Determining the knowledge of primary healthcare (PHC) physicians and factors influencing practices in the implementation of the catch-up vaccination program in PHC clinics in Dammam, Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVES: To determine the knowledge of primary healthcare (PHC) physicians and factors influencing implementation of the catch-up vaccination program in PHC clinics in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 136 general and family physicians between October 2018 and August 2019 in PHC clinics. A self-administered questionnaire related to knowledge, practices, and factors affecting their practices regarding vaccination was given to participants. Their responses were assessed for level of knowledge, practices regarding the vaccination program, and factors affecting their practices, and then compared between family and general physicians. RESULTS: The majority of physicians (60%) surveyed had good knowledge of the catch-up vaccination program and no significant difference was observed between family and general physicians. Most physicians (60%) demonstrated correct knowledge of vaccination schedules and gaps between vaccines; no significant differences were observed between family and general physicians, except for the next scheduled child visit after 3 months, for the 18-month vaccination. A statistically significant difference was observed between family and general physicians related to attending educational lectures and seeing children younger than 5 years. General physicians were more involved in the vaccination program. CONCLUSION: The overall knowledge and practices of the catch-up vaccination program was satisfactory among PHC physicians. However, a lack of family physicians’ involvement in the vaccination program was observed that needs to be addressed in their training program.