Alalawi Yousef Saleh, Alanazi Ryanh Hamoud, Alanazi Hadeel Thamer, Alanazi Nouf Khalid J, Alrayes Aljawharah Abdulrahman, Alruwaili Raghad Fahad, Alanazi Wjood Fahad, Fawzy Manal S
Department of Surgery, King Salman Armed Forces Hospital, Tabuk 47512, Saudi Arabia.
College of Medicine, Northern Border University, Arar 73213, Saudi Arabia.
Healthcare (Basel). 2025 May 29;13(11):1289. doi: 10.3390/healthcare13111289.
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy in Saudi Arabia, with rising incidence and notable gender disparities. However, public awareness and understanding, particularly in the Northern region, remain limited. This study aims to assess knowledge, awareness, and preventive practices regarding thyroid cancer among northern Saudi Arabian residents and identify sociodemographic factors associated with levels of knowledge, awareness, and engagement in preventive practices.
A cross-sectional survey of 702 participants from northern Saudi Arabia was conducted using a validated online questionnaire. Participants were recruited via social media platforms and online community groups. The survey assessed sociodemographic data, knowledge of risk factors, symptoms, and screening practices, perceptions of curability and prevention, and engagement with awareness campaigns. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to analyze associations.
The majority of respondents were young, female, and highly educated. Only 1.3% reported a personal history of thyroid cancer. Knowledge gaps regarding risk factors, screening practices, and curability were evident: 54.6% had never undergone thyroid hormone analysis, and 91% had not received thyroid imaging. Nearly half (48.6%) were uncertain about the curability of thyroid cancer, and only 27.8% recognized its genetic basis. While 62.1% believed thyroid cancer could be prevented, just 18.4% participated in awareness campaigns. Significant associations were found between knowledge of screening practices and age, education, nationality, and having family or friends in the medical field ( < 0.05).
Significant gaps in awareness of thyroid cancer risk factors and early detection practices exist among northern Saudi residents. Culturally tailored educational interventions and integration of thyroid health into primary care are urgently needed to address these deficiencies and improve outcomes.
背景/目的：甲状腺癌是沙特阿拉伯最常见的内分泌恶性肿瘤，发病率呈上升趋势，且存在显著的性别差异。然而，公众意识和理解，尤其是在北部地区，仍然有限。本研究旨在评估沙特阿拉伯北部居民对甲状腺癌的知识、意识和预防措施，并确定与知识水平、意识和预防措施参与度相关的社会人口学因素。
使用经过验证的在线问卷对702名来自沙特阿拉伯北部的参与者进行横断面调查。通过社交媒体平台和在线社区群组招募参与者。该调查评估了社会人口学数据、危险因素知识、症状和筛查措施、对可治愈性和预防的认知以及对宣传活动的参与情况。使用描述性统计和卡方检验来分析相关性。
大多数受访者年轻、女性且受教育程度高。只有1.3%的人报告有甲状腺癌个人病史。在危险因素、筛查措施和可治愈性方面存在明显的知识差距：54.6%的人从未进行过甲状腺激素分析，91%的人未接受过甲状腺成像检查。近一半（48.6%）的人对甲状腺癌的可治愈性不确定，只有27.8%的人认识到其遗传基础。虽然62.1%的人认为甲状腺癌可以预防，但只有18.4%的人参加过宣传活动。在筛查措施知识与年龄、教育程度、国籍以及在医疗领域有家人或朋友之间发现了显著相关性（<0.05）。
沙特阿拉伯北部居民对甲状腺癌危险因素和早期检测措施的认识存在显著差距。迫切需要开展文化上量身定制的教育干预措施，并将甲状腺健康纳入初级保健，以解决这些不足并改善结果。
