Awareness of Primary Care Physicians about Pregnancy Screening of Group B Streptococcus Infection at Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Group B streptococcus is a leading infectious cause of morbidity in newborns and causes substantial disease in elderly individuals. Guidelines recommended antenatal culture-based screening as the optimal method for identifying chemoprophylaxis candidates. Objectives: To assess the primary care physicians' knowledge about group B streptococcus screening in pregnant women and to identify the barriers that prevent primary care physicians from screening as recommended. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted at the Al-Wazarat healthcare center, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A self-administrated questionnaire was distributed to 89 physicians asking about their knowledge and barriers regarding group B streptococcal infection High Vaginal Swab (HVS) screening. Results: The GBS screening average knowledge is 74.0% distributed on 11.2% scored poor, 31.5% good, and 57.3% excellent level of knowledge. Eight physicians' attitude was positively agreeing with GBS screening statement with lowest agreement was in performing screening with primary care setting (76.4%). The barriers for GBS screening are system and protocol (52.8%), lack of training (46.1%), lack of tools (24.7%), fear of consequences (14.6%), and other barriers (16.9%). Regression analysis showed that in comparison to physicians younger than 30 years, physicians aged 30 -39 years has higher average by 9.4% (p-value = 0.039), 40 -49 years have higher knowledge with average 10.3% (p-value = 0.036), 50 years or older have higher knowledge on average 8.9% (p-value = 0.040) Conclusion: Education programs regarding GBS screening in pregnancy are needed to improve the primary care physicians' knowledge in order to prevent inevitable complications of GBS infection in pregnancy.

Awareness of Pregnancy Screening for Group B Streptococcus Infection Among Women of Reproductive Age and Physicians in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

“…A possible explanation for this finding is the systems and protocols that the physicians identified as the main barriers. Hence, consistent with the study conducted in Riyadh, we endorse the application of internal guidelines and a universal testing policy in all healthcare settings to eliminate the obstacles that physicians frequently encounter [4].…”

“…The last part assessed GBS screening difficulties from a physician's perspective. This section was validated in a previous study [ 4 ]. The women’s section assessed their obstetric history, knowledge, and awareness of GBS screening, previous exposure to GBS screening, and attitudes toward different GBS screening methods.…”

“…A universal culture-based screening program and early administration of intrapartum antibiotics were associated with a decrease in the incidence of early-onset GBS neonatal sepsis in the UK [ 3 ]. Moreover, early screening for GBS is effective for identifying and treating the infection, thereby preventing mortality and minimizing its rate [ 4 ]. Attention to medical, financial, and educational needs are important for increasing the awareness of GBS screening among patients and physicians aiming to prevent postpartum complications from GBS infection [ 4 ].…”

“…Moreover, early screening for GBS is effective for identifying and treating the infection, thereby preventing mortality and minimizing its rate [ 4 ]. Attention to medical, financial, and educational needs are important for increasing the awareness of GBS screening among patients and physicians aiming to prevent postpartum complications from GBS infection [ 4 ].…”

“…The most frequently reported barriers to GBS screening were systems and protocols by 52.8% of physicians, lack of training by 46.1%, and lack of tools by 24.7%. Furthermore, 14% of physicians cited fear of consequences as a barrier, and 16.9% reported other barriers [ 4 ]. A study conducted in Al-Madinah in 2018 that assessed pregnant women's knowledge, attitudes, and current practices related to antenatal GBS screening showed low levels of awareness and knowledge about GBS among them [ 7 ].…”