Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, perceptions, and trust of the general public towards robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, and data were collected over 2 months using a validated self-administered electronic questionnaire. A total of 1,107 participants were recruited via random sampling. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and logistic regression were performed to evaluate knowledge levels and associated predictors.
Results: The findings revealed that 56.7% of participants were aware of RAS, but only 40.8% believed it was available in Saudi Arabia. Younger participants (aged 18–30 years) demonstrated better knowledge, likely due to greater exposure to technology. While 25% expressed high trust in RAS, 35.5% remained hesitant due to concerns about safety, cost, and system malfunctions. Key barriers identified included limited access to robotic systems in private hospitals and a lack of institutional support.
Conclusion: The study highlighted significant knowledge gaps and mixed attitudes towards RAS among the public in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia. Increasing public awareness through targeted educational campaigns and social media, alongside further research into cultural factors and patient outcomes, is essential to improve acceptance and trust in RAS.

Key words: Robotic-assisted surgery, public knowledge, perception, trust, Saudi Arabia