Exploring perceptions, awareness, and healthcare-seeking behaviors related to muscle weakness among Saudi adults: a cross-sectional study.
7 affiliations
- 1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia. [email protected].
- 2King Salman Center for Disability Research, Riyadh, 11614, Saudi Arabia. [email protected].
- 3King Salman Center for Disability Research, Riyadh, 11614, Saudi Arabia.
- 4Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia.
- 5Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
- 6Third Riyadh Health Cluster, Huraymila General Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- 7Family Medicine Department, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Abstract
Background
Muscle weakness is a common health concern that can significantly affect quality of life. Understanding public awareness, perceptions, and healthcare-seeking behaviors is important for early detection and management. This study aimed to assess awareness, perceptions, and healthcare-seeking behaviors related to muscle weakness among Saudi adults.Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1,000 adults in Saudi Arabia between August and October 2025. A structured questionnaire assessed knowledge of muscle weakness, perceived causes and symptoms, attitudes toward treatment, and healthcare-seeking behaviors. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to examine associations between demographic factors and awareness-related outcomes.Results
A total of 1,000 participants completed the survey. Only 27.8% reported having heard of muscle weakness as a medical condition. Perceptions of susceptibility and severity as well as consequences showed considerable variability with uncertainty evident across most domains. Attitudes toward seeking medical advice and adopting preventive behaviors were mixed, with many participants expressing uncertainty or low likelihood of action. Although some respondents reported willingness to encourage others to seek care and to make lifestyle changes, a substantial proportion remained hesitant or unsure. Approximately one-third of participants reported personal or indirect experience with muscle weakness with impacts on daily life included increased dependence and frequent healthcare utilization. Statistically significant differences were observed in the distribution of responses across knowledge, perception, attitude, and experience domains (p < 0.05 in selected items).Conclusions
Among Saudi adults, there is substantial variability in perceptions, attitudes, and personal or indirect experience on muscle weakness as a medical condition. There are persistent gaps in health literacy and uncertainty regarding symptom recognition and severity appraisal or appropriate healthcare-seeking behavior. Accordingly, there is a need for targeted public health interventions to improve awareness and promote early recognition of muscle weakness through primary care services and trusted digital platforms.
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BibTeX
@article{ashour2026exploring,
title = {{Exploring perceptions, awareness, and healthcare-seeking behaviors related to muscle weakness among Saudi adults: a cross-sectional study.}},
author = {Ahmed M Ashour and Ali M Alshahrani and Bader A Alhazmi and Aliah Alhayyan and Rawan Alhayyan},
journal = {BMC public health},
year = {2026},
month = aug,
doi = {10.1186/s12889-026-28692-4},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42958168},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Exploring perceptions, awareness, and healthcare-seeking behaviors related to muscle weakness among Saudi adults: a cross-sectional study.
AU - Ahmed M Ashour
AU - Ali M Alshahrani
AU - Bader A Alhazmi
AU - Aliah Alhayyan
AU - Rawan Alhayyan
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/08/03
JO - BMC public health
DO - 10.1186/s12889-026-28692-4
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42958168
AB - Background Muscle weakness is a common health concern that can significantly affect quality of life. Understanding public awareness, perceptions, and healthcare-seeking behaviors is important for early detection and management. This study aimed to assess awareness, perceptions, and healthcare-seeking behaviors related to muscle weakness among Saudi adults.Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1,000 adults in Saudi Arabia between August and October 2025. A structured questionnaire assessed knowledge of muscle weakness, perceived causes and symptoms, attitudes toward treatment, and healthcare-seeking behaviors. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to examine associations between demographic factors and awareness-related outcomes.Results A total of 1,000 participants completed the survey. Only 27.8% reported having heard of muscle weakness as a medical condition. Perceptions of susceptibility and severity as well as consequences showed considerable variability with uncertainty evident across most domains. Attitudes toward seeking medical advice and adopting preventive behaviors were mixed, with many participants expressing uncertainty or low likelihood of action. Although some respondents reported willingness to encourage others to seek care and to make lifestyle changes, a substantial proportion remained hesitant or unsure. Approximately one-third of participants reported personal or indirect experience with muscle weakness with impacts on daily life included increased dependence and frequent healthcare utilization. Statistically significant differences were observed in the distribution of responses across knowledge, perception, attitude, and experience domains (p < 0.05 in selected items).Conclusions Among Saudi adults, there is substantial variability in perceptions, attitudes, and personal or indirect experience on muscle weakness as a medical condition. There are persistent gaps in health literacy and uncertainty regarding symptom recognition and severity appraisal or appropriate healthcare-seeking behavior. Accordingly, there is a need for targeted public health interventions to improve awareness and promote early recognition of muscle weakness through primary care services and trusted digital platforms.
SN - 1471-2458
ER -