The Diverse Utility of Contrast Media Delivery and Dosing During Computed Tomography: An International Assessment of Knowledge and Practices

BACKGROUND

Despite the escalated production rate, the Iodinated Contrast Media (ICM) shortage continues, and demand outweighs supply.

AIM

The aim of this study is to investigate the knowledge and practice of ICM delivery in computed tomography (CT) among radiographers and radiologic technologists worldwide.

METHODS

An IRB-approved cross-sectional survey used Google Forms for data collection. It involved 94 CT radiographers from 27 countries and was divided into five sections. The first section gathered demographic information, followed by sections on experience, self-assessment of ICM reactions, and delivery technique. The third section explored ICM knowledge and its relation to CT parameters. The fourth and fifth sections focus on practices during pulmonary angiography CT and renal CT scans. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, the Chi- Square test, and ANOVA.

RESULTS

Knowledge was assessed with seven questions, and a score of at least 3.5 was needed for categorization. The median score was two, indicating low knowledge. Specifically, 64.9% of the participants scored lower than the two scores. Years of experience are strongly correlated with the level of knowledge, with 51.6% of radiographers having more than 10 years of experience demonstrating adequate knowledge. 41.7% of respondents demonstrated adequate knowledge when their duty was focused on CT. Furthermore, wide practice variability exists in all CT pulmonary angiography protocols among radiographers with adequate and inadequate knowledge.

CONCLUSION

Inexperienced individuals showed knowledge gaps, leading to varied practices and highlighting the need for educational programs. The study underscores establishing standardized Protocols and Practice Guidelines (PPGs) for contrast media administration in Radiology Departments. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of regular training programs, and international knowledge sharing. The potential for self-selection bias in the online survey sample is highlighted.

Health Literacy and Disease Knowledge of Patients With Peripheral Arterial Disease or Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A Scoping Review

OBJECTIVE

This scoping review summarises health literacy and disease knowledge in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) or peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and the influencing factors.

DATA SOURCES

A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, PsychINFO, and CINAHL covering the period January 2012 to October 2022.

REVIEW METHODS

This scoping review was undertaken in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Inclusion criteria encompassed studies addressing health literacy, knowledge, perception, or awareness in patients with AAA or PAD. Two authors independently reviewed abstracts and full texts, resolving any discrepancies through discussion or by consulting a third author for consensus. All article types were included except letters, editorials, study protocols, reviews, and guidelines. No language restrictions were applied. Primary outcomes were health literacy and disease knowledge. Secondary outcomes were factors that could influence this. Quality assessment was done using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT).

RESULTS

The review included 32 articles involving a total of 5 268 patients. Four articles reported health literacy and the rest disease knowledge. Ten studies (31%) met all quality criteria. Twenty studies were quantitative, eight were qualitative, and four were mixed methods studies. The review revealed inadequate health literacy in the majority of patients, and disease knowledge was relatively low among patients with AAA and PAD, with disparities in measures and assessment tools across studies. Factors influencing health literacy and disease knowledge included socioeconomic status, education, income, and employment.

CONCLUSION

This scoping review revealed low health literacy and low disease knowledge in patients with AAA and PAD. Standardised health literacy assessment may contribute to improve communication strategies and decision aids to enhance patients' understanding and engagement in healthcare decisions, however further research is needed to prove its merits.

Nutritional knowledge, attitudes, and practices among residents in the Northeast areas of China during the COVID-19 epidemic

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) due to SARS-CoV-2 infection continues to affect the daily life of communities worldwide. Nutrition is a vital determinant of overall health. Given the lack of specific drugs for COVID-19 and incomplete vaccination coverage, optimizing nutrition appears to be one of the most cost-effective means of enhancing immunity. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate nutrition-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) to offer insights into the personal determinants of dietary behavior during COVID-19 pandemic in four major cities within the Northeast region.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted between January and December 2022 using a self-administered questionnaire. The data were entered in EpiData V-3.02 and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Binary logistic regression analysis was also employed to examine the association between dependent and independent variables.

