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- Title
A nationwide survey of public COPD knowledge and awareness in Saudi Arabia: A population-based survey of 15,000 adults.
- Authors
Alqahtani, Jaber S.; Aldhahir, Abdulelah M.; Siraj, Rayan A.; Alqarni, Abdullah A.; AlDraiwiesh, Ibrahim A.; AlAnazi, Afrah F.; Alamri, Areej H.; Bajahlan, Roaa S.; Hakami, Asalah A.; Alghamdi, Saeed M.; Aldabayan, Yousef S.; Alsulayyim, Abdullah S.; Al Rajeh, Ahmed M.; AlRabeeah, Saad M.; Naser, Abdallah Y.; Alwafi, Hassan; Alqahtani, Saeed; Hjazi, Ahmed M.; Oyelade, Tope; AlAhmari, Mohammed D.
- Abstract
Background: There is a concerning lack of representative data on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) awareness in Saudi Arabia, and a significant proportion of the population is vulnerable to developing a smoking habit, which is a major risk factor for the disease. Methods: Population-Based Survey of 15,000 people was conducted to assess the public knowledge and awareness of COPD across Saudi Arabia from October 2022 to March 2023. Results: A total of 15002 responders completed the survey, with a completion rate of 82%. The majority 10314 (69%) were 18–30 year and 6112 (41%) had high school education. The most common comorbidities among the responders were depression (7.67%); hypertension (6%); diabetes (5.77%) and Chronic Lung Disease (4.12%). The most common symptoms were dyspnea (17.80%); chest tightness (14.09%) and sputum (11.19%). Among those who complains of any symptoms, only 16.44% had consulted their doctor. Around 14.16% were diagnosed with a respiratory disease and only 15.56% had performed pulmonary function test (PFT). The prevalence of smoking history was 15.16%, in which current smokers were 9.09%. About 48% of smokers used cigarette, 25% used waterpipe and around 27% were E-cigarette users. About 77% of the total sample have never heard about COPD. Majority of current smokers (73.5%; 1002), ex-smokers (68%; 619), and non-smokers (77.9%; 9911) are unaware of COPD, p value <0.001. Seventy five percent (1028) of the current smokers and 70% (633) of the ex-smokers have never performed PFT, p value <0.001. Male, younger age (18–30 years), higher education, family history of respiratory diseases, previous diagnosis of respiratory disease, previous PFT, and being an ex-smokers increases the odds of COPD awareness, p-value <0.05. Conclusion: There is a significantly low awareness about COPD in Saudi Arabia, especially among smokers. A nationwide approach must include targeted public awareness campaigns, continued healthcare professional education, community-based activities encouraging diagnosis and early detection, advice on smoking cessation and lifestyle changes, as well as coordinated national COPD screening programs.
- Subjects
SAUDI Arabia; SMOKING; PUBLIC spaces; CHRONIC obstructive pulmonary disease; CIGARETTE smokers; DISEASE risk factors; FAMILY history (Medicine)
- Publication
PLoS ONE, 2023, Vol 18, Issue 7, p1
- ISSN
1932-6203
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1371/journal.pone.0287565