Osteoarthritis in Saudi Arabia: Unveiling misconceptions and societal determinants of disease interpretation

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic joint disorder worldwide, imposing considerable health and economic burdens, especially in regions with aging populations and rising obesity rates. Public awareness of OA and its modifiable risk factors remains inadequate in Saudi Arabia.

This study aimed to assess the level of public knowledge concerning OA symptoms, risk factors, and management among adults in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted from December 5^th to January 4^th, involving 1,229 adults aged 18 years and older, excluding healthcare professionals. A validated online questionnaire was distributed through multiple social media platforms. Data were analyzed using RStudio (RStudio software (RStudio, PBC, Boston, MA, USA). Raosoft Sample Size Calculator (Raosoft Inc., Seattle, WA, USA)) with descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests to examine associations. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Among the participants, 57% exhibited poor knowledge of OA, with prevalent misconceptions regarding its symptoms and risk factors. While 83.6% recognized aging as a risk factor, only 43.6% identified joint stiffness as a symptom. Higher education levels, older age, and access to reliable information sources, such as physicians and academic materials, were significantly associated with better knowledge (P < 0.05). Regional disparities were observed, with participants from the central region demonstrating higher awareness levels compared to other areas.

The study identified significant gaps in public knowledge about OA in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the need for culturally tailored educational interventions to improve awareness, promote early diagnosis, and encourage evidence-based management strategies.