Awareness of general population towards obesity and bariatric surgery in Western region of Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity is considered a chronic condition caused by an abundance of body fat; it significantly rises morbidity and the risk of early death. Severe obesity is thought to be best treated with bariatric surgery hence the number of these procedures is increasing recently in Saudi Arabia thus our aim is to assess the general population’s awareness regarding obesity and bariatric surgery complications in the Western region of Saudi Arabia. Methods: The design of this study is cross-sectional; it was carried in Umm Al-Qura University. Respondents were from Saudi Arabia’s Western region and the sample was collected via an online questionnaire from October 2022 to December 2022. Results: 1122 respondents were collected in the study. 664 (59.2%) were females compared to 458(40.8%) males, Ages of participants ranged from 15 to 46 years with a mean age of 24.3 ± 13.9 years. The overall knowledge of participants was good accounting for 641(57.1%) compared to 481(42.9%) were having poor knowledge. Conclusion: Overall knowledge among the general population regarding obesity and bariatric surgery complications in the Western region of Saudi Arabia was sufficient. Yet, more studies should be conducted all over Saudi Arabia to assess general population awareness and identify any factors influencing the level of knowledge to enhance them through medical education.