Coccidioidomycosis: knowledge, attitudes, and practices among healthcare providers — Arizona, 2007

Abstract

Abstract Coccidioidomycosis presumably causes ≤ 33% of community-acquired pneumonias cases, although < 15% of the patients are tested for coccidioidomycosis. We assessed healthcare providers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding coccidioidomycosis diagnosis and treatment in Arizona. A survey was mailed to 7,608 eligible healthcare providers licensed by the Arizona medical, osteopathic, and nursing boards in October and December 2007. We used weights to adjust for non-response and multivariate logistic regression models to identify predictors of ≥ 70% correct regarding knowledge and treatment practices. Of 1,823 (24%) respondents, 53% were physicians, 52% were male, and the mean age was 51 years. Approximately 50% reported confidence in their ability to treat coccidioidomycosis, and 21% correctly answered all four treatment questions. Predictors of ≥ 70% correct concerning knowledge and treatment practices included always counseling patients after diagnosis (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 4.4; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.8–7.1); specializing in infectious diseases (AOR = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.0–5.7); and having received coccidioidomycosis continuing medical education (CME) in the last year (AOR = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.2–2.6). These findings demonstrate that coccidioidomycosis CME improves knowledge of disease diagnosis and management, underscoring the need for a comprehensive coccidioidomycosis education campaign for healthcare providers in Arizona.