Fahad M. Alhowaymel

Background Nurses usually provide direct patient care. However, they account for the majority of healthcare workers (HCWs) injured by needles or other sharp objects. Objectives To assess the prevalence of needle stick injuries (NSI) among nurses worldwide; according to WHO regions, the socioeconomic development index (SDI) of countries, and the developmental status of individual countries, and in the Middle East. Design Systematic review and meta‐analysis. Methods We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. We calculated the pooled NSI prevalence estimates using a random‐effect meta‐analysis with the Comprehensive Meta‐Analysis software. The report of the study was in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 statement. Results The overall worldwide NSI prevalence pooled from our analysis was 40.97% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 31.29–50.63%, p = .00001). A subgroup analysis of NSI prevalence according to WHO regions revealed the highest prevalence in Southeast Asia (49.9%, 95% CI: [23.4–76.3%]) and the lowest in the United States of America (25.1%, 95% CI: [18.1–32.1%]), respectively. The pooled prevalence in developed and developing countries was 30.5% (95% CI: 27.3–33.8%) and 46.6% (95% CI: 33.7–59.5%), respectively. According to the SDI, NSI prevalence was highest in low‐middle SDI countries (48.9% [95% CI: 30.7–67.2%]). Conclusion Our results showed a high NSI prevalence among nurses worldwide. Developing countries had a significantly higher NSI prevalence than developed countries, especially low‐middle SDI countries. Relevance to Clinical Practice This study highlighted the prevalence of NSI risk among nurses practising in clinical settings worldwide. The study findings suggest that continuous training programs should be implemented for nurses to enhance their knowledge, performance and attitude toward NSI prevention in clinical settings. No Patient or Public Contribution Contributions from patients or the public are irrelevant because the purpose of this study was to examine the global prevalence of NSIs in nurses.

Introduction Stroke is a significant health problem and is considered one of the leading causes of mortality and permanent disability worldwide. Hypertension is a primary risk factor for stroke. Thus, hypertensive patients’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) are essential in preventing stroke. Objective To examine hypertensive patients’ KAP towards stroke prevention among rural population in Saudi Arabia. Methods The study utilized a cross-sectional design. The data were collected using a convenience sampling technique from hypertensive patients in the northwestern rural areas of Riyadh Province. A self-administered questionnaire was adapted from the Stroke Recognition Questionnaire (SRQ) and utilized to assess KAP towards stroke prevention among rural hypertensive patients. The STrengthening of the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist was used to report the study. Results A total of 196 hypertensive patients participated in the study. The total mean scores categorization into three quartiles showed that most respondents had poor levels of KAP towards stroke prevention. Weak positive correlations were found between KAP of patients. There were statistically significant differences between respondents’ attitudes and practices with their age, education, marital status, and occupational status. Discussion This study denoted poor levels of KAP towards stroke prevention among hypertensive patients living in rural areas. This study showed the importance of further considering rural population by which improving their health and quality of life. Extending health educational programs and behavior-changing strategies to rural areas is essential to increase hypertensive patients and general public awareness about their stroke prevention and other health-related concerns.

Aim This research aimed to evaluate patients' satisfaction with the nursing care quality during their hospitalization. Design Quantitative cross‐sectional descriptive design. Methods A convenience sample of 238 patients were recruited from hospitals in two provinces in Saudi Arabia. Patient satisfaction was measured by the Arabic version of the Patients' Satisfaction with Nursing Care Quality Questionnaire (PSNCQQ‐Ar). Results Significant differences were found between Saudi provinces regarding the overall quality of nursing care (M = 4.65, p < 0.001). The study revealed mean significant variations between patient satisfaction with nursing care and sociodemographic factors, including age ( p = 0.002), education level ( p = 0.047), marital status ( p = 0.017), employment status ( p = 0.038), urban vs. suburban residence ( p = 0.006), length of hospitalization ( p = 0.001), and accompaniment by a family member ( p = 0.014). Improving patients' experience during their hospitalization requires regular examination of the quality of nursing care services. Patient Contribution This research enhances our understanding of patients satisfaction toward the quality of nursing care received during hospitalization.