Assessing the Awareness Regarding Osteoarthritis and Its Related Risk Factors Among Women in Aseer Central Hospital

Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis worldwide and is characterized by the gradual loss of joint cartilage, leading to stiffness, discomfort, and restricted movement. This research aims to assess the knowledge of obese women in the Aseer region regarding OA and its associated risk factors. OA predominantly affects the knees, hands, and hips, with knee OA being particularly significant due to its high incidence rate and early onset in obese women. In Saudi Arabia, there are varying levels of awareness among the population, but no study has focused on obese females. This study seeks to address this gap and enhance the understanding of OA in this demographic. Methodology A cross-sectional research design was employed using a self-administrated questionnaire collected by a group of trained data collectors who distributed the questionnaires throughout the clinics of Aseer central hospital. The questionnaire was divided into two sections. The first section collected demographic data about the participants, and the second section was a 20-item questionnaire about OA and its related risk factors. The study was conducted in the Aseer region. A total of 278 subjects (female) were included in the study. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 27.0.1.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results This study analyzed the sociodemographic characteristics of 278 participants. All participants were female, were young to middle-aged adults, and had a collegiate education. On average, participants were overweight, with varying knowledge levels about OA. While some correctly identified symptoms and risk factors. Many participants responded with "I Don't Know" regarding joint stiffness as a symptom (37.7%). Comparing knowledge among different body mass index groups revealed no significant differences, except for misconceptions about the cause of OA among overweight individuals (39.06%). Conclusions This study's findings underscore the practical implications for patient education and healthcare strategies. The varying levels of awareness among obese women in the Aseer region regarding OA emphasize the need for increased education and targeted health promotion interventions. Addressing misconceptions and improving knowledge can enhance treatment plans and contribute to better patient outcomes. Understanding these knowledge gaps is crucial for improving patient education, healthcare strategies, and OA management.