How Are We Managing Patients with Hyperuricemia and Gout: A Cross Sectional Study Assessing Knowledge and Attitudes of Primary Care Physicians?

Sanja Zuzic Furlan, Doris Rusic, Josko Bozic, Mirjana Rumboldt, Zvonko Rumboldt, Marko Rada and Marion Tomicic
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Sanja Zuzic Furlan: Department of Family Medicine, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
Doris Rusic: Department of Pharmacy, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
Josko Bozic: Department of Pathophysiology, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
Mirjana Rumboldt: Department of Family Medicine, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
Zvonko Rumboldt: Department of Internal Medicine, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
Marko Rada: Department of Family Medicine, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
Marion Tomicic: Department of Family Medicine, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 3, 1-11

Abstract: Background: Studies show that hyperuricemia is an element of the pathophysiology of many conditions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess primary care physicians’ knowledge and attitudes toward asymptomatic hyperuricemia and gout management. Methods: A survey-based cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the primary physicians’ attitudes, knowledge, and patient management regarding hyperuricemia and gout. Results: A total of 336 primary care physicians were included. Physicians who read at least one scientific paper covering the topic of hyperuricemia in the past year scored significantly higher in knowledge questions (N = 152, 6.5 ± 2.05 vs. N = 183, 7.04 ± 2.14, p = 0.019). Only around half of physicians correctly identified drugs that can lower or elevate serum uric acid levels. Furthermore, the analysis of correct answers to specific questions showed poor understanding of the pathophysiology of hyperuricemia and possible risk factors. Conclusions: This study identified gaps in primary care physicians’ knowledge essential for the adequate management of patients with asymptomatic hyperuricemia and gout. As hyperuricemia and gout are among the fastest rising non-communicable diseases, greater awareness of the available guidelines and more education about the causes and risks of hyperuricemia among primary care physicians may reduce the development of diseases that have hyperuricemia as risk factors.

Keywords: gout; primary care physicians; knowledge; survey (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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