Pilonidal sinus disease prevalence and risk factors in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

Pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by the infiltration of loose hairs into the skin, mainly in the sacrococcygeal area. PSD primarily impacts men and is linked to risk factors that involve obesity, sedentary behavior, and poor hygiene. Treatment techniques range from drainage to surgical operations.

To establish the prevalence of PSD in Saudi Arabia.

This cross-sectional study used a standardized questionnaire to poll Saudi citizens over 18 from various locations in Saudi Arabia. The sample size was determined using Raosoft's tool, which yielded 384 participants with a 95% confidence interval and a 5% margin of error. The data were analyzed with Microsoft Excel 2016 and IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 20).

The study on the prevalence and risk factors of PSD in Saudi Arabia found that 13.7% of participants reported having or had the condition. The demographic analysis revealed that a significant portion (80.1%) of the population was aged 18-25, predominantly students. Notably, 41.5% of participants had a family history of PSD, and 79.2% spent over 6 h seated daily, highlighting prolonged sitting as a crucial risk factor. Additionally, the data indicated a higher prevalence among males and obese individuals. Good sacrococcygeal hygiene was practiced by 86.8%, suggesting hygiene may mitigate disease risk.

Our study provides a comprehensive overview of PSD prevalence and its associated risk factors within a Saudi Arabian context. The findings corroborate earlier reports by emphasizing the roles of prolonged sitting, obesity, hirsutism, and familial predisposition in PSD pathogenesis.