Assessment of awareness regarding the indications and complications of sleeve gastrectomy: a study in Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Obesity is one of the most common risk factors for other comorbidities, and its prevalence is rising. Among several therapeutic options, sleeve gastrectomy became the preferred option for obese patients, without consideration of other options. The objective of this study is to assess the awareness of the indications and complications of sleeve gastrectomy in the Aseer population between July 2021 and 2022. Methods: This is a convenience sampling-based, quantitative cross-sectional study. Electronic questionnaires were provided to the study population of both males and females aged 18-75 years, with education levels varying from elementary to master's degree. The study consisted of baseline characteristics, awareness of sleeve gastrectomy indications, and knowledge of the complications of sleeve gastrectomy. All statistical analyses were done using Statistical Package of Social Sciences version 26. Results: The questionnaire was completed by 586 participants. Of those, 48.3% were younger than 25 years; 54.6% were male, 45.4% were female, 34.8% had an occupation in the medical sector, and 27.6% had an occupation in the education sector. Awareness of personal body mass index (BMI) was significantly different between sexes, with 57.4% in males and 42.6% in females (p = 0.004). Knowledge about personal BMI in medical education sector employees was 50.3% (p > 0.0001) and 22.6% (p < 0.0001) in males and females, respectively. Conclusion: The awareness level in this study is moderate among well-educated participants. However, there is a need to raise public awareness of the indications and complications of sleeve gastrectomy.