RESUMEN
Background: Sciatica, a pain radiating along the sciatic nerve, can cause significant suffering and functional limitations. Understanding individual populations' knowledge and attitudes about sciatica pain is crucial for designing targeted interventions and enhancing healthcare delivery, especially in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitude toward sciatica pain and treatment methods among the population of Al-Qassim in Saudi Arabia. Methods and materials:This online cross-sectional study was conducted in the Al-Qassim region, Saudi Arabia, using a self-administered questionnaire. The data was analyzed using SPSS software, with numeric data presented as mean ± SD and categorical variables as frequencies and percentages. Correlation analyses included the Chi-squared test and one-way ANOVA. Results: The study received 398 responses, from mostly female (n=305, 76.6%) and Saudi adults aged under 30 (n=248, 62.3%). Most participants sought treatment for sciatica pain from a specialist doctor (n=28, 56.0%) or a general doctor (n=10, 20.0%). Physical therapy was the most common self-treatment method (n=11, 32.4%), followed by painkillers and muscle relaxants (n=10, 29.4%). Knowledge and attitude toward sciatica were generally low (mean score: 3.54 ± 2.61 out of 9), with only 70 (17.6%) showing good knowledge. Most respondents recognized practices like spinal imaging, surgery as a last resort, and exercise/sitting habits as impacting sciatica outcomes. Traditional therapies like massage, cupping, acupuncture, and cautery were considered beneficial. Educational level significantly impacted knowledge scores, with higher mean scores among postgraduate education holders and bachelor's degree holders (mean scores: 4.06 ± 2.48 and 3.98 ± 2.53, respectively). Age, gender, occupation, nationality, and region showed no significant differences in mean knowledge scores. Attitude scores were similar across sociodemographic spectra, with younger respondents having slightly more positive attitudes. Conclusion: The study showed poor knowledge, influenced by education levels, and neutral attitudes about sciatica among residents of Al-Qassim. Therefore, educational programs and engagement of healthcare stakeholders are recommended to raise awareness and improve knowledge and attitudes.
RESUMEN
Introduction: Bell's palsy, characterized by acute onset unilateral facial weakness, is caused by the paralysis of the seventh cranial nerve, which controls the muscles of the face. This condition can result in functional disabilities, and early detection and management are crucial for quick recovery. Awareness was found to be one of the factors associated with early detection and interventions. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the awareness of the population of Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia, regarding Bell's palsy. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study on 1,198 participants in Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia, between May and July 2023. We used a self-administered online questionnaire inquiring about knowledge and awareness of Bell's palsy. We performed descriptive and correlation analyses, and a p-value of less than 0.05 indicated a statistical significance. RESULTS: The mean (± SD) knowledge score was 7.02 ± 2.03 out of a total of 13 points. Almost a third of participants (n=353, 29.5%) expressed uncertainty about the causes of Bell's palsy, with 346 (28.9%) and 107 (8.9%) attributing it to idiopathic factors and viral infections, respectively. Most participants (n=520, 43.4%) believed both genders were equally affected, while 563 (46.9%) correctly identified cranial nerve 7 as the affected nerve. Treatment awareness varied, with 629 (58.2%) acknowledging physiotherapy and (n=777, 64.9%) acknowledging traditional medicine. Interestingly, only 111 (9.3%) thought that Bell's palsy was permanent, most participants (n=1023, 85.4%) recognized Bell's palsy as treatable, and 1,105 (92.2%) correctly perceived it as non-contagious. There were significant correlations between awareness and age (p<0.001), gender (p<0.001), marital status (p<0.001), occupation (p<0.001), information source (p<0.001), nationality (p=0.009), and education levels (p<0.031). Addressing these gaps and demographic nuances through targeted educational campaigns is crucial for enhancing overall awareness of Bell's palsy. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate suboptimal awareness among participants in general, poor knowledge about causes and clinical manifestation, and a relatively better awareness of treatments. We recommend further studies exploring awareness and associated factors.
