Assessing the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes of adults in the general population in Saudi Arabia towards testicular torsion: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Testicular torsion (TT) is a rare but urgent condition; it leads to severe pain and swelling that must be diagnosed and treated immediately, where there is an expectant period of 6–8 h. It is an important prognostic factor in the arrival time to the emergency department. Raising awareness about TT is essential to ensure early diagnosis and timely treatment, which can prevent irreversible damage and loss of fertility. Our study aimed to measure the awareness, knowledge, and attitude toward testicular torsion (TT) among the general population in Saudi Arabia. This is a cross-sectional study conducted among the general population living in Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed among the population using an online survey. The questionnaire includes socio-demographic characteristics (i.e., age, gender, region, etc.), a questionnaire to assess the knowledge of testicular torsion, and questionnaires to assess the prevalence, management, and attitude toward testicular torsion. Of the 473 participants, 56% were males, and 61% were aged between 18 to 30 years old. Unfortunately, One quarter of our population has a good knowledge level about testicular torsion. The overall mean knowledge about Testicular Torsion score was below average (3 out of 8 points). Factors associated with increased knowledge include younger age, male gender, living in the Central Region, working in the medical field, having heard of testicular torsion, and having a personal or family history of testicular torsion. In conclusion, there was a lack of testicular torsion knowledge among the general population. Further studies and social campaigns should be done to encourage the general population's understanding and increase their knowledge level.