# The Prevalence, Awareness, and Associated Risk Factors of Inguinal Hernia Among the Adult Population in Saudi Arabia

## TL;DR

This study looked at how common inguinal hernias are in Saudi Arabia and found that family history, chronic cough, asthma, and smoking are risk factors, while awareness is low among young people.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the prevalence and risk factors of inguinal hernias in Saudi Arabia's adult population.

## Key findings

- The prevalence of inguinal hernias was low at 5.2% among the studied population.
- Family history, chronic cough, asthma, and smoking were significantly associated with inguinal hernias.
- Young adults and undergraduates showed significantly low awareness of inguinal hernias.

## Abstract

Purpose: Inguinal hernias lead to several potentially fatal complications such as strangulation. Assessing the prevalence, risk factors, and beliefs of a population is essential to develop appropriate preventive strategies. This study investigated the prevalence, risk factors, and awareness of inguinal hernia in the adult population of Saudi Arabia.

Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 461 adults aged between 18 and 60 years after excluding those aged <18 and >60 years. This study was conducted in five regions of Saudi Arabia (north, west, central, south, and east). A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data on the prevalence, perception, and awareness of the participants. Multivariate regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for inguinal hernia.

Results: The study revealed that most participants were men n=262 (56.8%), aged between 18 and 25 years n=241 (52.3%), were single n=278 (60.3%), had a bachelor's degree n=225 (48.8%) and earned less than 50,000 Saudi Riyals annually n=285 (61.8%). Most participants resided in urban areas n=366 (79.4%) with their parents n=230 (49.9%). The prevalence of inguinal hernias in adults was low (5.2%). Our results indicated a significant association between family history of inguinal hernia, chronic cough, bronchial asthma, smoking, and inguinal hernia (p < 0.001). Young adults and undergraduates displayed significantly low awareness of inguinal hernias (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Family history of inguinal hernia, chronic cough, bronchial asthma, and smoking were factors associated with inguinal hernia. Low awareness levels were observed among young undergraduates, with a moderate overall level of awareness.