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Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) Study of Pediatricians on Infantile Spasms
Vamsi Krishna Vaddi1, Jitendra Kumar Sahu2, Sumeet R Dhawan1
1Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India.
Insights
Pediatricians show gaps in knowledge and practice regarding Infantile Spasms (IS). Improved awareness and simplified guidelines are crucial for effective early management of this seizure type.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Epileptology
- Clinical Practice Research
Background:
- Infantile Spasms (IS) are a severe epilepsy syndrome requiring timely diagnosis and treatment.
- Pediatricians play a critical role in the initial management of IS, particularly in developing countries.
- Current knowledge, attitudes, and practices among pediatricians regarding IS management require investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of pediatricians concerning Infantile Spasms.
- To identify areas of deficiency in the understanding and management of IS among healthcare providers.
- To inform the development of targeted educational interventions and clinical guidelines.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 236 pediatricians in North India (Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi).
- Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered via Survey Monkey Software between July 2016 and December 2017.
- The survey explored diagnostic approaches, etiological understanding, treatment preferences, and perceived information needs regarding IS.
Main Results:
- While most pediatricians recognized IS as a seizure type (95.5%), knowledge gaps were evident in its management.
- Electroencephalogram (EEG) was the preferred investigation (91.8%), but its role in treatment decisions was limited (57.7%).
- Treatment responses were often inadequately assessed (only 24% considered complete cessation of spasms), and a majority felt awareness and information were insufficient (90% and 62%, respectively).
Conclusions:
- Significant deficits exist in pediatricians' evidence-based knowledge and practice concerning Infantile Spasms.
- There is a pressing need to enhance pediatricians' capacity in managing IS through education and simplified national guidelines.
- Empowering frontline healthcare providers is essential for improving outcomes for infants with IS, especially in resource-limited settings.
Objective:
To investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of Infantile Spasms among pediatricians.
Methods:
A survey was carried out among pediatricians serving in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh and Delhi. The survey was done by Survey Monkey Software through emails by using a structured questionnaire between July 2016 and December 2017.
Results:
A total of 236 pediatricians responded to the survey. Most of the respondents (95.5%) correctly considered Infantile Spasms as a seizure type. The most preferred investigation was Electroencephalogram by 91.8% pediatricians; however, only 57.7% considered it to decide the treatment. Perinatal asphyxia was the most recognized etiology (60.7% pediatricians). For treatment of Infantile Spasms, 66.8% follow Nelson textbook of Pediatrics. Adrenocorticotropic hormone was the most preferred first choice drug by 40% pediatricians. Alternate anti-epileptic drug was considered by 60.9% pediatricians when there is no clinical response. Only 24% pediatricians considered treatment response as a complete cessation of spasms. Majority (90%) of pediatricians felt that there is a necessity for increased awareness and 62% pediatricians felt that available information was insufficient.
Conclusions:
A substantial number of pediatricians lack precise knowledge on evidence-based practice of Infantile Spasms. In developing countries, where pediatricians provide the initial management of Infantile Spasms, there is need to empower them and develop simplified national guidelines/consensus statement for management of Infantile Spasms.
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