Allergic rhinitis guidelines knowledge, attitudes, and practices among primary health care physicians: A national multicentre cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is considered one of the most common reasons for patients visiting primary health care clinics. Physicians’ adherence to management guidelines for AR results in better patient outcomes. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of primary health care practitioners (PHCPs) towards allergic rhinitis guidelines in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: This observational cross-sectional study conducted from August 2021 to November 2021 included 282 primary care physicians across all regions of Saudi Arabia. We used a two-part, validated, self-administered Perception Attitude and Practice of Primary Care Practitioners questionnaire. The first part was demographics, and the second part comprised three domains (perception, attitude, and practice) including 48 items. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 21 was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Most of the 282 physicians were Saudis (79%). Allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma (ARIA) guidelines were recognized by 71% of the physicians. Second-generation oral antihistamines were considered the safest drug by the majority (82%), followed by intranasal corticosteroids (75.2%). Most physicians diagnosed AR based on clinical history (95%), while (43%) utilized allergy testing. Intranasal corticosteroids were the most preferred treatment option (70%) followed by second-generation and first-generation oral antihistamines (66% and 55%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates the importance of education and awareness for PHCPs managing AR. ARIA guidelines should be implemented as a standard of care for AR, as PHCPs are the first ones to encounter patients with AR, to improve outcomes and avoid undertreatment and complications.