THE BURDEN OF HERNIAS: RISK FACTORS AND PREVALENCE ASSESSMENT IN SAUDI ARABIA
Abstract
Background: Hernias, characterized by the protrusion of an organ through a body wall, are a prevalent surgical condition with various types including inguinal, incisional, femoral, umbilical, and hiatal. Predisposing factors range from lifestyle choices such as weightlifting and smoking to non-modifiable factors like age and family history. Despite the global prevalence of hernias and the significant number of annual surgeries, there is a lack of data specific to the Saudi population. Objective: This study aims to determine the prevalence of hernias. It also investigates the factors that associated with a hernia in Saudi Arabia. Methodology: An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted across various regions of Saudi Arabia from July 2024 to November 2024. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from adult participants recruited via social media platforms. The sample size was calculated to ensure a 95% confidence level and a 5% margin of error. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: Data were collected from 767 participants, revealing a predominantly young population with a mean age of 29.5 years. Notably, 9.8% reported a hernia diagnosis, primarily inguinal (33.3%) and umbilical (28%). A significant 21.1% had a family history of hernias, suggesting potential genetic or environmental links. The analysis indicated significant associations between hernia diagnosis and factors such as age, marital status, occupation, and smoking status. Despite a low hernia prevalence, the findings underscore the need for targeted health interventions, particularly given that over half of the diagnosed participants experienced pain or discomfort. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study highlights the relatively low prevalence of hernias in the Saudi population, with significant associations identified for various demographic and lifestyle factors.