Prevalence and Knowledge of Respiratory Symptoms Among the General Public in the Southern Area of Najran, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Health Survey Study

Abstract

Objective

To investigate the knowledge, prevalence of chronic respiratory disorders, and utilization of their medications among the adults at Najran region, Saudi Arabia.

Methods

An online cross-sectional survey was carried out in Najran region, Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed among a random sample of the general population, aged 18 or above between March and December 2022. The survey instrument included questions regarding history and exposure, physician diagnosed-disorders, respiratory symptoms, allergy, use of medications and possible risk-related factors.

Results

This research had a total of 712 individuals. Nearly one-third of the participants in the survey (n = 218; 30.6%) said that they or a member of their family suffer from respiratory ailments. The majority of research participants (n = 167; 76.8%) identified asthma as their primary respiratory condition. A total of 32.0% of participants (n = 70) reported dealing with dust or chemicals such as paints, fertilizers, and cleaning products on a daily basis at work or at home. Around 62.0% of the participants (n = 134) said that exposure to gases, fragrances, and other such substances negatively impacts their health. Almost 78.0% (n = 169) of them indicated that summer weather affects their health, whereas 63.0% (n = 138) reported that winter cold affects their health. Participants aged 41–50 years were 38.0% less likely to have CRDs compared to others (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study is among the first few studies that explored the knowledge, prevalence of chronic respiratory disorders, and utilization of their medications among the adults at Najran region, Saudi Arabia. In the southern area of Najran, respiratory symptoms are frequent among the inhabitants of Saudi Arabia. More research is required to discover avoidable risk factors and create countermeasures for them. It is recommended that healthcare personnel increase their efforts to educate their patients about respiratory illness prevention methods.

Keywords:

• diseases
• respiratory
• Saudi Arabia
• symptoms

Data Sharing Statement

All data are available on request from the corresponding authors.

Ethical Approval and Informed Consent

Ethical approval was obtained from the Scientific Research Ethical Committee, Deanship of Scientific Research, at Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia (Reference No.:443-41-66963-DS). Informed consent was obtained from all subjects involved in the study. The study was designed and conducted in accordance with the ethical principles that have their origin and comply with in the Declaration of Helsinki.

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors declare no conflicts of interest in this work.

Additional information

Funding

The authors are thankful to the Deanship of Scientific Research at Najran University for funding this work, under the General Research Funding program grant code (NU/NRP/MRC/12/38).