Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to determine the awareness and knowledge of umbilical hernia among adults in Makkah and to assess their understanding of the associated risk factors.
Methods: This web-based, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among adults aged ≥18 years in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, using a snowball sampling technique. Data were collected via an Arabic-language online questionnaire designed to assess demographic characteristics, knowledge of symptoms, risk factors, complications, treatment options, and recurrence of umbilical hernia. Healthcare providers and individuals not residing in Makkah were excluded.
Results: A total of 457 participants were included, with the majority aged 18-25 years (54.9%), male (58.9%), and university-educated (77.9%). Overall, approximately two-thirds had good knowledge of umbilical hernia. Awareness was highest for common symptoms, such as umbilical swelling (86.2%) and umbilical pain (81.6%), and for treatment options (97.6%). Knowledge gaps were noted for less common symptoms and certain risk factors, such as diarrhea (24.7%) and smoking (34.6%). Significant associations were found between knowledge level and age, gender, marital status, employment status, and number of pregnancies (p < 0.05). Pregnancy-related factors were not significantly associated with the development of umbilical hernia among female participants. Physicians and family/friends were the main sources of information.
Conclusion: Adults in Makkah had moderate-to-good knowledge of umbilical hernia, although gaps existed in awareness of certain symptoms and risk factors. Targeted health education campaigns are recommended, particularly for older adults, females, and pregnant women.

Key words: Umbilical hernia, awareness, knowledge, risk factors, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, cross-sectional study