Physicians’ Knowledge about Evidence-Based Medicine in Eastern Saudi Arabia

Al-Baghli, Nadira A.; Al-Almaie, Sameeh M.; Bahnassy, Ahmed A.

doi:10.21608/jhiph.2004.181992

Physicians’ Knowledge about Evidence-Based Medicine in Eastern Saudi Arabia

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Family Medicine, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia

² Associate Professor, Department of Family & Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia

³ Associate Professor Biostatistics, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia

10.21608/jhiph.2004.181992

Abstract

Objective: To explore the knowledge about Evidence-Based Medicine [EBM] among physicians and to compare the results between hospitals and primary health care centers [PHCCs] physicians.
Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in May 2002 on all physicians in PHCCs and general hospitals in the Dammam area, Eastern Saudi Arabia. A random sample size of 409 physicians was chosen. The tool of data collection was a self-administered questionnaire. Score was used to assess physicians’ knowledge.
Results: Out of the respondents, 39.6% had heard about the concept of EBM. Of these, 12% scored more than the cut-of point on the knowledge about EBM. Hospital physicians, scored significantly higher in knowledge than the PHC physicians. There was a low level of awareness of the meaning of critical appraisal and EBM web sites. Even, most of those who were aware did not use them. Physicians rated their knowledge about epidemiological terms higher than their actual knowledge.
Conclusion: Results revealed a low level of knowledge in the concept of EBM among physicians, in spite of their awareness of its importance. Hospital physicians were more knowledgeable in EBM than PHC physicians were.

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