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June 2021 -
Volume 19, Issue 6


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From the Editor

Editorial
A. Abyad (Chief Editor)
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Original Contribution

Health-Related Quality of Life of Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Saudi Arabia
[pdf]
[Abstract]
Hassan MH Alshehri, Ali MH Alshehri, Amer MH Alshehri, Salem MH Alshehri, Saleh A Alshaikhi, Fahad SN Alasmari, Mohammed AA Alasmri
DOI: 10.5742/MEWFM.2021.94060

The prevalence of depression among female medical students in Al-Maarefa Colleges in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
[pdf]
[Abstract]
Amani Abdullah Alharbi
DOI: 10.5742/MEWFM.2021.94061

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Primary Care Physicians in Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia, Regarding Geriatric Depression
[pdf]
[Abstract]
Hassan MH Alqarni, Ayedh AA Alahmari, Hassan MH Alshehri, Hassan AH Asiri,
Ossama A. Mostafa
DOI: 10.5742/MEWFM.2021.94062

The dietary habits and physical activities of undergraduate medical students in Karachi
[pdf]
[Abstract]
Savaira Rehman, Nadira Hyder Zaidi, Tafazzul Hyder Zaidi, Sarah Feroz, Maria Azad, Farah Yasmeen, Sahar Aijaz
DOI: 10.5742/MEWFM.2021.94063

The Effect of caffeine on sleep among medical students at King Faisal University Saudi Arabia
[pdf]
[Abstract]
Ayub Ali, Abdulaziz Albahrani, Ahmed Alnasser, Ali Alsalman, Mohammed Alaithan, Mohammad Alswaidan, Abdulla Alkhalifa
DOI: 10.5742/MEWFM.2021.94065

Population and Community Studies

Psychological impact of Corona Virus Disease on general population in Karachi
[pdf]
[Abstract]
Suman Lohana, Nadira Hyder Zaidi, Tafazzul Hyder Zaidi, Kartaar Saahil, Komal Novlani
DOI: 10.5742/MEWFM.2021.94067

Review

Literature Review: Newborn Hearing Screening May Predict Autism Spectrum Disorder
[pdf]
[Abstract]
Akeil Al-Faraj
DOI: 10.5742/MEWFM.2021.94068

An update on Pathophysiology, Epidemiology, Diagnosis and Management Part 6: Medical Treatment of Early and Advanced Parkinson's Disease: Use of Levodopa
[pdf]
[Abstract]
Abdulrazak Abyad, Ahmed sami Hammami
DOI: 10.5742/MEWFM.2021.94069

Case Report

Multiple Myeloma in Young pregnant patient
[pdf]
[Abstract]
Hanadi Marouf, Nourhan Metwally, Anwar Joudeh, Mansoura Ismail
DOI: 10.5742/MEWFM.2021.94070

Middle East Quality Improvement Program
(MEQUIP QI&CPD)

Chief Editor -
Abdulrazak Abyad MD, MPH, MBA, AGSF, AFCHSE
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Editorial Office -
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Phone: (961) 6-443684
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Email: aabyad@cyberia.net.lb
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Lesley Pocock
medi+WORLD International
AUSTRALIA
Email: lesleypocock@mediworld.com.au
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While all efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this journal, opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Publishers, Editor or the Editorial Board. The publishers, Editor and Editorial Board cannot be held responsible for errors or any consequences arising from the use of information contained in this journal; or the views and opinions expressed. Publication of any advertisements does not constitute any endorsement by the Publishers and Editors of the product advertised.

The contents of this journal are copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for purposes of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted under the Australian Copyright Act, no part of this program may be reproduced without the permission of the publisher.
   
June 2021 - Volume 19, Issue 6

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Primary Care Physicians in Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia, Regarding Geriatric Depression

Hassan MH Alqarni (1)
Ayedh AA Alahmari (1)
Hassan MH Alshehri (1)
Hassan AH Asiri (1)
Ossama A. Mostafa (2)

(1) Senior Registrar of Family Medicine, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia
(2) Public Health Consultant, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia

Corresponding Author:
Hassan MH AlqarniSenior Registrar of Family Medicine,
Ministry of Health,
Saudi Arabia
Email: drgarni4@gmail.com

Received: April 2021; Accepted: May 2021; Published: June 1, 2021. Citation: Hassan MH Alqarni et al. Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Primary Care Physicians in Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia, Regarding Geriatric Depression. World Family Medicine. 2021; 19(6): 24-38 DOI: 10.5742/MEWFM.2021.94062

Abstract



Aim of Study: To assess knowledge, attitude and practice regarding geriatric depression among primary care physicians (PCPs) in Aseer Region.

Methodology: Following a cross-sectional design, this study included 330 PCPs in Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire was constructed by the researchers to assess participants’ knowledge, attitudes and practices about geriatric depression.

Results: Regarding geriatric depression, 30% of PCPs had poor knowledge, 94.2% had a positive attitude toward management of geriatric depression, while 27% had poor practices regarding management of geriatric depression. More than one third of participants (35.8%) do not use any standard test to screen for late life depression. Only 64.2% use clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of late life depression, while 10.6% of PCPs do not request any laboratory test to identify the cause for geriatric depression. The most frequently prescribed medications for depression among elderly patients were selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (78.2%), while 48.8% of participants apply cognitive behavioral therapy to their geriatric depression patients. PCPs’ knowledge grades differed significantly according to their age (p=0.019). PCPs with higher duration of experience had significantly higher percentage of good knowledge grades than those with less experience (28.1% and 17.1%, p<0.001). Those who attended psychiatry continuing medical education (CME) courses had significantly higher percentage of good knowledge grades than those who did not (27.1% and 17.5%, p=0.015). PCPs’ attitude toward management of geriatric depression differed significantly according to dealing with depression cases (p=0.029), while their practice grades differed significantly according to their age (p<0.001) and duration of experience in primary health care (p=0.01). Those who attended psychiatry CME courses had significantly higher percentage of good practice than those who did not (51.9% and 45.8%, p=0.002). Participants’ use of clinical guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of geriatric depression was significantly more by those who attended psychiatry courses (p<0.001) and also by those who dealt with cases of depression (p=0.008).

Conclusions: PCPs knowledge regarding geriatric depression is suboptimal. Most PCPs have a positive attitude toward geriatric depression, but routine screening of elderly patients is mostly not fulfilled. PCPs’ CME, experience and training are the main determinants for better knowledge, positive attitude and more practice regarding diagnosis and management of geriatric depression. Therefore, PCPs should be encouraged to attend CME on mental health of the elderly and to be trained on routine psychiatric screening of elderly and to use clinical guidelines for diagnosis and management of geriatric depression.

Key words: Geriatric depression, primary care, physicians, knowledge, attitude, practice.







 


 
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