Unveiling the gaps: analyzing family physicians' perspectives on infectious disease notification in Türkiye

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess the opinions, attitudes, and behaviors of family physicians in Türkiye regarding mandatory communicable disease notification. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: A national online survey in Türkiye. Participants: This study was conducted among 397 family physicians from different geographical regions in Türkiye. Main Outcome Measure(s): Family physicians’ opinions, attitudes, and behaviors regarding infectious disease notification. Results: The majority of family physicians (69.3%) felt inadequate in terms of knowledge about the notification system and 70.3% desired post-graduation training on communicable disease reporting. About one-third of the participants were dissatisfied with the current notification system. Reasons for under-reporting included lack of time, lack of feedback, and uncertainty about post-notification procedures. Factors significantly associated with higher infectious disease notification attitude scores (IDNAS) were receiving training on communicable disease reporting, feeling competent about reporting, and being satisfied with the reporting system (P < .001). However, physicians who admitted choosing a different ICD code to avoid filling out an infectious disease notification form had lower IDNAS scores (P < .001). Conclusion: This study highlights knowledge gaps and negative attitudes among family physicians in Türkiye regarding infectious disease reporting. Addressing these challenges requires continuous education and training programs. Feedback mechanisms should be improved to enhance physicians’ engagement in the notification process. Reducing the workload of family physicians and simplifying the reporting process may also contribute to higher compliance with mandatory communicable disease reporting. Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.