Abstract
ObjectivesRheumatic fever (RF) is an inflammatory disorder caused by group A streptococcal pharyngitis infections that can progress to rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Public awareness and knowledge of this condition are crucial for its prevention. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes regarding these disorders to identify the factors influencing the level of knowledge and to determine how to increase awareness and knowledge of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease.MethodsAn observational, cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire distributed to 1211 participants throughout Saudi Arabia using an online platform. The questionnaire collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, levels of awareness, knowledge of rheumatic fever along with rheumatic heart disease, and attitudes toward these diseases.ResultsA total of 1121 participants met the criteria for the study and completed the questionnaire (77.5% female vs. 22.5% male). The most common age group was 18 to 30 years old (30.5%). The lack of knowledge was most common among the younger age group (≤ 40 years) and males. Knowledge of rheumatic fever was assessed as poor, fair, and good among 80.2%, 16.2%, and 3.6% of participants, respectively. A good knowledge level was more common among the older age group (> 40 years) and those who had four to seven children. Poor, fair, and good attitude levels were expressed by 41.7%, 32.6%, and 25.8% of participants, respectively. Poor attitudes toward rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease were more common among those living in the Central region.ConclusionWhile the attitudes toward rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease seem adequate, significant deficiencies in the knowledge and awareness of these disorders were observed in the study population. Insufficient knowledge was primarily seen among young male participants.
Highlights
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide, contributing to 31% of all deaths [1]
Rheumatic fever (RF) is an inflammatory disorder caused by group A streptococcal pharyngitis infections that can progress to rheumatic heart disease (RHD)
Fair, and good attitude levels were expressed by 41.7%, 32.6%, and 25.8% of participants, respectively
Summary
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide, contributing to 31% of all deaths [1]. Cardiovascular disease is becoming a significant health concern in Saudi Arabia, which is estimated to account for more than 45% of all deaths [2]. It is estimated that there are 282,000 new RHD cases and 233,000 associated deaths annually, with 15 million total cases worldwide. Carapetis et al reported that 80% of the 15.6 million RHD cases are in developing nations and that Saudi Arabia is geographically located in the region with a high prevalence of RHD [4,5]. The last study on RHD in Saudi Arabia, conducted in 1991, showed the prevalence to be 0.3 per 1000, with a prevalence of 2.8 per 1000 reporting chronic RF. The mean incidence of acute RF among school-aged children in the United States is 19 per 100,000, and 153 to 380 per 100,000 for Australian
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