Abstract

Objective:
This study aimed to evaluate public awareness, perceptions, and health-seeking behaviors related to ascending cholangitis among adults in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.
Methods:
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among adult residents of Al-Ahsa, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected via a self-administered online questionnaire. The survey assessed sociodemographic data, knowledge of symptoms and causes, attitude towards disease severity, and healthcare-seeking behavior. A total of 416 responses were analyzed.
Results:
Most participants were female (65.4%) and were aged below 25 years (41.8%). The overall mean awareness score was 11.04 (55.2%), indicating limited knowledge. Only 28.6% demonstrated high awareness of the condition. Although 72.6% reported they would seek immediate emergency care for key symptoms, almost half cited poor knowledge as the main reason for delayed medical consultation. Logistic regression revealed that private-sector employment was significantly associated with lower awareness (p-value=0.029).
Conclusion:
Public awareness of ascending cholangitis in Al-Ahsa was insufficient, with knowledge gaps and behavioural barriers contributing to potential delays in care. Targeted community education and workplace-based health campaigns are recommended to improve early recognition and reduce preventable complications.

Key words: Community-based assessment, awareness, perceptions, ascending cholangitis, Saudi Arabia