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. 2025 Mar 28:18:1069-1083.
doi: 10.2147/RMHP.S513016. eCollection 2025.

Public Awareness and Perceptions of Congenital Disabilities in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Fahad S Alshehri  1   2 , Ahmed M Ashour  1   2 , Nasser M Alorfi  1
Affiliations

Public Awareness and Perceptions of Congenital Disabilities in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Fahad S Alshehri et al. Risk Manag Healthc Policy. .

Abstract

Objective: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the public awareness, knowledge, and perception of congenital disabilities in Saudi Arabia, with a focus on identifying demographic factors that influence these perceptions.

Methods: A structured questionnaire was distributed to 1007 participants across various regions of Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire covered demographic information, knowledge of congenital disabilities, awareness of genetic and pharmacological risk factors, and engagement in preventive practices. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, correlation coefficients, and general linear modeling to understand the impact of demographic variables on awareness and preventive behaviors.

Results: The study showed moderate public awareness and knowledge about congenital disabilities, with 49.6% of respondents acknowledging awareness and only 8.3% demonstrating excellent understanding. Perceived risks associated with genetic and environmental factors were recognized by over half of the participants. The awareness did not consistently translate into engagement in preventive practices, which remained suboptimal across the population. Demographic factors such as age and having children significantly influenced both risk perception and engagement in preventive behaviors.

Conclusion: Despite moderate levels of awareness, there remains a significant gap in comprehensive knowledge and active engagement in preventive practices against congenital disabilities in Saudi Arabia. The findings suggest the need for targeted educational programs and public health initiatives to enhance understanding and proactive management of risk factors associated with congenital disabilities. These efforts should particularly focus on younger populations and those without children, where risk perception and engagement were lower.

Keywords: Saudi Arabia; congenital disabilities; preventive health behaviors; public awareness; risk perception.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Perceived Contributors to the Development of Congenital Disabilities Among Study Participants.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Public Familiarity with Different Types of Congenital Disabilities.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Perceptions of Risk Associated with Medications and Substances During Pregnancy.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Public Perceptions of Effective Strategies to Prevent Congenital Disabilities.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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