Knowledge and adherence to National Institute of Clinical Excellence 2020, dyslipidaemia management guidelines and its associations among medical officers in Gampaha district, Sri Lanka: a descriptive study

Abstract

Introduction: Dyslipidaemia is an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases(CVD) and optimal management helps prevent CVD burden in a country. Knowledge of medical officers(MOs) on dyslipidaemia management is critical in this regard. We assessed knowledge and adherence of MOs of Gampaha district to the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) guideline 2020 on management of dyslipidaemia. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study at five secondary/tertiary-care hospitals in Gampaha District in January 2022. Knowledge and adherence were studied using a self-administered questionnaire consisting of 25 multiple-choice questions. Each question was scored "1" and the cumulative score was converted to 100. A score >80 was considered "good knowledge and adherence" and its associations were studied using logistic regression.Results: A total of 413 MOs (63.4% females, mean age 45±7.6 years) participated in the study. Of them, 73.1% had worked in a medical ward previously. The mean knowledge and adherence score was 77±9.3. Only 30% had a score >80. Good knowledge and adherence was significantly associated with being <45 years (p .004) in age, having work experience in a medical ward (p<.001), having post-graduate training (p<.001), working in a tertiary care hospital(p=.007), and involved in private practice(p=.002). There was no significant association with attendance at continuing medical education programmes (p=.320) or the duration of service(p=.120).Conclusions: Only a third of MOs of Gampaha district had good Knowledge and adherence to NICE-2020 dyslipidaemia guidelines. Knowledge and adherence to the guideline was better in MOs who are young, in postgraduate training, with previous experience in medical wards, working in tertiary care hospitals or engaged in private practice.