Assessment of Knowledge Toward Bowel Ischemia Among the General Population in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia

Introduction: Bowel ischemia is a time-sensitive vascular emergency that can cause intestinal necrosis and death when diagnosis and treatment are delayed. Public understanding of this condition in Saudi Arabia remains poorly characterized. This study assessed awareness and knowledge of bowel ischemia among adults in Al-Ahsa and identified factors associated with knowledge. Methodology: This community-based cross-sectional study included 390 non-healthcare adults residing in Al-Ahsa. Data were collected electronically through an expert-reviewed, pilot-tested, self-administered questionnaire. Ten knowledge items generated a score of 0–10; scores below 6 represented poor knowledge. Multiple linear regression was used to identify associated factors. Results: Only 43 participants (11.0%) had previously heard of bowel or intestinal ischemia. The mean knowledge score was 3.76 ± 3.56 out of 10, demonstrating poor knowledge. Healthcare professionals were the leading information source among aware participants (32.6%). The best-recognized concepts were the need for urgent assessment of sudden severe unexplained abdominal pain (mean item score = 0.57) and the benefit of early diagnosis and treatment (0.56). The least-recognized concepts were blood in the stool as a possible manifestation (0.25) and the definition of bowel ischemia (0.29). Previous awareness independently predicted a higher knowledge score (B = 4.332, p < 0.001); gender, age, and educational level were not significant predictors. Conclusion: Adults in Al-Ahsa had limited awareness and important knowledge gaps regarding bowel ischemia. Clinician-led education delivered through trusted digital platforms should emphasize its definition, warning manifestations, risk factors, and need for urgent evaluation.