudhah region involves measuring public knowledge about risk factors, prevention, and early treatment through surveys. DVT, characterized by blood clots in the deep veins, poses serious risks, including pulmonary embolism. Raising awareness is crucial for high-risk groups, such as those with prolonged immobility or certain medical conditions, underscoring the need for targeted education and prevention strategies. Objectives The objective of the study is to determine the level of awareness regarding deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prevention measures among the general population of Al Qunfudhah governorate. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in Al Qunfudhah, Saudi Arabia, from January 2024 to April 2024. Data were collected using an online questionnaire targeting individuals aged 18-65 in the region. Analysis was performed using RStudio software version 4.3.1. Results Most participants (69.0%) lacked familiarity with DVT. Their knowledge of risk factors, symptoms, prevention strategies, and complications was limited, with a median knowledge score of 8 out of 21 (IQR: 5-11). Familiarity with DVT was an independent predictor of higher knowledge (β = 4.29, 95% CI 3.58-5.00, p < 0.001). Conclusions Awareness and knowledge regarding DVT prevention among residents of Al Qunfudhah were found to be inadequate. Targeted educational interventions are needed to improve understanding of DVT and its prevention, especially among those unfamiliar with the condition.

Application of IMB model in preventing venous thromboembolism in elderly lung cancer patients

Objective

This study aims to explore the effects of the Information-Motivation-Behavioral (IMB) Skills Model on the prevention of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) in elderly lung cancer patients.

Methods

A convenience sampling method was used to select study participants who were hospitalized for treatment between November 2022 and August 2023 at a tertiary hospital in Neijiang and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The control group (n = 41) received conventional health education, while the intervention group (n = 40) received health education based on the IMB Skills Model over three months. The scores of the Venous Thrombosis Knowledge, Participation in Thrombosis Prevention Willingness and Behavior Questionnaire, and Quality of Life Measurement Scale (QLQ-C30) were compared before the intervention and after three months. After three months of intervention, the hospital satisfaction and VTE incidence rates in both groups were investigated and compared.

Results

After three months of intervention, the scores for the Venous Thrombosis Knowledge, (Participation in Thrombosis Prevention Willingness and Behavior Questionnaire in the intervention group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The QLQ-C30 scores in the intervention group for physical function, role function, emotional function, insomnia, appetite loss, and overall health status were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The intervention group rated higher in doctor's professional skills, information provision, accessibility; nurse's professional skills, humanistic care, information provision, accessibility; team communication, services of other personnel, overall satisfaction compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The rate of VTE in the intervention group was 2.5%(1/40), and that in the control group was 19.5%(8/41). There was a significant difference (χ2 = 4.336, P = 0.037).

Conclusion

Nursing interventions based on the IMB Skills Model for elderly lung cancer patients can enhance patients' understanding of venous thrombosis, increase willingness and active participation in thrombosis prevention, improve quality of life, increase hospital satisfaction, and reduce the incidence of VTE.

Awareness and Knowledge of Venous Thromboembolism Among Saudi Adults in the Dawadmi Province: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Venous thromboembolism (VTE) significantly contributes to the global disease burden. The annual incidence of VTE is one to two per 1,000 adults worldwide. We aimed to evaluate the awareness and knowledge of VTE risk factors, manifestations, prevention, and treatment options among the general adult population of Dawadmi, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methodology We conducted a cross-sectional study using the self-designed and validated VTE knowledge questionnaire. A survey was conducted online via Google Documents, composed of 12 questions. Participants included in the study were over 18 years old, regardless of their medical history. However, medical students and healthcare providers were excluded. Results A total of 384 participants (46.4% men and 53.6% women) completed the survey; most respondents were between 18 and 28 years of age. Majority of the participants recognized that immobility, obesity, complicated surgery, road traffic accidents, smoking, and old age are the most common risk factors for VTE. However, more than half of the elderly and lower-educated participants did not identify complicated surgery and consumption of oral contraceptive pills as risk factors for VTE. Awareness of VTE was significantly higher among those with a family history of VTE and a graduate degree (p<0.001). Results showed a deficit of awareness and information about VTE, especially among males, those with low education, and elderly participants. Conclusion This study demonstrates the need for more awareness of VTE among the Saudi adult population. The urge to spread awareness and knowledge about VTE among the public in Dawadmi province is required.

The risk of venous thromboembolism and blood hyperlactatemia is associated with increased mortality among critically ill patients with Covid-19

INTRODUCTION

Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) following venous thromboembolism (VTE) and blood hyperlactatemia are associated with higher mortality. However, reliable biomarkers for this association remain to be elucidated. This study investigated the associations of VTE risk and blood hyperlactatemia with mortality among critically ill Covid-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).

METHODS

In this single-centre retrospective study, we included 171 patients aged ≥18 years with confirmed Covid-19 admitted to the ICU at a tertiary healthcare clinic in the Eastern region of Saudi Arabia between 1 March 2020 and 31 January 2021. Patients were divided into two groups: survivor and non-survivor. The survivors have been identified as the patients discharged from the ICU alive. The VTE risk was defined using a Padua prediction score (PPS) >4. The blood lactate concentration (BLC) cut-off value >2 mmol/L was used to determine the blood hyperlactatemia.

RESULTS

Multi-factor Cox analysis showed that PPS >4 and BLC >2 mmol/L were more likely to be significantly associated with higher odds of ICU mortality in critically ill Covid-19 patients (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.80, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.00-8.08, p = 0.050; HR = 3.87, 95% CI = 1.12-13.45, p = 0.033, respectively). The Area under the Curve for VTE and blood hyperlactatemia were 0.62 and 0.85, respectively.

CONCLUSION

VTE risk and blood hyperlactatemia have been associated with a higher mortality risk in critically ill Covid-19 patients who are hospitalized in the ICU in Saudi Arabia. According to our findings, these people needed more effective VTE prevention strategies based on a personalized assessment of their risk of bleeding. Moreover, persons without diabetes and other groups with a high risk of dying from COVID-19 may be recognized by measuring glucose as having elevated glucose and lactate jointly.