Comparison of physicians' and medical students' knowledge of bronchial asthma according to the final results of the ASSA-II study

Abstract

Objective: to compare the knowledge of physicians and medical majors in bronchial asthma (BA) basics.

Materials and methods: In ‘17-‘19 we conducted an ASSA-II study (358 majors and 388 physicians tested in 11 centers). Respondents’ knowledge of BA basics was assessed using the questionnaire with 12 questions that were complied in accordance with the GINA-2017 manual.

Results: The average level of correct answers (LCA) was 84.5% in physicians group, LCA in students group was significantly worse (74.8%, p<0.001). The LCA significantly varied on different questions in general on the questionnaire (from 46.5%stud and 59.7%phys till 91.1%stud and 96.9%phys) and especially on different centers. The most difficult questions were related to BA definition in both groups (46.5% / 59.7%, p<0.001). Both groups showed no significant difference (p>0.05) in the knowledge of laboratory markers BA (69.9% / 73.3%), the main BA diagnostics methods (88.5% / 92.4%), variants of severity (79.6% / 80.6%), the 1st actions in asthma attack therapy (81.4% / 84.5%). data-type="trSpan">Both groups showed no significant difference (p>0.05) in the knowledge of laboratory markers BA (69.9% / 73.3%), the main BA diagnostics methods (88.5% / 92.4%), variants of severity (79.6% / 80.6%), the 1st actions in asthma attack therapy (81.4% / 84.5%). It was revealed that physicians had much better insight in BA triggers definition (93.1% / 81.7%, p<0.001), BA pathogenesis (81.3% / 67.6%, p<0.001), disease control levels (84.5% / 73.8%, p<0.001), self-control over BA (85.8% / 76.5%, p<0.01), status asthmaticus definition (96.9% / 91.1%, p<0.01), scheme of basic treatment (91.2% / 78.7%, p<0.001), fixed combination drugs (90.2% / 62.6%, p<0.001).

Conclusion: It was revealed that the level of knowledge remains insufficient. Topics were identified that should be studied in detail.