Abstract

PHYSICIANS’ KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE CONCERNING THE CLINICAL USE OF PROBIOTICS FOR THE TREATMENT OF INFANTILE DIARRHEA IN SINDH, PAKISTAN

Syed Imran Ali*, Baqar Shyum Naqvi and Samiyah Tasleem

Abstract

Since last few years in Pakistan, use of probiotics is emerging for the treatment of infantile diarrhea. In general, several nutritional and pharmaceutical companies are encouraging healthcare professionals (HCPs) for the recommendation of probiotics in pediatric community. It was speculated that knowledge and clinical use of probiotics were varied among General Physicians and Pediatricians. The objective of the present study was to investigate the knowledge of General Physicians and Pediatricians and their approach for the recommendation of probiotics in infants to treat diarrheal illnesses. A cross-sectional quantitative study was carried out coordinated 1000 physicians, including 580 Pediatricians and 420 General Physicians form 9 suburban districts of Sindh, Pakistan. Survey results revealed that 99.3% Pediatricians (Pds) and 76.2% General Physicians (GPs) were familiar with probiotics followed by 0.7% Pds and 23.8% GPs were unfamiliar. 90.8% Pds and 13.8% GPs were aware about the contributing factors needed for the required benefits of probiotics in diarrhea. It is concluded that Pediatricians were more knowledgeable and aware about the advancement of probiotics compared to General Physicians. It is needed that knowledgeable healthcare professionals and health department should make opportunities in order to educate the medical community on the effective application of probiotics in infants and children.

Keywords: Probiotics, diarrhea, infants, pediatricians, general physicians.