Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Swallowing Disorders Among General Practitioners.

Area of Science:

• Medical Science
• Clinical Practice
• Public Health

Background:

• Swallowing disorders present a significant clinical challenge requiring timely detection and management.
• General practitioners (GPs) are crucial in identifying patients with dysphagia and initiating referrals.
• Assessing GPs' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) is vital for improving care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the current level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices among general practitioners regarding swallowing disorders.
• To identify factors associated with effective practice in managing patients with swallowing difficulties.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted from July to October 2023.
• 365 general practitioners completed a self-administered questionnaire assessing demographic data and KAP related to swallowing disorders.
• Statistical analyses, including correlation and multivariate analysis, were performed to determine associations.

Main Results:

• The study included 365 GPs, with 66.3% being female and 29.04% having 5-10 years of experience.
• Mean scores were: Knowledge (12.41 ± 4.202), Attitude (22.25 ± 2.06), and Practice (32.81 ± 9.48).
• Knowledge and attitude were positively correlated with practice, and both were independently associated with proactive practice.

Conclusions:

• General practitioners exhibit moderate levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning swallowing disorders.
• Targeted educational interventions are necessary to enhance GPs' understanding and management of dysphagia.
• Improving GP KAP is essential for early detection and effective management of swallowing disorders.