Results

A total of 4,092 respondents were included in the study. Most of the respondents demonstrated had inadequate nutrition knowledge, 26% of them provided ≥60% of correct answers. About one-third of the respondents were knowledgeable about the daily levels of oil, salt, milk, water, vegetables and fruits for adults. Furthermore, our results showed that 60.6% of participants held positive attitudes toward healthy eating. Additionally, only 54.6% of the participants have heathy dietary practices during COVID-19 pandemic. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that the following characteristics were associated with displaying unhealthy dietary behaviors: being men, having a lower education level, having a family income of 10,000-19,999 and more than 20,000, being resided in Harbin, Shenyang, and Changchun. Importantly, the strongest associations were observed between poor dietary knowledge and unhealthy eating behaviors. Similarly, dietary attitudes were strongly associated with healthy dietary behaviors when the effects of other factors were excluded; responders with negative attitudes were more likely to exhibit unhealthy eating behaviors.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that residents in the Northeast China possessed a relatively low level of nutritional knowledge, which directly influenced their dietary practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study provides valuable insights into the cross-sectional description and key factors related to nutrition-related KAP, serving as a basis for future policymaking to respond more effectively to health crises.

Willingness to use acupuncture: Knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and practices among allergic rhinitis patients

This study aims to assess knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and practices (KABP) among China mainland allergic rhinitis (AR) participants regarding their willingness to use acupuncture. Little is known about the understanding, attitudes, beliefs and practices of people with AR in China. A questionnaire was designed and administered to AR participants in mainland China to gather information about KABP regarding acupuncture use. A total of 324 valid questionnaires were collected from 30 provinces on the Chinese mainland. We recorded basic information and data about AR. The questionnaire designed according to KABP theory and with excellent reliability (Cronbach α coefficient: 0.725) and validity (KMO: 0.819). Knowledge: Fifty-five percent (179) of respondents reported knowing about acupuncture. The majority (172) knew that acupuncture was used for AR; 119 had received acupuncture for AR, and about 66% were aware of acupuncture. Attitudes and beliefs: Seventy percent of patients were willing to recommend acupuncture for AR to family and friends. Practice: Approximately 75% of respondents were willing to undergo acupuncture if they knew it was effective for AR. Approximately 25% of the respondents answered "Do it a few times and see how it works," "Do several treatments depending on how much they can afford," or "It is up to the doctor to decide". Correlation analysis: Those who identified with traditional Chinese medicine showed a robust willingness to recommend acupuncture for treating other diseases to family and friends (R = 0.718, P < .01) and a robust willingness to recommend acupuncture for AR to their families and friends (R = 0.564, P < .01). Acupuncture for AR has shown excellent awareness, recommendation and acceptance in mainland China. Efficacy, affordability, and trust in doctors were the 3 key factors that led respondents to choose acupuncture for their AR. Identification with traditional Chinese medicine culture significantly influenced attitudes, leading to AR recommendations and acceptance of acupuncture.

Effect of knowledge of informal poultry drug prescribers on their attitude and practice toward antimicrobial use, residues, and resistance in Bangladesh

Background and Aim

Informal prescribers (IPs) significantly contribute to the development of antimicrobial resistance and in disseminating pathogens from poultry to humans and other animals through the food chain, posing a serious global health threat. Therefore, this study aimed to assess whether the knowledge of IPs has an impact on their attitude and practice toward antimicrobial use, antibiotic residues, and antimicrobial resistance.

Materials and Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we conducted a pre-tested and questionnaire-based survey to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of IPs in selected parts of the Mymensingh division, Bangladesh. Then, we used the linear regression model test with R-squared (R2) to measure the association between the study variables.

Results

Our investigation revealed that 70% of the IPs knew about antibiotics and 75% had good knowledge about antibiotic resistance, whereas only 50% were aware of withdrawal periods. Informal prescribers also displayed good attitudes toward the use and sale of antibiotics with withdrawal periods and completion of medication (50%). Analysis of their practice on the sale and prescription of antibiotics showed that 70% and 30% of IPs use antibiotics against bacterial infections and other conditions, respectively. Most of them do not consult a veterinarian before selling or prescribing antibiotics, although 80% claim to do so. This is because 75% of IPs gave other options regarding their consultations. However, 95% of IPs uses antibiotics only for therapeutic purposes. Furthermore, only 10% sell antibiotics based on a veterinarian's recommendation. Approximately 45% of IPs use single antibiotics at a time, while the rest use multiple antibiotics, individually or combined. Approximately 15% use antibiotics monthly, while 85% use them whenever the need arises. The knowledge and attitude of IPs are significantly affected by their age (p ≤ 0.025). The district of domicile also impacted their knowledge. Surprisingly, IPs from Jamalpur had significantly better knowledge compared to those from Mymensingh and Sherpur (p ≤ 0.01). The attitude of IPs from Jamalpur and Netrokona also differed significantly (p ≤ 0.001) from that of Mymensingh and Sherpur. The knowledge of IPs influenced their attitude up to 80.5% (r2 = 0.628) and their practice up to 75.4% (r2 = 0.545).

