Awareness and Knowledge of Common ENT-Related Issues Among the Population in the Qassim Region: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

Background ENT disorders are common, leading many people to seek medical advice. A common misconception among the population is that upper respiratory tract viral infections can be treated with antibiotics, despite their ineffectiveness against viruses. Assessing the level of knowledge and awareness regarding common ENT-related issues among the population in the Qassim region is therefore crucial. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study using a random sampling technique to survey 415 participants aged 18 and above. Data were collected through an online self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 26 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). The questionnaire assessed participants' knowledge of various ENT issues, and scores were calculated to gauge overall awareness. Results The majority of participants demonstrated a satisfactory level of knowledge, with a mean knowledge score of 9.37 ± 3.59. Significant gender differences were observed, with females displaying higher knowledge levels (61.9%, p < 0.05). Additionally, higher educational attainment was positively correlated with better awareness of ENT issues. Conclusion While general awareness of ENT-related issues in the Qassim region is adequate, specific knowledge gaps remain, particularly regarding the treatment of viral infections. Targeted educational initiatives are needed to address these gaps, focusing on groups with lower awareness levels.