Saudi Medical Journal最新文献

{"title":"Plasma VGF as a Predictive Biomarker for Early Acute Kidney Injury in Critically Ill Elderly Patients: <i>A Combined Clinical and Mendelian Randomization Study</i>.","authors":"XianYang Guo, Yu Hao, RuJie Chenn, BenJi Wang, ShengWei Jin","doi":"10.15537/1658-3175.8857","DOIUrl":"10.15537/1658-3175.8857","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To assess whether VGF nerve growth factor inducible (VGF) can serve as a reliable predictor of acute kidney injury (AKI) among patients requiring intensive care.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We first conducted a Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to explore the potential causal link between plasma VGF levels and AKI risk. Subsequently, 128 critically ill individuals admitted to our intensive care unit were prospectively enrolled. Within 24 hours of either hospital admission or clinical decline, both blood and urine specimens were obtained. We measured VGF concentrations in plasma and urine, along with plasma cystatin C (pCysC), plasma and urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and urinary N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG). Kidney function was assessed using serum creatinine and hourly urine output. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was employed to evaluate each biomarker 's predictive capacity for AKI.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method revealed a statistically significant positive association between plasma VGF levels and AKI development. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) values for individual markers were as follows: pVGF (0.651), uVGF (0.483), pCysC (0.750), pNGAL (0.804), uNGAL (0.803), and uNAG (0.632). When pVGF, pCysC, and pNGAL were combined, the AUC increased to 0.861, indicating substantially better predictive performance than any single biomarker.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Plasma VGF shows promise as a predictive biomarker for AKI in critically ill populations. Its diagnostic utility is considerably strengthened when measured alongside pCysC and pNGAL.</p>","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"47 10","pages":"1677-1685"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13588299/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149008850","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Implementing Diagnosis-Related Groups for Value-Based Healthcare in Saudi Arabia: <i>A Systematic Review of Evidence on Barriers and Facilitators</i>.","authors":"Racha M Naim, Michelle A Badore, Justin J Needle","doi":"10.15537/1658-3175.8847","DOIUrl":"10.15537/1658-3175.8847","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To examine the barriers and facilitators to implementing Diagnosis-related groups (DRGs) in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, aiming to identify actionable insights for policymakers and stakeholders to advance value-based healthcare (VBHC) adoption effectively.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic search of bibliographic databases and relevant grey literature was conducted. Data were synthesized using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to categorize barriers and facilitators across 5 domains.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 10 studies met the eligibility criteria. Key facilitators included the adoption of patient classification systems, standardized data sets, government policy support, and the availability of advanced health information systems. Barriers included incomplete clinical documentation, coding errors, inadequate training, and a lack of localized cost weights for Australian Refined DRG (AR-DRG) AR-DRG implementation. Gaps in clinician and coder awareness further hindered implementation.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>While DRGs hold promise for achieving VBHC goals in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, their successful implementation requires addressing technical, organizational, and cultural barriers. Policymakers should prioritize improving clinical documentation, training healthcare professionals, and localizing DRG systems to the Saudi healthcare context. These actions will help pave the way for an effective and sustainable transformation to VBHC in the country.</p>","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"47 10","pages":"1577-1589"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13588303/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149008789","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Potential Drug-Drug Interactions in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: <i>A Retrospective Observational Study</i>.","authors":"Buthainah B Al-Ammash, Fawaz A Alharbi, Omar D Al-Hejaili, Mansour A Mahmoud, Mazin A A Abdelaziz, Alaa I Alrais, Shahad A Albakri, Ibrahim F Alharbi, Sara A Felemban, Abdullah H Almatrafi, Salman A Alabdali, Yaser M Alahmadi","doi":"10.15537/1658-3175.8851","DOIUrl":"10.15537/1658-3175.8851","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To evaluate the prevalence, characteristics, and determinants of potential drug-drug interactions (pDDIs) among patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing hemodialysis (HD) at a tertiary care hospital in Al-Madinah Al-Monawara, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Data for this retrospective observational study were extracted from the electronic medical records of adult patients (≥ 18 years) diagnosed with ESRD and receiving hemodialysis (HD) between October 2022 and March 2023. The pDDIs were identified and classified using Lexicomp® (Wolters Kluwer, Alphen aan den Rijn, Netherlands). Descriptive statistics summarized patient characteristics and pDDIs, and univariate logistic regression was implemented to investigate the determinants associated with the occurrence of pDDI.