Evaluation of Approaches and Knowledge Levels of Pediatric Infectious Diseases Physicians in Diagnosis and Treatment of Tuberculosis

Objective: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the approaches and knowledge levels of pediatric infectious diseases research workers and pediatricians in the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis under the guidelines updated by the Ministry of Health in 2019. Method: This survey is a descriptive study applied to pediatric infectious diseases research workers and pediatricians. In the study, a questionnaire form prepared by researchers consisting of questions about sociodemographic features (n: 5), knowledge level about tuberculosis (n: 20), experience and approaches (n: 13) was used. Results: Fifty physicians participated in the study. The average age of participants was 36 years, and 90% of them were women. It was observed that physicians participating in the study had sufficient knowledge of tuberculosis. In terms of their experiences about tuberculosis, it was learned that m. tuberculosis culture (86%), acid-fast-bacilli test (82%), chest radiography (78%) and tuberculosis polymerase chain reaction (66%) were used most frequently for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis. Most common form of non-pulmonary tuberculosis was lymphadenitis (84%), and the most challenging condition in the treatment of tuberculosis was drug side effect (78%). When drug resistance was questioned, it was seen that 60% of the physicians encountered drug resistance, and the most common drug resistance was against isoniazid (54%). The isolation measures applied to tuberculosis patients were single room admission, and use of a N95 mask in 80%, an ultraviolet protected lamp use in 22%, and negative pressure room monitoring in 32% of the cases. Conclusion: In our country, tuberculosis still retains its importance. For this reason, the information should be updated with in-service training on issues such as diagnosis, treatment, drug resistance and prevention methods.