Awareness of osteoarthritis among general population in Sudair, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic disorder and the most common form of arthritis. OA leads to the breakdown of tissues and cartilage and the loss of combined function, causing symptoms of pain, stiffness, reduced physical function and limited movement. Incidence rates vary according to region and ethnicity. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study involving the general population of Sudair was conducted to assess the awareness and knowledge levels of OA from June to December 2020. In all, 387 residents participated, and data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire. Data were analysed by SPSS, and appropriate statistical tests such as One-sample t-test, Chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests were applied for quantitative and qualitative variables. Results: Almost 80% of the sample belonged to the age group of 18–50 years. More than 50% were men. Overall, 199 (51.42%) participants had moderate knowledge of OA, 134 (34.63%) had poor knowledge, and only 14% had adequate knowledge. Men had significantly poorer knowledge than women (P = 0.018). Participants with a previous history and family history of OA had significantly more knowledge than the healthy participants with previous experience of OA (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The majority of the participants who lived in Sudair had moderate knowledge of OA. Previous knowledge of OA because of previous diagnosis or family history of OA led to improved awareness of OA.

Keywords

• awareness
• knowledge
• osteoarthritis
• saudi population