Evaluation of the knowledge level and practices of family physicians about newborn follow-up: survey-based observation and comparison of 220 physicians in Ankara, Turkey

Authors

  • Tugba Guler Sonmez Department of Family Medicine, Republic of Turkiye Ministry of Health General Directorate of Public Health, Ankara, Turkiye
  • Ebru Ugras Tiryaki Department of Family Medicine, Golbasi Family Center No 4, Ankara, Turkiye
  • Mehmet Bugra Bozan Department of General Surgery, Health Science University, Elazig Fethi Sekin City Hospital, Elazig, Turkiye
  • Nilgun Altuntas Department of Paediatrics, Yildirim Beyazit University, Ankara, Turkiye

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47391/JPMA.7848

Keywords:

Newborn management, Breastfeeding, Family physicians, Knowledge level

Abstract

Objective: To compare the management-related practices and knowledge levels of family physicians about newborns, and to identify the factors that affected their practices and knowledge levels.

Method: The descriptive study was conducted at Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University Yenimahalle Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkiye from August to November 2021, and comprised general practitioner family physicians, family medicine specialists and family medicine residents. Data was collected using a 26-item e-survey prepared on Google Forms that covered demographic and occupational information, including neonatal practices and knowledge regarding newborn follow-up. Data was analysed using SPSS 25.

Results: Of the 220 subjects, 112(50.91%) were males and 108(49.09%) were females. The overall media age was 37 years (interquartile range: 32-43 years). There were 114(51.82%) specialists, 74(33.64%) general practitioners and 32(14.55%) residents. Professional experience was >10 years in 113(51.36%) cases. Knowledge scores were not significantly different among the healthcare providers (p>0.05). The residents had higher scores for re-lactation knowledge compared to the general practitioners (p=0.009). The specialists and residents were more likely to recommend attending breastfeeding polyclinics, to completely undress the baby during examination, and to perform depression screening in mothers compared to the general practitioners (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Despite having largely similar knowledge scores, family medicine specials and residents appeared to demonstrate relatively better practices compared to the general practitioners.

Key Words: Newborn management, Breastfeeding, Family physicians, Knowledge level.

Author Biography

Nilgun Altuntas, Department of Paediatrics, Yildirim Beyazit University, Ankara, Turkiye

Yildirim Beyazit University, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Ankara

Published

2024-11-17

How to Cite

Guler Sonmez, T., Ugras Tiryaki, E., Bozan, M. B., & Altuntas, N. (2024). Evaluation of the knowledge level and practices of family physicians about newborn follow-up: survey-based observation and comparison of 220 physicians in Ankara, Turkey. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 74(12), 2061–2071. https://doi.org/10.47391/JPMA.7848

Issue

Section

RESEARCH ARTICLE