Assessment and Referral of Patients With Short Stature at Primary Care Buraidah, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Short stature (SS) causes a significant social and mental burden on patients and their families. Primary healthcare (PHC) physicians (Family Medicine) are crucial in securing the timely evaluation and referral of children with SS. This research aimed to assess the management and referral of short-stature patients by PHC physicians about SS in Buraidah, Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among PHC physicians in Buraidah from November 2024 to February 2025. A validated closed-ended questionnaire was used to collect data online. Descriptive and inferential analyses were carried out to assess knowledge levels, attitudes, practices, and factors influencing their knowledge of SS. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).

RESULTS

A total of 143 PHC physicians participated in the study. Mean knowledge score (standard deviation) was 7.0 (±2.47) out of 13. About 99 (69%) would refer a patient once the height falls below the 5th percentile. More than half, 79 (55%), considered growth hormone as an option for the treatment of SS. Seventy-two percent used local growth charts. The most common tests requested before referral of SS patients were complete blood count (CBC) 110 (77%) and thyroid function test 109 (76%). The majority (79% to 98.6%) of participant indicated their learning needs on various aspects of SS. There was no significant difference in the knowledge score with respect to socio-demographic and professional characteristics except for nationality.

CONCLUSION

Knowledge level of PHC physicians in Buraidah is moderate (68%), with the majority indicating their learning needs on this topic. The study's findings call for focused educational initiatives and policy enhancements to advance healthcare delivery for children with SS in Buraidah, Saudi Arabia.