Wound Care Knowledge and Perceptions among the General Population in Makkah Region, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Appropriate wound care can optimize healing and prevent infection and complications. Various factors influence proper wound healing, which might result in non-healing chronic wounds. Thus, controlling and assessing risk factors is important to avoid wound healing complications. Studies showed that people with insufficient knowledge about wound care can negatively impact their quality of life, financial burden, and healthcare expenses. So, we aimed in this study to assess the perspective and knowledge of wound care among the Makkah region’ general population. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire was distributed to the General public of the Makkah region in January 2023 through social media platforms. Results: The study survey was completed by 1005 eligible respondents. The participants’ ages ranged from 18 to 65. While 544 (54%) of the participants were between the ages of 20 and 30. 585 (58.2%) participants in total were female. Most participants had an average level of knowledge (54%), followed by poor and high levels of knowledge (27.5%, and 18.5%, respectively). Conclusion: The average degree of wound care-related knowledge and perception was demonstrated by nearly half of the participants, and about 27.5% had a low knowledge level. This fact emphasizes the need for health-related programs to raise awareness about wound care management among patients and healthcare providers.