Awareness and Knowledge of Gastric Cancer in the General Population of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background/

Objectives

Gastric cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Saudi Arabia, where late-stage presentation is common. Public awareness of risk factors and warning symptoms is essential for early detection. This study assessed gastric cancer knowledge and its demographic correlates among adults in Jeddah.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey of 1400 adults was conducted between August and October 2025 using a structured 45-item questionnaire covering 37 knowledge items across four domains. Analyses used independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, chi-squared tests, and multivariable linear regression.

Results

The mean age was 31.34 ± 10.18 years; 53.8% were women. The mean total knowledge score was 18.94 ± 7.34/37 (51.2%). Domain scores were risk factors 4.95 ± 2.04/11 (45.0%), symptoms 4.54 ± 2.87/10 (45.4%), prevention 4.91 ± 2.09/10 (49.1%), and management 2.99 ± 1.95/6 (49.8%). Knowledge was associated with occupation (p < 0.001), with healthcare workers scoring highest (25.97 ± 5.56). Higher knowledge was also associated with education (p < 0.001), age (p = 0.003), and family or friend history of gastric cancer (p = 0.003), but not sex (p = 0.39). In multivariable analysis, educational attainment (β = 0.30) and healthcare-provider occupation (β = 0.23) were the strongest independent correlates of knowledge (both p < 0.001). Only 34% of respondents identified Helicobacter pylori as a risk factor.

Conclusions

Awareness of gastric cancer in Jeddah is suboptimal, particularly for risk factors and symptom recognition. Targeted interventions addressing risk factors, alarm symptoms, and dietary risks-delivered through primary care and community channels-may improve awareness and support earlier detection.