Tinea capitis knowledge levels of doctors working in Eastern Anatolia

Abstract

Objective: Aim of this study was assesment of tinea capitis knowledge levels of medical doctors who at least graduated from medical faculty, living and working in East Anatolia Region in which zoonotic fungal infections are commonly seen. Material and Methods: A questionnaire about tinea capitis epidemology, diagnosis and treatment was administrated to practitioners and specialists working in Kars, Ardahan and Iğdır. Results: A total of 116 medical doctors from three states filled out the questionnaire. Mean age of working as a doctor was 7,7±5,1 years, working in these states was 3,3±4,3 years. 43,1% (50 doctors) of the participants were practitioners, 46,9% (66 doctors) of were specialists and 88,7% (103 doctors) of were physicians. Knowledge assesment high score was 29 points; score of all doctors was 12,79±4,44, practitioners' was 14,32±5,13, specialists' was 11,63±3,4. Practitioners' score was found significantly higher than specialists' (p=0,02). There was no relationship between duration of working and knowledge score (p=0,538). There was a weak correlation between duration of practicing in East Anatolian and knowledge score (p=0,029, r=0,203). Conclusion: This study revealed that practitioners and specialists which are working in such areas that fungal infections are commonly seen have insufficient knowledge about tinea capitis. There is a need for current training on tinea capitis, which is still frequently observed in our country and is also considered as a primary health problem. Copyright © 2019 by Türkiye Klinikleri