Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing and pruritic inflammatory skin disease whose management\nremains unclear to most non-dermatologists. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP)\nof the medical staff regarding AD in Yaound�©, Cameroon.\nMethods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from January to April 2014 in 20 health facilities located in\nYaound�©, the capital city of Cameroon. All medical staff who provided their consent were included in the study.\nA score was established for each of the KAP categories, and subsequently grouped into 4 classes considering a\nscore <50, 50-<65, 65-<85 or â�¥85%, respectively.\nResults: We enrolled 100 medical personnel, 62% of whom were females. Overall, the level of knowledge on AD\nwas moderate (65%). Allergy was the main cause of AD, stated by 64% of participants. Only 43% personnel cited\nthe genetic cause. Asthma was mentioned by 78% as an associated pathology. Regarding attitudes, the majority\n(84%) thought that AD is equally common among Black and Caucasian populations; 42% of participants believed\nthat evolution is favorable when appropriate medical treatment is prescribed. These attitudes were considered\nwrong (64%). Similarly, the general level of practice was inadequate: 50%.\nConclusion: Levels of knowledge, attitudes and practices of the medical staff regarding AD were poor, implying\nthat management of this condition is non optimal in our setting.
Loading....