Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Proton Pump Inhibitor Utilization among Primary Care Doctors in Muscat Governorate, Oman

Kawther al-Jassasi; Mariya al- Hosni; Mohammed al-ghafri; Rahma al-Hadhrami

doi:10.37184/lnjpc.2707-3521.7.26

Author(s)

Kawther al-Jassasi Oman Medical Speciality Board,Muscat,Oman

Mariya al- Hosni Oman Medical Speciality Board,Muscat,Oman

Mohammed al-ghafri Ministry of Health,Muscat,Oman

Rahma al-Hadhrami Oman Medical Speciality Board,Muscat,Oman

Abstract

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the mainstay of treatment for stomach acid-related disorders. However, despite guidelines delineating appropriate indications for PPI therapy, overutilization and inappropriate prescribing are common, contributing to increased costs, resource mismanagement, and the risk of adverse reactions and drug-drug interactions. As the main prescribers of PPIs, primary care doctors play an important role in mitigating the overuse of these medications. Objective: This study explores PPI-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the use of PPIs among doctors working in primary care settings in Muscat Governorate, Oman. Methods: This cross-sectional study targeted general practitioners (GPs) and family physicians working in Muscat Governorate, Oman. The study was performed during April 2022 to Jan 2023. A validated, self-assessed questionnaire assessed the participants' sociodemographic characteristics and knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to PPI prescription and utilization. Results: Of the 211 respondents who took part in the study, 79.4% were GPs and 20.6% were family physicians. Most were female (82.4%), Omani (76.1%), and 30-40 years old (60.0%). Only 20.9% of doctors demonstrated good knowledge concerning PPI-related indications, prescription appropriateness, and possible side efects; however, the majority showed positive attitudes towards PPI overuse (96.7%), and good PPI prescribing practices (96.1%). Doctors more frequently attributed PPI overuse to patient insistence (67.6%), rather than doctor misuse (34.3%). No statistically significant relationship was observed between selected demographic characteristics and knowledge, attitude, and practice levels. Conclusion: Additional education initiatives are necessary to increase knowledge of PPI-related indications and prescription appropriateness among primary care doctors in Oman. In addition, further research is recommended to determine how doctors' knowledge, attitudes, and practices afect actual prescribing trends. Finally, because PPIs are available to patients even without a prescription, additional research is needed to assess awareness of appropriate PPI indications among members of the general public.

Publication Details

Page(s) 91-98

DOI 10.37184/lnjpc.2707-3521.7.26

Published Journal: Liaquat National Journal of Primary Care, Volume: 7, Issue: 2, Year: 2025

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Keywords

Practice, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Oman, Attitude of Health Personnel, Proton pump inhibitors, Primary care Physicians, Evidence-based practice, inappropriate prescribing

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