Patient awareness and knowledge of respiratory manifestations in rheumatoid arthritis: A cross-sectional study in Jazan, Saudi Arabia
Abdulrahman Hakami, Arwa Alammari, Amirah Hakami, Thikra Al Mujami, Shumukh Hezymi, Kamlah Samkari, Yara Jandali, Mohammed Somaili, Mostafa Moharag, Omar Oraibi, Luai Alhazmi, Ahmed Sayed, Mohammed Madkhali, Abdulhameed Basudan, Hadi Muhajjab, Nabil Hakami
A
BSTRACT
Background:
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is frequently associated with significant pulmonary complications; however, patient awareness and screening practices for these manifestations remain suboptimal. This study aimed to assess the level of awareness regarding respiratory manifestations among RA patients in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia.
Methods:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted from June to December 2024, involving 150 participants with RA from various districts within the Jazan region. Data collection utilized a comprehensive questionnaire that gathered information on sociodemographic characteristics, general disease awareness, reported respiratory symptoms, and specific knowledge of RA-associated interstitial lung disease (ILD).
Results:
The study cohort, predominantly female (83.3%) with a mean age of 44.8 ± 12.6 years, exhibited a high prevalence of respiratory symptoms (84.7%). The most commonly reported symptoms included cough (32.0%), dyspnea (29.3%), and chest pain (26.7%). Despite this substantial symptom burden, patient knowledge regarding RA-associated ILD was notably poor. Only 28.0% of respondents were aware that the risk of ILD increases with longer RA duration, and a significant majority (88.7%) were unaware of its associated mortality. A statistically significant association was identified between respiratory complications and RA diagnosis (
Conclusion:
This study highlights a critical gap in RA management within the Jazan region, demonstrating significant knowledge deficits among patients regarding the pulmonary complications of RA, despite a high prevalence of symptoms. These findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced patient education and the implementation of systematic screening protocols within the Saudi healthcare system.