Understanding the public knowledge, attitude, and practice toward screening and risk factors of lung cancer in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Context: Early detection of lung cancer through screening can improve outcomes; yet public knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding lung cancer screening in Saudi Arabia are limited.

Aims: The aim is to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward lung cancer risk factors and screening, and understand the impact of demographic factors on these variables.

Settings and design: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2023 to March 2024, involving 708 participants.

Methods: A validated questionnaire from a previous Malaysian study, translated into Arabic, was distributed to participants.

Statistical analysis used: Descriptive statistics, Shapiro-Wilk test, one-way analysis of variance, Tukey's test, and logistic regression were used.

Results: Most participants (95.9%) recognized smoking as a major risk factor. Common misconceptions included viewing lung cancer as infectious (84.0%) or affecting only men (14.4%). Nonetheless, 66.4% expressed willingness for future screening. Younger participants (18-40 years) and those with higher education demonstrated better knowledge scores (mean score: 11.33 ± 2.97 for ages 18-40; 11.42 ± 2.88 for those with master's or doctorate degrees), with significant differences based on age (P = 0.007) and education level (P = 0.025). No significant differences were observed based on gender, region of residence, or monthly family income.

Conclusions: There is a positive inclination toward lung cancer screening among the Saudi public, but there are significant knowledge gaps, particularly regarding nonsmoking-related risk factors and misconceptions, suggesting a need for enhanced public education and screening programs.