Rheumatoid Arthritis in Syria: Knowledge and Awareness among the General Population

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease that mainly attacks the joints symmetrically, in addition to other systems. Recurrent attacks result in chronic pain, joint deformity, and decreased quality of life. The aim of this study aim was to identify beliefs and assess knowledge about this disease in the general population. Methods: 1439 Syrian participants completed an online Google Forms questionnaire comprised of 13 true-false questions designed to evaluate knowledge regarding rheumatoid arthritis, as well as questions about demographic, social, clinical, and behavioral characteristics. Results: Roughly 60% of the participants knew about RA to some extent, while nearly a quarter had no prior knowledge about the disease. One third of the respondents were very knowledgeable about RA, a quarter were moderately knowledgeable, 14% had a low level of knowledge,, and 28% had a very low level of knowledge. Conclusion: Knowledge about rheumatoid arthritis in Syria was found to be flawed and lacking. Our study suggests that the general population requires further education about the disease. Health-professionals should take care to better educate their patients, and community education campaigns to increase awareness should address the knowledge deficit among the population at large.