Assessment of Venous Thromboembolism Awareness Among Surgical Ward Patients in Makkah, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

IntroductionVenous thromboembolism (VTE) is the leading source of morbidity and mortality among hospitalized patients in Saudi Arabia. Currently, there is no literature on VTE knowledge and awareness among hospitalized patients in Saudi Arabia's western region. Consequently, this study aimed to investigate the hospitalized patients' awareness and perceptions of VTE and associated thromboprophylaxis in surgical wards in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 301 patients who were admitted to the surgical ward in the Al-Noor Hospital for more than three days, between September and November 2021. ResultsThe study found that patients who had higher education levels, and who were currently or previously receiving pharmacological/non-pharmacological thromboprophylaxis had a significantly higher knowledge score regarding VTE (p = < 0.05). On the other hand, a non-significant relationship was found between knowledge scores and age, gender, the reason for admission, and personal or family history of VTE (p = > 0.05). Spearman's correlation analysis also revealed a highly significant positive correlation between the patients' knowledge and attitude scores (r=0.21, p=<0.001). ConclusionThis study revealed a lack of awareness among hospitalized patients about VTE, clinical presentation, and risk factors. Therefore, we encourage health care providers to educate patients about them.

Risk Assessment and Prophylaxis of Venous Thromboembolism in Patients of Medical Ward of Northwest General Hospital and Research Center, Peshawar, Pakistan: A Quality Improvement Project

“…Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a disease entity characterized by the formation of blood clots in veins [1,2]. Its symptoms range from relatively less severe deep vein thrombosis to fatal pulmonary embolism .7759/cureus.32811 [3,4].…”