Thesis
Toxicovigilance profile in Saudi Arabia capacity assessment and proposed framework
- Creator
- Rights statement
- Awarding institution
- University of Strathclyde
- Date of award
- 2026
- Thesis identifier
- T18018
- Person Identifier (Local)
- 201986630
- Qualification Level
- Qualification Name
- Department, School or Faculty
- Abstract
- This thesis, titled "Toxicovigilance Profile in Saudi Arabia: Capacity Assessment and Proposed Framework," addresses the pressing need for a comprehensive toxicovigilance system in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) to combat the high prevalence of poisoning cases. Despite alarming statistics on unintentional poisoning, the country lacks a centralized data collection system and a national poison control center. The research aims to assess the magnitude and prevalence of poisoning incidents, identify contributing factors, and develop evidence-based recommendations for establishing a Saudi Toxicovigilance System, also referred to as a Saudi National Toxic Exposure Surveillance System (SNTESS). The literature review in the thesis highlights global poisoning trends and emphasizes the limited toxicovigilance infrastructure within the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), which includes KSA. It reveals significant data gaps, particularly in rural areas, and underscores the reliance on retrospective studies rather than proactive surveillance. Moreover, the thesis explores the conceptual framework of toxicovigilance, comparing international practices and identifying best practices suitable for adaptation in the context of the Saudi healthcare system. Subsequent chapters detail similar toxicovigilance efforts in KSA, including a gap analysis of existing resources and the roles of governmental agencies. Additionally, a comparative review of toxicovigilance practices in three leading countries (the USA, the UK, and Canada) is presented. Based on this review, a strategic plan is proposed for establishing the Saudi Toxicovigilance System, outlining governance, data management, and operational tactics. Risk assessment methodologies are introduced to enhance the concept of toxicovigilance. The thesis concludes with specific recommendations for improving current toxicovigilance efforts, including the establishment of a national poison control center, targeted public health interventions to protect vulnerable populations, the formation of a poison control center association, and the implementation of a One Health approach for global health security. Collectively, these efforts aim to foster a stewardship program for the surveillance of toxic hazards, ultimately enhancing public health outcomes in KSA. Finally, the thesis includes a pilot case that utilizes a toxic exposure surveillance system in a single poison control center in one region of KSA. The data from that center were published in December 2024 in the article titled "Prevalence and Characteristics of Poisoning Calls/Cases in KSA: A Single-Center Experience from a Tertiary Care Hospital" to support the thesis theory.
- Advisor / supervisor
- Boyd, Marie
- Plevin, Robin
- Resource Type
- DOI
Relations
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