Abstract

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is hemoglobinopathy, a hereditary condition that follows an autosomal recessive pattern. SCD results from a point mutation in the β-globin chain of haemoglobin, causing the hydrophilic amino acid glutamic acid to be replaced with the hydrophobic amino acid valine. The current study aimed to assess the knowledge of SCD and musculoskeletal complications among Saudi citizens in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted for all eligible Saudi citizens in the Eastern region of Saudi Arabia from June to August 2021. Data were collected through an online questionnaire after obtaining consent from the participant. Data gathered included sociodemographic characteristics, history of SCD complaints, participants knowledge regarding SCD, and musculoskeletal complications of the disease.
Results: A total of 465 Saudi participants who fulfilled the inclusion criteria completed the study questionnaire, including 300 (64.5%) patients, men and 165 (35.5%) women. A total of 141 (30.3%) respondents reported that they complained of SCD. Overall, 302 (64.9%) participants had overall good general knowledge. Considering knowledge of musculoskeletal complications, 140 (30.1%) participants had good knowledge levels, while 211 (45.4%) participants had good overall knowledge regarding SCD.
Conclusion: TThe current study revealed that Saudi citizens in the Eastern region had average knowledge regarding SCD and its complications. Although they had a better knowledge level for the nature and epidemiology of SCD in Saudi Arabia, their knowledge regarding musculoskeletal complications was poor.

Key words: Sickle cell disease, complications, musculoskeletal, knowledge, Saudi Arabia, eastern provinces