Knowledge and attitude toward total knee arthroplasty among senior medical students in comparison to public population in Saudi Arabia: cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is currently considered one of the most common and successful orthopaedic procedures. It plays an essential role in the long-term treatment of osteoarthritis and enhances the patient’s quality of life. Very little is known about public and medical students’ perceptions of this procedure. The purpose of the current study was to assess the knowledge and attitudes toward TKA among medical students in comparison with the general population in Saudi Arabia. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted between February and March 2023. Senior-year (interns and the fifth and sixth year) medical school students (Group A) as well as the general population (Group B) were surveyed online. The distributed questionnaire was divided into three main segments: demographics, knowledge, and the prognosis of TKA. The answers were statistically compared among participants. Results: Three hundred thirty-one participants were involved in this study, of whom 202 were from the general population and 128 were medical students. Most of the participants were males (68.3%), and the mean age was 32.95±15.22. The results were divided into three groups: demographic, knowledge, and prognosis. Medical students demonstrated a higher knowledge score (111.25±42.38) compared to the general population knowledge score (64.68±44.29), (P<0.001). Conclusion: Senior-year medical school students and the general population showed a low level of knowledge regarding TKA. However, the students had a better awareness of the procedure. The authors recommend frequent public education programs for the benefits of TKA. In addition, medical schools are encouraged to emphasize the benefits of TKA as a treatment choice for end-stage knee arthritis in their curriculum and training.