Knowledge, attitude and practice of travel medicine among primary care physicians in Oman: The need for intervention

Abstract

Background: Oman is witnessing an increase in outbound and inbound travelers. Aims: This study was undertaken to assess the current knowledge, attitude, and practice of travel medicine among primary care physicians (PCPs) working in the Muscat Governorate. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 108 primary healthcare physicians in primary healthcare institutions in the Muscat Governorate in December 2014 using a self-administered questionnaire. Results: We had a response rate of 81%, 78% (n = 84) were females, 56.5% (n= 61) were Omani nationals. More than 50% (n= 54) of study participants had been in practice for more than 8 years. Sixty-eight (58.3%) reported having pre-travel consultations during the previous 1-month period and 86 (79.6%) had post-travel consultations. Most of the PCPs were aware of the issues that needed to be addressed in pre-travel consultation. Conclusions: This study showed that travel health is in an early stage of development in Oman and supports the need for the establishment of travel medicine services.