Evaluating family physicians’ knowledge about dyslipidemia and its related factors in Shiraz in 2021

 Dyslipidemia is a major risk factors for cardiovascular disease. This research aimed to determine the knowledge of the doctors in this field in Shiraz and its related factors.

 This analytical cross-sectional study was performed among urban general family physicians in 1400. Cluster random sampling was done from 8 centers out of 32 comprehensive health centers covered by 2 main health centers that cover the whole city of Shiraz (86 people from each main health center). A researcher-made questionnaire was used which included 12 questions about dyslipidemia. The questionnaire was delivered to the physicians in the workplace, and the completed questionnaire was taken one day later. Statistical analysis was done with SPSS-20 software. The effect of factors on the score of the questionnaire was investigated by linear regression analysis.

 172 questionnaires were completed of which 98 (57%) were male and 69 (40%) were female and the average age of the participants was 44.7 ± 9.7 years. The average score was 64% of the total score in prevention and treatment. (3.2 ± 0.9 of 5 points and 4.5 ± 1.4 of 7 points, respectively). 50.6% of doctors were aware of national guideline, and only 32.6% had read that. None of the investigated factors significantly affected the total score, including participating in Continuing Medical Education and studying the guidelines.

 General family physicians’ knowledge about dyslipidemia was less than expected. Physicians’ awareness and studying of the national guideline was unsatisfactory. It is required to design effective and targeted Continuing Medical Education and to prepare and effective use of clinical guidelines targeted to family physicians. In the future, similar studies should be conducted to monitor the knowledge of doctors at regular intervals to improve the quality and quantity of education after graduating.