Pancreatitis Prevention in Tabuk City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Evaluating Public Knowledge and Raising Awareness of Risk Factors and Symptoms

Pancreatitis, an inflammatory condition of the pancreas, is primarily caused by factors such as gallstones and excessive alcohol intake rather than infectious diseases. The pathogenesis and development of the disease may be influenced by complex gene-environment interactions, or they may impact them. The disease's pathogenesis and development are influenced by complex gene-environment interactions, leading to the concept of a disease continuum, replacing the notion of distinct disease entities. Notably, 30% of individuals with acute pancreatitis progress to a chronic condition, often involving recurrent pancreatitis in subsequent years [ 1 ]. Pancreatitis, both acute and chronic, is a prevalent condition affecting individuals globally. These diseases pose significant public health concerns due to their high mortality rates and the substantial financial burden they place on healthcare systems in numerous nations. Acute pancreatitis (AP), initially deemed self-limiting, has shown an increasing occurrence in Western countries, ranging from 5 to 10 cases per 100,000 to 70 to 80 cases per 100,000 [ 2 ]. Recurrent AP (RAP) serves as an intermediate stage between AP and CP, as proposed by an evolving disease theory. While most studies on this topic have been conducted in Western nations, some have delved into the natural progression of pancreatitis, including the risk and preventive factors contributing to the transition from AP to RAP and CP. Notably, smoking, in addition to alcohol consumption, stands out as a significant risk factor for CP and is believed to expedite the development of alcoholic CP [ 3 , 4 ]. Gallstones, along with alcoholism, constitute one of the most prevalent causes of acute pancreatitis, accounting for the underlying etiology in 30%-50% of cases. Cross-sectional studies of pancreatitis patients reveal that the biliary etiology of pancreatitis is more prevalent in women, primarily due to the higher incidence of gallbladder stones among women than men [ 5 ]. Gallstones can be found in up to 20% of adults and predispose individuals to either gallbladder or biliary tract stones. Remarkably, while 75% of individuals with gallbladder stones remain asymptomatic, 8% of those with gallstones eventually suffer from acute pancreatitis [ 6 ]. Regardless of their original location, acute pancreatitis often serves as the initial indication of biliary stones. Although most patients with biliary acute pancreatitis recover fully after a moderate edematous pancreatitis episode, 15%-30% of individuals experience severe necrotizing pancreatitis, requiring immediate care and multiple treatment approaches. Gallstones that have been affected in the duodenal papilla and block the pancreatic duct's outflow cause acute pancreatitis. This causes a rise in pancreatic pressure, sometimes only momentarily, but also damages acinar cells and starts the disease [ 7 , 8 ]. Fever, a marker of infection or inflammation; hypovolemia; Cullen's and Grey-Turner's signs, which indicate hemorrhagic pancreatitis; tetany due to hypocalcemia; and fulminant pancreatitis are all warning signs of pancreatitis. An acute pancreatitis diagnosis must include a fever. In the first week, inflammatory cytokines are responsible for mediating it. Infection of necrotic tissues might cause fever to develop in the second or third week. Pleural effusion can also happen in some patients [ 9 ]. The diagnosis of acute pancreatitis is based on typical abdominal discomfort, a threefold increase in blood amylase or lipase levels, and positive cross-sectional abdominal imaging results [ 10 , 11 ]. Patients who develop pancreatitis may face severe health consequences, including high morbidity and mortality rates. Acute pancreatitis can result in severe complications such as pancreatic necrosis, infections in nearby tissues, abscess formation, sepsis, and multiple organ failure, accompanied by intense abdominal pain. Chronic pancreatitis can cause the gradual deterioration of pancreatic tissue, leading to the loss of both the exocrine and endocrine functions of the pancreas. This deterioration can result in dietary deficiencies, diabetes mellitus, and nutrient malabsorption [ 12 ]. The literature on knowledge and attitudes regarding the assessment of pancreatitis in Saudi Arabia is limited. Therefore, the objective of this study is to fill this knowledge gap and enhance our understanding of this subject.

