Awareness, knowledge, and attitude toward venous thromboembolism among Aseer Population, Saudi Arabia

Awareness and Knowledge of Venous Thromboembolism Among Saudi Adults in the Dawadmi Province: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Venous thromboembolism (VTE) significantly contributes to the global disease burden. The annual incidence of VTE is one to two per 1,000 adults worldwide. We aimed to evaluate the awareness and knowledge of VTE risk factors, manifestations, prevention, and treatment options among the general adult population of Dawadmi, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methodology We conducted a cross-sectional study using the self-designed and validated VTE knowledge questionnaire. A survey was conducted online via Google Documents, composed of 12 questions. Participants included in the study were over 18 years old, regardless of their medical history. However, medical students and healthcare providers were excluded. Results A total of 384 participants (46.4% men and 53.6% women) completed the survey; most respondents were between 18 and 28 years of age. Majority of the participants recognized that immobility, obesity, complicated surgery, road traffic accidents, smoking, and old age are the most common risk factors for VTE. However, more than half of the elderly and lower-educated participants did not identify complicated surgery and consumption of oral contraceptive pills as risk factors for VTE. Awareness of VTE was significantly higher among those with a family history of VTE and a graduate degree (p<0.001). Results showed a deficit of awareness and information about VTE, especially among males, those with low education, and elderly participants. Conclusion This study demonstrates the need for more awareness of VTE among the Saudi adult population. The urge to spread awareness and knowledge about VTE among the public in Dawadmi province is required.

Awareness and Perception of Hospitalized Patients on Thromboembolism and Thromboprophylaxis: A Cross-Sectional Study in Sana'a-Yemen

PURPOSE

Patients' awareness toward VTE and thromboprophylaxis is critical for medication adherence. This study aimed to evaluate the patient's awareness and perception towards VTE and its prophylaxis and to assess patient's satisfaction towards the information given by the medical staff.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among hospitalized patients who received VTE prophylaxis in public and private hospitals in Sana'a, Yemen. Besides sociodemographic variables, participants' awareness and perception of VTE and its prophylaxis were evaluated. Variables' association with VTE awareness were analyzed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression using SPSS.

RESULTS

A total of 396 of the hospitalized patients agreed to participate in the study, with 31% (n = 121) have ever heard about VTE. The multivariable logistic regression findings revealed that the participants who did not have a profession had OR = 17.182 (P < 0.001) of being unaware of VTE compared with those who had one. Participants who did not have a personal history of VTE had OR = 7.580 (P < 0.001) of being unaware of DVT/PE compared with the participants who had a personal history of VTE. Male participants had OR = 2.839 (P < 0.005) of being unaware of DVT/PE compared with female participants. Participants who were illiterate had OR = 2.832 (P < 0.022) of being unaware of DVT/PE compared with participants with a higher level of education.

CONCLUSION

The study revealed lack of awareness and perception of VTE and its prophylaxis among hospitalized patients in Yemen. The patients who are unaware of the disease have wrong perception about their role in DVT prophylaxis. Patient's education must be considered in healthcare setting to improve patient's health outcomes.