Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness regarding drug overdose recognition and management among healthcare workers in Makkah city, Saudi Arabia.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among healthcare workers in Makkah city using an online questionnaire. The study included 457 participants from different healthcare specialties. Data regarding demographic characteristics, commonly encountered overdoses, and knowledge of overdose recognition and management were collected and analyzed.
Results: Most participants were aged 20–30 years (321%, 70.2%), male (318%, 69.6%), Saudi nationals (404%, 88.4%), and doctors (290%, 63.5%). Antibiotic overdose was the most commonly reported type (140%, 30.6%), followed by acetaminophen (80%, 17.5%) and opioid overdose (78%, 17.1%). Correct knowledge regarding naloxone use was identified in 384 (84.0%) participants, while 368 (80.5%) correctly recognized the importance of rescue breathing. High knowledge levels were observed in 37.0% of participants. Significant associations with knowledge level were found for age, duration of medication use, and addicts’ age (p < 0.001). Logistic regression identified nationality (OR = 0.458, p = 0.017), workplace (OR = 0.540, p = 0.032), duration of medication use >5 years (OR = 2.543, p < 0.001), and addicts’ age (OR = 1.486, p = 0.015) as significant predictors.
Conclusion: Healthcare workers demonstrated moderate to high awareness regarding drug overdose management; however, knowledge gaps remained. Continuous educational and emergency training programs are recommended to improve overdose management competencies among healthcare workers.

Key words: Emergency, overdose, knowledge, health care workers, Saudi Arabia, awareness, emergency department