The demographic information reveals that the total number of participants was 549, with an age range of 18 to above 60 years old. Females represented: n=260, 47.4%, while males accounted for n=289, 52.6% in Table  1 . N: Number of participants; %: Percentage of participants According to Table 2 , it is evident that the participants exhibited inadequate knowledge regarding the risk factors and symptoms of pancreatitis. Specifically, 508 participants (92.5%) reported never being diagnosed with pancreatitis, while 474 (86.3%) had no family history of pancreatitis. Additionally, 352 (64.1%) of the participants indicated that they had not received any information about pancreatitis and its risk factors. N: Number of participants; %: Percentage of participants As depicted in Table  3 , we observed an inadequate response to the question: "Have you ever participated in any educational programs or campaigns regarding pancreatitis?" The majority indicated no participation (n=452, 82.3%). However, when it comes to the importance of increased awareness of pancreatitis and its risk factors for early detection and prevention, participants demonstrated adequate agreement (n=483, 88%). Moreover, when asked about their willingness to seek medical attention if they experienced any symptoms of pancreatitis, a significant number responded affirmatively (n=305, 55.6%). Regarding efforts to increase awareness about pancreatitis, most participants indicated that social media campaigns are the most effective tool (n=477, 86.89%). N: Number of participants; %: Percentage of participants According to the results in Table 4 , a highly significant association was observed between male and female responses. This association was evident in the following questions: "Do you experience any of the following symptoms?", "Have you ever had gallstones?" "Have you ever sought medical attention for any of the above symptoms?" and "How likely are you to seek medical attention if you experience any of the symptoms associated with pancreatitis?" (p = <0.0001, 0.007, 0.001, and 0.007, respectively). Additionally, a significant association was noticed in the question: "In your opinion, what methods could be used to increase awareness about pancreatitis and its risk factors?" (p=0.034). However, non-significant associations were observed with other variables. ***p<0.001 is statistically significant. The chi-square test was computed. **p<0.01 is statistically significant. The chi-square test was computed. *p<0.05 is statistically significant. The chi-square test was computed. F is Fisher’s exact test.

Pancreatitis is an inflammatory disorder of the pancreas caused by factors such as gallstones and excessive alcohol use rather than infectious organisms. Complex gene-environment interactions may initiate or influence the development and progression of the illness. The commonly held belief that acute, recurrent, and chronic pancreatitis are distinct disease entities has given way to the notion of a disease continuum: 30% of acute pancreatitis patients may develop a chronic form, often with overlap with recurrent pancreatitis in the intervening years [ 1 ]. Acute pancreatitis is becoming more common in Saudi Arabia, with a prevalence rate of 23.5 cases per 100,000 people. Early diagnosis and treatment of pancreatitis are crucial to preventing significant complications [ 13 ]. Our study included 549 individuals aged 18 and above. Among them, 260 (47.4%) were females, while 289 (52.6%) were males. Chronic pancreatitis (CP) predominantly affects middle-aged individuals, whereas the risk of acute pancreatitis (AP) gradually increases with age [ 14 ]. Although pancreatitis is uncommon in individuals under the age of 20, pediatric patients are increasingly being diagnosed with the condition [ 15 ]. The male gender is associated with increased mortality, even though the prevalence of AP is the same in both men and women [ 16 ]. Furthermore, men are more likely to experience recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP), which can lead to CP as it involves the repair of necrotic tissue with fibrotic tissue. Consequently, men develop CP at a higher rate than women, with 12 cases per 100,000 compared to 6 cases per 100,000, respectively [ 3 , 17 , 18 ]. Most of the participants demonstrated insufficient awareness regarding their participation in educational programs or campaigns related to pancreatitis (n=452, 82.3%). Additionally, they exhibited inadequate knowledge of the risk factors and symptoms of pancreatitis. These findings are consistent with a cross-sectional study conducted by Mehmood et al. in 2019, which revealed that most residents had a poorer understanding of diagnostic workup plans and actions compared to management strategies. Furthermore, as indicated by Mehmood et al. in 2019, the need for more educational programs is crucial to enhancing understanding of clinical practice standards for the early management of acute pancreatitis (AP) [ 19 ]. A highly significant association was observed between gender categories and the symptoms of pancreatitis. Furthermore, a significant relationship was identified between seeking medical attention and experiencing symptoms of pancreatitis. However, a non-significant difference was noted between males and females regarding the receipt of information about pancreatitis and its risk factors, where inadequate information was noticed. These findings contrast with a study conducted at Umm Al-Qura University in Saudi Arabia, which stated that "the majority of students have a good level of awareness compared to their level of knowledge" [ 13 ]. A study conducted by Patil SV et al. in 2018 supported our findings. They stated that "our findings suggest that students were not familiar with the basic interventional knowledge of acute pancreatitis, indicating a need for further investigation" [ 20 ]. The results from our participants indicate that the most effective way to increase awareness about pancreatitis and its risk factors is through social media campaigns, followed by educational seminars and workshops. Some other studies also support our findings, as demonstrated by Jastaniah S., et al. in 2022 [ 13 ]. However, it's important to note the limitations of this study, including the lack of knowledge about pancreatitis among the participants and the fact that it is a single-center study with a small sample size. To address these limitations, participants may benefit from more education about guidelines for the early detection and management of pancreatitis. This could be achieved by organizing educational lectures and campaigns to enhance awareness and knowledge about pancreatitis. Collaborating with healthcare professionals and organizations can provide valuable resources for these educational initiatives.

