Work

Assessment of knowledge of primary healthcare physicians in the western region of Saudi Arabia about Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a relatively common chronic inflammatory skin disorder. Early identification by primary healthcare (PHC) physicians plays a crucial role in preventing its adverse outcomes. Objective To assess the knowledge of primary healthcare physicians in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia regarding HS and identify the determinants influencing their knowledge level. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected PHC physicians working in the cities of Jeddah, Makkah, and Taif. A valid and reliable self-administered online questionnaire was used for data collection. Results A total of 106 PHC physicians participated in the study, with ages ranging from 26 to 48 years. The majority (79.2%) were aware of HS. The most frequently reported source of information was a diagnosed patient (64.3%). Overall, 47.2% of participants demonstrated a good level of knowledge regarding HS. Female physicians (p = 0.043), those over 35 years of age (p = 0.001), family medicine consultants (p < 0.001), physicians with more than 10 years of clinical experience (p = 0.008), and those who had seen more than five dermatological cases per day (p = 0.019) were significantly more knowledgeable. Most participants assigned the responsibility for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of HS cases to dermatologists, followed by surgeons or PHC physicians. About one-third (33%) had previously diagnosed a case of HS. Conclusion Although most PHC physicians in Western Saudi Arabia were aware of HS, less than half demonstrated a good level of knowledge, and only one-third had ever diagnosed a case. These findings highlight the need to implement targeted dermatology education programs for PHC physicians.

Source: Frontiers in Medicine

DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2025.1483112

Authors: Jumana Nabeel Akbar, Mawaddah Abdulgader Tallab, Sarah Bandar Aljoudi, Houriah Y. Nukaly, Mohammed Haitham Abduljabbar

Institutions: King Abdulaziz University, King Fahad Hospital Jeddah, King Abdul Aziz University Hospital, Batterjee Medical College

Language: English

Topic: Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Treatments

Subfield: Dermatology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801