RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The knowledge ofPulmonologists in Nigeria regarding the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is modest and needs to be improved. Continuing Medical education programs have the potential to improve the knowledge of doctors. OBJECTIVES: To determine the impact of attendance at a COPDtraining on the level of knowledge of pulmonologists in Nigeria. METHODS: A Cross-sectional study conducted during the Nigerian Thoracic Society (NTS) annual conference held at Ile-Ife, Nigeria in November 2013. The participants included residents in respiratory medicine and qualified pulmonologists. The study instruments were pre-test and post-test questionnaires which comprised of the same set of questions. The pre-test was administered and retrieved before the start of the COPD symposium and the post-test immediately afterwards. The scores on the pre-test were compared with the scores on the post-test. RESULTS: There were 54pre-test and 46 post-test questionnaires. The maximum obtainable score was 25. The mean score±standard deviation on the pre-test was 13±6 and 17±5 on post-test (t=-3.9, p<0.001) translating to an improvement in knowledge from 52% to 68%. Assessment of airflow limitation using spirometry in the initial evaluation for COPD was correctly selected by 57.4% on pre-test and 65.2% on post-test (p=0.42). The knowledge of tuberculosis and environmental pollution were the least recognized risk factors for COPD and mood/anxiety disorder was the least recognized comorbid condition. CONCLUSION: The level of knowledge of pulmonologists in Nigeria about COPD is modest and participation at a CME program improved their knowledge.