THE AWARENESS AND PERCEPTIONS OF THE IMPACT OF TONSILLECTOMY ON THE LEVEL OF IMMUNITY AND AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES AMONG THE ADULT POPULATION IN SAUDI ARABIA

Abstract

Background: Among such widely practiced surgical interventions in children, adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy are certainly performed most frequently, especially when done concomitantly, for recurrent throat infections and related states. Many studies have documented positive short-term consequences of tonsillectomy but there is little understanding of what happens to immune function, and whether those consequences may cause later development of autoimmune diseases in adulthood. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the awareness and perceptions of the adult population in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with respect to the immune system related effect of tonsillectomy and the association to any autoimmune disease. Methods: This was carried out by way of a cross-section survey of a structured questionnaire countered by way of social media platforms from October 2023 to October 2024. It covered the Saudis aged 18 and older, and consisted of 730 adult Saudis. Participants’ knowledge, attitudes and beliefs with regard to tonsillectomy’s effects on immunity and autoimmune disease were assessed using data collected. Results: This demographic analysis showed that 43.6 percent under age 24 and 68.8 percent female. Less direct experience had been with 19.2% who had tonsillectomy. A large proportion (47.7%) were uncertain about the effect of the surgery on respiratory infections, and 40.0% were uncertain about postoperative healthcare visits. Of note, 52.9 % of respondents thought that tonsillectomy is detrimental to the immune function, and 75.6 % did not know much of its concomitant impairment. Results were statistically significant (P=0.037) between knowledge levels at one month and educational attainment. Conclusion: This confirms that the public is vastly ignorant when it comes to understanding the long-lasting impacts of tonsillectomy on immunity and autoimmune diseases. The misinterpretation of risks and benefits of the procedure amongst most participants necessitates the use of targeted initiatives aimed at educating them and putting to rest their concerns. Informed decision-making regarding tonsillectomy is of paramount importance, which is made possible through enhanced public education, and will lead to better patient health outcomes and better quality of life.