Pott’s disease: Knowledge, attitudes and practices of general physicians in referral hospitals of Brazzaville

Abstract

Background: Pott’s disease is the leading cause of infectious spondylodiscitis in Republic of Congo. It is usually diagnosed late, at the stage of neuro-orthopaedic complications.

Objective: To determine the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices about Pott’s disease of general physicians working in referral hospitals in Brazzaville.

Methods: This was a knowledge, attitudes and practice study carried out over a period of 6 months in the referral hospitals of Brazzaville. It focused on general practitioners who agreed to participate in the study. The study variables were: The epidemiological, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of Pott’s disease.

Results: Out of a sample of 70 general physicians, the overall level of knowledge was good (71.6%). The areas of inadequacy concerned the disease itself, in terms of clinical, labs, imaging presentation and anti-tuberculosis drugs, which appeared to be unsatisfactory. The attitude of general physicians is to consider Pott’s disease as a serious condition requiring urgent treatment. The level of practice of general physicians is average, and concerns essentially the search for comorbidities. The socioepidemiological approach of contagious disease, with mandatory reporting, was not taken into consideration.

Conclusion: The knowledge, attitudes and practices of general physicians appear satisfactory overall, but need to be improved, especially about the clinical, labs, imaging and therapeutic aspects of Pott’s disease.