Perception and Awareness about Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip in Children among Pregnant Ladies in the Aseer Region, Southwestern Saudi Arabia

Background: Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is classified as a group of malformations, varying from abnormal acetabulum (dysplasia) and mild subluxation of the femoral head to fixed displacement (congenital dislocation). This study aimed to assess the knowledge level and its determinants regarding DDH in children among pregnant females in the Aseer region of southwestern Saudi Arabia. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted targeting all pregnant females in the Aseer region between 1 February 2021 and 1 May 2021. A pre-structured online questionnaire was constructed by the researchers to obtain the participating females' bio-demographic data (including age, education status, and obstetric history) and awareness regarding DDH. The last section asked for their source of information regarding DDH. Results: A total of 253 pregnant females (aged between 18 and 45 years; mean age = 30.5 ± 10.2 years) fulfilling the inclusion criteria completed the study questionnaire. About 5% of the females reported having a child with DDH, and 166 (65.6%) pregnant females knew about DDH. Additionally, 110 (43.5%) females reported that they know about how DDH is treated, and 99 (39.1%) knew about DDH complications. The most commonly reported source of information was relatives and friends (44.3%), followed by social media (11.9%) and study and work (7.1%). Conclusions: Pregnant females in the Aseer region have poor knowledge and awareness about DDH and its causes, treatment modalities, and complications. Higher knowledge was associated with either high parity or having a child with DDH.