Volume 27, Issue 131, January 2023

Rheumatic disease knowledge and perceptions in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia in 2022

Ahmad Alkhdairi^1♦, Ayman Alharbi², Sami Alrasheedi¹, Mousa Alrashdi¹, Feras Aljameeli¹, Aseel Alnadawi¹, Shouq Alsaegh¹, Norah Alharbi¹, Lubna Alsuraykh¹, Jawaher Almutairi¹, Alhanouf Almutairi¹, Mariyyah Albishri¹, Thana Alsenaid¹

¹Department of Medicine, Unaizah College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Unaizah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
²Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

^♦Corresponding author
Department of Medicine, Unaizah College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Unaizah, KSA ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6913-040X

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Rheumatic disorders (RDs) are autoimmune and inflammatory conditions where your immune system frequently targets your joints, muscles and bones, as well as other internal organs. The global burden of rheumatic disease is increasing, due to a lack of knowledge about how to deal with them from the beginning. Goal: The project's objective is to evaluate the general public's level of knowledge level regarding RDs in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia in 2022. Methods: A cross-sectional study of the general population was done. A digital survey was used and distributed to the public. The survey includes demographic data (i.e., age, gender, etc.) and general population knowledge towards RDs. Results: Among the 490 surveyed participants, 70.2% were females and 35.5%, where age spectrum between 18 and 25 years of age. The prevalence of participants who had been diagnosed with RD was 9.6%. The outcome of this study showed that the overall mean knowledge score was 8.80 (SD 4.28), out of 22 points. Poor knowledge was found in 61.8%, moderate knowledge in 35.1% and good knowledge in only 3.1%. Increased knowledge was more frequently seen in females, respondents with bachelor's or higher degrees and those who had a previous diagnosis of RD. Conclusion: There was insufficient knowledge among the general population regarding rheumatic diseases. Females with a higher level of education and who have previously been diagnosed with RD have higher knowledge levels. However, more research is needed to establish the level of knowledge about the RDs in our region.

Keywords: Rheumatic disease, knowledge, general population, rheumatoid arthritis.

Medical Science, 2023, 27, e37ms2814

PDF

DOI: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi/v27i131/e37ms2814

Published: 11 January 2023