Public knowledge and attitude toward lumbar puncture among adults in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate knowledge of and attitudes toward the lumbar puncture procedure among adults in Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia, 2018. Methods: This study used a quantitative cross-sectional evaluation of the responses of adults aged ⩾18 years from the Saudi Telecom Company database in the Riyadh region of Saudi Arabia to an online survey between October and December 2018. The questionnaire included questions on knowledge, attitudes, and demography. The questionnaire was pretested and validated (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.701). Results: Of 1500 questionnaires, 1223 (81.5%) were returned and included in the analysis. In the study, 57.7% of the participants were aged 18–25 years, and 58.5% of the participants were females. Only 235 (19.2%) participants had an accepted knowledge level of lumbar puncture. The attitudes of the majority of the participants ( n = 1151, 94%) to lumbar puncture were acceptable. A multivariate logistic regression test revealed a significant association between an acceptable knowledge level and acceptable attitude level (odds ratio = 2.30, 95% confidence interval = 1.06–5.66). A significant association was also found with ages over 46 years old (odds ratio = 12.99, 95% confidence interval = 4.45–37.9). The attitudes level toward lumbar puncture had a significant negative association among the participants who had a fear of injections in the lumbar region (odds ratio = 0.46, 95% confidence interval = 0.3–0.68). Conclusion: There is a lack of appropriate knowledge of the lumbar puncture procedure among the public which predict an unacceptable attitude toward lumbar puncture. Improvements in public education could improve public awareness of the clinical importance/value and complications of lumbar puncture.

Education and Message Framing Increase Willingness to Undergo Research Lumbar Puncture: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…A recent study found that a poor understanding of the LP was associated with negative attitudes about the procedure (21). Interventions designed specifically to demystify the LP and to address post procedure side-effects may normalize the procedure and improve enrollment rates.…”

Lumbar Puncture in Saudi Arabia: Knowledge, Awareness, Acceptance and its Refusal Among Health Professionals

“…12 There was also a significant correlation according to age, notably 46 years and over. 12 The attitudes toward LP were markedly negative among those who feared injections in the lumbar region. There is a lack of sufficient public knowledge of the LP technique, and the general public knowledge suggests that LP is unacceptable.…”

“…aimed to assess the awareness and attitudes of people in the area of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia regarding LP. 12 A significant combination between acceptable level of information and an acceptable level of attitude were found via a multivariate logistic regression. 12 There was also a significant correlation according to age, notably 46 years and over.…”

“…12 A significant combination between acceptable level of information and an acceptable level of attitude were found via a multivariate logistic regression. 12 There was also a significant correlation according to age, notably 46 years and over. 12 The attitudes toward LP were markedly negative among those who feared injections in the lumbar region.…”

“…9 Thus, depending on cultural values, location, and level of awareness, parental actions regarding the LP procedure may be different. 12 However, concerns about performing LP examinations on adults are not well studied and need to be evaluated. In Saudi Arabia, a recent study by Abdulrahman et al.…”