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BACKGROUND: Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a disorder in which the hip joint does not develop normally in the pediatric age group. It is caused by a confluence of hereditary and environmental factors. We aimed to examine knowledge and awareness of DDH among the general population of the southern and western regions of Saudi Arabia. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted in the western and southern regions of Saudi Arabia. This study included adult male and female participants above 18 years of age. Data were collected using a validated electronic questionnaire that was disseminated via social media platforms. All data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 23.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). RESULTS: In this study, 1,232 participants were surveyed in Saudi Arabia. The majority were between 21 and 30 years old (663, 53.8%), unmarried (690, 56%), and had a baccalaureate or diploma certificate (886, 71.9%). Regarding knowledge of DDH, 86.4% of participants had poor knowledge of the causes of DDH, and 740 (60%) had poor overall knowledge of DDH. However, 492 (40%) participants had good knowledge. Respondents with a higher monthly income, those who were mothers, and those who obtained information from social media had a better awareness level. Concerning treatment, 531 (43.1%) participants were unsure about the best treatment for DDH, and 850 (69%) believed that early treatment was better. CONCLUSIONS: According to our literature, DDH is highly prevalent among Saudi populations. However, our findings indicate that the majority of the Saudi population residing in the western and southern regions of Saudi Arabia lacks basic knowledge of DDH. All capable facilities, such as medical schools, hospitals, and primary healthcare centers, must impart cultural education about DDH to address this awareness gap.
RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: To study the epidemiology of dengue incidence and understand the dynamics of dengue transmission in Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), between 2017-2019. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study. Health and demographic data was obtained for all confirmed dengue cases in Makkah, KSA, in the years 2017-2019 from the Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases Administration (VBZDA) in Makkah and the Makkah Regional Laboratory, KSA. In addition, entomological data about Aedes density was obtained from the VBZDA. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to determine the occurrence and distribution of dengue cases. RESULTS: Laboratory-confirmed dengue cases were higher in 2019 as compared to 2017 and 2018, suggesting an outbreak of dengue in Makkah, KSA, in 2019. The incidence of confirmed dengue cases was 204 in 2017, 163 in 2018 and 748 in 2019. Dengue mostly affected people in the 25-44 age group, accounting for approximately half of the annual dengue cases each year. Men were at a higher dengue incidence risk when compared to women, and Saudi women had a higher risk rate for dengue cases when compared to non-Saudi women in all 3 years studied. There was no dengue related death in these 3 years. CONCLUSION: The dengue incidence increased in Makkah, KSA, in 2019 as compared to the previous 2 years, owing to heavy rainfall in 2019. Post-rainfall Vector control efforts may help contain the disease in Makkah, KSA.