A Questionnaire Survey: Knowledge in Upper Airway Infections among General Practitioners in Malaysia

• Main Authors: Boon Han Kevin Ng (Author), Ing Ping Tang (Author), Elizabeth Yenn Lynn Lim (Author), Abu Bakar Zulkifl ee (Author), Prepageran Narayanan (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Archives of Otolaryngology and Rhinology - Peertechz Publications, 2017-12-26.
• Subjects: Research Article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

<p>Background: Upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) cases are one of the most frequently seen</p><p>cases in the primary care setting. The causative agents are either bacteria or virus. It is not easy to</p><p>differentiate among them. In term of treatment for both conditions, certain principles of treatment are</p><p>advised to be followed.</p><p>Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude and experience of General Practitioners (GPs) on upper</p><p>respiratory tract infections (URTI) as well as on antibiotics usage.</p><p>Methods and Materials: In a six months nationwide prospective study, 152 Malaysian GPs participated</p><p>by answering a questionnaire relating to views on common clinical presentations of upper airway</p><p>infections, management of disease and the usage of antibiotics. The results from the questionnaire were</p><p>tabulated and analyzed with SPSS version 22.</p><p>Results: 67.8% of the participants were from the private sector while the rest were from the</p><p>government sector. One participant has a postgraduate in family medicine while the remaining have a</p><p>basic undergraduate degree. In upper airway infections clinical presentation, 61% were able to answer</p><p>the questionnaire correctly. Around 50 % will wait and assess the symptoms for about 3 - 5 days before</p><p>starting antibiotics with the penicillin group as the fi rst choice of antibiotics. We also note that 75% of</p><p>participants adhere to the guidelines for antibiotics prescription.</p><p>Conclusions: The knowledge and management of upper airway infections are adequate among the</p><p>GPs in Malaysia. It can however be improved for the benefi t of patients.</p>