Public Awareness of Lymphedema and the Role of Plastic Surgery in the Al-Baha Region

Lymphoedema is a chronic, progressive disorder characterized by tissue swelling, inflammation, subcutaneous tissue fibrosis, and recurrent cellulitis. It can cause significant consequences and disrupt daily activities. This study evaluated the level of awareness and knowledge regarding plastic surgery interventions for lymphedema among residents of Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia.

An observational, cross-sectional, community-based study was carried out over 6 months in Al-Baha. A structured survey was used to collect information from adult participants recruited through social media. Four hundred six participants were enrolled in the study.

A total of 406 participants completed the survey, of whom 349 (86%) were nonhealthcare practitioners, and the rest (14%) were healthcare practitioners. The majority of participants were women (61.3%). The healthcare practitioner group had a better knowledge level than the other participants. The mean total score of knowledge regarding lymphedema was 34.56 ± 7.50; of these, 193 (47.5%) and 213 (52.2%) participants had high and low knowledge, respectively. There was a significant difference between the 2 groups based on the level of knowledge regarding age group, occupation, and previous knowledge about lymphedema. Meanwhile, sex, education level, and prior history of lymphedema had no effects on the level of knowledge.

The public knowledge of lymphedema in Al-Baha is low, particularly about surgical management by plastic surgery. These findings highlight the need for educational courses and awareness campaigns to improve the general population's knowledge of lymphedema, its nature and complications, and the role of plastic surgery in its management.