Enhancing Awareness of Autoimmune Diseases in Schools: A Saudi Cross-Sectional Study to Educate and Empower Adolescents

Introduction: Autoimmune diseases, particularly in pediatric patients, present unique challenges that require awareness and support in school environments. Raising awareness among students and educators can enhance understanding, reduce stigma, and foster inclusive environments for individuals affected by these issues.Objective: This study aimed to assess the impact of an educational campaign in high schools in Saudi Arabia, focusing on increasing knowledge and fostering supportive attitudes toward children with autoimmune diseases.Methods: A total of 180 female high school students participated in a 30-minute lecture that highlighted general information about autoimmune diseases, with a specific focus on pediatric conditions. The presentation emphasized the importance of supporting affected students, their unique needs, and the role of schools in their care. The session concluded with a video featuring patients’ voices, which personalized the message and enhanced empathy. To assess knowledge acquisition and attitudes, student feedback was collected immediately after the session using a seven-item post-session questionnaire, which included six adapted items from the validated EDUCATOOL and one additional culturally tailored item.Results: The campaign demonstrated significant success, achieving a 96.7% satisfaction rate among participants. More than 95% of the students reported gaining new knowledge and an increased interest in autoimmune diseases. Additionally, 93.9% desired more educational sessions on similar topics. The video component was particularly impactful, fostering empathy and offering insight into the lived experiences of patients with pediatric autoimmune disease.Conclusion: Educational campaigns in schools are effective tools for raising awareness about autoimmune diseases. They promote early recognition of symptoms, reduce stigma, and create supportive school environments. Incorporating patient perspectives through multimedia enhances engagement and understanding. This initiative highlights the importance of integrating similar programs into school curricula to empower students and educators. Future efforts should focus on expanding such campaigns to broader audiences and exploring their long-term impact on school inclusivity and patient outcomes.