2026-06-03T06:40:52Z https://www.peertechzpublications.org/oai-pmh

oai:www.peertechzpublications.org:10.17352/2455-1759.000063 2017-12-26 PTZ.AOR:VOL3

A Questionnaire Survey: Knowledge in Upper Airway Infections among General Practitioners in Malaysia Boon Han Kevin Ng Ing Ping Tang Elizabeth Yenn Lynn Lim Abu Bakar Zulkifl eePrepageran Narayanan<p>Background: Upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) cases are one of the most frequently seen</p><p>cases in the primary care setting. The causative agents are either bacteria or virus. It is not easy to</p><p>differentiate among them. In term of treatment for both conditions, certain principles of treatment are</p><p>advised to be followed.</p><p>Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude and experience of General Practitioners (GPs) on upper</p><p>respiratory tract infections (URTI) as well as on antibiotics usage.</p><p>Methods and Materials: In a six months nationwide prospective study, 152 Malaysian GPs participated</p><p>by answering a questionnaire relating to views on common clinical presentations of upper airway</p><p>infections, management of disease and the usage of antibiotics. The results from the questionnaire were</p><p>tabulated and analyzed with SPSS version 22.</p><p>Results: 67.8% of the participants were from the private sector while the rest were from the</p><p>government sector. One participant has a postgraduate in family medicine while the remaining have a</p><p>basic undergraduate degree. In upper airway infections clinical presentation, 61% were able to answer</p><p>the questionnaire correctly. Around 50 % will wait and assess the symptoms for about 3 – 5 days before</p><p>starting antibiotics with the penicillin group as the fi rst choice of antibiotics. We also note that 75% of</p><p>participants adhere to the guidelines for antibiotics prescription.</p><p>Conclusions: The knowledge and management of upper airway infections are adequate among the</p><p>GPs in Malaysia. It can however be improved for the benefi t of patients.</p> Archives of Otolaryngology and Rhinology - Peertechz Publications 2017-12-26 Research Article https://doi.org/10.17352/2455-1759.000063 en Copyright © Boon Han Kevin Ng et al.