Syed Esam Mahmood

Research is a systematic process to achieve new knowledge, science, or invention. Training in health research is an important part of medical education. This study aimed to evaluate the attitudes, knowledge, experiences, and barriers related to research among the health science students at King Khalid University, Abha. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 632 health science students of different colleges of King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia. From each study level, approximately 25% of the total number of students was selected using a systematic random sampling method. Tests for associations between different scale items and the type of college were used. The majority of students were mainly aged between 20 to 25 years and were males. Statistically significant differences in age distribution among the colleges ( P < .05) were found. Regarding students attitudes towards research, 80.5% of the students agreed that research gives them a better understanding of the world. About 79.6% of the total students agreed that every physician, dentist, and pharmacist should be familiar with the scientific methods of research. Statistical significant differences were found in attitudes toward research among different colleges ( P < .05). Overall 56.3% of the students recorded a positive attitude regarding research. Only 2.8% of the students had a good knowledge level regarding research and 66.5% had a poor knowledge level. Considering research experience, 50.9% of the overall students self-reported that they did research during their undergraduate phase. About 22% of the students recorded a high experience level regarding research, 41.9% had a moderate level and 36.9% had a low level of experience. Lack of research experience was the most commonly recorded barrier (80.5%) followed by lack of training on how to do research (72.7%). Training on research and adequate support in student research activities at the undergraduate level may help to reduce the identified barriers to research.

The widespread misconception that tonsillectomy leads to a decrease in immunity may lead to fear and avoidance of the operation. This can result in a deterioration of the situation, such as sleep-related breathing issues, frequent infections, and an increase in complications. The current research was conducted to assess the awareness and perception with respect to the impact of tonsillectomy on the immune system and to assess the awareness and perception of the relationship between autoimmune diseases and tonsillectomy. This 6-month descriptive cross-sectional online questionnaire survey was conducted among individuals who were 18 years and above living in Abha city, Saudi Arabia. Out of the 800 study subjects, 104 (13%) had undergone tonsillectomy. Statistically significant associations were found between age group, education, income, and occupation among those who had undergone tonsillectomy. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that ages 18–30 years and 31–40 years (OR: 2.36, 95% CI: 1.18–4.71, and OR: 1.46, 95% CI: 0.53–3.97) and education levels of high school, bachelors, and above (OR: 8.30, 95% CI: 3.05–22.58 and OR: 10.89, 95% CI: 4.23–28.05) were found to be associated with tonsillectomy status of the subjects. On the contrary, income levels of 5000–9000 and >9000 (OR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.36–1.17 and OR: 0.78, 95%CI: 0.42–1.42) and male gender (OR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.52–1.19) were found to be associated with non-tonsillectomy status of subjects. Almost 36% of study subjects thought that tonsillectomy affects immunity. Only 18% of study subjects thought that there is a relationship between tonsillectomy and autoimmune diseases. About one-third of the respondents had received this information from community members and social media. A small number of study subjects relied on public awareness programs. Therefore, social media can play a vital role in the community to remove misconceptions regarding tonsillectomy and its effect on immunity and autoimmune disease. Further educational interventional studies are required to see the correction to the public perception of tonsillectomy and its effect on immunity and autoimmune diseases.