Awareness of Risk Factors of Hernia among Adults in Al-jouf region, Saudi Arabia

Background: A hernia is characterized as the distension of an organ or tissue through an abdominal muscle ordinary opening, it happens when an organ or greasy tissue presses through a feeble spot in an encompassing muscle or connective tissue called fascia (1). Objective: This study aimed at assessing the awareness of the risk factors of abdominal hernias among adults in Al-jouf, Saudi Arabia. Material and Methods: This is a cross-sectional community-based study of a qualitative approach. The present study enrolled 105 candidates (aged 18 to 45), males 63, 42 Female. Moreover, candidates were subjected to structured self- administered close-ended study questionnaire during the period between January and February 2018 and one month for data analysis Results: The present study enrolled 105 candidates, from both gender male (63, %60) and female (42, %40). Age groups were (18-25) %62, (26-35) %35, (36-45) %3 Ages were varied according to the level of education (high school, college, graduated). Evaluation of the knowledge about Hernia: the highest proportion goes to %38 for Very Good then, %36 for Good, and the less %26 for Excellent. Recommendation and Conclusion: The present study revealed that the study group of Saudis, both gender have knowledge on the risk factors for hernia regardless to the age, gender and level of education. In the face of, 59% related Hernia with asthma, 81% constipation, 40% smoking, 41% enlarged prostate, 88.5% pregnancy, 89.5% heavy lifting, and 86% surgery. Unlike, participants have no knowledge about relating DM to hernia with proportion of 44%, This indicates that further studies are needed to clarify these conclusions. We recommend establishment of an awareness campaign for hernia risk factors among Saudi adults such as social media.