Knowledge and attitude toward eye disorders in children among pediatricians and family physicians: a survey study

Abstract

Background Vision-related disorders are common in children. Therefore, eye examination and thorough visual assessment by first-contact physicians are crucial in children. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge of and attitude toward children’s eye disorders among pediatricians and family physicians in the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs-Western Region (MNGHA-WR) of Saudi Arabia. Methods In this observational, cross-sectional study, we used a self-administered, web-based questionnaire. The sample size was calculated to be 148 pediatricians and family physicians (of 240 in total) currently working at MNGHA-WR. The first section of the questionnaire dwelled on demographics, while the second section addressed the physician’s knowledge of and attitude toward commonly encountered ophthalmological pathologies in children. Data collected were entered into Microsoft Excel and then transferred to IBM SPSS version 22 for statistical analysis. Results A total of 148 responses (92 family physicians and 56 pediatricians) were received. Most of the participants were residents or staff physicians (n = 105, 70.9%). The mean knowledge score of the respondents was 54.67% ± 14.5%. Participants’ knowledge was further subclassified using Bloom’s original cutoff points into high (n = 4, 2.7%), moderate (n = 53, 35.8%), and low (n = 91, 61.5%) levels of knowledge. Regarding practices, 120 (81%) participants performed ophthalmic examinations; however, only 39 (26.4%) conducted routine examinations as part of every child’s visit. Fundus examinations were performed by 25 (16.9%) physicians. A significant deficiency in knowledge was noted in those with < 1 year of work experience (P = 0.014). Although statistically not significant (P = 0.052), family physicians possessed better knowledge than pediatricians regarding children’s eye disorders. On the contrary, more pediatricians performed eye examinations than family physicians (P = 0.015). The male sex was also associated with higher rates of eye examination (P = 0.033). Conclusion An unsatisfactory level of knowledge of eye disease among participating doctors was reported. The proportion was significantly higher among residents and staff physicians. Therefore, awareness efforts should be incorporated in both family medicine and pediatrics residency programs to limit the number of cases of ocular disorders going undiagnosed in children.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding Vision and Eye Screening of Preschool Children Among Primary Health Center Staff in the Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia

“…The literature mentions variable levels of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) among primary eye care staff, particularly pediatricians, PHC doctors, and nurses [10][11][12][13]. Researchers in different provinces of Saudi Arabia have noted a low level of awareness of strabismus and amblyopia among pediatricians and family physicians [14,15].…”

Advances in the diagnosis of ocular diseases: an innovative approach through an expert system

“…represent a global health concern that spans from childhood to old age, and can significantly affect a person's ability to carry out daily activities and maintain independence. Early detection and accurate diagnosis of these eye problems are crucial for prevention and timely treatment, as these conditions can have a significant impact on the quality of life of affected individuals [1]. In addition, myopia, another common eye disorder, is related to genetic and environmental factors, and can lead to severe visual complications [2], [3].…”