Pediatricians perception of stool color cards as a screening tool for biliary atresia: a cross-sectional survey in Sudan

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background A stool color card has improved the prognosis of biliary atresia patients since it was first developed in Japan. This study investigated how Sudanese pediatric residents currently utilize stool color cards. Methods In January and February of 2022, 254 pediatric residents participated in this facility-based, cross-sectional study. The researchers developed a structured questionnaire, which was completed in Google form with a 100% response rate after it was pretested and validated. All the statistical analyses were performed with SPSS 25.0 (SPSS, Inc. Chicago, IL). The ethical committee of the Sudan Medical Specialization Board approved the study. All participants provided written informed consent. Results A total of 254 residents, ranging in age from 25 to 40 years, were enrolled in the study; 215 of whom were female (84.6%), and 39 were male (15.4%). Approximately 54.7% of the residents did not know about SCC. Of those who knew of SCC, 73% were proficient users. 71% of the participants properly identified the first three normal photographs of stool color out of the six photos in the SSC example. Nevertheless, only 13% of the participants correctly identified the final three abnormal images. The majority of residents (84.6%) were aware of when to send patients to gastroenterologists. At least one prereferral investigation was ordered by 83.8% of the residents. Conclusion The residents’ knowledge was unrelated to their practices. Educational interventions as well as practice protocols and guidelines are needed. More in-depth research with suitable designs and methodologies may offer additional clarity in the future.