Public knowledge and awareness of hepatocellular carcinoma among the Saudi Arabian population

Abstract

Background: The studies regarding the public knowledge and awareness of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) among the general population in Saudi Arabia and other countries are limited or unavailable. Therefore, our study aims to assess the knowledge and awareness of the most common type of primary liver cancer (HCC) among the general population in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Taif, Department of Medicine, to assess the public awareness regarding HCC risk factors, symptoms, methods of diagnosis, screening, and liver function among the Saudi population in 2021. Data were collected using an online questionnaire using the SurveyMonkey website. Results: A total of 1,028 respondents participated in the study by answering an online questionnaire. Most of the respondents were female (71.1%) between the ages of 18 and 29 years (79.8%), had a university degree (70.1%), were nonhealthcare workers (67.4%), and were from Mecca Province (56.2%). We found that 77.2% of the participants reported knowing the functions of the liver. Considering HCC, 46.4%, 19.6%, 25.3%, and 45.3% reported that they had knowledge considering HCC, its symptoms, risk factors, and screening tests, respectively. In general, we found that 14.2% of the participants had a high level of knowledge about HCC, while 85.8% had a low, inadequate level of knowledge. Moreover, we found that high knowledge was associated with the female gender, high educational level, older age, and working in healthcare provinces. Conclusion: The findings in this study indicate poor knowledge regarding HCC in the general Saudi population.