Delirium knowledge, risk factors, and attitude among general public in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Delirium is a severe neuropsychiatric disorder with 21.8% in Saudi Arabia. Up to 40% of delirium cases are potentially preventable, and earlier recognition of this condition results in better health outcomes. Therefore, this study was done to assess the knowledge, risk factors, and attitude of public about delirium. Methods: This was an observational cross-sectional study. All residents of Riyadh aged 18 or older were eligible to participate. An electronic questionnaire composed of 33 closed-response questions was used to assess the knowledge of delirium, its risk factors, and attitude toward it. Results: A total of 387 responses were obtained from participants. The majority (79%) of respondents were aged < 40 years. Around (33.8%) worked in the health field, while most (66.2%) were non-healthcare professionals. Three out of 10 questions that assessed basic knowledge were correctly answered by more than (50%), and only 2 out of 12 questions that assessed knowledge of risk factors were correctly answered by more than (50%). Delirium is believed to be a problem that requires active intervention by 75.1% of participants and is largely preventable by 63.5%. Total of 33.5% of respondents believed that delirium is related to over-sedation in the intensive care unit. Conclusion: Even though delirium is a critical neurocognitive disorder with a significant prevalence, the general public in Riyadh has insufficient knowledge of this condition and its risk factors. Given the results, delirium educational programs for the general public should be considered to improve awareness, knowledge, and understanding of delirium.