Parental Perceptions of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A Community-based Cross-sectional Study
Rasha Mokhtar Elnagar, Qamar Alsayed Altriny, Alosaimi Naif Ghazi A, Abdulrahman Alsarari, Hanin Tammam, Shahid Alnassr, Seba Alnassr, Hadil Essam Salem, Salma El Gazzar, Abdelaty Shawky Mohamed, Abdulaziz AlbatatiAbstract
Background:
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a highly contagious viral illness primarily affecting children. Despite its global recognition, little is known about regional differences in awareness, particularly in Saudi Arabia. This study assessed parents’ knowledge of HFMD, focusing on transmission, symptoms, management, and prevention.
Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among parents in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 2022 to May 2023 using a structured, validated questionnaire distributed in schools, kindergartens, and public venues. The survey included demographic data, knowledge of HFMD, and preventive practices. Data were analyzed with SPSS 24.0 using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results:
Among 304 participants, 61.8% were female and 41.4% aged 18–29 years. Awareness was high, with 90.8% having heard of HFMD, mainly via social media (47.7%). Most (92.4%) recognized its contagious nature, and 84.2% knew its transmission modes, direct contact (55.6%) and respiratory droplets (37.8%). While 76% identified hallmark symptoms, 19.1% misattributed the disease to bacteria. Nearly all (94.1%) agreed that infected children should stay home until recovery. Preventive measures such as hand hygiene were stressed by 89.1%, and 64.8% reported vaccinating their children against respiratory viruses. Younger parents showed significantly higher knowledge (
Conclusion:
Although parents in Saudi Arabia show good awareness of HFMD, gaps persist in understanding its causes and management. Focused education for older parents and social media outreach may improve prevention and guide local public health actions.