JUNIOR PEDlATRlCIAN'S KNOWLEDGE., ATTITUDE. AND PRACTICE. REGARDING MANAGEMENT OF ASTHMA

Abstract

A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among a group of junior pediatricians who practiced asthma management in Abu-EI­ Reish Pediatrics Hospital, G 1 accquired master degree in pediatrics while G2 not. Their knowledge, attitude and practice were assessed and observed, aiming to improve quality of health care through adaptation of management guidelines of asthmatic children.

Total knowledge and attitude score of the studied groups was 19.3 ± 4.9 and for G 1 was 21.5 ± 3.7 and for G2 was 16.9 ± 5 regarding management of asthma.

Also the result of this study"showed that (49.3%) ofG 1 were aware of (read or heard) the clinical practice guidelines (CPG) used• for management of asthma, on the other hand no one in G2 had heard or read this guidelines.

So we believe that the national asthma guidelines developed and •promulgated by the NAEPP have been successful in the necessary step of sensitizing and educating practicing physicians.

And also that lack of guidelines awareness affect knowledge, attitudes and adherence to four different components of NHLBI asthma guidelines.

Also we conclude that the NAEPP guidelines contain a lengthy list of possible diagnostic factors (symptoms, clinical signs and diagnostic tests). However, this clinical practice guideline does not suggest a diagnostic algorithm nor does it weigh the factors based on their relative '""-'. importance, these expert guidelines lack clinical utility for the clinician L.. attempting to apply them to a specific patient.