Assessing Knowledge and Awareness of Appendicitis among Medical College Students

Abstract

Abstract Background: Appendicitis is the most common emergency surgical condition in the world, and despite medical and therapeutic development. It is still associated with a significant proportion of morbidity and mortality. This study aims to assess the knowledge and awareness of the diagnosis of acute appendicitis for medical students at the Damascus University and the Syrian Private University two Syrian universities. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in April 2022 using appropriate sampling pattern among students of the Faculty of Medicine at the Syrian Private University and the University of Damascus. A self-administered questionnaire was used. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board (IRB), Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University and Damascus University. Results: Out of the 282 participants, 55% were male and 45% were female. 47.9% were students of the Syrian Private University and 52.1% were students of Damascus University. The average awareness score for the students was 20.6 with this data deviating 3.8, the smallest value for the awareness score was 5 and the largest value was 29. Statistically significant Correlations emerged in terms of the participant being a student at the Syrian Private University (SPU), as well as being studying in the sixth year, the participant being successful in general surgery, with a high university average, non-smokers had a higher average awareness. Conclusion: The results of our study conclude to an acceptable degree of awareness among medical students in both the Syrian Private University and the Damascus University regarding appendicitis. The degree of awareness was higher among the students of the Syrian Private University.