International Journal of Clinical & Experimental Dermatology(IJCED)
ISSN: 2476-2415 | DOI: 10.33140/IJCED
Impact Factor: 1.9
Awareness Among 5th – 6th Year Medical Students Towards Referring to Appropriate Specialist, A Dermatologist or A Pediatrician, When Dealing with Common Pediatric Skin Diseases
Abstract
Adel M. Al-Najjar, Abdullkareem A. Al-shameri, Abdullah Al-Khateeb, Ali Al-Darwani, Bilal Al-Boaithi, Mohammed Al-Othmani, Mohammed Jobair, Mohammed Al-Saeedi and Ali Ahmed Al-Zaazaai
Background: Pediatric skin diseases can range from mild to severe, requiring appropriate referral to specialists for accurate diagnosis and treatment. The level of awareness among medical students about when to refer pediatric patients to dermatologists or pediatricians can significantly impact patient outcomes.
Aim: This study aims to evaluate the awareness of 5th and 6th-year medical students at Thamar University regarding the appropriate referral to either a dermatologist or pediatrician when managing common pediatric skin diseases.
Materials and Methods: cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 medical students at Thamar University in the 5th and 6th academic years. Data collection involved a structured questionnaire assessing students' knowledge of pediatric skin diseases, factors to consider when referring, and complications associated with various conditions.
Results: A majority (70.8%) of respondents were not very familiar with skin diseases in children, indicating a gap in general knowledge. However, 92.0% supported referring children with skin diseases to a dermatologist, and 86.0% had a basic understanding of the signs and symptoms. High awareness of complications was observed, with 81.2% recognizing associated risks. The scoring system categorized the knowledge level as "Good," with 70-100% correct answers, indicating that most respondents were well-informed.
Conclusion: Most medical students at Thamar University exhibit a "Good" level of knowledge regarding common pediatric skin diseases and their complications. However, certain areas require further education, particularly in recognizing when dermatological referrals are needed.