Background: Low awareness about rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the general population was associated with poor outcomes and delayed diagnosis. Raising public awareness about RA is the first step to improve early diagnosis and treatment. We aimed in this study to explore Jazan population awareness about RA.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study conducted in Jazan region, Saudi Arabia using a multistage cluster random sampling technique used. Eight primary health care centers (PHCCs) were selected. People visited these PHCCs during the period from 25 August to 25 September were included. Descriptive statistics were performed. Chi-square test was used to compare knowledge among categorical variables. Independent sample t-test and
analysis of variance was calculated to find an association between mean knowledge score and demographic variables with two categories and more. p-value < 0.05 indicated statistical significance.
Results: A total of 678 participants answered the survey. The mean age of the participants was 34.05 ± 12.22 years. Of the participants, 59.7% were females. The average correct responses of the knowledge about the symptoms of RA was 38.54%, epidemiology and diagnosis 38.74%, risk factors and disease impact 42.47%, features that differentiate Osteoarthritis and osteoporosis from RA was 30.43% and 34.40%, respectively.
Connection to RA, Increasing age, higher education, and income more than 10000 SR were associated with better knowledge.
Conclusion: The study population had poor knowledge about RA which may be associated with the delayed seeking of medical advice for non-diagnosed patients and non-desirable consequences to the patients. Better knowledge among those connected to RA gives good chances for educational interventions to succeed.
Key words: Jazan, population, knowledge, awareness, rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatic disorders
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