Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Strep Throat and Rheumatic Fever: A Cross-Sectional Study Among the United Arab Emirates Population.

BACKGROUND

Group A Streptococcus pharyngitis, or strep throat, can lead to rheumatic fever (RF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) if left untreated. While these conditions are a public health concern, limited evidence exists on public awareness in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study assessed the knowledge and attitudes toward strep throat and RF among UAE residents.

METHODS

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between September and November 2024 among adults aged ≥ 18 years. A 28-item questionnaire was distributed via social media platforms. Data were processed using SPSS, with bivariate and multivariate analyses applied to identify factors associated with knowledge levels.

RESULTS

Among the 462 respondents, 64.9% were female, and over half held a bachelor's degree or higher. Misconceptions were common: 47.4% believed cold water causes sore throat, and 53.7% reported using antibiotics for symptom relief, often without physician advice. Note that 60.6% had never heard of strep throat, and only 39.0% recognized its association with RF. While most participants identified joint pain as a symptom of RF, fewer recognized heart complications as a major consequence. The median knowledge score was -1 (interquartile range = 5), and none answered all questions correctly. Females, health care workers, and participants with comorbidities demonstrated significantly higher knowledge scores ( p  = 0.005, p  < 0.001, and p  = 0.049, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The study revealed limited public knowledge of strep throat and RF in the UAE, alongside inappropriate antibiotic use. Targeted awareness campaigns are urgently needed to address misconceptions, encourage appropriate health care-seeking behavior, and reduce the burden of RF and RHD.