ASSESSMENT OF THE LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE OF MEDICAL PERSONNEL IN DIARRHEA AND HEMOLYTIC-UREMIC SYNDROME

Survey have been conducted among medical professionals to test knowledge level of HUS and diarrheal diseases and to identify predictor variables for better knowledge. Cross-sectional survey have been conducted among medical personnel at different clinics in Tbilisi and in regions of Georgia. Participants were selected from different clinics in Tbilisi and in three biggest regional cities (Zugdidi, Batumi and Kutaisi) of Georgia. A total of 12 clinics were selected from them 6 were in Tbilisi and 2 at each regional cities. Clinics were selected based on their ability to provide services for gastrointestinal diseases, infectious diseases and kidney diseases. Data were entered into electronic database and analyzed using R v3.3.2. Descriptive statistics and methods of multivariate analysis were used for data analysis. 366 medical personnel have been interviewed. 73% (267) were females and 27% (99) males. Mean age was 40.8, IQR (27-52). A total of 64% (235) participants were from clinics located in Tbilisi. In multivariate analysis background in infectious diseases, female sex and having more than 10 years of medical experience were significantly associated with the total knowledge score of diarrheal diseases (p<0.05). High total knowledge score of HUS was detected among pediatricians (p<0.05). Trainings has been recommended for medical specialists to increase knowledge of diarrheal diseases and HUS to be able to identify those condition and to provide timely medical support for patients.