Knowledge of Amblyopia among Primary Health Care Physicians and Family Medicine Residents: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Qassim Region of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Amblyopia is a serious visual impairment resulting from abnormal visual stimulation during early childhood. Early detection of childhood visual abnormalities will reduce adult visual impairment. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of Amblyopia among primary Health Care (PHC) physicians and Family Medicine Residents (FMA) in Qassim Region. Methods: A cross-sectional study enrolled 197 PHC physicians and residents from FMA. Data were collected through an online questionnaire with variables on physicians’ knowledge about amblyopia based on the Canadian Pediatric Society Recommendations for Vision Screening at Infant and Well Child Visits. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 21. Results: The respondent’s average age was 35 (SD ± 8.00). Males were 103(52.3%); the majority were Saudi 120 (60.9%). Most of them, 189 (96%) knew the definition of amblyopia. But the majority of physicians, 138 (70%) had not seen or diagnosed any case of amblyopia before . The overall knowledge of the family medicine residents and PHC physicians regarding amblyopia’s prevalence rate, causes, examination, and treatment was good at 178 (90.4%). However, their knowledge of referral criteria for amblyopia cases still needed more updating. No statistical relationship was identified between the participant’s demographic characteristics and their level of knowledge. Conclusions: This study highlighted a good knowledge level regarding amblyopia among primary health care physicians and family medicine residents. However, strategies to improve vision screening are necessary. Early intervention is crucial to prevent treatable causes of vision loss in children. Keywords: Amblyopia; vision screening; Primary health Care; Qassim; Saudi Arabia