Awareness of sepsis symptoms and the importance of early recognition among the general population in Saudi Arabia

Sepsis is an emergency condition that requires rapid hospitalization, as it leads to the failure of multiple organs in the body, in addition to that it increases the levels of hospitalization. This study aimed to assess the level of awareness and knowledge of sepsis among the general public in the Saudi Arabia. This is an online cross-sectional survey study was employed in Saudi Arabia between February and May 2025. In order to recruit participants for this research, convenience sampling technique was implemented. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to predict significant factors influencing the total knowledge score. A total of 1640 participants completed the survey. Recognition of sepsis symptoms was relatively low, with only 39.2% (n = 643) identifying difficulty breathing and 29.5% (n = 483) identifying increased heart rate as symptoms. Regarding risk factor, 41.0 % (n = 672) acknowledged weakened immunity, while fewer recognized diabetes (n = 114, 7.0%). Around 51.0% (n = 837) incorrectly believed sepsis is always caused by bacterial infection, and 46.2% (n = 757) thought antibiotics are the only necessary treatment. Saudi individuals were significantly less likely to have higher knowledge compared to non-Saudis (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.26, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.09-0.7, P = .007). Married individuals had lower odds of higher knowledge compared to singles (AOR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.31-0.96, P = .036). Besides, government and nongovernment employees were also less likely to have higher knowledge compared to unemployed individuals (AOR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.21-0.85, P = .01) and (AOR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.14-0.65, P = .002) respectively. Higher income was significantly associated with greater knowledge, with those earning over 10,000 showing the strongest association (AOR = 3.55, 95% CI: 2.23-5.64, P < .001). Notably, those who personally experienced sepsis or knew someone who had sepsis had dramatically higher odds of greater knowledge (AOR = 32.35 and odds ratio 77.92, respectively; P < .001). This study found that Saudi citizens have suboptimal level of knowledge of the signs and symptoms of sepsis, highlighting the need for awareness campaigns to prevent serious complications. Medical staff education and awareness campaigns are crucial to providing patients with proper treatment according to international guidelines and health instructions.