Knowledge Levels, Perceptions, Attitudes, and Behaviors Regarding Flu, Common Cold, Influenza Vaccine and Antimicrobial Usage Among Physicians Working at a University Hospital

Abstract

Objective: The objective is to investigate physicians' knowledge level, perceptions, attitudes and behaviours regarding influenza and common cold in a university hospital. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed by using a questionnaire to assess knowledge levels, perceptions, attitudes and behaviours of physicians including paediatricians, specialists in infectious diseases and clinical microbiology, otorhinolaryngologists, internists, emergency medicine physicians, family physicians, and pulmonologists working at a university hospital, regarding influenza, common cold and influenza vaccine. The physicians were asked to complete the questionnaire between 20 November and 20 December 2015. Results: A total of 194 physicians were enrolled in the study. Specialists in infectious diseases and clinical microbiology had the highest (100%) knowledge level concerning transmission of influenza and common cold. It was determined that physicians updated their knowledge most frequently (73.7%) by internet. Physicians recommended influenza vaccine for 58% of patients for whom influenza vaccine was recommended by guidelines. Influenza vaccination rate among physicians was 11.3%. Antibiotic recommendation rate among physicians was 89.7, 11.9 and 3.6% for bacterial tonsillopharyngitis, influenza and common cold, respectively. Conclusions: It was determined that there were differences among physicians in terms of diagnosis, treatment and protective measures for influenza and common cold. Vaccination rate was very low among physicians. Novel policies should be developed for increasing vaccination rate and rational drug use.