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 287 patients, 264 (92%) experienced at least 1 pDDI. In total, 4,157 pDDIs were identified, most of which were Category C (75.4%), followed by Categories B and D. Category X interactions were uncommon (n = 78), with clopidogrel-omeprazole and clopidogrel-esomeprazole being the most frequent. Patients received a mean of 14 ± 5.1 medications. Logistic regression showed that the number of prescribed medications was significantly associated with pDDI occurrence (odds ratio = 2.03; <i>p</i> = 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The pDDIs are highly prevalent among patients with ESRD undergoing HD, with polypharmacy identified as the main determinant. These findings highlight the importance of structured medication review, multidisciplinary collaboration, and clinical pharmacist involvement to reduce medication-related risks and optimize patient outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"47 10","pages":"1625-1633"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13588307/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149008832","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Advancing Impact: A National Approach to Knowledge Translation in Saudi Arabia-The Saudi National Institute of Health Experience.","authors":"Maha M Aleid, Manar A Alharbi, Amal N Almadouj, Ahmad I Alrawaji, Lamia A Alhaqbani, Fars K Alanazi","doi":"10.15537/1658-3175.8853","DOIUrl":"10.15537/1658-3175.8853","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To present a reproducible national model for translating research findings into evidence-based clinical practice guidelines.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The Saudi National Institute of Health launched the initiative titled \"Transforming the Outcomes of Published Health Research into Medical Guidelines that Enhance Medical Practices to Improve the Quality of Human Health\" on February 3, 2025. The initiative aimed to identify and assess research outcomes published between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2024 across 6 predefined thematic tracks relevant to the Saudi population. Eligible publications were collected within one month after the submission portal opened. Following closure of portal, all submissions were evaluated using the 14th Knowledge Translation Toolkits, and a weighted score was calculated using a Knowledge Translation Nexus Scoring System to generate final results.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 390 publications were submitted through the online portal by 206 researchers from 128 institutions. The infectious diseases track accounted for the highest number of submissions (108; 28%), followed by oncology (70; 18%), and both rare and inherited diseases (47; 12%) and diabetes tracks (35; 9%). Ultimately, 40 publications were selected for recommendation. The liver track showed the highest median final score across all tracks and was significantly different from the cardiovascular, diabetes, and rare and inherited disease.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This initiative established a structural national framework that strengthens local research in guideline development and promotes evidence-informed health decisions. This approach can be adopted and adapted across various settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"47 10","pages":"1640-1648"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13588304/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149008578","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Drooling in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Narrative Review of the Current Management Landscape.","authors":"Kamel A Alenazi","doi":"10.15537/1658-3175.8850","DOIUrl":"10.15537/1658-3175.8850","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Children with developmental or neurological disorders, such as cerebral palsy, present with impaired motor function, resulting in impaired swallowing, feeding, and drooling. The prevalence of chronic drooling radically changes from 0.5% in children >4 years to 60% in children with neurological ailments. Drooling can have a serious impact on the quality of life of affected children, which can create a sense of isolation and refusal by peers. In addition, drooling results in not only financial but also considerable emotional turmoil for caregivers of affected children, who are frequently confronted with difficulty managing the underlying neurological impairment of their child. In this narrative review, we expansively address, in addition to prevalence, causative factors, clinical manifestations, and impacts on quality of life, the current management landscape of drooling, which includes rehabilitation and conservative approaches, medical therapy (pharmacological management), and surgical management.</p>","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"47 10","pages":"1613-1624"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13588300/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149008834","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Thrombosis Rate and Risk Factors in Pediatric Patients with Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters.","authors":"Ahmed A Alabdulkarim, Abdullah I Almojali, Tharaa S Alhowaish, Dena S Alsuhaibani, Norah I Alshafi, Amin I Alzahrani, Mohammed O Alotaibi, Yousef A Alghamdi, Hamad A Alkhalaf","doi":"10.15537/1658-3175.8854","DOIUrl":"10.15537/1658-3175.8854","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To determine symptomatic thrombosis incidence in pediatric patients with peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) and identify associated patient and procedure-related risk factors in a tertiary pediatric center in Saudi Arabia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a retrospective cohort study at King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including patients aged 0-14 years who underwent PICC insertion in the Interventional Radiology department between January 2019 and June 2023. Data on demographics, comorbidities, procedural details, and outcomes were extracted from the electronic medical record system (BestCare). Symptomatic thrombosis was defined as Doppler-confirmed thrombosis with clinical signs. Associations were tested using chi-square or Fisher's exact tests (<i>p</i> <0.05).