Objective: This study aimed to determine the level of knowledge and awareness of bronchial asthma among the general population in Saudi Arabia.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia during the year 2023 using a questionnaire survey with a sample size of 385.
Results: The study revealed that 9.7% of participants had asthma. Around 50.4% reported having siblings with asthma. The majority showed satisfactory awareness of asthma-related information, with 79.2% correctly identifying it as a chronic disease. Additionally, 89.1% knew asthma was not infectious, and 69.3% recognized that it could lead to health complications, while 55.6% were aware it could be fatal. Most participants correctly recognized common asthma symptoms. However, awareness of dry cough as a symptom was lower at 58.6%. Common risk factors like family history, allergies, and smoking were well-known.
Conclusion: While there is a reasonable level of awareness regarding asthma as a chronic condition and its prevalence, efforts should be made to raise awareness about the potential severity and life-threatening nature of the disease. Moreover, continuous education initiatives targeting specific sociodemographic groups can further enhance asthma knowledge and improve asthma management and outcomes across the population.
Key words: Asthma, awareness, Saudi Arabia, symptoms, knowledge.
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