Primary care physicians perceptions and practices on asthma care in Aseer region, Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE To determine the primary health care (PHC) physicians' knowledge, attitudes, and practices on asthma care in the sectors of Abha and Khamis Mushayt, Aseer Region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study in Aseer region, Saudi Arabia during the period from June to July 2001. Sixty-one PHC physicians were selected randomly through 2-stage stratified sampling with proportional allocation. Self-administered questionnaires were used covering PHC physicians' knowledge, attitudes and practices. Scoring of case scenarios on asthma care were established. RESULTS The mean total score for the case scenarios was poor, which was 37.7% of the total marks. CONCLUSION The knowledge of PHC physicians on asthma care in Aseer region was not satisfactory. The study recommends the establishment of new strategy to implement and disseminate the National Protocol for Asthma Management.