Assessment of Family Physicians' and Family Physician Assistants' Knowledge of Cystic Fibrosis Disease and Screening Tests

Aim: In our country, since January 1, 2015, a cystic fibrosis(CF) screening program with heel-prick blood sampling in newborns has been implemented in primary health care. Currently, CF is known as a childhood disease with a median survival of 44.4 years and more than 50% of patients are over 18 years of age. Therefore, the role of family physicians in disease management is not limited to the neonatal period, but also includes the follow-up of adult patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge of primary care physicians and family medicine residents about CF and screening. Matherials and Methods: The population of the cross-sectional and descriptive study consisted of family physicians and family medicine residents working in Konya city center. The online questionnaire form included information questions designed to measure the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants and their level of knowledge about CF. A total of 230 volunteer physicians were included in the study. Data from the study were analyzed using the SPSS v.27 statistical program. Results: The knowledge score of family medicine specialists was higher than that of other participants. The mean knowledge score of the participants was 27.16±5.57. Family physicians had a high level of knowledge about screening test and organ involvement in CF. Conclusion: Early diagnosis of CF is very important for the preservation of lung function. Therefore, it would be beneficial for primary care physicians to receive regular training in the diagnosis and follow-up of CF and to be informed about the complications in the adult life of CF patients with prolonged life expectancy.