Evaluating the Role of Healthcare Professionals in Promoting Health and Preventive Practices
The involvement of healthcare professionals in promoting health and preventive practices is crucial for fostering healthier communities and addressing public health challenges. However, the extent of their role, awareness, and effectiveness in preventive health efforts in Saudi Arabia requires comprehensive evaluation. This study investigates the role of healthcare professionals in health promotion and examines their attitudes, awareness, and barriers to implementing preventive practices. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1,300 participants, including healthcare professionals across various sectors in Saudi Arabia. The survey assessed demographic characteristics, awareness of preventive health practices, attitudes toward health promotion, and perceived barriers. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and odds ratios to identify associations between variables. Of the 1,300 respondents, 55% were female, and the majority were aged 26–35 years. Awareness of regular health check-ups was high (78%), but familiarity with advanced digital health tools such as PACS was lower (58%). Most participants (80%) strongly agreed on the critical role of healthcare professionals in health promotion, though 60% expressed concerns about data privacy. Barriers to preventive practices included high costs (45%) and a lack of digital literacy (35%). A significant association was observed between education level and awareness of digital tools (p < 0.01). Healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia recognize their pivotal role in promoting health and preventive practices. However, barriers such as cost and digital literacy challenges limit their effectiveness. Targeted interventions, including training on digital health tools and addressing privacy concerns, are recommended to enhance their capacity for health promotion. This study underscores the need for policy-driven initiatives to support healthcare professionals in preventive health roles.