The Awareness of Keratoconus among General Population in Saudi Arabia

Background: Keratoconus (KC), is a non-inflammatory, bilateral, asymmetrical, progressive disease characterized by ectasia, thinning, increasing corneal curvature, and loss of visual acuity. In Saudi Arabia, it was discovered that KC has been the main reason for corneal transplantation in the past 20 years. Eye rubbing is considered one of the most significant risk factors for KC based on available data. Participants and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adults in Aseer province, Saudi Arabia in 2023. Data were collected through a pre-designed online questionnaire consisting of 17 questions divided into three sections. The questionnaire was preceded by informed consent and insured to maintain the confidentiality of the data. Results: A total of 498 respondents were included in this study. The majority of the study's participants were in the 18 to 25 age group and females made up the majority. The majority of participants had a university education. 41.6% of individuals reported experiencing an allergic disorder, 59.0% reported having knowledge about KC, and the overall participants’ awareness regarding KC was poor at 85.74%, with the highest percentage of good awareness (22.2%) detected among the 18-25 age group. Conclusion: The study revealed a concerning lack of awareness about KC among the population in Aseer Province, Saudi Arabia. Additionally, a significant percentage of participants engaged in eye rubbing, a behavior associated with increased risk for KC. There is a need for increased awareness about KC and the importance of avoiding eye rubbing.

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 96%

Awareness of Keratoconus and Its Association With Eye Rubbing Among the Population in Aseer Province

Alamri,

Alrizqi,

Aljohani

et al. 2023

“…The importance of awareness and knowledge about KC plays a significant role in the emergence and prognosis of the disease. A study conducted in Saudi Arabia shows that only 27.2% (n = 113) provided a correct definition of KC [12]. According to another study in the Aseer region, it was found that 23.6% of participants aged 30-39 years had a good awareness level compared to 9.1% of older participants, with recorded statistical significance (P = 0.049) [13].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 96%

The Level of Awareness of Keratoconus Among the General Population in Hail Region, Saudi Arabia

Alshammari,

Ali,

Alshammari

et al. 2023

BackgroundKeratoconus (KC) is a non-inflammatory corneal disease with an early onset in adulthood, leading to a reduction in visual acuity. This study aims to evaluate the level of awareness of keratoconus among the general population in the Hail region of Saudi Arabia. MethodologyData were collected through a pre-designed and pre-validated online questionnaire (Appendix) distributed via social media platforms. The questionnaire was divided into two sections. The first section included demographic profiles, while the second section inquired about knowledge and awareness regarding Keratoconus. The collected data was reviewed, coded, and inputted into IBM Corp. Released 2013. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 22.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp. Statistical analyses were performed using the Pearson Chi-Square test, with statistical significance set at p<0.05. ResultsThe total number of respondents was 550, among whom 40% were males and 60% were females. 79.6% of the participants were in the age range of 18-30 years. The level of education and a positive family history of KC showed significant associations with the level of knowledge about KC (p<0.05). The age group had a nonsignificant association (p=0.059), while gender had a significant association with the level of knowledge about keratoconus (p<0.05). ConclusionIn conclusion, the overall awareness regarding KC progression, interventions, and the consequences of eye rubbing was limited among the participants. Specific efforts are crucial to enhance public awareness and understanding of KC, ensuring a more informed and proactive approach to eye health within the community.

“…Another study by Alruwaili et al estimated the mean knowledge score for KC among the Saudi population at 4.12 ± 2.6; 67.5% of the participants had low scores [ 21 ]. Knowledge scores were not found to be statistically significantly correlated with any of the sociodemographic data.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In all, 76% and 42.5% of those surveyed agreed that a hereditary predisposition and persistent ocular inflammation may predispose them to KC, respectively. In all, 38.1% of the participants reported that KC can be treated with spectacles or contact lenses in its early stages [ 21 ]. In Riyadh, Alkadi et al found that the majority of the sample (38.4%) had a high level of knowledge about KC, 31.3% had a moderate level of knowledge and 30.3% had a low level of knowledge [ 22 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Awareness About Keratoconus and Its Relation With Eye Rubbing: A Cross-Sectional Study in Medina

Kordi¹,

Almokhtar²,

Alshareef³

et al. 2022

Background: Keratoconus is a non-inflammatory, bilateral, asymmetrical progressive disorder characterized by ectasia, thinning, and increased curvature of the cornea, as well as loss of visual acuity. Eye rubbing is considered the most common risk factor for keratoconus.Objectives: This study aims to assess the awareness of the population in Medina about keratoconus and its relation to eye rubbing.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study involving 767 participants via an online pre-designed questionnaire from November 2021 to January 2022, in Medina, Saudi Arabia.Results: Among the study participants, 94.1% have a lack of awareness about keratoconus and its relation to eye rubbing. Participants who have a visual disturbance and positive family history of keratoconus were found to have good awareness levels. Those who heard about keratoconus represent 39.8% of the participants, and relatives with keratoconus were the most common source of their information. An allergic reaction was reported by 34.9% of the participants, and 7.7% have a family history of keratoconus. Only 27.8% believe in the relationship between keratoconus and allergy, and 61.9% have no idea about the treatment. For eye rubbing, 28.9% of participants believe it can lead to keratoconus; also, 80.4% reported rubbing their eyes, and itching was the most common cause of their behavior. Conclusion:The majority of the participants have a lack of awareness about keratoconus and its relation to eye rubbing. Health education programs for the population should be conducted to enhance public awareness about keratoconus.