# Awareness Regarding Venous Thromboembolism and Pulmonary Embolism After Pregnancy and Cesarean Section in Female Population in the Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia

## TL;DR

This study assesses Saudi women's awareness of pulmonary embolism after pregnancy and cesarean section in the Aseer region, finding significant gaps in knowledge.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the awareness levels of pulmonary embolism among women in Saudi Arabia's Aseer region.

## Key findings

- Only 40.2% of participants had comprehensive knowledge about pulmonary embolism.
- The study highlights a general lack of awareness about risk factors, symptoms, and prevention of pulmonary embolism among women.
- Educational background influenced knowledge levels, with higher education correlating to better awareness.

## Abstract

Introduction

A pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when an embolus that has traveled through the venous system from another part of the body obstructs an artery in the lungs. Chest pain, especially while breathing in, coughing up blood, and shortness of breath are all possible signs of PE. There could also be signs of a blood clot in the leg, like a painful, swollen, red, and warm leg. As a high-risk group, particularly during childbearing age, the aim of this study is to evaluate the general awareness of females regarding PE and identify areas of knowledge deficit and factors contributing to their awareness level.

Methods

A cross-sectional descriptive survey of Saudi women in general over the age of 18 was carried out. Participants were asked to respond to a structured questionnaire that was used to gather data. The questionnaire was formulated in Google Forms with an Arabic translation of the form and the link generated and was sent to each participant for completion. In total, 827 respondents filled out the survey with accurate and complete information.

Results

The study comprised 827 female volunteers, with a mean age of 33.2 ± 9.4 years, ranging in age from 15 to 60. Additionally, 52.8% of the female sample had graduated from college, compared to about 4% who were illiterate. In general, 40.2% of the girls knew everything there was to know about PE.

Conclusions

According to the study's findings, the public female population knew less about PE overall - that is, about risk factors, symptoms, and preventive measures. As more knowledge about the dangers, causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of PE becomes available, it is imperative that healthcare professionals translate and actively distribute this information to the public, particularly to women.