ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES OF MEDICAL INTERNS IN PEDIATRIC ASTHMA CARE AT SPHMMC

Abstract

Abstract Background: Pediatric asthma is a major cause of morbidity among children in Ethiopia, particularly in urban settings like Addis Ababa. Healthcare providers' competence is vital for effective asthma control. Objective: To assess the knowledge and clinical practice of medical interns regarding pediatric asthma care at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 91 medical interns using a structured self-administered questionnaire assessing asthma knowledge and clinical practice. Data were analyzed using logistic regression to identify factors associated with knowledge and practice. Results: Overall, 74.4% of interns demonstrated good overall knowledge across all asthma related domains. 59% demonstrated good clinical practice. Attendance of asthma-related seminars (AOR = 7.44; 95% CI: 2.36–23.47) and use of GINA guidelines (AOR = 14.65; 95% CI: 2.62–81.85) were significantly associated with better practice. Conclusion: Majority of medical interns at SPHMMC demonstrated good knowledge of pediatric asthma, but a lower proportion reported good practice, indicating a knowledge practice gap. Internship duration was associated with good knowledge, while seminar attendance and use of GINA guidelines were associated with good practice. Focused seminars and hands-on demonstrations, emphasis on the proper and consistent use of guidelines and patient education tools may improve quality of pediatric asthma care provided by medical interns.