Abstract

Background and Aims:
Osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative disease affecting joints, causing cartilage destruction, pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Common sites include hands, knees, hips, and spine due to weight-bearing stress or frequent use. Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent form of arthritis, and with age, the incidence rises. This study aimed to assess knowledge of causes, symptoms, and management of Osteoarthritis along with awareness levels among the Saudi adult population in the Al-Baha region, Saudi Arabia.

Methods:
A cross-sectional study surveyed 616 Saudi adults aged 18 years or older in Al-Baha by using an online structured questionnaire. Participants were recruited using convenience sampling methods. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and non-parametric tests (Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis, p < 0.05) were applied using SPSS version 27. A score of 60% indicated good awareness.

Result:
The majority of participants were in the 18-29 age group (42.4%) and were predominantly female (57.8%). Most participants had university degrees (57.5%). The results indicate that a majority of participants (60.9%) had inadequate knowledge about Osteoarthritis, while a smaller proportion (39.1%) had adequate knowledge. However, there was a significant association between education level and the level of knowledge (p = 0.011), with higher education levels being associated with a higher level of knowledge. Additionally, knowing someone with Osteoarthritis was significantly associated with a higher level of knowledge (p = 0.033). A significant number of participants knew someone with OA (66.7%).

Conclusion:
This study reveals a significant gap in osteoarthritis knowledge among the Al-Baha population. Higher education and personal experience with OA were associated with better awareness. These findings underscore the need for public health initiatives to improve osteoarthritis education and awareness.

Key words: Osteoarthritis, Knowledge, Saudi Population, Public Health, Community awareness, Health Education