Assessment of knowledge and awareness about ovarian cancer and its risk factors among women in Jazan, Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the fourth leading cancer form in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. However, limited awareness and delayed healthcare-seeking behaviors might negatively impact screening uptake and early diagnosis. This study aimed to assess awareness and knowledge of OC, and related risk factors among the female population of Jazan region, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted asking questions about the general awareness, knowledge, and awareness of risk factors associated with OC using a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and Pearson's correlation analysis were used to analyze the data and a p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Of the 465 participants, 433 completed the questionnaire (response rate = 93%). Internal reliability of questionnaire sections was found acceptable (Cronbach's alpha = 0.794, 0.738, and 0.816). Alarmingly, a significant majority of respondents exhibited poor general awareness (85%), poor knowledge (89.1%), and poor awareness of risk factors (86.1%). Only a small tested population showed good to moderate awareness (14.9%), knowledge (10.9%), and awareness of risk factors (13.8%). Significant positive correlations were observed between OC awareness and knowledge (r = 0.60, p < 0.01), OC awareness and risk factor awareness (r = 0.515, p < 0.01), as well as between knowledge and risk factor awareness (r = 0.634, p < 0.01). Limited awareness of OC and its risk factors were noted in the women population of Jazan region which highlights the importance and critical need for targeted educational initiatives aimed to improve the general public understanding and to promote preventive and screening measures.