Farrukh Sheikh
King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, KSA
Title: First survey of knowledge of pakistani doctors regarding primary immune deficiency diseases
Biography
Biography: Farrukh Sheikh
Abstract
Pakistan has one of the largest populations in the whole world. It also has one of the highest Consanguinity rates in the world. Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) are a relatively common occurrence where consanguineous marriages are widespread. The aim of the current study was to interview a broad range of physician in Pakistan to assess their knowledge base regarding the diagnosis of primary immune deficiency. This was a cross sectional study. Random physicians were approached from different medical colleges and the attached hospitals in Pakistan. Physicians were asked to fill out a questionnaire regarding PIDs awareness. The 10 warning signs of primary immune deficiency are well-known and well cited and were included in thequestionnaire. Other questions were also asked regarding the family history of PIDs, etc. A total of 141 Healthcare providers took part in the survey. About 55% of the participants had not seen any patients with PIDs. 86% were not aware of the 10 warning signs of PIDs and 97% were not familiar with what kind of questions to ask for a PID family history. About 50% did not offer any treatments to their patients with PIDs. 61% thought that PIDs patients are always seriously ill. 84% thought that patients with PIDs should not receive any live vaccines. Lastly, 55% of those interviewed did not know where to refer a patient with PIDs. There is a great need for healthcare education regarding PIDs in Pakistan which has one of the largest proportions of this disease globally.