Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess the general population’s knowledge and awareness of acute limb ischemia among the population in Al-Qunfudah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on residents of Al-Qunfudhah Governorate, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected through online questionnaires, which analyzed demographic information, awareness of acute limb ischemia, and sources of information. The questionnaire was distributed via WhatsApp by the authors and their friends.
Results: A total of 490 residents responded to the questionnaire. Participants ranged in age from 18 to 65 years, with a mean age of 31.8 ± 11.9 years. Of the participants, 352 (71.8%) were males. The study found that 389 (79.4%) participants had poor knowledge and awareness of acute limb ischemia, while 101 (20.6%) had good awareness. Regarding their tendency to seek medical consultation for acute limb ischemia, 254 (51.8%) rated it as 5 out of 5, 180 (36.7%) rated it 3-4 out of 5, and 56 (11.4%) rated it 1-2 out of 5. In addition, 421 (85.9%) of the participants expressed a desire to receive more information about acute limb ischemia, its symptoms, and treatment strategies.
Conclusion: The study found that public knowledge about acute limb ischemia was limited. Higher awareness was correlated with higher education levels, diagnosis, and health education campaigns.

Key words: Acute limb ischemia, vascular occlusion, awareness, knowledge, Saudi Arabia