Abstract

Venous thromboembolism (VTE), comprising deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), is a leading preventable cause of morbidity and mortality. Yet, awareness among the general public and at-risk groups remains limited. PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched (January 2006–April 2026) for cross-sectional surveys, questionnaire-based studies, and baseline data from interventional studies in adults (≥18 years). Findings were synthesized narratively by population type. Forty-four studies (n = 30,823 from 17 countries) were included. VTE awareness varied widely (4%–92%); DVT awareness (8%–77%) consistently exceeded PE awareness (11%–90%). Obesity (68%), long travel (67%), and immobility (60%) were the most-recognized risk factors, while hospitalization (25%), pregnancy (25%), and cancer (27%) were systematically under-recognized, even by directly exposed patients. Higher education, prior VTE education, and personal/family VTE history were the most consistent predictors of better knowledge. Brief educational interventions yielded pre–post gains of 17–77 percentage points; one trial additionally showed reduced stroke and PE events at 21-month follow-up. VTE awareness remains low worldwide, with the largest gaps in modifiable high-risk situations and PE-specific symptoms. Brief, video-based interventions embedded at clinical decision points close these gaps and might reduce thrombotic events.

Key words: Venous thromboembolism, VTE awareness, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, patient knowledge, public health education