Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess the awareness of the general public in Jazan city about Pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) and explore different socio-demographic factors about awareness.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, conducted in Jazan, Saudi Arabia, targeting adults (18+ years of age) from various governorates. A random sampling technique was used to select participants.
Results: The study assessed PSD awareness among 435 participants with 57.5% (n = 250) being females. The majority were aged 18-25 years (n = 192, 44.1%) and were Saudi nationals (n = 426, 97.9%). Awareness was high, with 51% (n = 222) having >50th percentile awareness score. Media/internet/TV (n = 59, 13.6%) and healthcare professionals (n = 51, 11.7%) were key information sources. Males (Median = 5, Mean = 5.45, SD = 4.9) had higher awareness than females (Median = 3, Mean = 4.14, SD = 4.3), p = 0.005. Older age (Exp(B) = 1.451, p = 0.005), student status (Exp(B) = 3.785, p < 0.001), and higher weight (Exp(B) = 1.373, p = 0.038) significantly predicted awareness. Information from healthcare professionals (Exp(B) = 46.769, p < 0.001) and media/internet/ TV (Exp(B) = 18.635, p < 0.001) were strong awareness enhancers.
Conclusion: Awareness of PSD was generally high, especially among men, older individuals, students, and those informed by healthcare professionals or media. Significant predictors of high awareness included age, student status, weight, and key information sources.

Key words: Pilonidal Sinus Disease, fistula, risk factors, awareness, Saudi Arabia