Hypothesis and Holistic Knowledge of Testicular Torsion Among the General Population of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Waleed K Alghuyaythat; Mohammad Alkhamees; Abdulaziz S Alanazi; Khalid F Alotaibi; Ahmed M Kaseb; Abdulaziz M Alanazi; Murad M Almutairi; Faisal K Alhusini; Abdulrahman N Almutairi; Bassam M Aldhafeeri; Abdullah O Aldahash; Saad R Aljameely; Mohammad O Alenazi

doi:10.7759/cureus.51194

Hypothesis and Holistic Knowledge of Testicular Torsion Among the General Population of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Cureus. 2023 Dec 27;15(12):e51194. doi: 10.7759/cureus.51194. eCollection 2023 Dec.

Affiliations

¹ College of Medicine, Majmaah University, Al-Majmaah, SAU.
² Department of Urology, College of Medicine, Majmaah University, Al-Majmaah, SAU.
³ Department of Medicine, Majmaah University, Al-Majmaah, SAU.
⁴ Department of Family Medicine, King Khalid General Hospital, Hafr Al-Batin, SAU.
⁵ Department of Ear, Nose, and Throat, Northern Border University, Arar, SAU.

Abstract

Background Testicular torsion is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. It occurs when the spermatic cord, which carries blood to the testicles, twists, reducing blood flow and oxygen to the testicle. This can lead to tissue death and loss of the testis if not treated promptly. It is important to seek medical attention immediately when symptoms of testicular torsion arise, as prompt treatment can help prevent permanent damage to the testicle. This study aimed to explore the level of knowledge about testicular torsion among the general population in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methodology A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenience sample recruited from the general population who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The data were collected from participants using an electronic pre-structured questionnaire. The researchers developed the questionnaire through expert consultation and after an intensive literature review. The questionnaire was reviewed by a panel of three experts for validation and applicability. After a pilot study, the reliability coefficient (Cronbach's alpha) was 0.74. The data were analyzed using SSPS version 25 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) and presented as percentages and frequencies. Chi-square and logistic regression were conducted. P-values ≤0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results A total of 732 participants were recruited, most of whom were male (486, 66.4%), with ages ranging between 18 and 30 years (452, 61.7%). Regarding testicular torsion knowledge, more than half of the participants had good knowledge (406, 55.5%) and knew about the signs, symptoms, and risk factors of testicular torsion. There was a statistically significant relationship between age and knowledge (p < 0.001) and an insignificant relationship between sex and knowledge (p > 0.05). Conclusions The study participants were found to have good knowledge. Fortunately, most participants knew that testicular torsion is an emergency and they must immediately visit the hospital. With further awareness programs, the overall knowledge level can be improved.

Keywords: emergency; knowledge; saudi arabia; testicular torsion; urology; urology department.