Conclusion

The knowledge of IPs greatly influenced their attitude and practice, while sociodemographics also influenced their knowledge and attitude toward antimicrobial use, antibiotic residues, and antimicrobial resistance.

Are There Any Developments in the Attitudes and Practices of Oncologists Regarding Fertility Preservation in Saudi Arabia After 12 Years?

INTRODUCTION

The current practice of offering fertility preservation (FP) counseling and treatment has become one of the focal points in patient care throughout cancer treatment. The turning point was the approval of the Council of Senior Religious Scholars four years ago to freeze tissues from the ovarian membrane, the entire ovary, and the eggs for later use in reproduction to preserve the offspring. Thus, we aimed to assess any development in oncologists' knowledge, attitude, and referral practices regarding FP in Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional survey using a self-administered questionnaire. We assessed oncologists' opinions on the importance of FP, their perception of the patient's preferences, and factors to consider when discussing the subject. Then, we assessed the knowledge and referral practices, including the timing of referral before starting cancer treatment.

RESULTS

Most oncologists showed good knowledge and positive attitudes toward FP; however, their referral practices could be better. Most were familiar with FP options. The most significant factors influencing the oncologist-patient FP discussion were the number of existing children, marital status, cost, and type of cancer (96.6%, 76.7%, 65.7%, and 58.9%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a significant improvement in the knowledge and attitude of oncologists toward FP. However, patients' counseling and referral to fertility services still need to be improved. There is a shortfall in the clinical practice guidelines for FP in cancer patients in Saudi Arabia. The implementation of clinical practice guidelines would enhance FP. However, patients' counseling and referral to fertility services still need to be improved. The lack of proper guidelines on FP is affecting oncologists' practice.

The Role of Cultural Beliefs, Norms, and Practices in Nigerian Women's Experiences of Sexual Abuse and Violence

This study aims to explore if and how cultural beliefs, norms, and practices might contribute to Nigerian women’s experiences of sexual abuse and violence. In-depth narrative interviews were conducted with 12 women of Nigerian origin living in the Northwest of England who had experienced sexual abuse and violence. Women’s accounts were analyzed thematically, and drawing upon a feminist-intersectional conceptual framework, analysis reveals that male privilege defined by gendered role and expectation, religious beliefs, rape myths, and bride-price with the associated practice of libation may have contributed to women’s experiences of sexual abuse and violence.

Healthcare professionals' knowledge, attitudes, and practices on coronavirus disease in Western Uttar Pradesh

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The ongoing coronavirus disease pandemic caused by a novel genetically-mutated strain of coronavirus has posed a tremendous challenge to healthcare professionals, worldwide. This study aimed to explore the healthcare professionals' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to coronavirus disease in Western Uttar Pradesh and provide data to improve awareness about this disease and remove the knowledge gap, if any, by disseminating the updated information to the corona warriors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the form of a structured 28-item online questionnaire using SurveyMonkey software. The qualitative data were coded numerically, and the KAP score was calculated. Pearson Chi-square test was used to study the association, among variables.

RESULTS

Of 509 respondents, 296 (58.19%) were males and 213 (41.81%) were females. The median age bracket of the sample was 20-40 years. By profession, 255 (50.10%) were doctors, 167 (32.74%) were medical students, 80 (15.78%) were other healthcare workers, and a minority 7 (1.38%) were the nursing staff. Educational status covered a range from secondary (2.01%) to senior secondary (17.51%) to bachelors and equivalent (29.18%) to masters and equivalent (51.31%). The average KAP scores were 54%, and the score was highest among doctors as compared to other healthcare professionals (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In light of these study findings, we conclude that healthcare professionals are aware of coronavirus disease. However, the overall KAP score regarding its clinical course, preventive strategies, and judicious use of personal protective equipment was less than expected. There is a need to address all misconceptions and empower the corona warriors with the right information through effective mass media communication and reinforcement through seminars and workshops in the medical institutes and hospitals. The healthcare professionals are a cornerstone to prevent the nosocomial and community spread of this pandemic.

Clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with oral health knowledge, attitude, and practices of adolescents in Nigeria

Objectives:

The institution of appropriate oral health promotion programs targeted at adolescents in schools in developing countries requires baseline information on their oral health knowledge, attitude, and practices as well as associated factors influencing it, which are unknown. This study assessed clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with oral health knowledge, attitude, and practices of adolescents in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Methods:

Two-thousand and ninety-seven students aged 12–18 years were recruited from 30 randomly selected secondary schools in a cross-sectional study conducted in Ibadan, Nigeria. Data were obtained through a questionnaire on oral health knowledge, attitude, and practices, and sociodemographic characteristics. Oral examination was conducted to assess the clinical oral condition of the adolescents. Data were analyzed with SPSS. The higher the percentage scores, the better the oral health knowledge, attitude, and practices, and overall awareness of oral health.

Results:

The oral health knowledge score ranged from 0% to 60%; mean oral health knowledge score was 15.1% (±6.6%). The oral health attitude score ranged from 0% to 91.3%; mean oral health attitude score was 44.5% (±14.3%). The oral health practices score ranged from 0% to 88.9%, and mean oral health practices score was 42.5% (±13.8%). The mean oral health knowledge, attitude, and practices score was 43.8% (±11.4%). A total of 1537 (73.3%) participants had unhealthy periodontium and 98 (4.7%) had dental caries. Students who were 12–15 years (odds ratio = 1.7, 95% confidence interval = 1.4–2.0, p < 0.001), females (odds ratio = 1.2, 95% confidence interval = 1.0–1.5, p = 0.024), offspring of skilled workers (odds ratio = 1.5, 95% confidence interval = 1.1–2.0, p = 0.010), previously educated about oral health (odds ratio = 1.3, 95% confidence interval = 1.0–1.7, p = 0.023), consulted the dentist (odds ratio = 1.9, 95% confidence interval = 1.2–3.1, p = 0.009), or had unhealthy periodontal condition (odds ratio = 1.2, 95% confidence interval = 1.0–1.5, p = 0.042) were more likely to have higher oral health knowledge, attitude, and practices scores or awareness than others.

Conclusion:

Better knowledge, attitude, and practices score was associated with younger age group, higher occupational class, previous oral health education, dental consultation, and having unhealthy periodontal condition.

Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practices toward prevention of hepatitis B infection among medical students in a high-risk setting of a newly established medical institution

BACKGROUND:

India is in the intermediate hepatitis B virus endemicity zone with hepatitis B surface antigen prevalence among the general population ranges from 2% to 8%. Among health-care workers, seroprevalence is two to four times higher than that of the general population.

AIM:

The aim of the study was done to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAPs) of medical students regarding hepatitis B.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted from March to April 2018. Students were invited to the department on specified dates for awareness and immunization against hepatitis B. Their KAP was assessed with the help of a self-administered questionnaire.

RESULTS:

With a response rate of 81.3%, a total of 161 students participated in the study out of 198. Out of the 161 study participants, only 13 (8%) students had received a completed course of hepatitis B vaccination in the past, 30 (18.7%) students had a history of inability to complete the three doses of hepatitis B vaccination, and the rest 118 (73.3%) students were never immunized against hepatitis B. The knowledge about the risk of acquiring the disease at the hospital or high-risk setting was present in less than half of the students. The average knowledge score was 10.63 out of 16 and average healthy practice score was 2.94 out of 4. On applying Pearson correlation test, it was found that there was a positive correlation of knowledge and practices of the students (P = 0.012), implying that better knowledge of the disease has a positive effect on the practices exercised by an individual.

CONCLUSION:

Newly enrolled students and other individuals attached to a high-risk setting such as a medical institution should be screened for immunization status during initial medical examination as the number of unimmunized persons, especially against hepatitis B is high.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Women Toward Prenatal Genetic Testing

Objectives:

We aim to address public knowledge, attitudes, and practices relative to prenatal genetic testing as a starting point for policy development in Jordan.

