Primary care physicians' knowledge of travel vaccine and malaria chemoprophylaxis and associated predictors in Qatar

Background In an era of globalization, travel-related illnesses have become a focus of public health concern, especially in the Arab region where travel health services are insufficient and not well-established. This study was conducted to assess travel vaccine and malaria chemoprophylaxis knowledge and associated predictors among primary care physicians (PCPs) in Qatar. Methods This was a cross-sectional study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from all physicians working at all 27 primary healthcare centers from March 1st to May 31st 2020. Knowledge scores were computed and a multivariable linear regression model was built to identify predictors of higher knowledge. Results A total of 364 PCPs participated (response rate of 89.2%). Participants' mean age was 44.5 (7.8) with 59.1% being males. Their overall mean knowledge score was 9.54/16 (+/- 3.24). Significant predictors of higher knowledge included: aged 40-49 years (1.072; 95% CI: 0.230, 1.915), had medical degree from non-Arab countries (0.748; 95% CI: 0.065, 1.432), had training in TM (1.405; 95% CI: 0.407, 2.403), and provided >= 10 consultations/month (2.585; 95% CI:1.294, 3.876). Online information was the main reported resource of travel medicine consultation. Conclusions The overall PCPs' mean percentage knowledge score of travel medicine was 59.6% (+/- 20.3). A high volume of pretravel consultation, prior training, middle age group, and medical degree from non-Arab countries were significant predictors of higher knowledge. Continuing education and training provided by recognised international institutions for all PCPs is highly recommended to narrow the gap in travel medicine knowledge.