Physicians’ Understanding of the Role of the Microbiome in Allergies and Asthma: A Questionnaire-Based Study in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Purpose: Allergies and asthma are two noncommunicable illnesses of increasing public health concern in Saudi Arabia. Nevertheless, little is known about knowledge of the microbiome and its relationship to asthma and allergy risks among healthcare professionals, such as pediatricians and family medicine practitioners, who are often involved in the care of patients suffering from these illnesses. Therefore, this study aimed to examine knowledge about microbiome science in these healthcare workers in the eastern region of the kingdom, where allergies and asthma are highly prevalent. Patients and Methods: The study survey consisted of 37 online questions in three topical domains, including microbiome science, dysbiosis, and probiotics, and was distributed to 203 participants in various demographic groups. Results: The survey analysis revealed that the mean knowledge score was 67.6%. The component scores were highest for the microbiome (75.6%) and lowest for dysbiosis (52.6%). Only 17.7% of the healthcare workers were prescribing probiotic food or drinks for most of their patients with allergies and/or asthma; and 37.8% of the healthcare workers were unaware of the reasons for prescribing pro-/prebiotics. Regression analysis revealed that older age (>45 years old), probiotic prescription experience, and positive beliefs about the importance of nutritional advice were independent predictors of higher microbiome knowledge. Conclusion: The analysis not only revealed existing gaps in microbiome knowledge among the participants, including those related to the role of the microbiome in allergy and asthma development but also identified predictors of higher microbiome knowledge. These observations provide an impetus for the rational design of continuing medical education curriculum and training to update healthcare professionals with emerging clinical application of microbiome knowledge for the management of microbiome-related illnesses.