Study design:

We conducted a cross-sectional prenatal genetic testing knowledge, attitudes, and practices survey with 1111 women recruited at obstetrics and gynecology clinics nationwide. Data were analyzed using a variety of descriptive and inferential statistical tests.

Results:

The overwhelming majority (>94%) of participants considered prenatal genetic testing, particularly non-invasive prenatal genetic screening, procedures to be good, comfortable, and reasonable, even when the non-diagnostic nature of non-invasive prenatal genetic screening was explained. Likewise, 95% encouraged the implementation of non-invasive prenatal genetic screening within the Jordanian health system, but most preferred it to remain optional. However, women in higher-risk age brackets, in consanguineous marriages, and with less education were significantly less interested in learning about non-invasive prenatal genetic screening. Only 60% of women interviewed were satisfied with the services provided by their obstetric/gynecologist. The more satisfied the women were, the more they are likely to adapt non-invasive prenatal genetic screening.

Conclusions:

In sum, although the data support the receptivity of Jordanian women to national implementation of non-invasive prenatal genetic screening, such policies should be accompanied by health education to increase the genetic literacy of the population and to engage high-risk populations. Thus, this offers rare insight into the readiness of 1 particular Arab population to adapt non-invasive prenatal genetic screening technologies.

Making a Case for Formal School-Based Oral Health Promotion: Oral Health Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Pupils in Ibadan, Nigeria

Background Providing evidence for institution of school-based oral health promotion programs is paramount in developing countries, due to increasing unmet dental needs impacting on quality of life of children. Aim To evaluate oral health knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of pupils in a country lacking formal school oral health promotion. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,297 pupils in randomly selected primary schools in one city. Information on oral health KAP were obtained using interviewer-administered questionnaire. Responses to questions were graded, standardized, and data analyzed using SPSS. Results The mean age was 10.6 (±1.7) years. Mean KAP percentage scores were 18.1 (±5.0)%, 18.3 (±4.9)%, and 17.3 (±12.8)%, respectively. Older age, male gender, and previous dental consultations were significantly associated with higher KAP scores. Those who had been educated informally about oral health had higher mean KAP scores ( p = .013, p < .001, and p < .001, respectively). Previous oral health education and consultation with dentists were significant predictors of higher oral health practice scores. Conclusion Poor oral health KAP exists among the pupils. Those who had consulted the dentist or had oral health education had better KAP. These findings reinforce the need for formal school-based oral health promotion.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices among Members of Households Actively Monitored or Quarantined to Prevent Transmission of Ebola Virus Disease - Margibi County, Liberia: February-March 2015

BACKGROUND

In early 2015, a patient from a cluster of cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Monrovia, Liberia traveled to a rural village in Margibi County, potentially exposing numerous persons. The patient died in the village and post-mortem testing confirmed Ebola Virus infection. Problem The Margibi County Health Team (CHT; Kakata, Margibi, Liberia) needed to prevent further transmission of EVD within and outside of the affected villages, and they needed to better understand the factors that support or impede compliance with measures to stop the spread of EVD.

METHODS

In February-March 2015, the Margibi CHT instituted a 21-day quarantine and active monitoring for two villages where the patient had contact with numerous residents, and a 21-day active monitoring for five other villages where the patient had possible contact with an unknown number of persons. One contact developed EVD and quarantine was extended an additional 12 days in one village. In April 2015, the Margibi CHT conducted a household-based EVD knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) survey of the seven villages. From April 24-29, 2015, interview teams approached every household in the seven villages and collected information on demographics, knowledge of EVD, attitudes about quarantine to prevent the spread of EVD, and their quarantine experiences and practices. Descriptive statistics were calculated.

RESULTS

One hundred fifteen interviews were conducted, representing the majority of the households in the seven villages. Most (99%) correctly identified touching an infected person's body fluids and contact with the body of someone who has died from EVD as transmission routes. However, interviewees sometimes incorrectly identified mosquito bites (58%) and airborne spread (32%) as routes of EVD transmission, and 72% incorrectly identified the longest EVD incubation period as ≤seven days. Eight of 16 households in the two quarantined villages (50%) reported times when there was not enough water or food during quarantine. Nine of 16 (56%) reported that a household member had illnesses or injuries during quarantine; of these, all (100%) obtained care from a clinic, hospital, or Ebola treatment unit (ETU).

