Abstract
Introduction Tonsils are part of the immune system, but recurrent tonsillitis may necessitate tonsillectomy. While studies show that tonsillectomy reduces throat infections and improves quality of life, it does not significantly affect immunity or increase the risk of autoimmune diseases. Despite this, misconceptions about its impact persist. This study aimed to assess awareness of the procedure's effects on immunity and autoimmune diseases in the adult population of the Qassim Region. Methods This cross-sectional study used data from a sample of 383 adults living in the Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia. An online self-administered questionnaire was distributed through social media platforms. The questionnaire included socio-demographic information (e.g., age, gender, occupation) and various questions to assess the population's awareness and perceptions of the impact of tonsillectomy on immunity and autoimmune diseases. Participants completed the questionnaire anonymously. Results Of the 383 participants, 65 (17.0%) had undergone tonsillectomy. Nearly half (209; 54.6%) believed that tonsillectomy affects immunity while about one-third (141; 36.8%) thought there was a relationship between tonsillectomy and autoimmune diseases. The most common sources of information about tonsillectomy were healthcare professionals (95, 24.8%), followed by social media (91, 23.5%) and community members (88, 23%). Statistically significant associations were found between education level, occupation, monthly income, and awareness of the impact of tonsillectomy on immunity. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that participants with a bachelor's degree or higher were 1.63 times more likely to be aware of the impact of tonsillectomy on immunity (AOR = 1.632; 95% CI = 1.023-2.604; p = 0.040) compared to those with lower education. However, no significant associations were found between occupation or monthly income and awareness of the impact of tonsillectomy on immunity after adjusting for these factors (p > 0.05). Conclusion The study found that the adult population's awareness of the impact of tonsillectomy on immunity was inadequate. Public awareness programs and social media could play a crucial role in dispelling misconceptions about the procedure's effects on immunity and autoimmune diseases. There is also a need for further educational interventions to challenge and correct public misconceptions about the relationship between tonsillectomy, immunity, and autoimmune diseases.