KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICES OF DRUG ALLERGY AMONG PRIMARY HEALTHCARE PHYSICIANS IN TAIF, KSA, 2021

Introduction: Drug allergy (DA) has a critical impact on patients' health. The reactions are unexpected; they range from a critical emergency case that may necessitate hospitalization to adjustments in subsequent therapy. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study conducted to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of drug-allergy reactions in primary health care physicians in Taif city, Saudi Arabia. All physicians working in 19 PHC in Taif city were included in this study. A self-administrated questionnaire was used for data collection. Results: A total of 128 physicians were included in this study, 57.8% were males, and most of them (75%) were Saudi. The mean score of knowledge was (59.5±16.9), attitude (62.7±9.9), and practice (68.1±16.2). Gender was significantly associated with the participants' knowledge (P=0.048), attitude (P=0.000), and practice (P=0.001). The educational level was significantly associated with the knowledge score (P=0.003) and attitude score (P=0.003). The title was significantly associated with the participants' knowledge (P=0.033), attitude (P=0.004), and practice (P=0.041). The nationality was significantly associated with the participants' attitudes (P=0.000), and there was a significant association between smoking status and practice (P=0.021). Conclusion: This study demonstrated relatively good knowledge levels and positive attitudes as well as good practices towards DA among primary care physicians in Taif, Saudi Arabia. Males and consultants were the most knowledgeable, had the most positive attitudes, and best practices regarding DA.

Keywords: Drug allergy; Drug hypersensitivity reactions; Knowledge; Attitude; Practice