European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background:
Primary health care physicians manage most patients with osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the leading causes of disability. The prevalence of OA is expected to increase because of ageing and obesity, and health care professionals must prepare for a rise in the demand for OA care. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and the leading source of physical disability in elderly people. The Prevalence of OA is increasing and will continue to do so as the population gets older. The OA is predominantly managed in primary care centers by primary health care physicians and much can be done to alleviate symptoms from osteoarthritis by combinations of therapeutic options including pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The diagnosis is made by history, typical x-ray findings and non-contributory laboratory investigations. The understanding of the pathogenesis of the condition is undergoing change. The development of osteoarthritis is dependent on age, sex, genetic predisposition, and previous trauma to the joint and abnormal mechanical forces caused primarily by obesity.
Aim of the study:To  assess the level of knowledge of Osteoarthritis Management among Primary Health Care Physicians at Primary Health CareCenters of Ministry of Health.
Methods:Cross-sectional study was done, including a representative random sample of PHC physicians working at PHC centers of MOH in Makkah city. during the October to December, 2019, the Sample size of physicians working at PHC centers . Our total participants were (150)
.Results:the majority of participant (44.0%) have weak level of total knowledge about Osteoarthritis Management followed by (35.0%) of participant average while Range(2-8) and Mean ±SD(5.15±2.877) and also shows that is a statistical significant were Chi-square 12.52and P=0.0019
Conclusion:Conduct Saudi guidelines and further studies to assess the practice of PHC physicians regarding osteoarthritis, is recommended. Overall knowledge of PHC physicians in Makkah city regarding OA is acceptable; despite being deficient in some important issues.  Finally, when the conservative management by the primary care physician is of benefit no longer, judicious referral to an experienced Orthopedic Surgeon for the modern surgical approaches should be