Assessing Parental Awareness and Knowledge of Testicular Torsion in Majmaah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Testicular torsion, an infrequent yet grave urological condition, manifests with intense pain and swelling, necessitating prompt diagnosis and immediate treatment within a narrow timeframe, typically ranging from 6 to 8 hours. This study aims to comprehensively evaluate parental understanding of testicular torsion, pinpointing areas for targeted educational interventions. Material and methods: A descriptive crosssectional community-based study was conducted. The study was conducted among parents residing in Al Majmaah Governorate, Saudi Arabia, which is situated in the center of the Kingdom within the Al-Riyad Region. Al Majmaah, known as the capital of the Sudair region in Najd and its largest city, spans an area of 30,000 square kilometers with a population exceeding 133,285 individuals. All parents meeting the inclusion criteria, including residency in Al Majmaah Governorate, age 18 and above, and willingness to participate, were involved in the study, while those not meeting these criteria were excluded. The sample size calculation, utilizing a probability sampling formula, determined a requirement of 425 participants, considering a 95% confidence level and a 10% non-response rate. The study duration spanned six months, from July 2023 to December 2023. Results: The majority of respondents fell within the age range of 18-35 years, with 41.4% aged 18-25 and 26.7% aged 26-35. Older age groups were represented by 23.8% aged 36-45, 6.2% aged 46-55, and only 1.9% aged over 55 years. Females constituted 61.4% of the sample, while males accounted for 38.6%. Saudi nationals comprised the majority (92.4%) of participants, with non-Saudis making up the remaining 7.6%. Mothers, fathers, and other relatives represented 34.3%, 24.8%, and 41.0%, respectively, in terms of their relationship to the child. When faced with scrotal pain, a significant portion (45.2%) indicated immediate hospital visits during working hours, rising to 61.9% over weekends, reflecting a heightened sense of urgency. The perception of scrotal pain seriousness varied, with severe pain and testicular changes identified as key indicators by the majority, while 19.0% relied on past pain severity knowledge. Conclusion: This study illuminates key demographic factors associated with variations in awareness levels, and it underscores the pressing need for sustained efforts to enhance public understanding of testicular torsion.