Guideline based knowledge and practice of physicians in the management of COPD in a low- to middle-income country.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-1-2022

Publication Title

Clinical Respiratory Journal

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death, with 80% of the total death occurring in low- to middle-income countries (LMICs). Nepal is one of the LMIC; COPD is a highly prevalent and significant public health issue often underdiagnosed. Medical physicians' good knowledge and practice to diagnose and treat COPD can help reduce the disease burden.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the level of knowledge, practice and factors influencing the practice of physicians regarding COPD management based on GOLD guidelines.

DESIGN: A cross-sectional descriptive study using a structured questionnaire was conducted among medical physicians working in Bagmati and Gandaki province of Nepal. Out of total scores, physicians knowledge and practice were graded according to Bloom's original cut-off point for good (≥80%), satisfactory (60%-78%) and poor (<60%).

RESULT: A total of 152 medical physicians participated in this study. Out of the possible total score 20, the mean score on knowledge was 17.8 ± 2.4, and out of possible total score eight, the mean score on practice was 5.3 ± 1.3. The correlation test between total knowledge and practice scores showed r = 0.18 and p value

CONCLUSION: Despite physicians having good knowledge in COPD, the practice in COPD management is below guideline-recommended. There is a significant, very low positive correlation between total knowledge score and practice score. Proper COPD training to physicians, disease awareness among patients, easy availability of diagnostic equipment and medication can help improve physicians' practice and appropriately manage COPD patients.

Volume

16

Issue

3

First Page

190

Last Page

199

DOI

10.1111/crj.13468

ISSN

1752-699X

PubMed ID

35023608

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS