Society's Misconceptions About Intra-articular Injections: A Cross-Sectional Study From Saudi Arabia

Abdullah Alshahrani; Saud M Alzahrani; Abdulmalik B Albaker; Ali H Alkhaldi; Ismail Almogbil; Naif M Alshaeri; Raghad Mahdi M Al-Awn; Mohammad A Alharbi

doi:10.7759/cureus.50285

Society's Misconceptions About Intra-articular Injections: A Cross-Sectional Study From Saudi Arabia

Cureus. 2023 Dec 10;15(12):e50285. doi: 10.7759/cureus.50285. eCollection 2023 Dec.

Authors

Abdullah Alshahrani¹, Saud M Alzahrani², Abdulmalik B Albaker³, Ali H Alkhaldi⁴, Ismail Almogbil⁵, Naif M Alshaeri⁶, Raghad Mahdi M Al-Awn⁷, Mohammad A Alharbi⁸

Affiliations

¹ Orthopedic Surgery, Medicine, Qassim University, Qassim, SAU.
² Orthopaedic Surgery, Prince Meshari Bin Saud General Baljarshi Hospital, Al Baha, SAU.
³ Orthopaedics, Medicine, Majmaah University, Majmaah, SAU.
⁴ Medicine, South Al-Qunfudhah Hospital, Al Qunfudhah, SAU.
⁵ Surgery, Unaizah College of Medicine and Medical Sciencese, Qassim University, Buraidah, SAU.
⁶ Orthopedic Surgery, South Al-Qunfudhah Hospital, Al Qunfudhah, SAU.
⁷ Medicine and Surgery, King Khalid University Hospital, Abha, SAU.
⁸ Orthopaedic Surgery, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, SAU.

Abstract

Objective This cross-sectional study aimed to identify and analyze misconceptions prevalent in Saudi Arabian society regarding intra-articular injections and their sources. It also sought to explore factors influencing patients' decision-making in the context of osteoarthritis (OA) treatment. Methods A sample of 405 adult participants from various educational backgrounds residing in Saudi Arabia completed a self-administered questionnaire. The survey focused on participants' knowledge about intra-articular injections, their sources of information, and their beliefs and perceptions related to these injections. Results The study unveiled a significant lack of awareness among the participants, with almost half (48.4%) reporting no knowledge of intra-articular injections. Of all, 16.1% held misconceptions about these injections, including believing that they are painful or they liquify the bone. Participants expressed varied thoughts on the effects of intra-articular injections, with 69.6% associating them with short-term pain relief. While 60.2% disagreed that intra-articular injections could provide long-term pain relief, 65.2% believed that these injections could delay the need for surgery. The source of knowledge varied, with 34.4% relying on orthopedics and 32.5% on friends and relatives. In those who had received intra-articular injections (n = 62), 83.9% cited the desire to delay or avoid surgery as a reason. While 56.5% were very satisfied with their doctor's guidance, 46.8% expressed concerns about relying on injections in the future. Furthermore, educational levels were correlated with knowledge, highlighting the need for more accessible and tailored patient education materials. However, even among those with a university education, misconceptions persisted. Effective patient-doctor communication was associated with secondary or university education (χ² = 11.05, p = 0.011). Conclusion The prevalence of misconceptions regarding intra-articular injections in Saudi Arabia underscores the need for comprehensive patient education and improved communication between healthcare providers and patients. Addressing these misconceptions is essential for empowering patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare and enhancing the overall quality of care they receive. This study's findings have implications not only for Saudi Arabia but also for healthcare systems globally, emphasizing the significance of patient-centered care and informed decision-making.

Keywords: intra-articular steroid injections; knee osteo-arthritis; local steroid injection; multiple intra-articular injections; society's misconceptions.