Laryngopharyngeal Reflux; Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Among Primary Healthcare Physicians| ACTA Otorhinolaryngologica Italica

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) among primary healthcare (PHC) physicians in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: This quantitative cross-sectional study used an online-based questionnaire distributed among physicians in PHC facilities and hospitals in Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire consisted of four parts providing data on demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices.

Results: Of the 473 physicians included in the study, one-third were unaware of LPR and two-thirds were unfamiliar with the reflux symptom index (RSI). The most common sources of LPR knowledge were textbooks and literature (49.8%). The most recognized risk factors, symptoms, and complications were high body mass index (75.8%), voice problems (82.4%), and laryngeal cancer (70.6%), respectively. The most recognized diagnostic and treatment options were laryngoscopy (73.5%) and lifestyle modifications (87.3%), respectively, while only 60.4% recognized proton pump inhibitors as a treatment option. Most PHC physicians believed that LPR was underdiagnosed, and primary prevention and population awareness needed to be improved.

Conclusion: One in three PHC physicians knew nothing about LPR, and two in three were unfamiliar with the RSI. More than half could not recognize all the major symptoms of LPR, which might be a cause for concern as recognizing these symptoms is crucial for proper diagnosis. We recommend increasing the education of physicians about LPR, its signs and symptoms, and the RSI, all of which provide valuable clues in determining the diagnosis.