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 168 patients, the incidence of symptomatic thrombosis was 16.7% (n = 28). In univariate analyses, female sex (<i>p</i> = 0.019), left-sided insertion (36.4% versus 13.7%, <i>p</i> = 0.014), nonbasilic vein access (53.8%, <i>p</i> = 0.001), and previous PICC exposure (<i>p</i> = 0.014) were associated with symptomatic thrombosis. A nonsignificant U-shaped trend was observed for indwelling time (<7 days, 35.7%; >180 days, 40.9%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The PICC-related thrombosis is a clinically important complication in pediatric patients. Several patient and procedure-related factors were associated with symptomatic thrombosis in univariate analyses. These findings may help inform future prospective studies and strategies aimed at optimizing vascular access practices in children.</p>","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"47 10","pages":"1649-1656"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13588298/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149008777","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Quality, Patient Experience, and Service Gaps in Home Healthcare in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review Aligned with Vision 2030.","authors":"Eman Alawad, Rasha M Mahrous, Lubna A Elshaib","doi":"10.15537/1658-3175.8848","DOIUrl":"10.15537/1658-3175.8848","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To assess the quality of home healthcare (HHC) services, patient experience, and existing service gaps in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020) statement. PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Google Scholar were searched for studies published between January 2011 and January 2025. Eligible studies included observational, qualitative, mixed-methods, and interventional studies conducted in Saudi Arabia that examined home healthcare quality, patient or caregiver experience, or service delivery gaps. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality using the Quality Assessment with Diverse Studies (QuADS) tool. Disagreements were resolved by discussion and consensus. Because of heterogeneity in study designs, populations, and outcomes, findings were synthesized narratively.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Overall, patient satisfaction levels were consistently high, particularly regarding provider communication and professional competence. Several specialized home-based programs demonstrated reduced hospital utilization and improved patient-reported outcomes. Nevertheless, recurring system-level concerns were identified, including limitations in service coordination, financial coverage, workforce support, and multidisciplinary availability.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Home healthcare in Saudi Arabia demonstrates encouraging patient-centered and clinical outcomes, but important structural and operational deficiencies remain. Strengthening workforce capacity, financing mechanisms, coordination systems, digital health integration, and quality measurement is essential to support the expansion of home healthcare and align service delivery with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.</p>","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"47 10","pages":"1590-1600"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13588305/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149008799","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Scoping Review of Mental Health Outcomes of Cosmetic Procedures Among the Saudi Population.","authors":"Hessah Alzahrani","doi":"10.15537/1658-3175.8849","DOIUrl":"10.15537/1658-3175.8849","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To comprehensively examine the mental health outcomes associated with cosmetic procedures among the Saudi population, with a particular focus on psychological well-being, self-esteem, anxiety, body image, and quality of life.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. A structured search was performed across international databases, including PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, in addition to national Arabic databases. Studies investigating the psychological outcomes of both surgical (rhinoplasty and body contouring) and non-surgical cosmetic procedures among Saudi populations were included. A total of 19 studies involving approximately 9,705 participants met the eligibility criteria and were analyzed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The findings demonstrated that cosmetic procedures were frequently associated with improvements in self-esteem, body image satisfaction, social functioning, and overall quality of life. Several studies reported enhanced psychological well-being and increased confidence following cosmetic interventions. However, some individuals, particularly those with pre-existing psychological vulnerabilities, unrealistic expectations, or low baseline self-esteem, continued to experience anxiety, dissatisfaction, and psychological distress after the procedures. Variations in outcomes were influenced by procedure type, demographic factors, and psychosocial characteristics.