Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices regarding Abdominal Wall Hernias among Saudi Population in Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia

Background:-Hernia is defined as the protrusion of an organ or tissue through an abdominal muscle's ordinary opening, and the prevalence of hernias in Saudi Arabia is rising. The objective is to evaluate the knowledge and awareness of abdominal hernias among the general population of Saudi Arabia. Methods:-A descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire-based methodology was used in Jeddah city, Saudi Arabia, from October 1 to May 31, 2023, with a minimum sample size of 385. Data was analyzed using SPSS. The study involved 482 male and female participants aged 18-65. Individuals who had hernias and their relatives were excluded. A structured questionnaire was developed after consulting relevant studies conducted in Saudi Arabia and translated into Arabic. Data collectors used Google Forms to gather information from Jeddah's citizens through social media. Results:-Awareness varied among participants: 73.9% correctly associated hernias with carrying heavy weights, while only 4.6% knew that hernias could be hereditary. Additionally, 38.4% identified direct injury as a cause of hernias, and 55.2% mentioned that excess weight can lead to hernias. Knowledge levels varied significantly by age and education. Participants aged 18-25 had a median score of 14.0 (IQR: 10.0-18.0), significantly higher than other age groups (p = 0.011). Elementary education exhibited a median score of 21.0 (IQR: 21.0-21.0), higher than those with other educational backgrounds (p = 0.012). Conclusion:-While some participants demonstrated a good understanding of hernia risk factors and etiology, notable misconceptions and gaps in knowledge persist. These findings highlight the importance of targeted educational initiatives to improve public awareness of hernias.