Public Awareness of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Al-Dammam City in Saudi Arabia

Alharbi, Mohammed Difallah; Aljohani, Bander Owaidh; Alaithan, Zahra Naji; Alsamadani, Saud Khaild; Alshabibi, Abdulaziz Ibrahim; Alqahtany, Bayan S; Aldeheem, Abdulmalik Abdulaziz; Alrumih, Yasser A; Aldoaje, Abdullah Tawfiq; Almuawi, Mohammed Muthyib; Alqahtani, Faisal Ali; Almesned, Faisal Ali; Alzubaidi, Mohammed Ali; Alotaibi, Mohammed Saad; Al Solmi, Marwan Saleh; Alqahtani, Mutlag Jaual; Busaleh, Hussain Ali; Alsubaie, Abdullah Abdulkareem

Public Awareness of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Al-Dammam City in Saudi Arabia

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Al-imam Mohammed Ibn Saud University

² Kaakya Health Center

³ Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University

⁴ Sultan Abdullah Alnefaie

⁵ King Saud University

⁶ Ibn Sina National Collage

⁷ Aljiser Primary Health Care Center

⁸ Qassim University

⁹ Security Forces Specialists Jeddah

¹⁰ Umm Alquraa University

¹¹ Jubail Hospital

¹² University of Science and Technology

¹³ Prince Saud bin Jalloway Hospital

Abstract

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks its own healthy tissue. It can affect many organs such as skin, joints, brain, kidneys and other organs.
Objectives: to evaluate the knowledge toward Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) among citizens in Al-Dammam city.
Methods: a questionnaire-based quantitative cross-sectional study which focuses on determining the knowledge of Systemic lupus erythematosus in Al-Dammam city.
Results: 240 participants filled the surveys, 130 participants (54%) have no idea about SLE. The majority of respondents had no clear idea regarding treatment and complications of the disease. 32% respondents had idea that SLE is more prevalent among females. In fact, this disorder is reported more prevalent in women.
Conclusion: this study indicated that the public have low awareness with some misconception regarding the SLE. The awareness campaigns are needed to increase the awareness about SLE which will be helpful to educate the public about its symptoms and methods of treatments.

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