Evaluation of Awareness, Knowledge and Attitudes regarding Common Rheumatic Diseases (Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematous) in Sohag Governorate
Ahmed El Saman, Eman F. Mohamed, Asmaa Khalifa, El- Zahraa Meghezel, Ahmed W. Roshdy, Al-Agamy Radwan, Eman roshdy, A Gibofsky, A Usenbo, V Kramer, T Young, A Musekiwa, F Rees, M Doherty, M Grainge, G Davenport, P Lanyon, W Zhang, G Ciancio, A Bortoluzzi, M Govoni, C.-F Kuo, M Grainge, W Zhang, M Doherty, M Severo, R Gaio, R Lucas, H Barros, R Neame, A Hammond, C Deighton, S Hennell, C Brownsell, J Dawson, J Hill, H Bird, R Hopkins, C Lawton, V Wright, E Van Der Wardt, E Taal, J Rasker
Abstract
Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the commonest autoimmune diseases. Itaffects about 1% of the population worldwide. Systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE) is achronic autoimmune disease which vary from mild to life-threatening condition.Objective: To measure awareness, knowledge and attitude of community membersattending health centers toward rheumatic diseases. Method: A cross-sectionalcommunity-based study was conducted in Sohag governorate in Upper Egypt. Potentialstudy participants were recruited from urban health centers in different cities and villagesin Sohag governorate. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Results:Total 2,168 participants between 19 and 66 years old were recruited, 1,098 (50.6%) weremales, 445 (20.5%) were illiterate, 596 (27.5%) reported to be currently unemployed, 702(32.4%) of participants were a slum area resident, 769 (35.5%) reported either themselvesor one of their family members having a rheumatic disease, 955(44%) of participantsreported that rheumatology is a part of orthopedic, only 882 (40.7%) of the participantsbelieved that drugs which are used in treatment of rheumatic disease are safe. Awarenessand knowledge of rheumatic diseases are significantly higher among females, participantswith higher education level, working for cash, single participants and urban residents.Conclusion: Awareness and knowledge of the studied sample in Sohag city regardingrheumatic diseases need to be improved through extensive mass educational and learningprograms