Knowledge and Awareness about Occupational Therapy among the Public in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia

Background: This study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness of Occupational Therapy (OT) among the public in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. There is a lack of prior research on this topic in the region, highlighting the need for a comprehensive evaluation of public understanding. Methods: A survey consisting of 20 questions was distributed to 385 participants, with 59.2% identifying as male and 40.8% as female. Results: The findings revealed that 66.5% of participants had heard of OT, while 33.5% had not. In terms of educational background, 15.3% held a diploma, 39.2% a bachelor’s degree, 8.8% a master’s degree, 4.4% had completed postgraduate education, 27.3% had a high school education, and 4.9% were uneducated. Notably, 73.8% expressed interest in learning more about OT, while 13.3% did not and 13.2% were unsure. Regarding their perceived knowledge, 18.4% felt they had sufficient information about OT, 40.5% did not, 29.1% believed their knowledge might be sufficient, and 11.9% were uncertain. Furthermore, 24.4% of participants believed that OT had the necessary tools in Saudi Arabia, while 32.7% disagreed, and 42.9% were unsure. Discussion: The study highlighted a significant disparity in awareness of OT in Al-Ahsa and acknowledged the difficulty in locating previous regional studies. The high percentage of participants interested in learning more about OT indicates a strong demand for educational resources and outreach. Furthermore, nearly half of the participants reported a lack of sufficient information, underscoring the urgent need for accessible resources and public education. The findings suggest that enhancing awareness and understanding of OT could improve healthcare outcomes and community engagement. Future research should focus on developing targeted educational initiatives to address the identified gaps in knowledge. Despite certain limitations, this study provides valuable insights into the awareness and understanding of OT in Saudi Arabia, particularly within Al-Ahsa. Conclusion: The findings of this study reveal a critical gap in knowledge and awareness of Occupational Therapy among the public in Al-Ahsa. Addressing these gaps through educational programs and community engagement is essential for improving the understanding of OT's role and benefits. Key words: Occupational Therapy, Awareness, Knowledge, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, Public Health.