Alshehri Abdulaziz M, Bajunaid Mashael, Althobaiti Rahaf A, Althobaiti Hanouf, Alkhathami Abdulmajeed, Taha Azza A
Surgery, Taif University, Taif, SAU.
College of Medicine, Taif University, Taif, SAU.
Cureus. 2024 Oct 22;16(10):e72170. doi: 10.7759/cureus.72170. eCollection 2024 Oct.
Keratoconus (KC) is a prevalent corneal condition in Saudi Arabia, with studies suggesting variable prevalence rates across regions, highlighting a considerable public health issue. Despite its prevalence, public awareness of the condition remains low. This study aims to evaluate the level of awareness of keratoconus among the population in Taif City, Saudi Arabia.
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Taif City from May to July 2024. An online questionnaire, adapted from a validated Arabic version, was distributed via social media to adults aged 18 years and older. The survey included questions about demographics, medical history, and keratoconus awareness. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Awareness levels were categorized as good or poor based on participants' responses, and the chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test was used to compare categorical variables.
The study included 499 participants, with 282 (56.5%) aged 18-25 years and 383 (76.8%) females. Nearly half of the participants, 248 (49.7%), had a history of allergies, and 294 (58.9%) reported having an eye condition. While 286 (57.3%) had heard of keratoconus, only 83 (16.6%) correctly identified it as corneal thinning. Additionally, 263 (52.7%) believed frequent eye rubbing could lead to keratoconus, though 186 (37.3%) were unsure. Overall, 414 (82.9%) participants demonstrated poor awareness of keratoconus. Participants with a refractive error, a family history of KC, or prior knowledge of the disease were significantly more likely to have good awareness (p < 0.05).
The study reveals a low level of awareness about keratoconus among the population in Taif, despite its significant association with eye rubbing and potential visual impairment. The findings highlight the need for public health interventions and educational campaigns to raise awareness and promote early detection of keratoconus.
圆锥角膜（KC）在沙特阿拉伯是一种常见的角膜疾病，研究表明不同地区的患病率有所不同，这凸显了一个相当严重的公共卫生问题。尽管其患病率较高，但公众对该疾病的认识仍然很低。本研究旨在评估沙特阿拉伯塔伊夫市人群对圆锥角膜的认知水平。
2024年5月至7月在塔伊夫市进行了一项基于社区的横断面研究。一份从经过验证的阿拉伯语版本改编而来的在线问卷通过社交媒体分发给18岁及以上的成年人。该调查包括有关人口统计学、病史和圆锥角膜认知的问题。使用描述性和推断性统计方法对数据进行分析。根据参与者的回答，将认知水平分为良好或较差，使用卡方检验或费舍尔精确检验来比较分类变量。
该研究包括499名参与者，其中282名（56.5%）年龄在18 - 25岁之间，383名（76.8%）为女性。近一半的参与者，即248名（49.7%）有过敏史，294名（58.9%）报告有眼部疾病。虽然286名（57.3%）听说过圆锥角膜，但只有83名（16.6%）正确地将其识别为角膜变薄。此外，263名（52.7%）认为频繁揉眼会导致圆锥角膜，不过186名（37.3%）不确定。总体而言，414名（82.9%）参与者对圆锥角膜的认知较差。有屈光不正、圆锥角膜家族史或对该疾病有先验知识的参与者更有可能有良好的认知（p < 0.05）。
该研究表明，尽管圆锥角膜与揉眼和潜在视力损害有显著关联，但塔伊夫市人群对其认知水平较低。这些发现凸显了开展公共卫生干预和教育活动以提高认知并促进圆锥角膜早期检测的必要性。
