A survey of the knowledge of general practitioners, family physicians and pulmonologists in Nigeria regarding the diagnosis and treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

O. B. Ozoh, B. I. Awokola, S. A. Buist

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The level of knowledge of doctors regarding chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management impacts on their ability to appropriately diagnose and treat COPD.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the level of knowledge of Nigerian doctors regarding COPD management and explore the independent determinants of the level of knowledge.

METHODS: A questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge of general practitioners (GPs), family physicians (FPs) and pulmonologists in Nigeria regarding COPD management as recommended by the guidelines. The mean score of pulmonologists was used to set a level of standard for optimal knowledge.

RESULTS: 182 doctors (56 GPs, 81 FPs and 45 pulmonologists) participated in the study. Twelve (21.4%) GPs, 46 (56.8%) FPs and 44 (97.8%) pulmonologists were familiar with the Global Initiative on Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) Guidelines (p<0.001). 3.6% of GPs, 11.1% of FPs and 33.3% of pulmonologists correctly selected spirometry alone for confirming a diagnosis of COPD. 12.5% of GPs, 8.6% of FPs and 40% of pulmonologists correctly identified inhaled bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids as the two best options for treatment of moderate to severe stable COPD (χ(2)=21, p<0.001). The overall level of knowledge was good in 64.4% of pulmonologists, 23.5% of FPs and 14.3% of GPs (χ(2)=34.2, p<0.001). The location of practice (urban versus rural), specialty of the doctors and access to spirometry were independent determinants of level of knowledge.

CONCLUSION: The level of knowledge of Nigerian doctors regarding COPD management is sub-optimal. There is a need to develop a systematic COPD education programme to improve their knowledge.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)100-106
Number of pages7
JournalWest African journal of medicine
Volume33
Issue number2
StatePublished - Apr 1 2014
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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