Primary Immunodeficiency Disorders: Awareness Survey of Physicians in Iran

Document Type : Review

Authors

1 Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

2 Iranian Student Society for Immunodeficiencies, Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

3 Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

4 Clinical Research Development Unit (CRDU), 5 azar Hospital, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran Department Immunology, School Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Background: Primary immunodeficiency disorders (PID) are a group of hereditary disorders characterized by various complications. Many patients with PID are undiagnosed, underdiagnosed, or misdiagnosed due to lack of physicians’ awareness, which culminates in increased rates of morbidity and mortality.
Method: Nine states of Iran were chosen for evaluating physicians’ awareness of PID. The population study consisted of pediatricians (specialties and subspecialties), pediatric residents, and general practitioners. A valid and reliable questionnaire was prepared for awareness scoring assessment. We provided physicians with continuing medical education (CME) and evaluated the effect on physicians’ awareness of PID.
Results: Among 794 physicians, 466 general practitioners (GP), 90 pediatric residents, 124 pediatric specialists, and 20 pediatric subspecialists were included in this study. The mean age of participants was 40.96±10.63 years. The mean period of practicing medicine was 12±9.53 years. The mean total knowledge score of participants was 51.30 with a standard deviation of 18.76. Only 161 participants (20.4%) answered more than 2/3 of all questions correctly. The mean scores in the management of PIDs was 66.25±54.55, followed by laboratory findings as 49.57±25.07, clinical symptoms as 54.42 ± 17.85, and associated syndromes as 42.32 ± 28.57. Only 207 physicians completed the CME curricula. Significant improvements were observed in physician’s knowledge after the programs (P

Keywords


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