Yasmin Altwaijri — Saudi epidemiologist and head of epidemiology research

Research focus and methods

Her research examines the distribution and determinants of chronic and mental health conditions. Studies led or coordinated by epidemiology groups typically use population surveys, medical record review, surveillance systems and statistical analysis to estimate prevalence and trends. Two topics highlighted in her work are obesity and mental illness, which are treated as public health priorities because of their impact on quality of life and on health services demand.

Roles and activities

In an institutional leadership role at a major tertiary care and research centre, typical responsibilities include:

• Designing and overseeing epidemiologic studies and population surveys.
• Analyzing health data and publishing findings to inform clinicians and planners.
• Training researchers and building capacity for epidemiologic methods.
• Engaging with policymakers and communities to translate evidence into action.

Policy engagement and public health importance

Altwaijri’s work links measurement to policy: documenting how common certain conditions are is an essential step toward targeted prevention, improved clinical pathways and resource planning. Advocating for changes in social and political systems to promote healthier environments—such as preventive programs, health education and improved access to mental health services—is a common extension of epidemiologic findings into practice. By providing robust data, epidemiologists help governments and health systems prioritize interventions that reduce disease burden.

Notable context

King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre is one of the country’s leading institutions for complex clinical care and biomedical research; its epidemiology program contributes to national understanding of health trends and to the development of locally relevant interventions. Research on conditions such as obesity and mental illness has particular relevance for planning preventive services and for shaping public health strategies across regions like Riyadh and throughout Saudi Arabia.

For further institutional or research information see the relevant research pages: Epidemiology Research, regional resources in Riyadh and national health information in Saudi Arabia.