Knowledge and Attitude Towards Total Knee Arthroplasty Among Health Education Students in Saudi Arabia

Objectives: Total knee Arthroplasty (TKA) is considered the treatment of choice for knee osteoarthritis, and health educators can assist patients to choose the most appropriate treatment plan. This research aims to measure knowledge of and attitudevs towards TKA among health education students, as they are the health educators of the future. Methods: A cross sectional design was used to study 227 health education students from four Saudi universities that offered a health education program. A questionnaire was distributed to eligible participants during the 7-month study period (20 September 2017 until 17 April 2018). Data were analyzed using SPSS. A chi-square test to measure the association between the different groups in terms of categorical variables and a Spearman’s correlation test were conducted. Poor knowledge rated as 0-49%; fair knowledge 50-74%; and good knowledge 75-100%. A total score of more than 7.2 indicated positive attitude, more than 4.6-7.2 neutral attitude and less than 4.6 negative attitude. Results: Of all participants, 71.40% had poor knowledge of TKA, while 76.20% had a neutral attitude towards it. Participant’s level of knowledge was significantly associated with having previously heard about TKA and having a family member who had undergone surgery. Participants’ attitude was significantly associated with having previously heard about TKA. Conclusions: Overall, knowledge of TKA was poor, and attitude towards it was neutral. A correlation was found between participants’ level of knowledge and attitude. Further studies for exploration are needed among health-care professionals including orthopedic surgeons and health educators.