Public knowledge of plantar fasciitis and its determinants in Saudi Arabia: A national cross-sectional study

Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a leading cause of heel pain globally, imposing a significant burden on quality of life. Despite its high prevalence in Saudi Arabia, data regarding public awareness of its etiology, risk factors, and preventive measures remain limited. Understanding these gaps is essential for designing effective health education strategies. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate public knowledge of plantar fasciitis, its risk factors, and preventive measures among adults in Saudi Arabia.

An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted, including 1,032 Saudi adults aged 18 years and older. Data were collected using an online questionnaire. The instrument comprised five sections: (1) demographic characteristics; (2) general knowledge, risk factors, and clinical features of PF; (3) sources of knowledge; (4) knowledge about treatment options; and (5) knowledge of preventive measures. Each knowledge item used a three-point response format (Yes/No/I do not know), and correct answers were scored as "1," while incorrect and "I do not know" responses were scored as "0." The questionnaire was administered in Arabic, and participation was voluntary and anonymous. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were employed to assess differences in knowledge scores by demographic variables and information sources.

The analysis included 1,032 participants (59.5% male, 40.5% female). The most frequently reported information sources were the Internet (60.9%) and social media (57.2%), while professional sources were less common. Participants demonstrated moderate overall knowledge, scoring highest in treatment awareness (55.7%) and lowest in clinical features (44.7%). Of note, demographic disparities were observed: females exhibited higher mean knowledge scores than males (55.4% vs. 47.3%, P < 0.001). Furthermore, participants who obtained information from healthcare professionals achieved significantly higher knowledge scores (e.g., Family Physicians: 65.2%) compared to those relying on social media (58.3%) or the Internet (58.8%) (P < 0.001).

Public knowledge of PI in Saudi Arabia is satisfactory overall, with notable deficits in understanding specific clinical symptoms and preventive strategies. While the public relies heavily on digital media for health information, this reliance is associated with lower knowledge levels compared to professional consultation. Based on these findings, we recommend integrating professional medical expertise into digital channels and employing multi-platform awareness campaign strategies to enhance public understanding and ensure high-quality information reaches the wider population.