Private practitioners' knowledge of and attitude towards primary health care in eastern Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

Reports on private practitioners' knowledge and attitude towards primary health care [PHC] are few; there are none from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [KSA]. A questionnaire was used in a cross-sectional study in KSA and factors which influenced knowledge and attitude were examined. Of the 281 practitioners targeted, 268 [95%] were reached. The sample contained a fairly equal distribution of specialities. However, by nationality, they were predominantly Egyptians [54%] and Indians [21%]; only 10% were Saudis. The results showed deficient knowledge of and negative attitude towards PHC among responders. Previous training in PHC emerged as the single most important beneficial factor. More Saudis should be encouraged into PHC which should be stressed in the undergraduate curriculum. Private practitioners require regular updating in the field