Evaluation of Awareness, Knowledge and Attitudes regarding Common Rheumatic Diseases (Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematous) in Sohag Governorate

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the commonest autoimmune diseases. It
affects about 1% of the population worldwide. Systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE) is a
chronic autoimmune disease which vary from mild to life-threatening condition.
Objective: To measure awareness, knowledge and attitude of community members
attending health centers toward rheumatic diseases. Method: A cross-sectional
community-based study was conducted in Sohag governorate in Upper Egypt. Potential
study participants were recruited from urban health centers in different cities and villages
in Sohag governorate. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Results:
Total 2,168 participants between 19 and 66 years old were recruited, 1,098 (50.6%) were
males, 445 (20.5%) were illiterate, 596 (27.5%) reported to be currently unemployed, 702
(32.4%) of participants were a slum area resident, 769 (35.5%) reported either themselves
or one of their family members having a rheumatic disease, 955(44%) of participants
reported that rheumatology is a part of orthopedic, only 882 (40.7%) of the participants
believed that drugs which are used in treatment of rheumatic disease are safe. Awareness
and knowledge of rheumatic diseases are significantly higher among females, participants
with higher education level, working for cash, single participants and urban residents.
Conclusion: Awareness and knowledge of the studied sample in Sohag city regarding
rheumatic diseases need to be improved through extensive mass educational and learning
programs