Knowledge and Attitude of Osteoarthritis Management Among Primary Health Care Physicians at Primary Health Care Centers of Ministry of Health Inside Makkah Al-Mukarramah City, 2018
Abstract:Background: The primary goal of Osteoarthritistreatment is educating the patient, minimizing pain, and improving joint function.
Objectives: To estimate the level of knowledge and attitude of osteoarthritis management among primary health care PHC physiciansinside Makkah city, 2018, and identify factors affecting them.
Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study, includes a sample of PHC physicians working at PHC centres of the ministry of health in Makkah city. A Self-administered questionnaire was utilized for data collection.
Results: The study included 136 physicians. Overall, the knowledge score ranged between 2 and 10 (out of 10). There was no statistically significant difference in the knowledge between physicians according to age, gender, nationality, qualification, and experience. The majority of the physicians agreed that osteoarthritis is a common health problem in Saudi Arabia, more attention should be offered to osteoarthritis patients, recommended establishing Saudi guidelines, and perceived that PHC physicians can achieve a major role in control of osteoarthritis.
Conclusion: Overall knowledge of PHC physicians in Makkah city regarding Osteoarthritis is acceptable. Their attitude towards the importance of the disease was promising. Conduct Saudi guidelines and further studies to assess the practice of PHC physicians regarding osteoarthritis, is recommended.
Keywords:Osteoarthritis, Knowledge, attitude, primary healthcare