Assessment of Primary Health Care Physicians' Awareness, Knowledge, and Practice of Familial Hypercholesterolemia in Jazan, Saudi Arabia.
PMID 40786346 | PMCID PMC12334244 | DOI 10.7759/cureus.87625 · Cureus · 2025
Introduction Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a prevalent genetic disorder that predisposes affected individuals to premature coronary artery disease (CAD). Despite its clinical significance, global studies have revealed major deficits in awareness and knowledge among healthcare providers. This study aimed to assess the awareness, knowledge, and practices regarding FH among family physicians in primary health care centers in the Jazan region, Saudi Arabia. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among family physicians working at primary care centers in Jazan. Participants were recruited through convenience sampling using a validated, self-administered online questionnaire adapted from previous studies. The questionnaire addressed demographics, knowledge, awareness, and clinical practices related to FH. A p-value < 0.05 is considered statistically significant. Results The study included 123 participants, with a response rate of 62.1%. Most were male, 81 (66%), and 77 (64%) had ≤ 5 years of experience. A total of 102 (83%) correctly defined FH, while only 27 (22%) knew its prevalence. Knowledge of inheritance and cardiovascular risk was accurate in 37 (30%) and 15 (12%) participants, respectively. Cascade screening awareness was reported by 78 (63%), and 81 (66%) were aware of referral centers. Only 45 (36.6%) demonstrated acceptable knowledge. No significant associations were found between knowledge levels and demographic factors. Conclusion There is a substantial deficiency in FH-related knowledge among primary care physicians in Jazan. Targeted educational initiatives and continuous professional development are critically needed to enhance FH recognition and management in primary care settings.
Validated evidence
| Type | Entity | Source evidence | Confidence | Extractor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| phenotype | familial hypercholesterolemia | “Assessment of Primary Health Care Physicians' Awareness, Knowledge, and Practice of Familial Hypercholesterolemia in Jazan, Saudi Arabia.” | 0.98 | phenotype_alias_lexicon_v2 |
| phenotype | coronary artery disease | “Introduction Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a prevalent genetic disorder that predisposes affected individuals to premature coronary artery disease (CAD).” | 0.98 | phenotype_alias_lexicon_v2 |
| population | Saudi Arabia, Jazan | “Assessment of Primary Health Care Physicians' Awareness, Knowledge, and Practice of Familial Hypercholesterolemia in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to assess the awareness, knowledge, and practices regarding FH among family physicians in primary health care centers in the Jazan region, Saudi Arabia. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among family physicians working at primary care centers in Jazan. Results The study included 123 participants, with a response rate of 62.1%. Conclusion There is a substantial deficiency in FH-related knowledge among primary care physicians in Jazan.” | 0.95 | saudi_context_rules_v1 |