Nationwide Epidemiological Study of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Study of Greek General Practitioners Related to Screening

Abstract

Background: We aimed to assess general practitioners’ (GPs) knowledge, attitudes, and
practices (KAPs) toward screening recommendation guidelines of the United States Preventive
Services Task Force (USPSTF).

Methods: The survey was conducted during a 6‑month period in a
stratified random sample of GPs, drawn from a national database of GPs in Greece. Participants were
queried about their knowledge, attitudes, and self‑reported practice patterns regarding screening in
a primary care setting. Sociodemographic characteristics associated with vague screening practicing
were identified using multivariable logistic regression models.

Results: A total of 299 participants
agreed and underwent telephonic survey (response rate: 78.2%). GPs agreed on the key role
of population‑based screening in improving patient care, and nine out of ten reported that their
performance would be improved with the adoption of computer‑based support systems in clinical
practice. GPs, older than 50 years of age, those who those practicing for more than 15 years and
GPs working in private sector, were less likely to comply with screening recommendations. Latent
class analysis revealed that male physicians and those working in public sector were more likely to
comply with USPSTF recommendations.

Conclusions: Our findings highlight the need of educational
intervention programs for GPs in order to promote the implementation of national evidence‑based
screening recommendation statements in clinical practice.

Keywords: Evidence‑based medicine, general practitioners, Greece, public health, screening