Knowledge and Treatment of Asymptomatic Hyperuricemia Versus Gout Among Physicians in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional...

Gout and asymptomatic hyperuricemia (AH) are common conditions for elevated levels of uric acid in the blood. While gout is a well-known and widely recognized condition, AH may be less familiar to healthcare professionals. This study aimed to estimate and determine the knowledge and treatment of AH versus gout among physicians in Saudi Arabia.

A standardized, online validated questionnaire was used to collect data from physicians in Saudi Arabia. The tool comprised two parts: a 3-item section on demographics and a 37-item section assessing knowledge (18 items) and practice (19 items) related to the management of AH and gout. Convenience sampling was employed for participant recruitment. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The questionnaire was validated by three experts in rheumatology and clinical pharmacy, with a KR-20 of 0.87.

Of the 744 participants, 53.9% were female, and 59.1% were aged 24-34. A total of 58.7% had attended continuing medical education (CME) on AH or gout during the last three years. The mean practice score was significantly higher among residents compared to physicians without specialty training (mean difference = -1.43632, 95 %CI: -2.4575--0.4151, p < 0.001) and consultants compared to physicians without specialty training (mean difference = -3.2769, 95% CI: -4.7918--1.7620, p < 0.001). Male physicians scored higher than female physicians (1.73 ± 1.08 vs. 1.46 ± 1.09, p = 0.001). Consultants and orthopedic specialists demonstrated the highest knowledge levels (p < 0.001).

The knowledge and practice of physicians for managing AH or gout were unsatisfactory. Younger female general practitioners were more likely to exhibit poor knowledge and practice in managing AH or gout cases. Despite advanced diagnostic tools and treatment processes, physicians have many misconceptions. Hence, continuous medical education focusing on AH or gout is vital to address these misconceptions.