Knowledge, attitude, and practices of medical clinicians regarding food allergy and anaphylaxis in Hyderabad, India

Abstract

BackgroundFood allergy (FA) is a chronic condition of emerging global concern. Surveys have been conducted in numerous countries to assess physician knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) pertaining to FA and anaphylaxis, and substantial deficits in their KAP were identified. ObjectiveTo assess the KAP of medical clinicians in Hyderabad, India, with respect to FA and anaphylaxis. MethodsA regionally representative sample of 570 physicians including 113 general practitioners, 123 pediatricians, 110 pulmonologists, 113 dermatologists, and 111 gastroenterologists were recruited from all major institutions in Hyderabad, India. A validated questionnaire was used to assess their KAP. ResultsOverall, 90% of questions were correctly answered and differences emerged with respect to specific items, namely the following: (1) the lateral thigh being the preferred location for epinephrine administration (P = .001); (2) a positive skin prick test or radioallergosorbent test is sufficient for FA diagnosis (P = .04); and (3) the appropriate epinephrine dose for a 27-kg child (P = .006). Approximately 95% of the participants in each group were confident in their ability to care for patients with FA, yet 91% desired additional periodic FA training sessions. ConclusionSurvey findings suggest that although FA knowledge among South Indian clinicians seems high across all major specialties who care for patients with FA, there are differences in the level of knowledge among them, which in turn reflects the differences in attitude and approach toward their patients. These FA care providers still desire to further participate in continuing medical education efforts in the field of food allergy. Efforts to provide periodic training and education for all FA clinical care providers remain vital in South India.