KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES OF BURUNDI GENERALIST DOCTORS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PREMATURE AFTER DISCHARGE

Prince Emmy NGOMA; MD.

A cross-sectional study carried on 100 generalist doctors from September 19^th to November 18^th 2018 - BURUNDI

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Progress in neonatal care has led to an increasing number of survivors among PTIs. Thus, growth and development monitoring has to be done for these survivors to diagnose and deal with the large variety of long-term complications. In Burundi context, the generalist Doctor is the cornerstone of PTIs care. Meanwhile, less was known about knowledge, attitudes and practices of the generalist vis-à-vis the after-discharge follow up of PTIs.

Objective: To determine the level of knowledge and the willingness of general practitioners in the follow-up of premature infants.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out and included general doctors practicing in different hospitals and health care centers in Burundi from September 19^th to November 18^th. The data was collected using pre-established questionnaires. Data analysis was done using Microsoft Excel 2013.

Results: Of the 100 respondents 67 were male. The mean age of the participants was 34.8 ±3.3 years. The largest group were in the age group of 31-35 years (49%). 86% were practicing in public institutions and the location of practice was rural in 69%. 86% of the surveyed have been practicing for 1-5 years. The main source of information about prematurity management is INTERNET for 74% of the generalist doctors. 62% of the respondents declared to have responsibility to care for PTIs. The developmental delay was the more recognized long-term complication, followed by mental disabilities in 43%, poor growth 34% other complications were lowly mentioned. All the respondents thought there should be an after-discharge monitoring for PTIs though items to be monitored were unequally known among physicians. Knowledge of the surveyed related to immunization schedule and doses was also heterogeneous. For the majority, there was no additional vaccine for PTIs. According to 68% of the participants, doses of vaccines to be administrated in preterm babies and babies born at term are different. Only 7% of the generalist doctors in our survey systematically looked for long term complications in PTIs. Finally, all the respondents affirmed they had not enough knowledge about PTIS monitoring after discharge and wished to get CME opportunities on this.                                   

Conclusion: The majority of generalist doctors are involved in PTIs care in Burundi. Their knowledge about PTIs after discharge management is low. Hospitals do not have different protocols for PTIs care. All our respondents estimated that their level of knowledge about different aspects of after-discharge care is not enough.

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