Knowledge Attitude and Practice (KAP) survey among healthcare professionals in pediatrics on the psychomotor development of children. Case of urban and rural health areas in South Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo: a cross-sectional study

Development refers to change. The study of development is the understanding of how a subject functions at a particular age or time in life. The objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of pediatric healthcare personnel on the psychomotor development of the child. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of knowledge, attitude, and practice conducted in the health areas of South Kivu. RESULTS: Twenty-six caregivers participated in the survey. Men were the most represented (61.5%), mean age 27.62±5.07 years; median experience in pediatrics: 1 year; predominantly urban setting with 69.2%. General practitioners were more represented, with 57.7%. The overall state of knowledge was insufficient in 69.2%. Knowledge1 improves with increasing experience in pediatrics (P=0.008), and qualification improves knowledge1 (P=0.033) and knowledge3 (P=0.009). Knowledge4 improved from rural to urban settings (P=0.022). A good knowledge of the scales used in the evaluation of psychomotor development influences the use of one or the other (P=0.000). The authors also notice that those who indicate and/or have physical therapy practiced in rehabilitation are generally those who have a good knowledge of the use of psychomotor development assessment tools (P=0.010). CONCLUSION: This study highlights the low theoretical knowledge of caregivers on psychomotor development in our study setting, resulting in late diagnosis and consequently poor treatment of psychomotor development disorders. The results of this study indicate a need for continuing education for pediatric caregivers on the psychomotor development of the child.