Background: Sickle-cell disease (SCD) is a group of genetic disorders characterized by abnormally shaped red blood cells (RBCs), which are destroyed at increased rates, leading to anemia. Recently, Saudi Arabia has been reported to have an increased prevalence of SCD. Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess perceptions about SCD among the general population in Albaha region, Saudi Arabia, and the possible relationship between their levels of knowledge and sociodemographic characteristics. Methods: The study was carried out on 218 Saudi subjects who completed the selfadministered questionnaires during the study period. Results: This study demonstrated that more than two-thirds of the respondents (68.80%) had good knowledge about basics of sickle cell disease. Those with poor knowledge (31.20%) were mainly younger males and works as businessmen and housewives, and all of them had no previous experience with SCD child. Despite the recorded favorable level of knowledge, certain gaps in knowledge were identified; most of them falsely believed that some foods like fava beans, lentils, falafel made with fava beans, vigna and /or nuts could precipitate sickle-cell crisis.Moreover, in depth information of our study population about pattern of inheritance of SCD and its complications were not sufficient. Conclusion: In our study, a good level of awareness regarding SCD was found. Some of the respondents were confused about the nature of inheritance, complications and dietary factors related to the disease. So, community health education meetings and/or media programs to increase the public awareness are recommended.

Background: cataract is the most common age-related eye disease and the most treatable cause of visual impairment and blindness in adults. Aim of the work: this study aimed to assess the knowledge of Saudi population in Albaha city about cataract and its risk factors. Methods: this was a cross-sectional study that included a representative sample of 756 adults of the Saudi population in this region. Participants answered self-administered questionnaires consisting of items assessing the knowledge about cataract. Results: nearly half of the studed sample (50.5%) misunderstood cataract as a white membrane growing over the eye, while only 222 (29.4%) realized it as an increase in eye lens opacity. Moreover, this study revealed clearly deficient knowledge in the studied population about risk factors of cataract. High percent of participants (84%) did not know that incidence of cataract increases with positive family history. Likewise, there was a shortage of knowledge about the relationship of malnutrition, dehydration, hypertension and ultraviolet rays and the development of cataract. Fortunately, considerable numbers considered cataract as an age related disease and recognized that diabetes mellitus is a major precipitating factor to cataract. Conclusion: Saudi population in Albaha city had poor knowledge towards cataract and its risk factors. Hence, great efforts should be made to increase the knowledge and awareness of the general public about this disease.

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is very common in young and active individuals who have continued active participation in sports. This injury might cause functional disability with many economic and social consequences. So, there is a need to raise awareness of the general population about this type of injury in order to decrease its incidence and complications. Objective: This cross sectional study was undertaken to investigate the awareness of the general population in Albaha city, Saudi Arabia towards ACL injury. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was randomly distributed to individuals aged 18-60 years of both sexes, 464 subjects agreed to participate, answered the questionnaire and were involved in the study. Results: Findings showed that 77.8% of the study participants were aware of ACL injury and ranked it as a serious disease. Great percent (36.0%) of the studied persons realized the role of sports as a risk factor of ACL injury. The majority (60.8%) proposed an interaction between two or more of; incorrect technical movements, lack of self-protection awareness, insufficient preparation and overload of exercise. Low percentages of all participants considered prolonged walking, prolonged standing, going up and down stairs, prolonged sitting, getting up from a sitting position, kneeling or squatting or running actions that might increase the incidence of ACL injury. Conclusion: Findings showed reasonable awareness of the general population in Albaha city about the seriousness of ACL injury, but there was lacking in their information about risk factors other than sports, dangerous actions that increase incidence of ACL injuries and their characteristic symptoms. There is a need for increasing health education and raising awareness and more implementation of prevention programs for ACL injuries.

Background: Obesity is an emerging health concern worldwide and in Saudi Arabia. Until now bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for morbid obesity. Objective: The aim of this study was to measure awareness about the role of bariatric surgery in mortality and morbidity among general population in Albaha city in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A questionnaire was distributed among the general public in Albaha city, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire consisted of two parts, the first one included personal data and the second one was concerned with awareness and knowledge of people regarding effectiveness and complications of bariatric surgery. Only completed questionnaires without missing data were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: The majority of respondents opposed surgery and didn't believe in its effectiveness compared with other treatment lines. There were false beliefs about the regaining of weight after surgery and exaggeration of its complications. The most common causes for refusal of surgery were lack of need and fear of complications while the most common motives for acceptance were desire of more weight loss and health benefits. Conclusion: Health education is necessary to increase patients' awareness and knowledge about bariatric surgery. The topics to be focused upon are the expected benefits after surgery, the maintenance of weight and the nature and incidence of surgical complications.