CONCLUSION

Residents' knowledge of EVD transmission routes and incubation period were suboptimal. Public health authorities should consider assessing residents' understanding of Ebola transmission routes and effectively educate them to ensure correct understanding. Quarantined residents should be provided with sufficient food, water, and access to medical care. Wilken JA , Pordell P , Goode B , Jarteh R , Miller Z , Saygar BG Sr. , Maximore L , Borbor WM , Carmue M , Walker GW , Yeiah A . Knowledge, attitudes, and practices among members of households actively monitored or quarantined to prevent transmission of Ebola Virus Disease - Margibi County, Liberia: February-March 2015. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2017;32(6):673-678.

Tobacco-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices among urban low socioeconomic women in Mumbai, India

CONTEXT

Tobacco use is an important health issue globally. It is responsible for a large number of diseases and deaths in India. Female tobacco users have additional health risks.

AIMS

The aim was to assess changes in pre and post-intervention tobacco-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices among women from urban low socioeconomic strata, after three rounds of interventions.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A structured questionnaire was used to interview women living in low socioeconomic housing clusters in Mumbai, regarding their tobacco consumption, attitudes, and practices, by Medical Social Workers. These data were entered into IBM SPSS Statistics, version 20 and analysed. Interventions for tobacco cessation were provided 3 times over a span of 9 months, comprising of health education and counseling. Post-intervention questionnaire was introduced at 12 months.

RESULTS

There was statistically significant improvement in the knowledge of women, following the interventions, with particular reference to poor oral hygiene and tobacco use being main cause of oral cancer (P = 0.007), knowledge of ill effects of second hand smoke (P = 0.0001), knowledge about possibility of early detection of oral cancer (P = 0.0001), perception of pictorial and written warnings on tobacco products (P = 0.0001), and availability of help for quitting tobacco (P = 0.024).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of smokeless tobacco use is very high among urban women from lower socioeconomic strata. Therefore, tobacco awareness programs and tobacco cessation services tailor made for this group of women must be planned and implemented.

Attitudes and practices of primary care physicians in the management of overweight and obesity in eastern saudi arabia

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a global world-wide health problem in both developing and developed countries. In Saudi Arabia, this problem becomes an alarming disease both during childhood and adulthood among males and females. Primary health care physicians are identified as the first line of defense and contributor to cost-effective for the management and prevention of the disease; they are expected to normalize the weights in the community.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine attitudes and practice by physician working in primary health care centers regarding management of obesity in the cities of Dammam and Al-Khobar in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

This study is a cross-sectional study that took place from December 2009 to March 2010. A specially made questionnaire with a Cronbach alpha reliability of 0.86 and content validity by 5 experts was used to measure the attitudes and practices from several different aspects of care provided at primary health care centers to obesity were distributed and collected from 76 physicians working in primary health centers in Dammam and 73 in Al-Khobar in Saudi Arabia. One hundred thirty physicians responded (12.8% non-response rate) and became the sample.

RESULTS

Eighty-three per cent of physicians has negative attitude toward the concept of obesity, and more than two-thirds of primary care physicians see themselves play a key role in the management of obesity; The mean attitude scores of studied nurses was ranged from 2.95±1.06 to 4.34 ±0.82 with an agreement that obesity is considered as a disease and the role of the primary health care physician is not only to refer obese patients to other specialized care as well as difficulties in counseling for weight reduction. However, the majority of physicians gave their obese patients advice on dietary habits and physical activities and also they are sometimes referred obese people to dieticians. Moreover, half of physicians provide educational materials as part of the management and above two third of the studied physicians never use medications in weight reduction. Only one third of them believe that they are well prepared for the treatment of obesity.

CONCLUSION

There exist gaps in attitudes contradictory for the management of obesity which indicates Physicians in Eastern Saudi Arabia showed a reasonable level of interest in participating in obesity prevention and management. Accordingly, they need for more education and training in management and prevention of obesity, and should continue education from medical school till post-graduate.