Knowledge and awareness of leukaemia and its risks among the population of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: With increasing prevalence of cancer in Saudi Arabia, there is a lack of research on the public awareness of various cancer types. It is important that the public awareness is analysed so that early detection of various cancer types can be achieved, which may improve the treatment and recovery processes. Purpose: the purpose of this study is to investigate the public awareness of leukaemia in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, which focuses on an online survey questionnaire in order to assess the public awareness of leukaemia, its types, symptoms, and risk factors. The survey questionnaire using a link was forwarded randomly to all the adult population using various online platforms by adopting snow-ball sampling techniques, which resulted in a final sample of 800 participants considered in this study. The data collected was descriptively analysed and statistical techniques such as t-tests were used to identify the differences between the participants groups. Results: The majority of the participants had little or no awareness about leukaemia and its types. Only 13.4% had high knowledge of leukaemia and its types. In relation to leukaemia symptoms, nearly 42% had no knowledge about them. Female participants, young and educated participants had more awareness levels about leukaemia, its types and symptoms compared to male, older and uneducated/low educated participants respectively. Conclusion: This study recommends that a systematic and strategic approach is necessary for deploying cancer awareness campaigns in Saudi Arabia.

Keywords

• Leukaemia
• Public awareness
• Cancer
• Knowledge
• Risk factors
• Saudi Arabia