An enquiry based on a standardised questionnaire into knowledge, awareness and preferences concerning the care of familial hypercholesterolaemia among primary care physicians in the Asia-Pacific region: the “Ten Countries Study”

Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine physicians’ knowledge, awareness and preferences regarding the care of familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) in the Asia-Pacific region.SettingA formal questionnaire was anonymously completed by physicians from different countries/regions in the Asia-Pacific. The survey sought responses relating to general familiarity, awareness of management guidelines, identification (clinical characteristics and lipid profile), prevalence and inheritance, extent of elevation in risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and practice on screening and treatment.ParticipantsPractising community physicians from Australia, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Philippines, Hong Kong, China, Vietnam and Taiwan were recruited to complete the questionnaire, with the UK as the international benchmark.Primary outcomeAn assessment and comparison of the knowledge, awareness and preferences of FH among physicians in 10 different countries/regions.Results1078 physicians completed the questionnaire from the Asia-Pacific region; only 34% considered themselves to be familiar with FH. 72% correctly described FH and 65% identified the typical lipid profile, with a higher proportion of physicians from Japan and China selecting the correct FH definition and lipid profile compared with those from Vietnam and Philippines. However, less than half of the physician were aware of national or international management guidelines; this was significantly worse than physicians from the UK (35% vs 61%, p<0.001). Knowledge of prevalence (24%), inheritability (41%) and CVD risk (9%) of FH were also suboptimal. The majority of the physicians considered laboratory interpretative commenting as being useful (81%) and statin therapy as an appropriate cholesterol-lowering therapy (89%) for FH management.ConclusionsThe study identified important gaps, which are readily addressable, in the awareness and knowledge of FH among physicians in the region. Implementation of country-specific guidelines and extensive work in FH education and awareness programmes are imperative to improve the care of FH in the region.

The development and first results of a health-related outcomes set in familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) patients: Knowledge is health

“…In previous studies it was concluded that the knowledge of FH in health care professionals was suboptimal [25][26][27][28]. A study in Saudi-Arabia found that 67% of healthcare professionals was not aware of FH heritability and that also other knowledge aspects, such as LDL-C target levels, were lacking [25].…”

“…A study in Saudi-Arabia found that 67% of healthcare professionals was not aware of FH heritability and that also other knowledge aspects, such as LDL-C target levels, were lacking [25]. Another study with data from ten countries in the Asia-Pacific, also found several areas of knowledge to be insufficient, in particular recognition of FH's heritability differed per country with lowest percentage being 26% till highest 61% [26]. To be able to educate FH patients and their families it is essential that healthcare professionals have basic knowledge on the subject.…”

Screening for familial hypercholesterolaemia in primary care: Time for general practice to play its part

“…There is a general lack of public [1][2][3] and health professional [4][5][6][7] awareness of heterozygous Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) as a common, autosomal dominant disorder of lipid metabolism [8][9][10]. FH can cause premature coronary artery disease (CAD) if left untreated [11] with up to 50% of males likely to develop CAD by age 50 years and 30% of females similarly affected by age 60 years.…”

Adaptation and validation of a questionnaire measuring knowledge, awareness and practice regarding familial hypercholesterolaemia among primary care physicians in Malaysia

“…Numerous studies have shown that there were gaps in knowledge, awareness and practice (KAP) regarding FH among PCP in various parts of the world [18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25], especially in developing countries [25].…”

“…Study' [25]. Their KAP have been found to be suboptimal where less than half of the PCP were aware of FH clinical guidelines; and their knowledge of prevalence, inheritability, diagnostic criteria and CAD risk of FH were also found to be low [25]. Addressing these gaps is essential for effective implementation strategies to improve management of FH among PCP [26].…”