Evaluation of the Knowledge , Skills , Attitudes and Behaviors of Family Physicians and Family Medicine Assistants in İstanbul About Scabies

Objective: Scabies is a disease that is seen worldwide and poses a public health risk in many countries. Many family physicians working in primary care frequently encounter scabies in their daily practices and sometimes experience difficulties in diagnosis and treatment. In this study, it is aimed to measure the knowledge level of family physicians and family medicine assistants working in Istanbul about scabies and to evaluate their skills, attitudes and behaviors in the diagnosis and treatment of scabies, while drawing attention to the increasing number of scabies cases in recent years. Materials and Methods: Our study was conducted among family physicians working in Istanbul and assistants receiving family medicine specialization training. It is a cross-sectional, analytical and descriptive study. The questionnaire forms created by literature review were filled out by physicians who agreed to participate in the study between January 2024 and April 2024 through face-to-face interviews. The questionnaire form consisting of 26 questions questioned sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge about scabies, and attitudes and behaviors during the treatment process. The personal data of the participants were protected in accordance with the relevant law. Results :A total of 359 people participated in the study, 160 of whom were male and 219 were female. The average age of the physicians included in the study was found to be 41.56±9.72. When the titles of the physicians participating in the study were examined, 87 were Contracted Family Medicine Specialist (SAHU) assistants, 17 were Family Medicine Specialist assistants, 203 were Family physicians and 52 were Family Medicine Specialists. When the institution they worked at was examined, the highest number of people was Family Health Center with 331 people. While 92.76% of the physicians (n= 333) stated that they received training about scabies during their medical education, those who received training about scabies during their assistantship constituted 20.06% of the participants (n=72). 75.14% of the participants did not receive in-service training about scabies during their medical practice. When the answers given to all knowledge questions were examined, the total knowledge score was found to be 61.36±10.52, the median was 60,47. When the participants' attitudes and behaviors towards scabies were compared according to age, gender, title and institution, no significant difference was found. Conclusion: A comparison of knowledge scores was made between Age, Gender, Title and Institutions where the duty was held and significant p values were obtained. Accordingly, the knowledge score average of those aged >50 is lower than the 31-39 and 40-49 age groups. The knowledge score average of women is higher than men. The knowledge score average of those who are family physicians/General Practitioners is lower than those who are SAHU Assistants and Family Medicine Specialists. Scabies should be included in post-graduation and in-service training plans to both update the knowledge of physicians and contribute to their continuous development. Keywords: Scabies (Scabies), family doctor, physician knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviors