Physicians' Knowledge and Practices Regarding Asthma: A Cross-Sectional Study in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the characteristics of knowledge and practice of physicians towards asthma in Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

An online cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia between 28 August and 10 November 2021. Convenience sampling technique was applied in this study through social media websites. Previously developed 10-items questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge about asthma among the participating physicians. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the participants' demographic characteristics. Binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with being adherent to asthma practices guidelines.

RESULTS

Overall, participants' knowledge was moderate. The average percentage of physicians who reported practicing asthma management based on recommended guidelines 63.7%. Younger age (30-34 years) and having a work experience of (6-10 years) were significant predictors of being adherent to asthma practices guidelines (OR: 1.96 (95% CI: 1.21-3.17) (p=0.006) and OR: 1.67 (95% CI 1.05-2.67) (p=0.031), receptively).

CONCLUSION

This study showed that the percentage of physicians who reported practicing asthma management based on recommended guidelines in Saudi Arabia are moderate. Future studies to investigate factors associated with improvement in knowledge about asthma and adherence to guidelines are needed.