Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice of General Practitioners about Disease Notification (Reporting) in Qom

Epidemiological surveillance of infectious diseases through the mandatory-reporting system is crucial for disease prevention program and success in it related to physician, partnership. The aim of this study was to identify statues of notification system among general practitioners (physicians) in Qom. In this analytical cross section study a self-administered questionnaire was used to assess knowledge and attitude of notifiable diseases, self-reported practices, reasons for noncompliance with reporting requirements, and suggestions to improve compliance. A total 140 general physicians completed the questionnaire. Appropriate statistical analyses were performed. 14/3% and 13/6% had a good knowledge and attitude about notification and only 47% had good performance. There was significant association between the participant's self-reported practices and knowledge total scores and participating in continuing medical education. The major barrier of reporting notifiable diseases was poor knowledge of the list of reportable diseases and reporting requirements. The most frequent suggestions for improving physician's compliance with disease reporting were to simplify the reporting process and giving awareness about list of notifiable diseases. Our findings suggest inappropriate knowledge, attitude and practices about disease notification requirements among GPs. Modifying physisican's knowledge and motivation, eliminating barriers to disease reporting, and promoting some facilitating factors could help reduce the underreporting of notifiable diseases.