Knowledge and health belief model on osteoarthritis prevention among the population in Saudi Arabia
Sarah Mulaeb, Asmaa Alnakhli, Lana Alsefri, Huda Alzahrani, Ree Abu Rasain, Yousria Badawy
A
BSTRACT
Background:
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the fourth leading cause of disability worldwide and one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions and debilitating illnesses. In Saudi Arabia, OA is very common in women. Therefore, it is essential to understand health behaviours and the reasons for non-compliance by using the health belief model (HBM). This study aimed to look into Saudi Arabian’s knowledge and conceptions of OA and the HBM for its prevention.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among a sample of the adult population lived in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the study period. Data were collected using a self-administered, structured questionnaire covering demographic information, general knowledge about osteoarthritis as well as HBM for osteoarthritis prevention. Statistical analysis, including Chi-square tests, was used. Bloom’s cut-off scale was utilised to evaluate the knowledge level and HBM.
Results:
A total of 240 participants were included in the study. Overall knowledge level, as well as the HBM for osteoarthritis prevention, was moderate, with individuals with high levels of perceived severity and benefits being significantly more likely to have higher knowledge scores (
Conclusion:
The overall Saudi population’s general knowledge of osteoarthritis and HBM was moderate, with low perceived barriers.