Knowledge and Awareness of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Among the Population of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

TL;DR

This study found that many people in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, lack knowledge about systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), highlighting the need for public awareness programs.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into public awareness and knowledge of SLE in Jeddah, emphasizing the need for targeted health promotion.

Findings

82% of respondents had heard of SLE, but over 30 were unaware of it.

63% of healthy participants lacked knowledge about SLE treatment.

85.77% of respondents felt more awareness and health promotion about SLE was needed.

Abstract

Background

The immune system, composed of various molecules and cells, protects humans from cancer and pathogens. A breach of tolerance, known as autoimmune disease (AD), is the root of these diseases. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune condition characterized by chronic inflammation, causing tissue damage in various organ systems. The disease is influenced by hormonal, environmental, and genetic factors. The pathophysiology is unclear, and 20% to 30% of patients have a persistent illness. SLE affects young females more than males, and treatments focus on organ manifestations. Despite advancements and better diagnoses, SLE continues to contribute significantly to morbidity and early mortality.

Objective

This study aims to assess knowledge of SLE among the general population of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Methodology

An online cross-sectional survey using Google Forms was conducted for Jeddah residents aged 18 and above. The survey was open for responses from August 2023 to October 2023.

Results

The study included 479 participants, with 19 (25%) males and 57 (75%) females diagnosed with SLE. The majority of these individuals were housewives and unemployed. The majority were married (46, 60.5%), with only 25 (32.9%) being single. Among healthy participants, there were 173 (42.9%) males and 230 (57.1%) females, with a majority being housewives and government employees (95, 23.6%). Singles accounted for 124 (30.8%), while married individuals constituted 253 (62.8%). Among the healthy population respondents, 254 (63%) lacked knowledge about SLE treatment, while 40 (52.6%) SLE patients believed that a combination of chemotherapy, malaria medication, and steroids was the best treatment. The study found that 393 (82%) of the sample had heard about SLE, and 250 (52%) believed it was not a contagious disease. More than 30 were unaware of SLE. The majority of the respondents felt they needed more awareness and health promotion about SLE, with 410 (85.77%) stating they needed more promotion. The majority of the people believed SLE was dangerous to some extent.

Conclusions

This study revealed the need and necessity of awareness of SLE among the general community of Jeddah. We advocate undertaking disease awareness programs and activities to increase general community knowledge and awareness of SLE in the city of Jeddah.

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