General population knowledge about osteoarthritis and its related risk factors in Jeddah Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVES: To identify the knowledge gap and misconceptions about osteoarthritis (OA) and its risk factors among the general population of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study conducted Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between 11-13 April, 2019. The study was approved by King Abdullah International Medical Research Center. A representative sample of the public in well-known mall was asked to complete the questionnaire to assess their knowledge regarding OA. The questionnaire consisted of 3 parts: 1) demographic data, 2) general knowledge regarding OA, and 3) a quiz of 20 questions. A descriptive analysis was carried out with t-test and F-test-based method. RESULTS: The study had 1238 respondents. Approximately 55% of them were females, with 51.8% between the ages of 18 to 29. Approximately 62% held a bachelor’s degree and 63% had a family member or a friend afflicted with OA. Relatives and friends were the main source of information regarding OA. Only 37% correctly identified the mechanism behind OA. The mean score for the 20-item quiz was 9.84. No significant differences were found when comparing scores of males and females or those of age groups. However, significant differences in scores were identified between respondents of varying educational levels (p<0.001), participants’ knowledge of the mechanism leading to OA (p<0.001), information sources (p<0.001), and knowing someone with it (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The results of our study suggest a low level of knowledge regarding OA among Jeddah population. Many misconceptions regarding OA were identified, so more information be brought to the public.