Globally, substantial efforts are underway to enhance our understanding of pancreatitis. Timely diagnosis and intervention for acute pancreatitis are crucial in preventing a range of complications. The participants in this study demonstrated insufficient knowledge and awareness of pancreatitis. It is imperative to intensify efforts aimed at enhancing knowledge and awareness among the population in Tabuk City. This can be achieved through lectures in schools and universities, as well as through broader awareness campaigns. Research on pancreatitis is notably limited; therefore, additional studies should be initiated in various regions of the kingdom to augment understanding, awareness, and identification of risk factors related to pancreatitis.

Study design This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness of pancreatitis risk factors and symptoms among the general population in Tabuk City, KSA. It was conducted as an observational study involving data collection from June 1, 2023, to August 30, 2023. Study area Tabuk City is located in the northwestern region of Saudi Arabia and has an approximate population of 534,893 people, according to recent data from Saudi Arabia's General Authority for Statistics. Study population The study included all adults aged 18 years or older residing in Tabuk City who willingly participated. Exclusions were made for individuals with pancreatic diseases or cognitive impairments. Sample size The sample size was determined using the following formula: 𝑛 = 𝑍²𝑝(1−𝑝) / 𝑑², where n = sample size, Z = confidence level (using a 1.96), p = 50% (to obtain the largest sample size, as the population distribution was not known), and d = 0.05 (margin of error). The calculation yielded 𝑛 = 1.96² x 0.5 (1-0.5) / 0.05² = 384; however, the sample size was increased to 549 to ensure the sample's representativeness. Sampling technique The sampling technique used for this study was random sampling. Participants were selected randomly from a variety of locations in community centers, including waiting areas at King Salman Hospital, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, King Khalid Hospital, Prince Sultan Hospital, and Primary Health Care Centers, Tabuk University, Prince Sultan University, Prince Fahad Bin Sultan Park, Tabuk Park Mall, Algarawi Centre, Alhokair Mall, Tabuk Boulevard, Grand Mall, Gallery Mall, Milagro Boutique, and AlSanabil Mall. This method aimed to ensure the sample's representativeness and sufficient participation. Data collection tools Data were collected through structured interviews using a questionnaire designed to fulfill the study's objectives and research questions (Appendix). The questionnaire, initially prepared in English, underwent rigorous review and revision by professionals. Data collectors were trained to translate questions into Arabic consistently. A pilot study with 25 participants not eligible for inclusion assessed the questionnaire's clarity and validity, resulting in a satisfactory Cronbach's alpha value of 0.74, indicating reliability. Data analysis plan The data was analyzed using IBM Corp. Released 2019. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp. Descriptive statistics were employed to summarize the data. The chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were utilized to examine the relationship between knowledge and awareness of pancreatitis risk factors and symptoms and demographic characteristics. A test with a p-value of 0.05 or less was considered statistically significant. Ethical consideration The Institutional Review Board (IRB) of King Salman Armed Forces Hospital granted ethical permission for this study (approval number: KSAFH-REC-2023-512). Participants provided verbal informed consent before participation, and their responses were collected and processed confidentially to ensure optimal privacy.