Awareness of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus amongStudents in King Faisal University

AlKhalaf, Abdullah Ahmed; Ghaleb, Rasha; Al Shawaf, Mustafa Hussain; Abdrabalnabi, Ammar Ahmed; Al-Shabib, Abdullah Ahmed Al-Shabib; Al-Khatem, Ahmed Hassan; Al Malak, Yousif Taher; Al Qattan, Hussain Ali; Al-Khalaf, Hashim Essa

doi:10.12816/0044350

Awareness of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus amongStudents in King Faisal University

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Faculty of Family Medicine, King Faisal University

10.12816/0044350

Abstract

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. It can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs.
Objective: to assess knowledge toward Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) among Students of King Faisal University.
Subjects and Methods: this is a cross-sectional study enrolling 161 students atKing Faisal University to fill a survey on SLE awareness. The study targeted students of computer science, engineering, science and education colleges. The data was analyzed using SPSS software version 20.
Results: the study reported that 98 students (60.9%) have no idea about SLE. The majority of respondent did not have clear idea regarding diagnostic, treatment and complications of disease. 55.9% respondent had idea that SLE is more prevalent among men. However, this disorder is reported more prevalent in women.
Conclusion: this cross-sectional survey indicates that the students have low awareness and some misconception regarding the SLE. Therefore, the awareness programs are needed to increase the awareness about SLE, as these campaigns have proved that public awareness might be helpful to manage and control disease and associated complications.

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