AWARENESS AND KNOWLEDGE OF COMMON ENT-RELATED ISSUES AMONG THE POPULATION OF QASSIM REGION, SAUDI ARABIA

Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) disorders are among the most frequent reasons for outpatient and emergency visits. Assessing public knowledge and awareness of common ENT-related issues is essential for early detection, prevention, and appropriate healthcare-seeking behavior.

This cross-sectional study was conducted among 415 residents of the Qassim region, Saudi Arabia, aged 18 years and above. Data were collected using a validated electronic questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics and knowledge of common ENT-related issues. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, and associations between knowledge level and demographic factors were evaluated using the Chi-square test.

Most participants (69.4%) disagreed that cotton buds are a safe method for ear cleaning, while 60.2% correctly recognized that newborn hearing can be screened. The majority (86.7%) agreed that sudden hearing loss requires immediate medical assessment, and 89.1% identified that inner ear infections can cause vertigo. Overall, 78.6% of participants demonstrated an acceptable knowledge level about ENT-related issues. Females showed significantly higher knowledge levels than males (p=0.003), whereas no significant associations were found with age, education, or occupation.

The study revealed generally acceptable awareness of ENT-related issues among the population of the Qassim region, with notable gender differences favoring females. These findings emphasize the need for targeted health education programs to improve public understanding of ENT disorders and promote preventive practices.