Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess parental awareness regarding pediatric sinusitis, associated risk factors, and complications in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2025 to September 2025 among 920 parents residing in Makkah. Participants were recruited via a randomized online questionnaire distributed through social media platforms. The survey included sections on sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of sinusitis symptoms, risk factors, complications, and healthcare-seeking Behaviors.
Results: Out of 920 participants, 81.4% (n=749) had heard of pediatric sinusitis, but only 18.5% (n=170) reported a comprehensive understanding of the condition. Commonly recognized symptoms included nasal congestion (73.6%, n=677) and rhinorrhea (59.8%, n=550). Awareness of risk factors was highest for allergies (77.7%, n=715) and upper respiratory tract infections (61.7%, n=568), but notably lower for conditions like asthma (33.5%, n=308) and nasal septal deviation (42.6%, n=392). Only 34.6% (n=318) of parents reported regular pediatric follow-ups for sinus-related issues. The overall knowledge level was low in 75.2% (n= 692) of participants. A higher level of knowledge was significantly associated with female gender and a previous direct experience with sinusitis cases.
Conclusion: Although general awareness of pediatric sinusitis existed among parents in Makkah, detailed knowledge about its symptoms, risk factors, and complications remain limited. Targeted educational interventions using digital platforms and physician-led counseling are urgently needed to improve early detection and reduce complications associated with pediatric sinusitis.

Key words: Parental knowledge, pediatric sinusitis, risk factors, complications, Saudi Arabia.