Assessment of Disease-related Knowledge among Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis in Aseer region, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, painful autoimmune disease associated with significant functional limitations. Adequate disease knowledge is essential for improving health outcomes and quality of care for RA patients. Aims: The purpose of this study is to assess the knowledge levels of RA patients in the Aseer Region of Saudi Arabia and to identify factors that influence knowledge levels. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among RA patients attending follow-ups at Aseer Central Hospital from November 2023 to October 2024. Data were collected via a questionnaire distributed through Google Forms, including sociodemographic and clinical characteristics profiles. Knowledge was assessed using a 48-item questionnaire. Results: Among 300 RA patients, 35% were aged 46–59 years, and 86.7% were female. The majority (89%) exhibited poor knowledge about RA. Female gender and higher family income were significantly associated with increased odds of good RA knowledge (odds ratio [OR] = 3.65; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.06–12.62) and (OR = 1.95; 95% CI = 1.16–3.28), respectively ( P < 0.05). Conversely, a history of hospitalization due to RA was negatively associated with good knowledge (OR = 0.40; 95% CI = 0.18–0.91, P < 0.05). Conclusion: The high prevalence of poor RA knowledge underscores the need for targeted, accessible educational interventions that address sociodemographic factors and disease severity, aiming to improve RA understanding across diverse patient populations.