Public knowledge and awareness of osteoarthritis in Makkah and Jeddah: a comparative cross-sectional study

Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is a major cause of disability, yet public awareness remains limited. This study assessed OA knowledge in Makkah and Jeddah and compared findings with previous Saudi studies.Methods A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from July to October 2025 among adults in Makkah and Jeddah. A self-administered online questionnaire assessed demographics, information sources, and OA knowledge (score: 0–20). Findings were compared with a 2020 Jeddah survey using overall and item-level knowledge and relevant subgroup scores. The study was IRB-approved (NRJ25/055/4). Analyses were performed using JMP Pro 19 (p ≤ 0.05).Results Among 365 participants, 54.8% were male, and the mean knowledge score was 11.34 ± 3.48. Scores did not differ significantly by education (p = 0.51), age (p = 0.20), or gender (p = 0.97). Participants with a medical-field background had higher scores than those without (13.09 ± 2.74 vs. 10.88 ± 3.51; p < 0.0001). Most recognized aging as a risk factor (91.2%), physiotherapy as beneficial (82.5%), and multiple-joint involvement (81.9%), while misconceptions about cold weather, microorganisms, and acid-free diets persisted. Greater knowledge was associated with identifying cartilage degeneration, and school/university was associated with the highest awareness among information sources. Awareness showed modest improvement compared with previous regional studies, particularly regarding diagnosis and treatment.Conclusion Public awareness of osteoarthritis in Makkah and Jeddah remains limited despite improvements compared with previous Saudi studies, highlighting the need for targeted education to address persistent misconceptions.