Knowledge, Attitude and Perception of Community About Asthma in Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background.The hallmark of bronchial asthma, a chronic inflammatory airway disease, is a reversible airway blockage brought on by bronchial hyperresponsiveness. It is among the most prevalent long-term diseases. Asthma affects two million persons in Saudi Arabia, yet limited data describing the community awareness about Asthma in the Eastern Province is available.
Objective. This study aimedto measure the knowledge, attitude, and perception towards asthma among the community in the Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia.
Methods.A description, cross-sectional, online survey was conductedin the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Asthma knowledge, attitude, and perception scores across different demographic groups were generated from surveyed data. Descriptive statistical analyses,Mann-Whitney U test compared total knowledge and perception scores among gender, and Kruskal- Wallis test comparing groups' knowledge and perception. The level of significance was considered at p < 0.05.
Results. 56% of our participant were female individuals, 57% were married, 75% were nonsmokers, 53% were working in non-medical field, and majority were withinage group between 18-29 years (41%). The analysis revealed a high-levelof knowledge about asthmaamong thegeneral population regarding the differences between asthma and other allergic diseases, triggers, symptoms, and medication of asthma. Interestingly 95% recommendededucative programs to increase asthma between school students. Comparison analysis revealed a significant difference in knowledge score between female and male participants. Additionally, a significant difference in knowledge and perception scores between age groups and education levels groups was observed.
Conclusion. Ongoing educational community campaigns and programs are necessary to enhance awareness of asthma.