IJSR - International Journal of Scientific Research

Yasmeen Al-Gosaibi; Nada Al-Dossary; Abeer Al-Otaibi; Maha S. Eltwansy; Nada  A. Rahman AL-Bunaian

Volume : VII, Issue : VIII, August - 2018

Knowledge, Attitude, and Perceived Practice of Primary Care Physicians toward Screening of Risky Behaviours in Adolescents

Yasmeen Al Gosaibi, Nada Al Dossary, Abeer Al Otaibi, Maha S. Eltwansy, Nada A. Rahman Al Bunaian

Abstract :

Background: The present study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practiceof primary care physiciansfor screening adolescents for risky behaviours.

Method: This cross–sectional study was conducted on primary care physicians. Allphysicians working in the primary health care centers in the Ministry of Health in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia were included in the study.

Result: A total of 185 physicians participated, and 78.4% stated that they had no training in adolescent health care. The majority of the physicians had correct knowledge regarding promoting smoking cessation (93.5%), screening for obesity (90.3%), and identification of the correct age range of adolescents (87.6%). However, only 20% of the sample had correct knowledge concerning screening of HIV for all adolescents, despite that almost all participants stated that they are comfortable with most adolescents’ issues. Most physicians stated that they never counseled adolescents in the areas of alcohol and drug use, physical and sexual abuse, or sexually transmitted diseases.

Conclusion: This study identified a gap in the knowledge of physicians, which was reflected in their practice; however, the positive attitude expressed by most physicians provides an opportunity to improve adolescent health care in the region.