Assessment of public knowledge and awareness regarding rheumatological diseases: a cross-sectional study

Rheumatology is a rapidly evolving medical specialty that focuses on autoimmune connective tissue diseases, inflammatory joint diseases, regional rheumatological conditions, some overuse injuries, and other inflammatory conditions. The study aimed to assess the knowledge of rheumatology and rheumatological diseases among the general population in Basrah City and to identify factors associated with this knowledge.

In this cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study, participants were recruited from outpatient clinics and hospitals in Basrah City, excluding rheumatology clinics. Data collection took place from May 1, 2024 to September 1, 2024. A questionnaire was then developed for this study. The inclusion criteria were adults aged ≥ 18 years who were residents of Basrah City and showed a willingness to participate in the study. Participants were excluded if they had a known diagnosis of a rheumatological disease, were healthcare professionals, or were medical students.

A total of 400 participants participated in this study. Their ages ranged from 18 to 65 years. 56% of them were female. Seventy-one had attended secondary schools and colleges. More than half of the participants had unsatisfactory knowledge (62%), and only 38% had good knowledge about rheumatology as a medical branch and had a sufficient understanding of the main rheumatological illnesses. Of those with satisfactory knowledge, 52.3% were female and 47.0% had a college education. Analysis of this pattern demonstrated a significant association between knowledge and educational level (p < 0.001).

The knowledge and awareness of rheumatological disorders in our locality are deficient and limited. This study revealed the weak role of media and mass education campaigns in expanding awareness about these growing and potentially detrimental disorders.