Evaluation of the Knowledge of Family Physicians Regarding Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever in Kastamonu

Abstract

Introduction: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is seen as a major public health problem in our country every year since 2002. Healthcare workers are among the groups at risk for the disease. In this study, we aimed to detect the general knowledge of family physicians in Kastamonu about CCHF. Materials and Methods: Family physicians working in the province of Kastamonu were contacted by email regarding completing a questionnaire about CCHF. Results: Family physicians attended this research in Kastamonu (n= 101). Their mean age was 33.9 ± 5.2 years. Seventy-two (71.3%) were male and 29 (28.7%) were female. The duration of working years of the physicians was 9.7 ± 5.3 (1-22). Seventy-four of the family physicians reported having CCHF-diagnosed patients. When the questionnaires were evaluated, it was seen that family physicians have sufficient knowledge about the transmission routes, risk groups and clinical findings of CCHF. However, their knowledge regarding the laboratory findings of CCHF was inadequate. Seventy of the family physicians stated that the risk of their jobs increases when they follow CCHF patients and that, given a choice, they would prefer not to examine patients with CCHF. Conclusion: In regions endemic for CCHF, patients first present to their family physicians. Thus, it is important that the family physicians have adequate knowledge about the diagnosis and follow-up of the disease. It is concluded that the knowledge of the family physicians in Kastamonu about the laboratory findings of CCHF should be improved