Knowledge on prevention and management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Asthma among medical officers: a multi-centerpre and post-test study

Medha D Bargaje,Department Of Respiratory Medicine, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Du) Medical College And Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India ,Radha Munje,Priti Meshram,Himanshu Pophale,Amit Karad,Anubhuti Singh,Jyoti Londhe,Department Of Respiratory Medicine, Indira Gandhi Government Medical College, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India ,Department Of Respiratory Medicine, Grant Government Medical College And Sir J. J. Group Of Hospitals, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India ,Department Of Respiratory Medicine, Smt. Kashibai Navale Medical College, Pune, Maharashtra, India ,Cipla Ltd., India ,Care India Medical Society, Pune, Maharashtra, India ,Care India Medical Society, Pune, Maharashtra, India  Affiliation When Study Was Conducted: Department Of Respiratory Medicine, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Du) Medical College And Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India

doi:10.56136/bvmj/2024_00281

Medha D Bargaje, Department Of Respiratory Medicine, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Du) Medical College And Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India + Show 12 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.56136/bvmj/2024_00281

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Abstract

Background: Despite Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Asthma being one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in India, knowledge about these diseases among healthcare professionals seems inadequate. Aims: This study aimed to assess the knowledge gained by medical and paramedical staff in the prevention and management of COPD and asthma following a two-day training program. Settings and methods: This quasi-experimental (before-after) study was carried out among medical and paramedical staff of public health systems of the government of India in three training centers in Maharashtra. Aquestionnaire was given in the form of a pre-test before a two-day training program. The training was comprised of prevention and management of COPD and asthma. After completion of training, a post-test was given, and scores were calculated. Statistical analysis: A two-tailed paired sample t-test was used to assess knowledge gain. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 77 participants completed both pre-test and post-test before and after the training programme. Twenty-Five (32.5%) were female and 52 (67.5%) were male. The mean age of participants was 42.7± 7.9 years. The majority (92.2%) of the participants were medical professionals. Only nine participants (11.7%) had ever attended a training program on COPD or asthma. The mean pre-test score was 14.68±3.88, while the mean post-test score was 25.60±6.52. There was a statistically significant improvement in knowledge scores at all three training centers, among both genders and across all qualifications (p<0.001). Conclusion: Adequate training of medical and para-medical staff in public health systems across the country can result in effective and timely diagnosis, treatment, and referral for patients with COPD and Asthma. This will ensure a reduction in the social and economic burden of disease.

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