Awareness and Knowledge Among residents in western region Regarding Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding Etiologie

Rifal Alsharif; Mona H.  Kassar; Saliha M.  Alshahrani; Azizah M.  Albarakti; Raghad A.  Alamer; Mokhtar M  Shatla

doi:10.54293/smhj.v6i2.194

Authors

Rifal Alsharif Department of Medicine and Surgery, College of Medicine, Umm Al‐Qura University, Makkah, KSA.
Mona H. Kassar Department of Medicine and Surgery, College of Medicine, Umm Al‐Qura University, Makkah, KSA.
Saliha M. Alshahrani Department of Medicine and Surgery, College of Medicine, Umm Al‐Qura University, Makkah, KSA.
Azizah M. Albarakti Department of Medicine and Surgery, College of Medicine, Umm Al‐Qura University, Makkah, KSA. https://orcid.org/0009-0001-9527-9512
Raghad A. Alamer Department of Medicine and Surgery, College of Medicine, Umm Al‐Qura University, Makkah, KSA. https://orcid.org/0009-0008-7116-8034
Mokhtar M Shatla Department of Community Medicine and Pilgrims Health-care, College of Medicine, Umm Alqura University, Makkah, KSA.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54293/smhj.v6i2.194

Keywords:

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding, Public awareness, Health knowledge, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is an important condition that may indicate serious underlying diseases, including colorectal cancer. This study aimed to assess awareness and knowledge of LGIB etiology among adults in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia (SA) and to identify factors associated with good knowledge.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among adults aged ≥18 years. Data were collected using a validated online questionnaire distributed via social media. Knowledge scores were categorized as poor (<60%) or good (≥60%).

Results: A total of 439 participants were included. Only 26.9% demonstrated good knowledge. Awareness was highest for hemorrhoids and anal fissures, while knowledge of serious causes was limited.

Conclusion: Public awareness of LGIB remains limited. Targeted educational interventions are recommended.