First survey of knowledge of Pakistani doctors regarding primary immune deficiency diseases.

Pakistan has one of the largest populations in the whole world. It also has one of the highest Consanguinity rates in the world. . Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) are a relatively common occurrence where consanguineous marriages are widespread. The aim of the current study was to interview a broad range of physician in Pakistan to assess their knowledge base regarding the diagnosis of primary immune deficiency. This was a cross sectional study. Random physicians were approached from different medical colleges and the attached hospitals in Pakistan. Physicians were asked to fill out a questionnaire regarding PIDs awareness. The 10 warning signs of primary immune deficiency are well-known and well cited and were included in the questionnaire. Other questions were also asked regarding Family History of PIDs, etc. A total of 141 Health Care providers took part in the survey. About 55% of the participants had not seen any patients with PIDs. 86% were not aware of the 10 warning signs of PIDs and 97% were not familiar with what kind of questions to ask for a PID family history. About 50% did not offer any treatments to their patients with PIDs. 61% thought that PIDs patients are always seriously ill. 84% thought that patients with PIDs should not receive any live vaccines. Lastly, 55% of those interviewed did not know where to refer a patient with PIDs. There is a great need for healthcare education regarding PIDs in Pakistan which has one of the largest proportions of this disease globally.

Author(s): Farrukh Sheikh

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