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Background and Objectives: Despite extensive research on the sources and transmission pathways of Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs), the role of cleaning staff as potential vectors has been under-explored. This study addresses the gap by examining the cleaning staff’s role in nosocomial infection transmission, focusing on pathogenic bacteria and fungi colonization. Identifying potential pathogens harbored by cleaning staff that carry the risk of causing HAIs, especially methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Enterobacteriaceae. Materials and Methods: This current cross-sectional study was conducted on 96 cleaning staff at King Fahad Hospital of the University and Family and Community Medicine-Centre, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. Sample collection targeted hands and nostrils using cotton swabs, followed by laboratory testing, including MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry for bacterial identification, and the cefoxitin disc diffusion test for the screening of MRSA. Results: In total, the occurrence of MRSA colonization was 9.4% while Enterobacteriaceae colonization was 15.6%. No significant correlation was found for MRSA among departments or between day and night shifts. Alternatively, individuals working in the ICU and the operating room showed higher chances of being colonized by Enterobacteriaceae, and a notable connection was identified between Enterobacteriaceae and day shifts. Ultimately, the frequency of handwashing reduced the chances of being colonized by MRSA and Enterobacteriaceae, underscoring the significance of good hygiene practices. Conclusions: The study highlights the potential role of cleaning staff in transmitting HAIs, indicating a need for further research and consideration of enhanced hygiene protocols in hospital settings.

This narrative review meticulously examines the intricate landscape of poisoning incidents within Saudi Arabia, delineating the prevalence and characteristics across three main categories: pharmaceutical, illicit, and chemical substances. Pharmaceutical agents, particularly analgesics and antipsychotics, are identified as leading causes of acute adult poisoning, highlighting the paramount role of their widespread accessibility and the potential risks associated with over-the-counter availability. The review underscores the alarming prevalence of over-the-counter analgesics, such as paracetamol and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as the most frequent culprits in poisoning cases, with a significant correlation observed between analgesic poisoning and gender, notably affecting the female population. Additionally, the study delves into the burgeoning issue of illicit drug use, with opioids and amphetamines emerging as substantial contributors to the poisoning landscape, reflecting a broader global trend of increasing substance misuse and its associated health risks. Chemical poisoning, encompassing a range of substances from household cleaners to industrial chemicals, presents another critical area of concern, with specific emphasis on the dangers posed by antiseptics, detergents, and organophosphates. The review identifies a pressing need for targeted public health interventions and policy reforms aimed at mitigating the risks associated with these diverse types of poisoning. By offering a comprehensive overview of the poisoning epidemiology in Saudi Arabia, the study contributes valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of this public health challenge, advocating for enhanced regulatory measures, public awareness campaigns, and improved access to mental health services to address the underlying factors contributing to poisoning incidents.

The purpose of this study is to analyze the various influencing factors affecting the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled virtual assistants (VAs) for self-management of leukemia. A cross-sectional survey design is adopted in this study. The questionnaire included eight factors (performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, behavioral intention, trust, perceived privacy risk, and personal innovativeness) affecting the acceptance of AI-enabled virtual assistants. A total of 397 leukemia patients participated in the online survey. Performance expectancy (μ = 3.14), effort expectancy (μ = 3.05), and personal innovativeness (μ = 3.14) were identified to be the major influencing factors of AI adoption. Statistically significant differences (p < .05) were observed between the gender-based and age groups of the participants in relation to the various factors. In addition, perceived privacy risks were negatively correlated with all other factors. Although there are negative factors such as privacy risks and ethical issues in AI adoption, perceived effectiveness and ease of use among individuals are leading to greater adoption of AI-enabled VAs.