Saudi Arabians

The worldwide threat of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) has been increasing rapidly, and is now an estimated 463 million, of which 55 million people originate from Middle East and Nort African (“MENA”) region (international Diabetes Federation [“IDF’], 2020). In Saudi Arabia, the prevalence of diabetes has roughly reached a ten-fold increase in the past three decades, placing Saudi Arabia’s incidence as one of the highest globally (Almubark et al., 2022). The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between health and diabetes self-management among Saudi adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). The study further aimed to explore how Saudi adult with T2DM seek and utilize diabetes knowledge to self-manage their diabetes. The study was guided by Leininger’s Culture Care Diversity and Universality Theory (2002). Leininger’s Sunrise Enabler- Model provided a framework to explore the various factors that affect diabetes self-management through a cultural lens. This model provides a comprehensive understanding pf multiple factors influencing diabetes self-management.
A sample of 66 Saudi adults with T2DM aged 40-61 and older was recruited from diabetes center and Primary Healthcare Center (PHCC) at National Guard Hospital King Abdulaziz Medical City Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A Parallel Mixed Method (PPM) design was applied, using semi-structured interviews, Diabetes Self-management Questionnaire (DSMQ), Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adult (S-TOFHLA), and sociodemographic surveys.

Parents are historically the decision makers related to vaccinations with infants and children. Over the past few years, healthcare providers have been facing a growing number of parents who are questioning the safety and the need for routine vaccinations. Studies conducted in Saudi Arabia revealed that not all Saudi-born parents support childhood vaccination and eventually delay their children vaccination. Understanding the cultural influences on parents in Saudi Arabia about the adherence to childhood vaccination program is crucial for health and safety of the whole society. The purpose of this study was to explore experiences of Saudi-born parents who have delayed vaccinations for their children prior to school age. Through a Heideggerian hermeneutic interpretive phenomenological method and the lens of caring theory, this research sought to uncover the essence of Saudi-born parents’ lived experiences where they were allowed to speak and provide their perspectives in their own words. Leininger’s Culture Care Diversity and Universality Theory was used as the theoretical framework guiding this study. Leininger’s Sunrise Enabler-Model provided a framework for assessing the sociocultural aspects of Saudi-born parents that may have influence the vaccine delays for their children. The nine participants provided a rich and thick description of the phenomenon in this study from which three essential themes emerged. The three essential themes were: 1) struggling with barriers, 2) seeking vaccine information (Formal and Informal) and their influence on participants’ decision, and 3) hesitating to vaccinate. Study findings explored cultural factors such as knowledge, access to healthcare centers, work responsibilities, and social media that influenced vaccinating children prior to school in Saudi Arabia. Greater understanding of delays in child vaccination by Saudiborn parents equips nurses in addressing cultural perspectives to reduce communicable diseases amongst children.