Knowledge, attitude, and practice of family physicians on the management of Osteoarthritis in adults at Primary Healthcare Corporation, Qatar: ‘A cross-sectional web-based survey’ (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint condition and is the 15th major cause of disability worldwide. Family physicians play a significant role in managing these patients; their up-to-date knowledge is essential for evidence-based management. OBJECTIVE This study assesses family physicians’ knowledge, attitude, and practice toward OA management. Furthermore, it explores knowledge gaps and discrepancies in practice and compares them with similar studies in the Arabian Peninsula. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional online survey at Primary Healthcare Corporation (PHCC), Qatar. We sent a targeted online survey link via PHCC intranet email to 724 family physicians working across twenty-eight health centers in Qatar. RESULTS About 100 family physicians responded to the survey. Out of 100, 75 (75%) were male, 59 out of 100 (59%) were consultants, and the average age of respondents was 48 (SD 7.1). Overall knowledge of family physicians was 76.7%, exhibiting a positive attitude and good practice. A substantial majority of family physicians, 78 out of 100 (78%), acknowledged that OA adversely affects patients’ mental well-being, leading to anxiety and concern. 75 out of 100 (75%) of the participants believed they had adequate training to manage OA. 88 out of 100 (88%) family physicians frequently recommended non-pharmacological management approaches, particularly weight loss. Oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were offered (75%) most of the time by general practitioners compared to specialists (16.7%) (P=.019). Notably, female physicians exhibited significantly higher utilization rates of pharmacological treatments, which include topical capsicum (P=.013), topical NSAIDs (P=.048), and oral NSAIDs (P=.049), and non-pharmacological treatment like thermotherapy (P=.011). CONCLUSIONS Overall, this study found that PHCC family physicians’ knowledge, attitude, and practice in managing OA were good. However, targeted educational interventions are required, along with professional development programs, to promote evidence-based practices and address gender disparities in prescribing. Future research is necessary to delve deeper into the factors that contribute to the existing gaps in prescribing behavior between male and female physicians. Enhancing OA management further can lead to better patient outcomes and improved quality of care.