Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice of Primary Health Care Physicians toward Acute Coronary Syndrome in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia: 2018

Dr.Abdullah Al Anazi; Dr.Nasser Al Bather; Dr.Ammr Bamanea

Volume : VII, Issue : VIII, August - 2018

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice of Primary Health Care Physicians toward Acute Coronary Syndrome in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia: 2018

Dr. Abdullah Al Anazi, Dr. Nasser Al Bather, Dr. Ammr Bamanea

Abstract :

Introduction:Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Saudi Arabia (SA). This cross–sectional study assessed physicians� knowledge, attitudes, and practice regarding ACS.

Methodology: The study was conducted on general and family physicians in primary health centers (PHC) in Dammam and Khobar in Saudi Arabia�s Eastern Province. Participants self–completed questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, associations, and predictors of practice were determined.

Results:Most physicians underwent electrocardiogram training (69.9%), 81.7% responded correctly regarding ACS diagnosis, and 58.8% regarding initial management. Two–thirds of physicians had positive attitudes. Higher numbers of ACS patients managed in PHCs, attending electrocardiogram training, and specialty were significantly associated with practice.

Conclusions: PHC physicians have better knowledge of diagnosis over initial management practices. Over two–thirds of physicians have a positive attitude. Previous experience is associated with a better knowledge score and positive attitude, which are predictors of practice.