Assessing Public Awareness of Gout and the Health Implications of High Red Meat Consumption in Saudi Arabia; A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Gout is a prevalent form of inflammatory arthritis characterized by elevated uric acid levels, often influenced by dietary habits, particularly red meat consumption. Understanding public knowledge and awareness of gout and its dietary risk factors is essential for effective prevention and management strategies. Objectives: This study aims to assess the knowledge and awareness of the general population in Saudi Arabia regarding gout disease and the health implications of high red meat consumption. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 818 participants across various regions of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographics, knowledge of gout, awareness of red meat consumption risks, and information sources. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests, were performed to identify associations between knowledge levels and sociodemographic variables. Results: Most participants were male (63.2%), aged between 18 and 30 years (42.5%), and held a diploma (51.5%). While 81.7% had heard of gout, only 30.7% recognized red meat consumption as a contributing factor. Notably, 70% incorrectly believed that eating meat reduces the risk of gout attacks. Significant associations were found between knowledge levels and gender, marital status (p=0.01), and region (p=0.01), with males, married individuals, and those from certain regions exhibiting poorer knowledge. Conclusion: Despite general awareness of gout, there is a substantial gap in understanding its dietary risk factors, particularly concerning red meat consumption, among the Saudi Arabian population. Targeted educational interventions are necessary to enhance public knowledge and promote dietary modifications to mitigate gout risk.