# Acute Rheumatic Fever in Children: The Known and the Unknown Among Saudi Mothers in the Jazan Region

## TL;DR

This study explores Saudi mothers' knowledge and attitudes about acute rheumatic fever in the Jazan region, finding poor knowledge despite positive attitudes.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the knowledge gaps and attitudes of mothers in the Jazan region regarding acute rheumatic fever.

## Key findings

- Most mothers (53%) had poor knowledge of acute rheumatic fever.
- Positive attitudes were reported by 79.1% of mothers despite poor knowledge.
- Poor knowledge was associated with age, marital status, occupation, and income.

## Abstract

Background

Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is a significant public health problem that causes morbidity and mortality in low and middle-income countries. Therefore, this study aims to assess mothers' knowledge of acute rheumatic fever and their attitudes in the Jazan region.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted between the mothers using an online survey. The knowledge level was ranked as poor, fair, and good. In contrast, the attitudes were ranked as positive or negative. Association with sociodemographic variables was assessed, and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results

Four hundred thirty-six (436) mothers were included; 39.9% of them were aged 21-30 years, 68.8% were married, 57.3% were non-workers, and 72.2% were university-educated. Most of the mothers had a poor level of knowledge (53%); however, positive attitudes toward the disease were reported in 79.1% of mothers. The poor knowledge levels were related to age, marital status, occupation, and monthly income.

Conclusion

Despite having positive attitudes toward diagnosing and managing ARF, most of the mothers showed poor knowledge of acute rheumatic fever. This study highlights the situation in the Jazan region, which could be an essential basis for constructing an educational program to raise awareness and knowledge of acute rheumatic fever in the community.