Covid-19 ; Pediatric and Patient Relationship: Evaluation of Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviors of Pediatricians in Turkey

Abstract

Objective: Aim of this study is evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors related to Covid-19 among physicians who are experts in child health and diseases in Turkey. Material and Method: In this study with a cross-sectional prospective design, a 20-question survey about Covid-19 was created using an online program. A total of 324 child health and disease experts were included in the study. There were two questions about the disease scored as 4 and 5 points, respectively. The factors affecting a high score were determined by the logistic regression analysis. Results: Study designed when the Covid-19 first broke out. Physicians, 43.8% considered that they had either low or moderate knowledge about the subject. Physicians' anxiety about being infected was over 95%. The mean score of the physicians in the two disease-related questions was 4.42±2.3. High scores were obtained from respondents over 35 years old [OR: 2.069 (CI: 1.224-3.497)], those with chronic diseases [OR: 2.105 (CI: 1.042-4.25)], those that followed the official websites of health authorities [OR: 5.40 (CI: 2.616) -11.148], and those that attended informative meetings at their workplace [OR: 2.25 (CI: 1.434-3.540]. Conclusions: According to the results of our study, it was observed that in the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic, pediatricians did not have enough knowledge about the subject, and at the point of raising awareness of Covid-19; we are of the opinion that ensuring the participation of physicians in informative meetings and holding meetings about methods of coping with anxiety will be beneficial for physicians who will treat the disease.