Primary Healthcare Center’s Healthcare Providers’ Perception and Practice Toward Pediatric Cow's Milk Allergy in Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Cow's milk allergy (CMA) typically first manifests in the first year of life, and it is the most challenging food allergy to detect since the clinical symptoms can vary significantly in both types and severity. This study is carried out to evaluate the level of knowledge and practice of healthcare providers (HCPs) in the Qassim Region regarding CMA.Research methodology: This is a cross-sectional study conducted among HCPs in the Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed among HCPs using face-to-face interviews compromising four governorates of Qassim such as Buraydah, Unaizah, AlRass, and Albukairyah. The questionnaire includes socio-demographic characteristics and questions to assess the knowledge and practice of HCPs regarding CMA.Results: Among 124 HCPs, 29% were aged between 25 and 30 years, 50.8% were males and 49.2% were females. Over three-quarters (77.4%) were categorized as having poor knowledge levels, while poor practice was also prevalent (83.1%). Factors associated with increased knowledge and practice were being non-Saudi, being a consultant/specialist, and having more than 10 years of experience. There was a significant positive correlation between knowledge and practice scores (p<0.001). Conclusion:The knowledge and practice of HCPs regarding CMA were insufficient. Non-Saudi consultants/specialists with more years of experience tend to be more knowledgeable and have better skills in managing the disease. Further longitudinal studies are required to establish the level of knowledge and practices toward CMA.