Primary Immunodeficiency (PID) is a rare group of disorders that cause predisposition to infections, autoimmunity and malignancy. PIDs consists more than identified 160 inherited disorders. Theoretically, these disorders are more common in societies with high rate of consanguineous marriages like United Arab Emirates. Prompt diagnosis of PID is vital for implementing the unique required care.
Objective:
This brief survey was aimed to study the awareness of PID knowledge and care by pediatricians in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Methods:
A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 417 pediatricians working at 27 hospitals in various regions of UAE. The questionnaire (63 items) was divided to five sections: socio-demographic characteristics, clinical presentations, associated diseases/syndromes, laboratory investigations for immunodeficiency – screening and diagnostics, and practicing immunodeficiency. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences/UAE University. Informed consent obtained prior to participation
Results:
263 pediatricians responded (response rate 63.1 %). The mean age: 42.1 years ± 9.6 years. The mean numbers of years of experience: 13.4 years ± 9.0 (range 1-40 years). Male: Female ratio is 1.43. 24% of the respondents are Pediatrics Consultant, 49.6% are Pediatric Specialists or registrars, and 26.4% are Residents and House Officers.
Overall correct answer of the whole questionnaire is 65.8%. Slightly better correct answers to the theoretical knowledge part (71.3%) comparing to selecting screening test or test interpretation (55.2%) but not significant. The overall score divided to three level of competency. There is no effect of any parameter (age, qualification, rank or experience) on the final result.
Conclusions:
There is a notable deficiency in practice of pediatricians in the field of PID. The familiarity about PID as a result of this survey is unsatisfactory. Appropriate courses and training will improve the investigative and managing experiences of pediatrician toward PID. Strategies to improve the awareness of PID are warranted.