Abstract
Background: Club foot, is a congenital structural deformity characterized by hindfoot equines, midfoot cavus, and forefoot adduction. It is the most common musculoskeletal birth defect worldwide with males being more affected than females. Without treatment, clubfoot may lead to lifelong disability. Population awareness regarding clubfoot has a significant role in early diagnosis and management of the disorder.
Aim: to assess the general population awareness regarding club foot in Aseer region, southern Saudi Arabia.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional approach was used targeting all population in Aseer region. The study was conducted during the period from December 2019 to April 2020, Data were collected using structured questionnaire which included person's socio-demographic data, and participants' awareness regarding club foot, The questionnaire was uploaded online using social media platforms. Results: A total of 744 participants were included in the survey from the general population in Aseer region. Participants' ages ranged from 18 to 55 years old and males were 375 (51.2%). As for club foot risk factors, 314 (42.2%) participants reported genetic factors followed by Fetal malpresentation (222; 29.8%), neurological disorders (124; 16.7%), and twin pregnancy (69;9.3%). Totally, good awareness level was recorded among a very low percentage of the surveyed population.
Conclusions & recommendations: In conclusion, the survey revealed that public awareness regarding club foot in Aseer region was very low especially among females with a high level of education. Health care providers had no role in improving this public awareness.