Assessing the level of awareness of osteoarthritis among Saudi citizens and residents in Riyadh

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by cartilage deterioration, and it represents the most prevalent articular condition in developed countries. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of OA awareness and explore the association between awareness levels and sociodemographic characteristics (age, gender, and educational level) among Saudi citizens and residents of Riyadh. A quantitative observational cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire distributed through various social media platforms from June 2021 to December 2021. Data analysis was performed using SPSS statistical software, encompassing descriptive analysis and independent t-tests. The total number of participants was 921 Saudi citizens and residents of Riyadh, aged 18 years and older, excluding illiterate individuals and those unable to access the online survey. Among the respondents, 69.9% were female, 97.6% were Saudi nationals, 35.3% were aged 18-29 years, and 64.2% held a bachelor's degree. The overall mean knowledge score was 11±3 (57.9%). A statistically significant difference was observed in the mean scores between female and male subgroups (p=0.033). However, no significant differences were found with respect to age or educational level. Recognizing the level of awareness is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate the impact of OA. This study indicates that 68.5% of participants exhibited a good level of knowledge regarding OA, underscoring the importance of increasing public awareness and encouraging preventive measures among healthy individuals from an early age.