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Cosmetic procedures may contribute to positive psychological and quality-of-life outcomes among many individuals in Saudi Arabia; however, adverse psychological effects may persist in vulnerable groups. These findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive preoperative psychological assessment, realistic expectation management, and multidisciplinary support to optimize outcomes and minimize potential mental health risk.</p>","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"47 10","pages":"1601-1612"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13588306/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149008855","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"From Bench to Bedside: Evolving Definitions of Translational Research.","authors":"Hana A Alhumud, Fars K Alanazi, Edward B DeVol","doi":"10.15537/1658-3175.8846","DOIUrl":"10.15537/1658-3175.8846","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To synthesize current evidence on the evolution, frameworks, and methodological approaches used to define and operationalize translational research, which serves as a bridge between scientific discovery and its application in clinical medicine, public health, and policy.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for peer-reviewed studies published up to 2023. Search terms combined translational research-related keywords (such as \"bench-to-bedside,\" \"implementation science,\" \"precision medicine\") and relevant MeSH terms. Eligible studies focused on conceptual models, frameworks, or methodological approaches related to translational research and were published in English. After duplicate removal and PRISMA-guided screening, 33 publications were included. Data extraction captured publication characteristics, framework type, thematic focus, and translational stage classification (T0-T4). Findings were synthesized narratively.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Included studies represented diverse disciplines such as biomedical sciences, public health, nursing, informatics, and social sciences. Four definitional frameworks were identified: NCATS, Harvard, Khoury, and Wichman et al. The NCATS model was most prevalent (n = 28), spanning all translational stages (T0-T4), whereas the other frameworks emphasized later-stage translation (T3-T4) including implementation, quality improvement, and community engagement. Analysis of translational stages revealed a shift toward applied phases (T3-T4), reflecting increased focus on real-world implementation, health equity, and population-level impact.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Contemporary translational research demonstrates a transition from linear \"bench-to-bedside\" models to interdisciplinary, system-level approaches that integrate ethics, collaboration, and community engagement. Persistent challenges include conceptual inconsistency, methodological heterogeneity, and infrastructure needs. Advancing the field will require standardized frameworks, investment in training, and enhanced cross-sector collaboration to support effective translation from discovery to population health outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"47 10","pages":"1567-1576"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13588309/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149008771","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Knowledge, Practice and Perceived Barriers of Healthcare Provider Adherence to the Notifiable Disease Surveillance System (NDSS) in Government Hospitals and Primary Healthcare Centers in Jazan, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Moatasem F Hakmi, Alaa Mathkour, Yousef Zahrani, Rayan I Binduhayyim, Saad S Alqahtani, Muhammad Z Iqbal","doi":"10.15537/1658-3175.8856","DOIUrl":"10.15537/1658-3175.8856","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To assess and compare healthcare providers' understanding of the Notifiable Disease Surveillance System (NDSS), alongside reported and perceived challenges, across public hospitals and primary healthcare centers in Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted between 10 January 2025 and 30 December 2025 among health care providers at Jazan hospitals and primary healthcare centers (PHCs) (n = 420). Data were collected via structured self-administered questionnaire that included the following sections: demographic data, knowledge of the NDSS, reporting practices, competency of the Health Electronic Surveillance Network (HESN) and perceived barriers. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Most participants knew the purpose of the NDSS (78.1%) and knew the diseases that needed to be reported immediately (71.9%). Only 50% reported notifiable diseases to health authorities, but 77.4% reported suspected or confirmed cases during the previous year. Only 24% of the participants reported receiving formal HESN training, and 59% reported poor knowledge of HESN reporting. Nurses and laboratory staffs exhibited significantly higher noncompliance rates than physicians and public health workers were. The most significant obstacles were high workload (68.6%), poor supervision (71.7%) and a lack of communication infrastructure (59.5%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In Jazan, healthcare providers reported fair knowledge of the NDSS, but optimal reporting was lacking. Support for the implementation of NDSS through strengthening practical surveillance training, improving digital reporting competency and strengthening institutional support can enhance the performance of NDSS and preparedness for outbreaks.</p>","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"47 10","pages":"1665-1676"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13588308/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149008823","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}